Consumer Behavior and Purchase Process
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Questions and Answers

What leads to customer loyalty and favorable word-of-mouth communication?

  • Unrealistic expectations
  • High prices
  • Post-purchase satisfaction (correct)
  • Minimal product performance
  • Consumer involvement is largely determined by the price of the product.

    False

    What is the formula for calculating satisfaction?

    Satisfaction = perceived performance - expectations

    Post-purchase behavior aims to reduce __________.

    <p>cognitive dissonance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the factors increasing consumer involvement with their descriptions:

    <p>Importance of consumer need = Consumer's essential requirements drive higher involvement Importance of product performance = Higher performance expectations lead to greater involvement Personal effort at stake = Engagement rises when significant personal effort is invested Personal security at stake = Concerns over safety and security heighten involvement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first stage of the consumer purchase process?

    <p>Need Recognition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Consumers always gather information on all products in a category before making a decision.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one type of attribute that consumers gather information about when considering electric cars.

    <p>Charging time, range, interior space (any one of these is acceptable)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The consumer purchase process includes the stages: Need Recognition, __________, Compare Alternatives, and Purchase.

    <p>Gather Information</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following sources of information with their category:

    <p>Personal = Friends and family Commercial = Advertising and salespeople Public, neutral = Media and consumer-rating groups Experiential = Handling and examining the product</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can influence a consumer's purchase behavior?

    <p>Personal preferences and attributes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Consumers with identical perceptions of products will always have the same preferences.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the outcome of the purchase intention stage?

    <p>Purchase behavior</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which advantage is associated with a local marketing strategy?

    <p>Increases brand loyalty</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A global marketing strategy ensures that different products are marketed in every region.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a hybrid partnership strategy aim to combine?

    <p>Internal and external partnerships</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Apex's internal partnership for direct customer interaction is through their ______.

    <p>online store</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following strategies to their benefits:

    <p>Local Marketing Strategy = Appeals to local tastes and culture Global Marketing Strategy = Power of a global brand Direct-to-Consumer = Direct interaction with customers Hybrid Partnership Strategy = Combines internal and external strengths</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential operating advantage of a local marketing strategy?

    <p>Better understanding of local conditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Political stability does not affect international marketing strategies.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method can help reduce customer attraction costs?

    <p>Emails and word-of-mouth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Unearned media involves communications that the firm does not pay for.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one consumer advantage of a global marketing strategy?

    <p>Reduced perceived risk</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of using emotional messages in marketing?

    <p>To create an overall good feeling about the brand.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Comparative advertising is used if a brand is not the __________ in the market.

    <p>market leader</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the types of media with their descriptions:

    <p>Unearned Media = Coverage in neutral media Earned Media = Organic search results or press coverage User-Generated Content = Created by noncommercial users Unearned UGC = Paid endorsements from influencers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a strategy to reduce retention costs?

    <p>Base retention costs on customer value</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Fear appeals are typically effective in commercial advertising only.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one advantage of using rational messages in marketing.

    <p>They emphasize product attributes and benefits.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the formula for calculating market share in units?

    <p>MS[units] = S[units] / M[units]</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Raising prices will always lead to an increase in unit sales.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the break-even volume (BEV) in units indicate?

    <p>The number of units a firm must sell to cover fixed costs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The gross margin ratio on selling price is calculated as GM[selling price] = (P[selling] - COGS) / ______.

    <p>P[selling]</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their definitions:

    <p>Gross Margin Ratio = Proportion that compares gross margin to COGS Market Share = Firm's sales compared to total sales in the market Break-even Volume = Units needed to cover fixed costs Sales in Monetary Value = Q multiplied by P[selling]</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one effective strategy to reduce perceived risk for consumers?

    <p>Using a well-known brand name</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Framing refers to the way consumer decisions are influenced by the context in which they are made.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the three characteristics of a good market segment?

    <p>Differential response, differential accessibility, high segment potential</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The strategy of targeting specific consumer groups instead of mass marketing is known as __________.

    <p>segmentation strategy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of consumer segments with their descriptions:

    <p>Demographic = Objective characteristics of consumers Psychographic = Lifestyle and personality characteristics Behavioral = Based on consumer behavior patterns Geographic = Location-based segmentation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main goal of a segmentation strategy?

    <p>To create products for specific target segments</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Mass marketing effectively meets all consumers' needs.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is demographic segmentation popular among marketers?

