Why People Buy Things They Don't Need: Understanding and Predicting Consumer Behavior

Why People Buy Things They Don't Need: Understanding and Predicting Consumer Behavior
Average customer rating:

Not the kind of book I was looking for

Kind of goes on and on

Understand how marketers manipulate you!

An interesting study of the modern consumer

i wish I read this when it first came out!

Why People Buy Things They Don't Need: Understanding and Predicting Consumer Behavior
Pamela Danziger
Manufacturer: Kaplan Business
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Macroeconomics | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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Consumer Behavior | Marketing & Sales | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Research | Marketing | Marketing & Sales | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0793186021
Release Date: 2004-07-01

Book Description

Consumers shop to satisfy emotional needs and desires-if a company is selling to emotion, then it's in the business of luxury.

What motivates consumers to buy? Is it pleasure? Education? Entertainment? Status? Or just an impulse? Knowing why consumers buy what they do is the secret to predicting how they will behave in the ever-changing marketplace. In most cases, much of what people buy are items they really don't need.

Focusing on the ""whys"" of spending, Danziger has meticulously profiled customers in more than 30 categories of discretionary spending through research based on surveys, interviews, and focus groups from a variety of people who make discretionary purchases. She provides readers with a vision of the future, giving them the foresight to anticipate the needs and desires of their customers.

This groundbreaking guide will help marketers of all products understand the underlying motivators consumers use to both make their purchases and become satisfied, loyal customers. In Why People Buy Things They Don't Need, Danziger examines:

* The 14 justifiers that give consumers ""permission"" to buy.

* Trends impacting why people purchase what they do.

* How to sell even more to these customers.

* The future of discretionary spending.

Customer Reviews:

Not the kind of book I was looking for.......2006-10-10

I thought this was a book to help consumers realize why they buy things they don't need, and thereby stop doing it. But it's the opposite -- it's aimed at helping businesses tap into our buying impulses and sell us MORE stuff! If you're a business looking to raise your sales, you might like this, but it was not at all what I wanted.

Kind of goes on and on.......2006-09-07

The comments by others about how the book at time rehashes statistics are true. At times I found myself glossing over pages just because it was number after number. I lost interest.

I also got to the point with the author's repeated fixation on 9/11 that I had to put the book down. Enough is enough. That fixation only revealed to me the fact that the author's insight and point of view is very limited to the current and is United States centric. The author doesn't address a broader global view of wants and have a historical perspective of why people want to help other spot future trends.

Understand how marketers manipulate you!.......2006-01-24

This book is written for marketers.

If you're a consumer, don't fail to read it - especially if you shop too much and save too little!

Delves into the reasons consumers want things and can be manipulated into believing they need them.

- Eric Tyson
Author of Personal Finance for Dummies and Mind Over Money: Your Path to Wealth and Happiness

An interesting study of the modern consumer.......2005-10-04

Its an interesting study.

I found that much of the people is a rehash of statistical studies in words. You may as well just look at the mathematical figures rather then read the words.

The other issue is the book was written not long after 911 and its long terms effects were over estimated by the writer.

i wish I read this when it first came out!.......2005-08-06

Because I sell luxury home and gift items, I was drawn to the title of this book. Sometimes that is not always a good indicator of what is inside, but in this case it was dead-on. The book helped me understand what I've seen over the last few years, as well as gave me some insight into where things are heading (and why). I keep talking about the book, and the list of friends and associates who want to borrow the book keeps growing, although I may not want to give it up. Only a few more pages to go....

Macroeconomic Essentials - 2nd Edition: Understanding Economics in the News

Average customer rating:

Good workable approach to practical understanding of a subject area that is over academicised
New book
Thorough & sound guide for Macroeconomics
Peter Kennedy's book is terrific
A REALLY useful macro text

Macroeconomic Essentials - 2nd Edition: Understanding Economics in the News
Peter Kennedy
Manufacturer: The MIT Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0262611503

Book Description

What do we want our students to be able to do upon completing an introductory course in macroeconomics--shift curves on diagrams or interpret media commentary on the economy? This book, an effort to lead students in the latter direction, offers a clear exposition of introductory macroeconomic theory along with more than 600 one- or two-sentence "news clips" that serve as illustrations and exercises. The author calls this approach "media economics" to distinguish it from the encyclopedic character of traditional texts.

The book provides a guide to what the author calls the "really important" ideas of macroeconomics, with a strong connection to the real world. Thus many instructors will find the book suitable for use in courses enrolling business students. The method of presentation allows room for topics that are crucial for the interpretation of news commentary, but given inadequate coverage in traditional macroeconomics texts. Examples include the many roles of nominal versus real interest rates, and international phenomena such as purchasing power parity.

