1. Describe the customer and problem in one sentence
Example: “Working mothers in Riyadh who need healthy ready meals for their children on school days.” If you can’t write it clearly, your idea is still too general.
2. Talk to ten potential customers
- Ask how they solve the problem today, what they pay, and what bothers them.
- Don’t ask “would you buy this?”; everyone says yes to be polite.
- Ask about the last time they faced the problem and exactly what they did.
3. Study alternatives and competitors
Having competitors isn’t bad; it means there’s demand. Read their reviews and look for the recurring complaint: delays, quality, price, service. That’s where your chance to stand out lies.
4. Test demand on a small budget
- A simple page explaining the offer with a pre-order form or waiting list.
- A small ad aimed at exactly the customer you described, measuring who actually leaves their details.
- A limited trial for a small number of customers at a real price.
- Watch whether people pay or book, not just whether they like the post.
5. Read the result honestly
If interest is weak, change one element, the segment, message, price, or channel, and test again. If demand is clear, start small and grow with the data.
Official sources that help
In Saudi Arabia, Monsha’at offers programs and tools for entrepreneurs; in Egypt, MSMEDA provides support, financing, and guidance. Check their official sites for current procedures, since they change.