The Application Of Decision Rules When Buying A Middle-Class Automobile

The purpose of this paper is to explain the consumer decision making process from both, a theoretical and practical perspective. Theoretically, the consumer decision process refers to making a choice amongst various alternatives that address a problem, need or opportunity. The consumer decision process consists of several stages, such as: a) need / problem recognition, b) pre-purchase information search, c) evaluation of alternatives, d) purchase decision and e) post-purchase outcome and reactions. For this paper, the stage of evaluation of alternatives is especially important, where buying decision rules are elaborated in detail (compensatory and non-compensatory rules). Buying decision rules are procedures used by consumers to facilitate brand or other choices. Such rules reduce the burden of making complex decisions. From a practical perspective, this paper should help families who want to buy a family car, worth up to a maximum of 15,000 euros. Buying decision rules apply to products that are complex, multi-functional, and technical and are used by highly involved, relatively uninformed and inexperienced consumers. For the purpose of this paper, several interviews with families that are in a need of buying a car were made.