Despite its nontechnical presentation, the material in the book is quite challenging for students; to answer questions based on the news clips, students must truly understand the economic concepts and apply problem-solving skills rather than rote learning. This text, unlike other economic texts, provides the student with a practical yet sophisticated grasp of the macroeconomic principles necessary to interpret media commentary. The second edition has been revised and updated throughout.

Customer Reviews:

Good workable approach to practical understanding of a subject area that is over academicised.......2007-09-03

Macroeconomics text books are like books on Options - where theory from academics is the usual content when people need a book that tells them how to make money out of this.

This book is a good workable approach to practical understnding of interelationships in a subject area that is over academicised.

If you study to the point where can do the end of book exercises then you will have a good grasp of macroeconomic essentials as they apply in the real world.

New book.......2007-01-12

Book is new although there was a marking at the bottom of the pages.

Thorough & sound guide for Macroeconomics.......2003-11-14

I have looked through a wide variety of books on Macroeconomics and only this one has really satisfied me. It covers all the topics well; clearly, but not in a simplistic manner. And when you have finished studying a chapter and done some of the exercises at the end, you will understand the principles very well. The use of media exercises not only is more applicable to every day life, but also helps to stick the concepts into your brain so they are more easily retained.

With all this said, the book is quite approachable. It is written for the everyday student to understand concepts that are critcial in your everyday life; from investing to decifering the political conversations about the economy/deficit/balance of trade.

I highly recommend this book.

Peter Kennedy's book is terrific.......2001-07-23

I found this text particulary inspiring the first semester I used it in my introductory macroeconomic class. The manner in which the material is presented makes the text a useful reference guide for business professionals who need to great refresher text to bring them up to date on the basic workings of the economy. Most of my students liked the book.

A REALLY useful macro text.......2000-04-13

I have been teaching first to fourth year university macroeconomics since 1988. This is the first principles text I have been inspired by. The content of most traditional texts in macroeconomics is dictated by the needs of majoring students. Also, most authors of economics texts seem to feel the need to write an encyclopaedia. For those teachers of macroeconomics principles courses who want their students to learn something that will be of lasting value in their lives, give serious attention to Peter Kennedy's text. A look at its contents will tell you that it does cover all the usual topics. It is the style of the book which distinguishes it from the competition. Its chapters are brief and to the point. Its emphasis is on understanding the essentials that will allow its readers to understand what is daily going on around them in the economy. It is NOT in any way "low level". It will challenge the most able and interest them in continuing to study the subject, yet it will also reach the majority of its audience and help them to understand some of the basics of macroeconomic analysis. Now, Professor Kennedy, do the same for teachers of microeconomics!

Average customer rating:

Macroeconomics (3rd Edition)

Schaum's Outline of Macroeconomics
Eugene A. Diulio
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Schaum's Outline of Microeconomics, 4th edition (Schaum's Outlines)
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ASIN: 0070170533

Book Description

More than 100,000 copies sold in its first 2 editions; Over 93,000 students enrolled; Translated into 12 languages; Corresponds to standard college economics courses; Use with most macroeconomics texts; Includes a new chapter on economic growth.

Customer Reviews:

Macroeconomics (3rd Edition).......2004-03-03

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to have some understanding of macroeconomics. This book can be used as a supplemental text or for independent study or as review/reference material. The author, for the most part, presents clear and understandable concepts in a concise manner.

As far as prerequisites are concerned, some basic knowledge of economics and money and banking will make reading this book easier and more understandable. Although calculus is not required, some knowledge of basic or college algebra is helpful.

Since this book covers intermediate macroeconomics primarily intended for those at the undergraduate, upper division level, college students, especially, should find this book useful as a supplement to their textbooks. It may help to clarify problems that students may encounter in their course work. In the words of the author: "The book can be used by undergraduates or graduate business students as a supplement to current standard texts or by instructors as an independent text supplemented by empirical and/or policy readings. The book may also be useful to graduate economics students as a review of the analytical core of macroeconomic theory."

However, the benefits derived from this book need not be limited only to college students. Those wishing to use this book for independent self-study can, with some extra effort, gain valuable information since the author does a fairly good job of presenting in a clear manner the fundamental concepts of macroeconomics.

