ClothHarbor

Product Experience

Problem Space 

Problem Statement  

How can we streamline the process of decluttering excess clothing for young professionals in compact living spaces, making it convenient and stress-free?

Problem Background  

The pervasive issue of excess clothing is exacerbated by a disconnect between the amount of clothing people own and what they actually wear. A global study by the relocation and removals company Movinga, surveying 18,000 heads of households in 20 countries, revealed that people do not wear at least 50 percent of their wardrobes. In the United States, this discrepancy is particularly pronounced, with Americans boasting the second-highest percentage of unworn clothes at a staggering 82% (Elven) .

This phenomenon is fueled by the fashion habits of Americans, who annually purchase an average of 64 clothing items and 7.5 pairs of shoes (Josephson). The constant influx of new items during trends and sales leads to an overwhelming surplus of clothing, much of which doesn't even fit into closets. The consequences extend beyond physical space, causing stress, guilt, and distraction. While decluttering is a simple solution, the challenge lies in deciding what to do with unwanted items. 

Statistics shed light on the extent of this issue. Women, on average, have $1,000 to $2,500 worth of clothing sitting in their wardrobes, with 9% possessing over $10,000 worth of unused clothing (Kim P.). Astonishingly, the average American throws away about 81 pounds of clothing annually (Gilmore), and a staggering 80% of retained items go unused (Northwoodsoft). The overwhelming clutter issue is evident as 54% of Americans feel overwhelmed by the amount of clutter in their homes, yet 78% are unsure how to address it (Decluttr).

The impact of clutter on stress levels is particularly noteworthy, especially for women. A direct correlation exists between women's stress levels and the amount of stuff in their homes (Gambelin). Recognizing the severity of this issue, it is crucial to consider why people struggle with home organisation. According to a nationwide poll, the top three reasons include a lack of space (33%), a challenge in finding time (27%), and an accumulation of too much stuff (25%) (Northwoodsoft).

Moreover, individuals looking to declutter their wardrobes face a range of challenges in the process of decluttering. Online platforms like Poshmark, eBay, and Depop, while popular, present a lengthy selling process that not only delays the clearing of space but contributes to a growing pile of clothes at home. These platforms often impose high commission fees, with some deducting as much as 20% of earnings, discouraging a sustainable approach. Resale stores like Buffalo Exchange, intended for a quicker option, come with their own inconveniences, involving enduring long lines and minimal payouts, around 30%. This combination of time-consuming processes and unsatisfactory returns creates a significant challenge for individuals seeking a more efficient and profitable way to manage their excess clothing while also addressing the convenience and sustainability aspects of decluttering.

Research Insights

User Pain Points

Survey Responses:

The survey gathered insights from 41 respondents, shedding light on broader trends and preferences. A substantial 66% of respondents indicated that the main reason for not disposing of clothing items was the lack of time and prioritisation. In terms of preferred disposal methods, 80% of respondents leaned towards donating to charity and selling at thrift shops. Only 24% opted for online platforms, citing challenges in getting people to buy their clothes as a significant barrier. When considering convenience vs. environmental responsibility, 44% of respondents prioritised convenience, 42% sought a balance between convenience and environmental responsibility, and only 15% prioritised environmentally responsible methods over convenience. These findings highlight a widespread struggle with traditional selling methods, both online and offline, and reveal a clear preference for convenient disposal options. The emotional toll from rejection and the time-consuming nature of current practices emphasize the need for a solution that addresses these pain points, offering a user-friendly and emotionally supportive platform for decluttering.

In-Depth Interviews:

Interviews with three potential users provided valuable insights into the emotional distress associated with selling used clothes through various channels. Users expressed frustration with the long waiting times and the selective nature of resale stores like Buffalo Exchange and Crossroads. Negative emotions arose when their items were rejected or undervalued, leading to feelings of anger, frustration, sadness, demoralization, and embarrassment. Selling on digital platforms, such as Poshmark, was perceived as challenging due to prolonged periods of unsold items occupying living spaces. Users highlighted the difficulty of attracting buyers and expressed dissatisfaction with the shipping process. A common sentiment was that online platforms took a significant percentage (20-30%) of the earnings, leading to a sense of financial loss.

Feedback‍

These findings show a widespread struggle with traditional selling methods, both online and offline, and reveal a clear preference for convenient disposal options. The emotional toll from rejection and the time-consuming nature of current practices emphasize the need for a solution that addresses these pain points, offering a user-friendly and emotionally supportive platform for decluttering.

Landing on the Solution

As there are many pain points within this problem space, there has been a lot of room to explore potential solutions. However, the most significant pain point appears to be centered around convenience and the challenge of selling clothing. Recognizing the limitations of existing methods such as online resale platforms and physical resale stores, ClothHarbor proposes a doorstep service that combines convenience, profitability, and sustainability.

Explanation of Solution

ClothHarbor aims to streamline the process of decluttering by offering a service that allows users, particularly those in small living spaces, to efficiently sell their excess clothing without the delays and inconveniences associated with traditional methods. The doorstep pickup service ensures that users can reclaim space in their homes without the time-consuming aspects of online platforms or the constraints of physical resale stores. This solution not only meets the immediate need for efficient wardrobe management but also addresses the broader goals of sustainability and positive consumer experience.

ClothHarbor's app is designed with a focus on simplicity, convenience, and sustainability, offering several key features to streamline the clothing decluttering process:

1. Visual Catalog and Fair Returns Calculator

• ClothHarbor's app empowers users to upload clothing pictures for immediate, personalized quotes using advanced image recognition. Simultaneously, a fair returns calculator ensures users are well-informed about the potential earnings for their clothing items, providing clarity and transparency on the value of their wardrobe.

2. Doorstep Pickup Service:

• The central feature of ClothHarbor's app is the doorstep pickup service, allowing users to schedule a convenient time for the collection of their excess clothing directly from their homes.

3. Streamlined Scheduling:

• An intuitive and user-friendly scheduling system enables individuals to effortlessly book and manage doorstep pickups, eliminating the need for lengthy wait times associated with traditional selling methods.

4. Notifications and Reminders:

• ClothHarbor incorporates a notification system to remind users of scheduled pickups, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.

5. Convenient Payment Processing:

• The app features a seamless and secure payment processing system, providing users with a hassle-free way to receive their earnings for the sold clothing items.

6. Eco-Friendly Practices:

• ClothHarbor's commitment to sustainability is highlighted through features explaining the eco-friendly practices incorporated into the service, appealing to environmentally conscious users.

In summary, ClothHarbor's app integrates features that cater to users' needs for convenience, transparency, and sustainability, offering a comprehensive solution to the challenges associated with traditional clothing decluttering methods.

User Flows/Mockups 

Future Steps

For future steps, I plan to implement several key strategies to further enhance the development and success of the project. I plan to collaborate with a dedicated team of designers and developers to refine and optimize the solution. Continuously engage in iterative testing, gathering user feedback at every stage to make informed refinements and deliver a user-centric MVP. Create a detailed product roadmap that outlines the planned features, enhancements, and milestones for the continued development of ClothHarbor.