These factors cause consumers to develop product and brand preferences. Although many of these factors cannot be directly controlled by marketers, understanding of their impact is essential as marketing mix strategies can be developed to appeal to the preferences of the target market.
When purchasing any product, a consumer goes through a decision process. This process consists of up to five stages:
- Stage 1: problem recognition,
- Stage 2: information search,
- Stage 3: evaluation of alternatives,
- Stage 4: purchase decision
- Stage 5: post purchase behaviour.