    <p>It is easy to do, cheap, fast, and can forecast many demographic changes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In marketing, "weak ties" exist when?

    <p>a person tends to tell other people, who they know but who are not close friends of theirs, about a product, either in person or electronically.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Nonresponse error in marketing surveys

    <p>occurs when consumers who answer a survey have different behavior, beliefs, or perceptions compared to those who do not answer the survey.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Firms who place online ads using programmatic buying

    <p>bid against other firms to show a particular consumer an ad in a particular space on a web page, based on analysis of data regarding the consumer's individual characteristics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    One major limitation of cost-plus pricing is

    <p>it is easier for competitors to copy cost-plus prices than to copy other prices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A consumer's involvement level in a purchase decision tends to increase

    <p>as the personal consequences for the consumer of the product performing properly increase.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Large firms that want to introduce a steady supply of new products to the market

    <p>should implement and use a rigorous new product development process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is not one of the major dimensions of brand personality?

    <p>Trendiness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If it costs $5 million for Nike to place a 30 second TV ad on the Super Bowl football game, and the game is watched by 100 million viewers, then the CPM for this ad

    <p>may not give a good indication of the cost to Nike to reach TV viewers in Nike's target segment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Rose is a salesperson at Equinox gyms, who have gyms throughout the United States. She sells two types of Equinox gym memberships - memberships for individuals, and memberships for businesses who want to their employees to be able to use Equinox gyms to stay healthy. She interacts - in person, over the phone, or electronically - with potential customers interested in purchasing memberships. We have discussed six important personal selling skills that Rose should use in her interactions with potential customers. For each of these six personal selling skills, (i) describe that skill and (ii) give an example of how Rose could apply that skill in an in-person sales interaction with a potential customer. (one or two sentences to describe skill and one or two sentences for how Rose can apply skill). (12 pts.)

    <p>The six personal selling skills are:</p> <ol> <li> <p><em>Ask questions</em>. Rose can ask the potential customer, &quot;what are your fitness goals?&quot; to understand what they are looking for and help them determine the best membership, and possibly also help them realize potential benefits that they did not consider.</p> </li> <li> <p><em>Active listening</em>. Rose should listen to the potential customer to understand their needs, interests, and concerns, so she can tailor her pitch accordingly.</p> </li> <li> <p><em>Stress benefits, not features</em>. Rather than listing features, Rose should highlight the benefits of Equinox memberships, such as the convenience of multiple locations, diverse fitness classes, and personalized training options.</p> </li> <li> <p><em>Establish interpersonal influence</em>. Rose should build rapport with the potential customer by showing a genuine interest in them and their goals, to make them feel comfortable and valued.</p> </li> <li> <p><em>Negotiate skillfully</em>. Rose should be prepared to bargain with the potential customer on price and other terms of the membership to reach a mutually agreeable solution.</p> </li> <li> <p><em>Close the sale</em>. Rose needs to ask for the sale in a professional and confident manner, while addressing any remaining concerns that the potential customer may have.</p> </li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

    Equinox must decide how to compensate Rose and its other gym salespeople. Suppose Equinox is trying to decide between compensating salespeople using only salary or using only commission. Discuss two advantages of using only salary and two advantages of using only commission. (one to two sentences per advantage or disadvantage) (4 pts.)

    <p>commission based compensation is simple to understand.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Suppose Equinox decides to pay its salespeople a commission that is 8% of sales revenue. For example, if a salesperson sells an Equinox membership for $1000, they will receive an $80 commission. Explain in words why this commission structure may not be optimal fo Equinox, based on the information about Equinox provided in this question and in the previous Equinox question (Two or three sentences) (3 pts.)

    <p>This commission structure may not be optimal for Equinox because it does not incentivize salespeople to sell both types of memberships, which Equinox needs to market effectively. The commission structure does not incentivize salespeople to sell the more expensive business memberships.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Provide a simple numerical example of an alternative commission structure that Equinox can use for its salespeople, which we discussed in class, which will be better for Equinox, and explain why this alternative commission structure is better for Equinox. (5 pts.)

