People’s shopping habits depend more on the age group they belong to than other factors. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
I disagree with the given statement, which says that the age of a person is the main determinant of consumer behaviour. I believe that apart from age, there are numerous other factors, which have equal impact on how and why people buy things.
Undoubtedly, age is an important factor affecting people’s shopping. A consumer does not buy the same products or services at 20 years and at 50 years. His lifestyle, activities, hobbies and habits evolve throughout his life. Accordingly, his shopping needs also change. For example, during his life, a consumer could change his diet from unhealthy products, such as fast foods, to a healthier diet to avoid health problems. His clothing preferences also would change with age. Therefore, age does affect the shopping habits.
Another factor, which is as important as age, is the gender. In general, men have a different attitude about shopping than women do. In fact, women are responsible for two-thirds of all household product purchases, whereas men buy about three-quarters of all alcoholic beverages. Their personal needs are also different. The clothes, toiletries, accessories etcetera, all requirements are different.
Furthermore, the socioeconomic status of the person also determines buying choices. The upper strata of society, is very brand conscious. The middle and lower income groups have to see their pocket. Brands are like sour grapes for them. Peer pressure is another important element, which controls purchasing choices. If one friend has an I-phone, the other also buys the same. Advertisements, which keep bombarding people with info about any product, also affect consumerism.
Finally, there are individual differences. Two consumers can be similar in age, personality, gender, and so on but still purchase very different products. On top of that biological and chronological age are very different. A 60 year old may be young at heart and buy clothes, which a 20 year old may find too flamboyant.
To conclude, it can be reiterated that shopping habits depend on age, gender, financial status, family, friends and many other factors equally. To label any one of these factors, as the most important would be wrong.
Plan followed
Intro: Disagree
Para 1: Influence of age
Para 2: Gender
Para 3: Other factors
Para 4: Individual differences
Conclusion: Reiterate opinion
Written by: Sumeet Kaur
Yesterday I got this exact essay in my exam.
British Council Academic test
Candidate 000132 Azerbaijan Baku
Thank you very much for sharing this video mam. Really helpful.