At the beginning of each chapter, the author gives a chapter summary and outline. The chapter summaries briefly present the concepts that will be further explained in the main text. The outlines are a repetition of the same sections that are listed in the table of contents. Furthermore, in order to reinforce the concepts presented in the main text, the author not only provides the usual solved problems but also includes multiple choice and true or false questions which give the student a wide range of practice.

However, there are some weaknesses of this book which readers should be aware. First, due to the brevity of some of the concepts presented, it may be advantageous to refer to other economics books in order to get more in-depth information, and thereby, a better understanding. This is particularly true for those using this book for independent self-study. Second, some terms and concepts are defined and presented for the first time in the "Solved Problems" section at the end of the chapter rather than in the main text. Third, this book does not contain a glossary.

Understanding Macroeconomics (9th Edition)
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Understanding Macroeconomics (9th Edition)
Robert L. Heilbroner
Manufacturer: Pearson Education
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Recessions and Depressions: Understanding Business Cycles
Average customer rating:

Excellent

good overview

Recessions and Depressions: Understanding Business Cycles
Todd A. Knoop
Manufacturer: Praeger Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Business Cycles: Theory, History, Indicators, and Forecasting (National Bureau of Economic Research Studies in Income and Wealth)

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ASIN: 0275981622

Book Description

The economy of any nation is an intricate web of relationships among the factors determining supply and demand--and everything that affects them, from inflation to taxes to the stock market. The study of business cycles attempts to explain why economies grow and contract, experiencing periods of prosperity and pain. Consistent with the popular conception of economics as the "dismal science," economists secretly long for recessions (periods of negative growth) and depressions (severe contractions), not because they enjoy their devastating impact on human welfare, but because these downturns serve as excellent laboratories for observing what happens when markets break down. Despite over two centuries of debate, no one has yet definitively unlocked the secrets of economic downturns and how they might be prevented. In Recessions and Depressions Todd Knoop traces the evolution of business cycle theory, from the "classical" model, which preceded the Great Depression, through the ground-breaking ideas of John Maynard Keynes, Milton Friedman, and their followers. He examines the strengths and limitations of each approach, in terms of explaining the impact of such factors as government policy, money supply, labor productivity, and wages. In the process, he presents an accessible introduction to what makes the economy tick, and offers new insights into understanding such historic events as the Great Depression, as well as more recent ones, such as the Asian meltdown in the 1990s, the financial crises in Latin America, and the U.S. recession of 2001, from which the United States is still recovering. Knoop reminds us that economists' track record in forecasting business cycles leaves much to be desired, and the quest to fully understand what causes economic downturns--and their effects on individuals and families--continues.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent .......2007-09-14

This is by far the best book I have seen on business cycles. Other books are either too handwavy or too abstract and dry. This book is very precise and comprehensive and at the same time very readable and accessible. It is an excellent blend of theory and real world.

The book explains many theories of business cycles. Some of these theories are widely known, while some I have not seen else where. But all are explained very well.

The book also shows how these theories apply to real world events like the Great Depression, the East Asian crisis, the Argentina crisis, and the Japanese depression. All are excellent case studies.

good overview.......2005-01-11

does a good job of explaining in simple terms the effects different financial and economic organizations and markets have on one another. if you've ever been laid off or lost money in the stock market (as i have), this book can help you place your personal loss in the broader context and perhaps anticipate things so that you're better prepared in the future.

Understanding Savings: Evidence from the United States and Japan

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Understanding Savings: Evidence from the United States and Japan
Fumio Hayashi
Manufacturer: The MIT Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0262082551

Book Description

Analysis of consumption and saving decisions by households has always been one of the most active areas of research in economics--and with good reason. Private consumption is the most important component of aggregate demand in a capitalist economy, and explaining consumption is the key element in most macroeconomic forecasting models. To evaluate the effect of government policies invariably requires the knowledge of how they change parameters relevant for household decision making.

Understanding Saving collects eleven papers by economist Fumio Hayashi, along with two previously unpublished chapters, for a total of thirteen chapters. The monograph, which brings together Hayashi's empirical research on saving, is divided into three sections. Part I, "Liquidity Constraints", contains five studies that test the well-known implication of the Life Cycle-Permanent Income hypothesis that households shield consumption from income fluctuations. Part II, "Risk-Sharing and Altruism", contains three papers that examine the interactions between related and unrelated households predicted by the hypothesis for the US and Japanese households. The three papers in Part III, "Japanese Saving Behavior", present the author's explanation of the high saving rate in postwar Japan.

