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What Is the Importance of Consumer Behavior?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

The importance of consumer behavior, especially in terms of properly interpreting that behavior, is crucial to the success of any type of business. Ultimately, how consumers behave as it relates to the selection of goods and services for purchase has a tremendous influence on what companies manufacture and market. Simply put, if consumers don’t like a product, it will not sell and will disappear from the marketplace in a very short period of time.

There are several aspects that must be taken into consideration when analyzing the importance of consumer behavior. One has to do with the psychology of the consumer in a given place and time. Factors such as the state of the economy and the amount of disposable income available to consumers will make a huge difference in what they buy and in what quantities. Consumers who are unsure of where the economy is headed are much more likely to curtail spending and save more money, anticipating difficult times ahead. Here, companies must understand the motivations for the behavior and make adjustments in pricing or production that address those concerns in the here and now.

Understanding consumer behavior helps manufacturers and retailers forecast future consumer wants and needs.
Understanding consumer behavior helps manufacturers and retailers forecast future consumer wants and needs.

The importance of consumer behavior is also evident when it comes to anticipating consumer wants and needs. Companies make money when they are able to convince consumers that the products they offer will meet a need and possibly also fulfill some sort of want. For example, a home cleaning product would need to meet the customer’s satisfaction in terms of effective cleaning, but may also appeal to a customer when a pleasant scent is added that helps to make the home more inviting. Here, the manufacturer addresses the need for a clean home while also fulfilling a want by including the pleasing scent that further makes the home comfortable for the consumer.

Understanding consumer behavior helps companies build a loyal clientele.
Understanding consumer behavior helps companies build a loyal clientele.

Without understanding the impact of consumer behavior, a company cannot hope to connect with niche groups of consumers or hold their attention long enough to make a sale, and they will certainly never build a loyal clientele. Considering demographics such as age, gender, culture, and location will go a long way toward making it possible to understand why consumers make certain choices when selecting goods and services for purchase. Even after earning those first sales, companies must continue their efforts to understand what motivates consumers to buy their products, and take steps to meet those needs and wants in order to keep the demand at respectable levels. Failing to really grasp the importance of consumer behavior will mean the loss of consumer interest and the ensuing decline and collapse of the company.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including SmartCapitalMind, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including SmartCapitalMind, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Discussion Comments

SteamLouis

I've noticed that some brands offer the same good at different qualities and prices. I think that's very smart, it's catering to different types of consumers who behave differently.

ysmina

@turquoise-- I don't agree with you. It's possible to analyze and even predict consumer behavior and it's something that has to be done. Otherwise, a manufacturer will not be able to increase sales.

Although each individual may behave differently and may have different reasons for doing so, there are trends in consumer behavior that companies can look for. For example, if the economy is doing well in general, people are more likely to spend money. Therefore, they may choose more expensive, higher quality products over cheaper, poor quality ones.

Consumer behavior also changes based on the type of product. So a manufacturer does not necessarily have to analyze the behavior of all consumer groups. The manufacturer just has to analyze the behavior of its target consumer group.

turquoise

I think that analyzing consumer behavior too much is useless because it changes fairly frequently. Moreover, every individual acts based on different factors. I think it's very difficult to predict what consumers will do. If this was something that could be predicted, then many economic issues could be prevented.

For example, there is an occurrence in economics where government gives people extra money to spend, to stimulate the economy. This can be done through lower taxes for example. But instead of spending the money, people save it and the policy fails because the economy is not stimulated. This is similar to consumer behavior.

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    • Understanding consumer behavior helps manufacturers and retailers forecast future consumer wants and needs.
      By: Art Allianz
      Understanding consumer behavior helps manufacturers and retailers forecast future consumer wants and needs.
    • Understanding consumer behavior helps companies build a loyal clientele.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Understanding consumer behavior helps companies build a loyal clientele.
    • Considering demographics such as age, gender, culture and location will go a long way toward making it possible to understand why consumers make certain choices.
      By: David Davis
      Considering demographics such as age, gender, culture and location will go a long way toward making it possible to understand why consumers make certain choices.
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