Which stages of the consumer decision-making process are affected most by comparison shopping on mobile platforms? Explain.
Comparison shopping on mobile platforms affects three stages; information search, alternatives evaluation, and product purchase. It affects information search because eBay provides information such as size, brand name, location price, and shipping costs. Consumers compare this information and may further proceed to acquire more information. Alternatives evaluation is a difficult stage for buyers, making it the most affected as all options are compared. Mobile platforms make this process easier as consumers use less time to discover the best buy, unlike movement from brick-and-motor stores that take hours (Kumar, 2015). Basically, consumers use little effort to find the most suitable deals. The purchase of a product is affected because the payment varies. Some sellers enquire about the desired quantity and proceed to pay directly, while others provide consumers with any available gift cards and coupons.
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Technology has drastically altered consumer buying behavior; today, as consumers, we have the luxury to browse and shop virtually anywhere at any time. What are your thoughts on being able to shop 24/7 virtually?
I think the ability to shop 24/7 virtually is beneficial to consumers because it is convenient. With reliable internet, they can shop easily online and track the progress of the delivery. Online stores do not pressure buyers, and so they can purchase and cancel transactions at wish. It also saves time and effort as buyers use search engines or keywords to quickly access a wide variety of products and hence compare brands and models (Gaurav & Jhansi, 2017). This process eliminates movement, which incurs extra costs.
What's more, shoppers do not have to make queues to make payments. Lines are longer during special events or festivals and thus discouraging, especially for drivers that must find parking. Instead, they use their valid internet bank accounts and debit and credit cards instantly and from any location. I believe virtual shopping attracts many consumers because marketers and online retailers provide detailed product information and offer attractive discounts as well as lower prices.
Do you find yourself shopping online more as opposed to the traditional shopping method of visiting the store during store hours? Why or Why not?
The decision of whether to shop online or use the traditional shopping method depends on the product I want to purchase. Nevertheless, I prefer the conventional shopping method more than online shopping. Online shopping comes with shipping costs, which exceed traveling to the store, and risks of attacks from cybercriminals since online payments are not always secured (Close, 2012). Shopping for items like clothes and shoes online is also difficult because I cannot try them on and confirm that they are the right design, size, and material. On the other hand, traditional shopping in stores provides me with that chance and confirms the workability of electronics like TVs, laptops, fridges, phones, and washing machines before purchasing. Additionally, I do not have to wait for my product since I can take it with me after I buy it.
What are your thoughts on Black Friday in-store deals versus Cyber Monday, do you find one to be more beneficial to the consumer than the other?
Black Friday store deals and Cyber Monday are both beneficial to consumers, although it depends on what they purchase. Black Friday often focuses on electronics such as smartphones, tablets, TVs, and laptops, and offers the deepest discounts. However, consumers should be careful in selecting models because some off-brand merchandise has higher discounts. Black Friday is also better when consumers need kitchen appliances like sandwich makers, coffeemakers and toasters, and home appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers since they have special discounts. On the other hand, Cyber Monday gives better deals on toys, shoes, and clothes, as some websites offer 60% off. Additionally, they give coupons and discounts as well as free shipping. Consumers that prefer Cyber Monday should first check their emails for any offers, discounts, and coupons before purchasing any items online to save as much money as possible.
References
Close, A. (2012). Online Consumer Behavior: Theory and Research in Social Media, Advertising, and E-tail. Routledge.
Gaurav, K. & Jhansi, V. (2017). Factors Influencing Customers’ Perception towards Online Shopping . GRIN Verlag.
Kumar, D. (2015). Consumer behaviour: Includes online buying trends . Oxford University Press.
