Week 3 EOC: How I Buy Stuff

When I shop for products, I tend to shop according to my personality and personal preferences. I am not really concerned with setting trends, buying according to a desired lifestyle, or buying according to an ideal self image. I buy according to myself concept, “… or self perception, is how consumers perceive themselves,” (Marketing, Lamb, pg. 76). I bought a striped, mini- jean vest last spring. I thought it was really cute and the combinations of usage I could get out of this vest seemed almost endless. I wore this jean vest, while out with my family at dinner last week, and my sister told me politely that I was wearing something out of fashion; I was humored because when I bought this vest, she told me it was one of the cutest pieces I had bought that day. So apparently it was cute last year, but since no one thinks it is this year, except for me, I shouldn’t wear it? I told her I did not care what she thought and if Jesus told me he did not like what I was wearing, I would tell him to look the other way. Quite cynical, I am, but the point is, what people like is always changing. I guess some slower than others. I am going to buy what I feel I need and what I like at the moment. If I need a new flat iron to get the waves out of y hair at a lower heat setting, that is what I am going to buy. I want to buy a Gizmo shirt because it reminds of my childhood; I am going to buy it. If what I buy happens to be cool or trendy at the time, I guess I am catching up to all those fashionistas out there. If I want to buy a Coach bag because I feel should have a bag designated for special occasions like funerals, baby showers, and the first day of school, then I am going to buy it!

Week 2 EOC: Me as the Consumer

I am a 21 year old, African American, Female. When it comes to me as a consumer, some of what I buy comes from the characteristics of my demographic, personal preference, and cost perspective. When it comes to personal care, i.e. skin and hair, I am mixed. There are products specifically made for my ethnicity, but I rarely use them because they don’t seem to do as well or are priced in my budget. When it comes to my hair, I use all organic products. Organic does not have to be expensive. Giovanni Organics delivers me the best hair I’ve had in years, and my beautician is amazed at how healthy hair is every time I go get my hair done. She has even started using it. The best part about it is that, it is now available at Walmart. So I no longer have to go to Whole Foods just to get shampoo and conditioner. When it comes to the basic necessities, soap, toothpaste, lotion, I tend to go with personal preference over price, unless the quality is good for the price. I like to shop smart. As far as clothing and apparel, I am a mixed buyer. It really depends on what I am shopping for. When it comes to the everyday casual gear, my favorite stores are target and old navy. The quality stands up better to anything I have owned thus far and is cost effective without looking cheap and without the buyer’s remorse. When it comes specials occasions and night life gear, I usually find myself at Macys. When it comes to accessories, I am kind of all over the place. I own a few expensive handbags, shoes, sunglasses, etc. I also own a lot of not so expensive items to. I guess you could say that I shop with more of a personal preference, but I like to be mindful of my budget. A splurge every now and then is okay. Life is short and then you die right?

Week 1 EOC: A Quality Customer Experience

I ordered $108 worth of clothes off Oldnavy.com about two and weeks ago and because I spent over a $100, the shipping was free. Fast forward to the July 13, 2009, and it has not arrived yet. Granted I ordered close to the weekend, and the shipping was going ground, I still had yet to receive my package of my new jeans and shirts. I had ordered them for an event I was supposed to be attending. The event was two days away and they were yet to be found. I tracked my package through ups and it said that they had been delivered at 4:51 PM that day and left on my door step. Wrong! I had been home all day and not a soul came to my door. So I called ups and they told me I had to call Old Navy so they can track a package that supposedly was delivered. So I did and Old Navy was happy to track the missing package and resend me item, with no cost to me, though the prices had changed, and they required a signature this time, since there was no option for one when I originally placed the order. The representative on the phone was so nice and courteous; I wanted to take her out for cocktails because she made me feel good, even though I still had nothing to wear.