Understanding Market Reforms in Latin America: Similar Reforms, Diverse Constituencies, Varied Results

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Understanding Market Reforms in Latin America: Similar Reforms, Diverse Constituencies, Varied Results

Manufacturer: Palgrave Macmillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Policy & Current Events | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0230500579
Release Date: 2007-07-10

Book Description

Market reforms in Latin America have resulted in a variety of outcomes, which have often been disappointing. This books studies market reforms in eight key Latin American countries, aiming to shed light on the question of why similar policies have resulted in a variety of outcomes, ranging from outright failures to clear successes. The book focuses on policy implementation and the factors that impinge on the sustainability of market reforms. The findings provide a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate on the reasons for market reform 'fatigue'.

Understanding Consumption (Clarendon Lectures in Economics)

Average customer rating:

Elegant and clear

Understanding Consumption (Clarendon Lectures in Economics)
Angus Deaton
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0198288247

Book Description

This book provides an overview of the recent research on saving and consumption, a field in which substantial progress has been made over the last decade. Attempts by economists to understand saving and consumption patterns have generated some of the best science in economics. For more than fifty years, there has been serious empirical and theoretical activity, and data, theory, and policy have never been separated as has happened in many branches of economics. Research has drawn microeconomists interested in household behaviour, as well as macroeconomists, for whom the behaviour of aggregate consumption has always occupied a central role in explaining aggregate fluctuations. Econometricians have also made distinguished contributions, and there has been a steady flow of new methodologies by those working on saving and consumption, in time-series econometrics, as well as in the study of micro and panel data. A coherent account of these developments is presented here, emphasizing the interplay between micro and the macro, between studies of cross-section and panels, and those using aggregate time series data.

Customer Reviews:

Elegant and clear.......2000-04-13

I found this book very interesting for 2 reasons. First, it is very clear and the technicalities are kept to a minimum (although a reasonable level of calculus and basic economic theory is advisable). Second, its originality lies in the fact that it relates microeconomic analysis of consumption and saving behavior with macroeconomic aggregates. It is a very good starting point for anybody willing to study life-cycle decisions by individuals. It conveys a lot of information in a dense but elegant way

Macroeconomics : Understanding the Wealth of Nations

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Great transaction!
Fast shippment
Yet Another Economics Book!
Not Bad, But A Little Difficult
Definitely worth getting for MBA students and World Leaders!

Macroeconomics : Understanding the Wealth of Nations
David Miles , and Andrew Scott
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Student Solutions Manual for Stickney/Weil's Financial Accounting: Introduction to Concepts, Methods and Uses (Business School Edition), 11th
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ASIN: 0471988456

Book Description

Miles and Scott deal with sophisticated issues using advanced economic theory but in a manner that is accessible to someone taking a single course in macroeconomics. They discuss real world economic issues and first describe why these issues matter before discussing economic theory. In explaining why certain economic events occur the authors utilise logical economic thinking and modelling but they only introduce models after the real world problem of interest has first been discussed. A distinguishing feature of this text is the focus on the data and detail of the world economy and the use of this material as an entry point into the world of theory.

Customer Reviews:

Great transaction!.......2005-09-26

Shipped book in promised condition! excellent! would definitely interact with again! :) thank you again!

Fast shippment.......2004-08-25

The shippment was excellent. I received the book 5 days after I palced my order!

Yet Another Economics Book!.......2004-07-26

This is a good book, designed for students wanting to understand macroeconomics without previous knowledge of the subject matter. However, it addresses advanced topics in an attractive style.
After reading every chapter you will be able to grasp the concept behind the text. However in some chapters you may need to make extra research for you to be able to formulate an understanding of the concept and eventually you may need some case studies that explain the economic implications of the inherent results.

Not Bad, But A Little Difficult.......2003-11-06

Miles and Scott's explanation of some concepts is quite convoluted. Students new to economics will find this text difficult. I recommend the Gans, King, and Mankiw macroeconomics textbook, which is more readable, more colorful, and more enjoyable. I am also looking forward to my lecturer's new textbook.

Definitely worth getting for MBA students and World Leaders!.......2001-08-17

A great insight into how world economics really works. It's easy to read with examples and diagrams that really help you understand why people behave economically the way they do. To add to this, Andrew Scott is one of the best lecturers to have worked at London Business School.

Book Description

Economic principles can sometimes seem inaccessible. This jargon-free text is designed to help the non-specialist understand why these principles are important and how they are driving events in the world today. Special attention is given to establishing the importance of economics in the context of global changein the real world. Key theories are illustrated in comtemporary settings and explained in non-technical language. The book will be particularly useful to those who are new to economics and whose interest goes beyond the national economy.

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