Customers Shop for Reasons… Not Things

Posted by JoshAK under Customer Service
From http://retailminded.com 4055 days ago

Think back to the last time you bought something. Was it because you were thirsty, and got yourself a refreshing drink? Or maybe it was because you were heading to a birthday party and needed a gift. Just like your own purchasing actions are influenced, so are your customers.

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Comments

Written by JoshAK
4055 days ago

I agree Heather. Although I think many of the examples you gave would also fall into the "Reasons" category. The reason I often shop online is because I'm thinking of something I need late at night when bricks and mortars aren't open, or the convenience of it, or the availability of items I can't find locally. I shop at big box stores because they have a wide selection at low prices so when my shopping list contains a variety of items my reason for big box stores is because I can get everything in one place rather then visiting several specialty shops to get the full list. If you're a small retailer and can't compete based exclusively on the "things" side of business giving customers a reason to visit your shop is a good way to stay in the game.

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Written by HeatherStone
4053 days ago

All good points, Josh. Thanks for the input.

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Written by BizRock
4055 days ago

Consider your own customers, uncover their needs and provide them services which make them more successful, look good, feel good, be healthier and happier. Nice article,thank you.

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Written by HeatherStone
4055 days ago

Hi Josh,

I think this is true but with caveats. A fondness for traditional newspapers didn't save the newspaper industry and a love of the shopping experience (in terms of getting out and about) hasn't stopped the takeoff of online shopping. You could, I suppose, make the argument that online shopping fulfills the desire many have to avoid crowds and stress and remain in the comfort of our own homes. But even the big box trend that ate into the profits of smaller stores before the online shopping boom pretty clearly had a pragmatic component. To get things at the lowest price possible. I'm not saying shoppers don't have other motives and certainly not saying entrepreneurs should compete on price only. I'm only suggesting pragmatic motives can't be ignored. Thoughts?

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