    <p>An alternative commission structure could be to pay salespeople a base salary and a commission based on the <em>profit</em> generated from each sale. For example, if a salesperson sells a $1000 membership, and Equinox makes a 45% gross margin on the sale, the salesperson earns a commission of $450 (45% of $1000). This structure is better for Equinox because it incentivizes salespeople to sell both individual and business memberships by rewarding them for profitability rather than only revenue generated.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Crunch is another chain of gyms, and competes with Equinox. To attract new customer, suppose Crunch Gyms is offering a free trial where interested consumers can use Crunch gyms for free for a week and also receive 2 free hours of individual, personal training from one of Crunch's certified gym trainers to help them in the gym skills of their choice. Crunch predicts that 30% of the customers who use the free trial will join the gym, and remain customers at Crunch for an average of 3 years. Each year, Crunch offers its existing customers, including those who joined in that year, 4 hours of free personal training. Gym membership costs $1000 per year and Crunch makes a 45% gross margin on selling price on gym memberships. Crunch usually charges $40 per hour for personal training, and its gross margin on selling price for personal training is 35%. This pricing and margin structure applies both to the personal training that potential customer get as part of the free trial, and for personal training that Crunch offers to existing customers. Beyond the personal training, there are no additional expenses for Crunch from having potential customers who are trying Crunch for a week be in Crunch gyms – they do take up space in the gym, but you can ignore that. Crunch uses an 8% annual discount rate to value future cash flows. Calculate the net present value to Crunch of a customer attracted using the free trial. Show all work and explain your calculations. (14 pts.) Please note that there is no separate "first purchase" in this problem. The "first purchase" is the first year of Crunch membership.

    <p>Here are the calculations for the net present value (NPV) of a customer attracted using the free trial:</p> <ol> <li> <strong>Calculate the profit per year from a paying customer:</strong> </li> </ol> <ul> <li>Gym membership revenue = $1000</li> <li>Gym membership COGS (cost of goods sold)= $1000 * (1 - 45%) = $550</li> <li>Gym membership profit = $1000 - $550 = $450</li> <li>Personal training revenue = 4 hours/year * $40/hour = $160</li> <li>Personal training COGS = $160 * (1 - 35%) = $104</li> <li>Personal training profit = $160 - $104 = $56</li> <li>Total profit per year = $450 (gym membership) + $56 (training) = $506</li> </ul> <ol start="2"> <li> <strong>Calculate the present value of the annual profit for each year:</strong> </li> </ol> <ul> <li>Year 1: $506 / (1 + 0.08)^1 = $468.52</li> <li>Year 2: $506 / (1 + 0.08)^2 = $435.78</li> <li>Year 3: $506 / (1 + 0.08)^3 = $405.35</li> </ul> <ol start="3"> <li> <strong>Calculate the total present value of profits:</strong> </li> </ol> <ul> <li>Total present value of profits = $468.52 + $435.78 + $405.35 = $1309.65</li> </ul> <ol start="4"> <li> <strong>Calculate the net present value (NPV):</strong> </li> </ol> <ul> <li>NPV = Total present value of profits - Initial investment</li> <li>Initial investment = Cost of free trial (personal training)</li> <li>Cost of free trial = (2 hours/customer * $40) * (1 - 35%) = $52</li> <li>NPV = $1309.65 - $52 = $1257.65</li> </ul> <p>Therefore, the net present value (NPV) of a customer attracted using the free trial is $1257.65.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Michelin is worried about losing sales to smaller tire companies with much smaller market shares, whose tires cost much less than Michelin's. Michelin has decided to use TV commercials that show a person at a tire store buying Roadrunner tires for their car and delighting in how much money they are saving. However, later that week they are driving alone in a heavy rainstorm and try to stop quickly to avoid a truck stuck in the road, but the Roadrunner tires will not stop the car in the heavy rain. The ad then shows the driver's car hitting the truck, shows the driver being very badly injured, and then dying. The ad shows another car, with Goodyear tires, that did stop in time, so that car's driver is safe. The ad then says “You may think you are saving money if you buy Roadrunner tires, but think again. Buy Michelin, because you never know when the weather is going to change.” This proposed TV ad uses two kinds of message strategies that are appropriate for a Michelin ad, but uses each message strategy incorrectly. For each of these message strategies, (i) describe the message strategy that is being used, and how it is being used in the TV ad, (ii) explain why you feel that message strategy is being used incorrectly in the ad, and (iii) recommend how you would change the ad to use that same message strategy correctly. (for each message strategy, about two sentences for (i) and one or two sentences for (ii) and (iii) ) (12 pts.) Write about one of the message strategies here.

