Consumer decision Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Consumer decision - Essay Example In its simplest form, consumer decision-making process can be presented by Engel-Kollat-Blackwell model (Jack 2005, p. 129). This model suggests that consumer buy products/services satisfy their needs and wants. These needs and wants are actually the problems and once recognized consumer feels motivated to satisfy them. According to the model, these needs and wants can be stimulated by internal (actual need e.g. thirst, hunger etc) as well as external factors (advertisements, reinforcement by others). To satisfy them the consumer search for information and during the search process, various alternatives are evaluated. Finally, the consumer selects any one of the alternatives which he/she finds the most suitable for purchase. Then the model also talks about post purchase behavior which includes responses such as satisfaction, repurchase willingness etc. Now this post-purchase behavior will decide whether the decision made is rational or irrational depending upon the achievement of und erlying goals. This whole consumer decision-making process is not as simple as it seems to be. According to Kotler’s Marketing Essentials as cited in Lee (2007, p. 31) there are many factors influencing buyer behavior. These factors not only stimulate the need but play their role in every stage of consumer decision-making process. Whether it is the search for information, alternatives evaluation or actual purchase, these internal and external factors are active throughout the process.