Question

Topic: Research/Metrics

Demand For Enthanol

Posted by Anonymous on 11/6/2006 at 10:55 AM ET 25 Points
Need some advice for quantifying demand of Ethanol fuel. My client is considering selling ethanol at one of his pumping stations and would like to figure out if consumers would be willing to drive an extra 10 minutes or so to buy ethanol. He's the only game in town, so there's no competition.

I have talked with Polk research and can purchase data on the number of flex fuel vehicles and do a survey to ascertain demand. I am stuck, however, as to how to quantify demand for truck drivers who may drive through the area (which is close to a turnpike entrance). Many of these trucks can use ethanol-based products, so I need to include them into my analysis.

How would I calculate the demand for the truckers? I don't know if I can purchase this data or get a better understanding as to how trucks pass through this area on an annual basis. Am I overlooking any sources who could provide this information? Should I look to purchase data on them and just hope to survey...or extrapolate...?

I am stuck, and this is a BIG project for me. In the spirit of information sharing, I ask for your opinions, advice and counsel.

Thanks
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RESPONSES

  • Posted on 11/6/2006 at 11:29 AM Accepted
    Hi odellcolemanjr,

    It sounds to me like you need to go beyond quantifying the number of trucks that pass through the area. Even if there are a large number of them, if the need is not present in a substantial enough number, the quantity of the target won't really matter.

    I would suggest you look into a survey or see if there is any data out there. Try

    https://www.truckline.com/index

    If there is published data out there, you may be able to link to it. Another thought is maybe piggybacking off of something this group does, or purchasing a list through them or someone they link to.

    Ultimately, though, I think primary data, that either already exists or that which you collect yourself, will be the best way for you to answer this question.

    Good luck,
    Joy
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