    <p>The TV ad is incorrectly using the <em>fear appeal</em> message strategy. This ad tries to scare consumers by showing a horrifying accident caused by using Roadrunner tires, to encourage them to purchase Michelin tires instead. This strategy is being used incorrectly because it paints an unrealistic and sensational picture of using Roadrunner tires, which is not representative of the actual experience of using those tires. Michelin should focus on highlighting the benefits of its tires rather than trying to frighten customers with negative scenarios. It is better to use a more balanced approach by emphasizing the safety and reliability of its tires compared to the competitor's tires, focusing on the quality and performance of Michelin tires in various driving conditions, including adverse weather conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Write about the other message strategy here.

    <p>The TV ad is also using a <em>comparative advertising</em> message strategy. This ad directly compares Roadrunner tires to Michelin tires by highlighting the lower cost of Roadrunner tires and then showing the negative consequences of using them. This strategy is being used incorrectly here because the ad is focusing only on the negative aspects of the competitor's tires and does not provide a balanced comparison with Michelin tires. Michelin could improve the ad by highlighting what is good about their tires, for example, the longevity, fuel efficiency, and improved handling of Michelin tires. This would allow the viewer to make a more informed decision based on a comprehensive comparison of both brands' strengths and weaknesses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In late 2022 General Motors will introduce a "Super Cruise" self-driving feature on its GMC Sierra pickup truck, which allows a driver to take their hands off the wheel when the car is moving. Super Cruise can be used when driving on a highway, even when towing a boat or trailer behind the truck, and when parking with the boat or trailer connected to the truck. Super Cruise is an option that will cost an extra $2500 when buying a Sierra. Although Super Cruise will not be introduced until late 2022, GM is already placing ads that feature Super Cruise. However, GM is concerned that truck buyers considering buying Super Cruise may experience perceived risk for Super Cruise, which will prevent them from purchasing Super Cruise. We have discussed four types of perceived risk. For each type of perceived risk (i) describe this type, (ii) give an example of why potential Sierra buyers may experience this type of perceived risk for the Super Cruise feature, and (iii) describe message content that GM could use in its advertising to reduce this type of perceived risk. (for each type, about one sentence for (i), one or two sentences for (ii), and one or two sentences for (iii) (12 pts.)

    <p>The four types of perceived risk are performance risk, social risk, psychological risk, and financial risk.</p> <ul> <li> <p><strong>Performance risk</strong> is the risk that the product does not perform as expected. A potential Sierra buyer may experience performance risk with Super Cruise because they may worry about its reliability in various driving conditions, like bad weather or heavy traffic. GM can address this risk by highlighting the extensive testing and safety features of Super Cruise and showcasing its performance in different driving conditions.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Social risk</strong> occurs when people do not approve of your purchase as highly as you'd hope, especially when you care about the approval of people in the group you belong to or aspire to belong to. A potential Sierra buyer who tends to be a part of a social group that may have reservations about self-driving vehicles may experience social risk in considering Super Cruise. To address this risk, GM could present Super Cruise as a feature that allows for a safe and comfortable driving experience for both the driver and passengers, appealing to the desire to maintain a positive social image and demonstrate a responsible driving approach.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Psychological risk</strong> is associated with the consumer's feeling that the product isn't &quot;right&quot; for them. A potential Sierra buyer may experience psychological risk if they are uncomfortable giving up control to a self-driving system, even though Super Cruise is only active in specific situations. GM could address this risk by demonstrating the simplicity and ease of use of Super Cruise, emphasizing that the system seamlessly transitions between autonomous and manual driving, allowing the driver to remain in control when needed.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Financial risk</strong> is the risk that the product can hurt your financial well-being. A potential Sierra buyer may experience financial risk with Super Cruise because it is a $2500 optional feature, which may be cost-prohibitive for some buyers. GM could address this risk by highlighting the long-term benefits and value proposition of Super Cruise, showcasing how it contributes to improved safety, fuel efficiency, and overall vehicle enjoyment, making it a worthwhile investment.</p> </li> </ul> Signup and view all the answers

    The tkts theater program allows people to purchase tickets to plays in New York City, in Broadway theaters and smaller theaters, for half of the usual price that people pay if they buy tickets from the theater box office. tkts tickets for a play that evening can only be purchased on the day of a play's performance. In the morning, interested customers must get in lines, which can be long, at one of the two tkts ticket booths in Manhattan. Then, when their turn comes, they can buy tickets for whatever plays are still available for that evening. Some plays sell out early at tkts, and very popular plays, such as Hamilton or The Lion King, may not offer tickets at tkts. The tkts app indicates which plays have tickets available at tkts the start of the day, but some plays sell out while people are still in the tkts line, so they need to think about a second or third choice. The tkts program is a form of price discrimination, also called segmented pricing.

