Consumer Decision Making Process

The consumer decision making process is made of of five steps: 1. recognition 2. information search 3. evaluation of alternatives 4. purchase and 5. post purchase behavior. This process usually takes place within a customer whether we recognize it or not. It can be applied to pretty much any product or service. Recognition is the process of determining whether you have a want or a need for a product. Information search is done by recalling past information in the memory. Evaluation of alternatives is the process of comparing the product to other brands such as a cheaper generic brand or a more expensive but more reliable brand. The purchase then takes place followed by the post purchase in which you decide if the purchase was smart or not along with if you are happy with the product.

Do you think you follow the consumer decision making process? What differences, if any take place when you make a purchase?

In Response to Ariana's Post

Ariana asks the question, "Do you think that expanding globally is always a positive business move, if not what are some of the disadvantages?"

Ariana's post about "The globe runs of Dunkin" makes a very good point. Their slogan does not prove true to just America. Dunkin Donuts is satisfying people all over the world. I think that going global can be a positive business move if a company goes about it the right way. There is a large possibility that going global can turn out to be a disaster. One would have to make sure that their company is something that will appeal to people wherever it goes. As far as Dunkin Donuts goes, who doesn't like coffee and donuts? As long as the company molds their business for the market (curry flavored donuts) then going global will be a huge success. 

What other companies do you think have successfully gone global? Are there any they have not been successful globally?