Consumer buying decisions are based on situational, psychological, and social influences. The decision process and actions of each consumer will be different based on their own unique behavior, level of involvement, perception, experience, knowledge, and cultural influences about the product/service. When purchasing products one will consider and explore the different influences differently whether they are external circumstances such as situational influences that can affect the time and reason for the purchase or more internal influences such as a consumers perception, attitude, lifestyle that psychologically influences their buying behaviors. The external forces of social influences has increased in recent years with the expansion of social media and access to the internet.
The internet has made it very easy to promote and market products in recent years. The internet has made it easier for companies to capitalize on consumer buying decisions by making their products easily available, product information at your fingertips, ability to compare products, create desire thru interactive advertising and competitive pricing. As time goes on the internet will be a very important, valuable marketing medium for companies. The internet is a major influencer in my purchasing process. It is the first place I go when I am looking at purchasing a product, especially large purchases, or products I have limited knowledge or have not purchased before. I am able to do product research, product comparisons and determine the best price for the product/service. I recently purchased a 2 in 1 product and the internet played an important role in the purchasing process. Situational, psychological and social influences all played a role in my research, evaluation, and purchase decision. The product marketing, both internet and retail, influenced my