Consumer Decision Making Process

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Consumer Decision Making Process

A key factor in successfully marketing new/existing products or

implementing a product

Extension is a thorough understanding of the motivation, learning,

memory, and decision

Processes that influence consumers purchasing behavior. Consumer

purchasing behavior theories have found their way into managerial

decision making to help companies more effectively develop and launch

new products, segment the market, determine market entrance and in

brand management.

Therefore, a better understanding of how consumers decide what to

purchase is critical to the success of a product. There are numerous

theories and models describing the consumer purchasing decision

process. The basic concept behind these theories and models are

similar.

Five steps describing the consumer purchase decision below followed by

a brief description.

1. Problem Recognition

2. Information Search

3. Evaluation of Criteria

4. Purchase Decision

5. Post Purchase Evaluation

Problem recognition is simply the awareness of a need. The need may be

perceived or real. The problem recognition process occurs every time

consumers decide they need something whether it is toilet paper or a

new home. This is the first and most basic step in the purchase

decision process. Marketers can effectively initiate consumers’

awareness of a need with the right advertising campaign. For instance,

the concession advertising prior to the start of a feature movie is

geared toward making movie goers aware that they” need” a drink and a

snack.

Information search is the process where consumers gather information

on a pro...

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...ucts. Reference groups can be thought

of as any group that has an influence, positive or negative, on an

individual. Social class impacts purchasing decision directly and

indirectly. Annual household income is used to define social status

and also places limits on household spending. Culture impacts the

purchasing decision process in that the values, ideas and attitudes of

people are shaped by the culture in which they reside.

Conclusion

Companies are better able to market their products to consumers if

they have a good

Understanding of the consumers and the basic purchase decision process.

By understanding the consumer and the type of purchasing behavior

associated with different products, marketers are more likely to

create a marketing campaign that positively impacts the consumer’s

purchasing decision.

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