    Define price discrimination and explain why tkts is a form of price discrimination. (two or three sentences). (3 pts.)

    <p>Price discrimination occurs when a firm charges different prices for the same product to different customer segments. tkts is a form of price discrimination because it charges different prices for play tickets to consumers based on their willingness to wait in line and/or their willingness to accept last-minute tickets.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does using price discrimination with tkts allow theaters to increase their profits? (three or four sentences) (3 pts.)

    <p>Using price discrimination with tkts allows theaters to increase their profits by selling tickets that would have otherwise gone unsold at full price. The lower prices attract consumers who are price-sensitive or who are willing to wait in line, thereby filling empty seats and generating revenue that would have been lost. Additionally, by selling tickets at a lower price, tkts may attract new customers to theater productions, potentially leading to increased future sales and brand recognition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    We discussed three conditions that must be met for successful price discrimination. For each of these conditions (i) describe that condition, (ii) explain why that condition is important for price discrimination to succeed, and (iii) explain why the tkts program satisfies, or does not satisfy, that condition for successful price discrimination. You can make any reasonable assumptions about tkts beyond the information stated on the previous page, but please state those assumptions briefly if they affect your answer (about one or two sentences for each of (i), (ii), and (iii) for each of the three conditions). (9 pts.)

    <p>The three conditions for successful price discrimination are:</p> <ol> <li> <p><strong>Different price sensitivities</strong>. Consumers must have different price sensitivities for the same product. This is necessary because a firm cannot charge different prices if all consumers are willing to pay the same amount. The tkts program satisfies this condition because some consumers are willing to wait in line or buy last-minute tickets at a lower price, while others prefer to buy tickets in advance at the full price.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Identify different groups</strong>. The firm must be able to identify different groups of consumers with different price sensitivities. tkts satisfies this condition by requiring consumers to stand in line or purchase last-minute tickets for lower-priced plays - this effectively segregates consumers based on their price sensitivity level.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Prevent resale</strong>. The firm must prevent those who buy the product at a lower price from reselling it to those who are willing to pay a higher price. tkts may have difficulty meeting this condition. For example, a consumer might be able to sell their discount ticket to someone else who is willing to pay a higher price, effectively negativing the price discrimination. However, tkts requires a physical ticket purchase rather than an online purchase or app purchase, which may discourage reselling.</p> </li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

    Logitech makes computer accessories, including webcams. Suppose that Logitech would like to increase sales of its webcams by creating a free-standing store display featuring Logitech webcams, to put in electronics and department stores that sell Logitech, such as Best Buy, Target, Walmart, etc. These displays increase the chance that a consumer will see Logitech webcams. Logitech estimates that it will cost $1,800,000 to create these displays and insall them in these retail stores.

    Suppose you have the following information:

    Retail price that stores charge for Logitech webcam $100 Retailer's gross margin on cost for webcam 25% Logitech's gross margin on selling price for webcam 45%

    Logitech sells the webcam directly to retailers, so Logitech's selling price is the retailer's cost of good sold (COGS)

    What are the cost of goods sold (COGS) (i) for Logitech and (ii) for the retailer. (4 pts.)

    <ol> <li> <p><strong>Logitech's COGS:</strong> Logitech's gross margin on selling price is 45%, which means its cost of goods sold (COGS) is 55% of the selling price. Therefore, Logitech's COGS = $100 * 55% = $55.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Retailer's COGS:</strong> The retailer's gross margin on cost is 25%, which means its cost of goods sold (COGS) is 75% of its buying price. Since Logitech's selling price is the retailer's COGS, the retailer's COGS = $55 * 75% = $41.25.</p> </li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

    How many additional webcams must Logitech sell to break even on the plan for the in-store displays? (3 pts.)

