WAEC SSCE Marketing
Study notes for Behaviour — part of the WAEC SSCE Marketing syllabus. 2 learning objectives with explanations and exam tips.
Consumer behaviour refers to how people make decisions about buying products and services. Several factors influence these decisions. Personal factors like age, income, and lifestyle shape what we buy. A 45-year-old businessman in Lagos will purchase differently from a 20-year-old student. Social factors matter too—family, friends, and culture influence our choices. For instance, many Nigerians buy certain clothing brands because their peers approve of them. Psychological factors such as motivation, perception, and attitudes also play roles. Someone motivated to look successful might buy premium products. Economic factors like the price of goods and a person's financial situation determine purchasing power. Environmental factors, including advertisements and social media trends, heavily influence Nigerian consumers today. Understanding these factors helps businesses predict what customers want and when they'll buy.
When you want to buy something, you don't just rush into the market blindly. Your brain follows a logical order of steps. First, you recognize a need or problem—maybe your shoes are worn out. Second, you search for information about available options, perhaps asking friends or checking different shops. Third, you evaluate the alternatives by comparing prices, quality, and durability of different shoe brands. Fourth, you make the actual purchase decision, choosing the best option that fits your budget and needs. Finally, you experience post-purchase behaviour, deciding whether you're satisfied with your choice.
Think about buying a phone in Nigeria. You feel the need for a better device, research online and in shops, compare Samsung, iPhone, and Tecno options, buy one, then evaluate if it was worth the money.