Meta: Among other things, technology has changed customer buying patterns. So, let’s study how exactly gadgets have altered the way we consume products and services.
Technology has completely revolutionised our lives. The world from thirty years ago is unrecognisable to people now. Imagine going outside without your smartphone in your back pocket. How would you cope without the safety net of google maps and instant messaging? As gadgets have changed so much about our everyday lives, inevitably they have also brought about a change in our behaviour – most notably, our buying patterns. Consumer behaviour is how we choose, use, and dispose of products/services. We’re going to be talking specifically about how technology has altered these patterns. Keep reading to find out more.
Everything On-Demand
Technology has made it easier than ever before to access resources. For instance, in the past people would have to leaf through the dictionary if they wanted to find out the meaning of a word. Now, they can find the definition by highlighting it on their smartphone. As everything has been facilitated, consumers are becoming addicted to the feeling of instant gratification. They want their needs met now, as opposed to later. This has helped to popularise on-demand streaming platforms, like Netflix and BBC iPlayer, where massive libraries of content are available for consumers to access whenever.
Easy and Convenient
Convenience has also become a high priority for consumers. If something takes too long to instigate or purchase, they will quickly lose interest. Businesses have needed to alter their practices to accommodate for this latest trend in buying patterns. That’s why most organisations nowadays have an eCommerce website. eCommerce is more commonly known as online shopping. This industry has exploded into popularity these past few years, as everyone elects to do their Christmas shopping online rather than visit the hectic shops. Delivery services have also skyrocketed because of eCommerce.
Going Digital
For the sake of convenience, consumers also prefer everything to be done digitally nowadays. Rather than visit their local branch, they will use their smartphone for banking; instead of travelling to an arcade, they would prefer to visit a no limit city online casino or similar. This has pushed service providers to move onto a digital format. If they don’t have a mobile version available, they will struggle to succeed in the current marketplace.
Greater Selection
Technology like the internet has accelerated globalisation. This means people from across the globe are more connected with one another. As a result, an increasing number of businesses have popped up onto the market, giving consumers a greater selection of products/services than ever before. This has led to customers becoming pickier. They don’t need to settle anymore. Instead of paying top price for a high-quality product, they can go elsewhere and find the same item for cheaper. The internet has also made reviews a bigger deal; customers no longer buy blind. They will always check out what other people have said first. As such, technology has made consumers more select.
These are some of the main ways that technology has changed consumer behaviour in recent years. Where do you think technology will take us next?
WRITTEN BY
Clara Rose