    <p>To break even on the plan, Logitech needs to generate $1,800,000 in revenue from additional webcam sales. Since Logitech's gross margin on selling price is 45%, for every $100 in sales, Logitech makes a $45 profit. Therefore, to generate $1,800,000 in profit, Logitech needs to sell $1,800,000 / $45 = 40,000 additional webcams.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Jed Weissberg of Mobiquity discussed how his firm had changed the information products it focused on over time, moving from focusing on one information product, then to another, and then to another. Describe these three different information products. (two or three sentences) (4 pts.)

    <p>Mobiquity initially focused on providing <em>data analysis</em> for clients, but over time transitioned to offering <em>market research consulting</em> services, which enabled them to provide a more comprehensive understanding of market trends. More recently, Mobiquity has focused on <em>marketing strategy</em> development, providing a holistic approach to help clients achieve their marketing goals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Jed also discussed three mistakes that firms often make in collecting and analyzing market research data to help with marketing decisions. Describe two of these three mistakes. (4 pts.)

    <p>One common mistake is <em>not understanding the data's limitations</em>. Firms may misinterpret the data, leading to inaccurate conclusions and decisions due to a failure to acknowledge the inherent bias or limitations within the collected data. Another common mistake is <em>not using the appropriate data analysis techniques</em>. Firms may use methods that are not suitable for the data, such as relying on small sample sizes for generalizing conclusions or using linear regression when the data displays a non-linear relationship.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Jed also advised that students interested in someday starting their own firm should acquire four skills. Describe two of these four skills. (4 pts.)

    <p>Two essential skills for entrepreneurs are <em>business acumen</em> and <em>communication</em>. Business acumen involves the ability to understand and manage the financial, operational, and strategic aspects of a business, which helps in making informed decisions. Effective communication skills allow entrepreneurs to effectively convey their ideas, vision, and proposals to potential investors, partners, employees, and customers, which is crucial for building relationships and achieving success.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Consumer Decision Making

    • Consumer purchase process involves several stages, like need recognition, gathering information, comparing alternatives, and purchasing.
    • Need recognition: Motivating consumers to realize they need a product. Sellers need to understand the consumer's need and not incorrectly assume they are in a different stage of the purchasing process.
    • Gather information: Product attributes are crucial; electric cars have objective attributes (charging time, range, interior space) and subjective attributes (styling, comfort, handling, ease of use).
    • Compare alternatives: Different consumers may have different preferences for the same product because of differing utility functions, weights assigned to attributes, and overall perception of the product. Consumer preferences are shaped by their perception of the product.
    • Purchase decision: The consumer is ready to make a purchase when their ideal product aligns with their current situation; firms aim to align their offerings with consumer needs to make a purchase.
    • Post-purchase: The consumer is concerned if they made the right choice, experiencing cognitive dissonance. This is a time when firms can try to help and convince consumers to reduce their cognitive dissonance. Satisfying consumer expectations and managing unrealistic ones are key to positive feedback.

    Consumer Involvement

    • Involvement increases with need, product performance, personal stake, and security.
    • Involvement does not equal price; involvement varies with products and people.

    Basic Quantitative Language

    • Comparing monetary sales volume to unit sales volume is important for understanding the impact of price changes.
    • Profit and loss statements are necessary to analyze revenue, costs, and profitability.
    • Various ways of presenting data need to be understood as they are used in business.

    Market Share and Profit Margin

    • Market share in units is the ratio of a firm's sales in units to the total market sales in units.
    • Market share in monetary value is the ratio of a firm's sales in monetary value to the total market sales in monetary value.
    • Gross margin ratio per unit = (selling price - cost of goods sold) / selling price
    • Gross margin ratio = (selling price - cost of goods sold) / cost of goods sold
    • Break-even volume in units = fixed costs / (selling price - cost of goods sold)
    • Break-even volume in monetary sales = fixed costs / (selling price - cost of goods sold) × selling price

    Marketing Advantages

    • Firms with marketing advantages are more profitable and have more security.
    • Marketing advantages provide firms with time and money to focus on the future, rather than fighting immediate issues.
    • Firms should satisfy critical needs better than competitors, which can be achieved through operating advantages.
    • Advantages can come from patents, natural resources, political influence, cheaper R&D, financial resources experience, and so on.

    Marketing Ethics

    • Ethical standards vary between countries and regions, and firms should be mindful of these differences.
    • Issues with mortgage business, like those at Well Fargo.
    • Labor practices are an issue for some firms, as seen with Amazon.

