Hello! Our startup is at the point now where we could really utilize some real-world testing but a problem we're having is getting the right alpha users. We essentially have two different users - a car buyer and a dealership. The problem is facilitating a test environment without it actually having to be launched... so all transactions would be 'pretend'.<p>Spoke with a YC startup last night who we are close friends with and they suggested to forget user (car buyer) testing and focus on dealership testing. In a sense, our 'alpha users' would be the dealerships and we could equate how many potential users each dealership would represent. Thought the idea was brilliant.<p>What would you suggest? If you need more info, I'd be happy to provide it - didn't want to hardcore self-promote. :)
Good plan, though you just delay the problem of finding users to test. You will want to test your user experience at some point.<p>1. Clarify your benefit to the buyer to figure out who your ideal tester is (your zero negotiation and and unlimited deals reasons are a good start).<p>2. Work out where these people are and go promote to them. So you need people who: are comfortable shopping online, already research purchases online, are cost-concious, are actively considering a car purchase, live in <insert geographic restriction>. Posting to petrolhead forums asking for volunteers and buying adwords for "car comparison <location>" would be a good start.<p>Sounds like you have some dealerships engaged. They have access to car buyers so can they help you find testers? They may sees a risk of leaking prospects to the competition, but surely you can control who sees applications in your test environment?<p>3. Offer incentives, or you'll waste time battling the drop-out rate instead of fixing bugs. E.g. Fund your dealers offering a small extra discount for any sale completed through your service with feedback given.<p>Hope there is something new and useful in there.