What type of consumer are you?

When it comes to the type of consumer I am, I would say that I’m definitely more of an impulse driven consumer than anything else. As an impulse consumer I am someone who can make a purchase without planning or considering consequences. It’s easy for me to make a purchase I find fit in the moment without hesitation, it’s often the moments after that I start to rationally think and even, in some instances, reconsider my purchase entirely.

What influences your buying decisions, and how?

Several different factors influence my buying decisions as an impulse consumer. One of the biggest factors when it comes to making any purchases is my emotional state. I find that on days where my emotions and stress levels run a bit higher, I am more likely to shop. Another factor when it comes to making buying decisions is the store environment. I know I am not the only one when it comes to store layout and certain displays influencing my purchasing decisions. A great example of this is IKEA. IKEA uses a “fixed path” design for their store layout that guides it’s customers through the entire store regardless of if you may be shopping for a specific item. In-turn, this forces their customers to be subject to a plethora of other buying opportunities during their trip and on multiple occasions customers will end up leaving with more than what they had originally came for.

Which stage actually leads to your purchasing decisions?

I would have to say that the stage that actually leads to my purchasing decisions is the information search stage. The moment I start to research a product after I have discovered a desire for it I am pretty much locked in. Of course I do my research on alternatives to a specific product but I am very much set on something once my mind is made up (my impulse consumer behavior). This all being said, I’d say my purchasing decision is pretty much made up and final in the early stages of the consumer buying process.

When making a buying decision, how are you influenced by marketing research and marketing design?

Marketing research and marketing design, especially, play a huge role in influencing my buying decisions. As someone who has a passion for graphic design and creative direction I find that a well designed advertisement with a clear layout and target market is far more influential to me making my buying decisions.

Do you experience any post-purchase behavior?

Post-purchase behavior is definitely something I experience as an impulse consumer. I often find myself making these impulse purchases and afterwards I begin to think a bit more clearly. I often realize that maybe it wasn’t the best option or maybe I didn’t actually need it right then and there. Buyer’s remorse is definitely something I feel when I make big purchases as well.