    Environmental Analysis

    • Understanding demographic changes in different markets is crucial.
    • Consumers' tastes (ex. women buying houses in China)
    • Emerging trends (Ex. Parental backlash against screen time)
    • Economic factors (Ex. Shrinking middle class)
    • Technological factors (Ex. Short flights banned in France)
    • Regulatory trends.

    Consumer Involvement/Worry

    • Consumers worry about things like product performance, perceived risk, social risk (worries about what others will think), and financial risk (worries about the cost of the product).
    • Marketing can reduce these risks.

    Behavioral Decision Theory

    • Framing: How consumers decide is impacted by the way things are presented; framing of products can increase favorability in the consumer's mind.
    • Past prices can affect future consumer perceptions and demand.

    Segmentation Strategies

    • Good segmentation helps a firm focus resources and marketing efforts better.
    • Market segmentation is a useful tool for understanding customers and focusing marketing efforts.

    Positioning Strategy

    • A firm should position a product on attributes to differentiate it from the competition.
    • Positioning is a strategy for firms to effectively place products in the consumer's mind, impacting their decisions.
    • Finding good market positioning for new products and repositioning an aging product is crucial.

    Market Research

    • Firms need market research to understand consumers, competitors, and trends.
    • The marketing problem and specific information needed to address the problem are important aspects for effective research.
    • Primary and secondary are two types of marketing research, and they can both provide relevant data.

    Exploratory Research

    • Exploratory research focuses on discovering new insights, issues, and clarifying key concepts.
    • It involves qualitative techniques like focus groups, depth interviews, projective techniques, and observation.

    Causal Marketing Research

    • The goal of causal marketing research is to understand and predict the effects of one or more variables on other variables.
    • Experimental research is used to understand how various interventions, like different marketing techniques, impact consumer behavior.

    Pricing I

    • Cost-plus pricing approach: Price is equal to the cost plus a margin on cost.
    • Value-based pricing strategy is when the product is priced based on consumer perceived savings as opposed to cost of the product itself.

    Dynamic Pricing

    • Dynamic pricing strategies adapt prices based on real time or forecast demands to maximize profit.
    • Price skimming and penetration pricing strategies.

    Segmented Pricing and Price Discrimination

    • Charge different prices to different consumers.
    • Segment based on price sensitivity; consumers pay what they are willing to pay.
    • Increase profits.

    Yield Management

    • Changing prices based on demand.

    New Product Development

    • Product life cycle: Product development stages and the need for new products.
    • Characteristics of successful new products, including relative advantage, minimal changes in behavior/beliefs, compatibility with the consumer's existing systems, beliefs, ideas, and complexity (ease of use).
    • New product development process, including idea generation, screening, concept testing, business development, product development, market testing, and so on to gain success.

    International Marketing

    • Diversify risk across different regions and countries.
    • Achieving economies of scale and scope.
    • Building relationships with suppliers.
    • Locating a favorable regulatory environment.
    • Understanding the right level of involvement in international operations based on finances and expertise.
    • Aligning the product positioning, target segment, and market mix internationally.
    • Utilizing local advantages (appealing to local tastes, needs, and culture) and global advantages (greater brand awareness, easier access to customers, simpler decision-making for consumers) to improve marketing strategies.

    Internal Marketing Partners

    • Internal partners (i.e., sales people) carry out the same function as external partners, like distributors.
    • Emphasizing effective personal selling skills, including listening, understanding consumer needs, and negotiating.

    Customer Value

    • Measuring the economic value of a customer to the firm.
    • Costs to attract customers and methods to maintain them.
    • The relationship between retention rates, costs, and profits.

    Marketing Communication

    • Various forms of marketing communication—unearned and earned media—can be useful for firms.
    • Important methods of creating and promoting brand awareness.
    • The relationship between rational messaging (benefits) and emotional messaging, and the importance of knowing your target market.
    • Other strategies (like comparative advertising and fear appeals) for generating interest.

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    Final Exam Study PDF

    Description

    Explore the intricacies of consumer behavior with this quiz on customer loyalty, satisfaction, and the purchase process. Test your understanding of consumer involvement, decision-making stages, and influences on purchase behavior. Perfect for marketing students or anyone interested in consumer psychology.

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