POSTPURCHASE SATISFACTION
Satisfaction is a function of the closeness between
expectations and the product’s perceived performance.68 If performance falls short of expectations,
the consumer is disappointed; if it meets expectations, the consumer is satisfied; if it exceeds
expectations, the consumer is delighted. These feelings make a difference in whether the customer
buys the product again and talks favorably or unfavorably about it to others.
The larger the gap between expectations and performance, the greater the dissatisfaction. Here
the consumer’s coping style comes into play. Some consumers magnify the gap when the product
isn’t perfect and are highly dissatisfied; others minimize it and are less dissatisfied.69