Caution
There must have been times when you regretted buying a product or availing a service; likewise there must have been instances when you were overwhelmed by the idea of your association with a particular brand. Whatsoever, we all play the role of "consumer" infinite times in a lifetime. This post is about how fixated it is being a consumer today. This fixation might be with the brands, or with fads, and yet there are those who find it effortless to be a consumer. These reviews are totally impartial and solely depend on the individual experiences, so you have your due right to agree or disagree with me :)
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“Oh I bought this shirt for Rs 5000 from the New exclusive couture line (ABC), have you heard of it? How cool is that”? Said my friend, 25 years old. “But I bought the same from the mall next to my place for 2500”, it’s the same material and design,” said I convincingly. “But it’s branded”, said she triumphantly!
It was obvious she did not feel any remorse for Rs 2500 extra paid for the exactly same item I bought, so what is this brand fever which has been taking its toll more than forever now! Let’s see!
For few consumers, all that matters is the convenience to shop at a less crowded place (the exclusive boutiques and stores) than at a common marketplace, for few, it is the peer pressure which compels them to go after brands, and for others, quality of branded items is way better than the unbranded products. However, the most significant trend is that, brands were never as invasive in Pakistan as they are today. The all so well set and happening integrated marketing is etching the significance of being branded in consumers’ minds. It is always worthy to be recognized as the girl who wears "Chanel" or the guy who owns a dozen "Mango" shirts. For example, a twenty three year old working lady says,“mostly I shop at Khaadi, Ego or Generations; the clothes are expensive yet pretty, but most of all, they fulfill my desire to wear designer outfit”. A thirty year old housewife says, "everything is branded today? what and how much will you avoid? besides, brands provide me a sense of promise and value". However, not all the consumers replicate the above view,
“Why would I pay for the brand, if I can find the similar item at low price, said a twenty four year old working lady”! A twenty year old student says, “It doesn't really matter if the clothes are branded, I buy what I like, it’s simple I guess!
So, there still are consumers who never have complex of not buying branded products.
Well, to succinct in, the feeling of buying a brand is proud and satiating but sometimes consumers become prey to excessive prices, and low product quality in the brand run and cannot really determine if what they are paying for is worth buying. This is true, the charisma of brands can never be undermined. At some time point all of us want a “me” fondness which is well fulfilled by brands, but don’t we become victims of brand blindness sometimes and feel remorse afterwards? Have you ever?
There must have been times when you regretted buying a product or availing a service; likewise there must have been instances when you were overwhelmed by the idea of your association with a particular brand. Whatsoever, we all play the role of "consumer" infinite times in a lifetime. This post is about how fixated it is being a consumer today. This fixation might be with the brands, or with fads, and yet there are those who find it effortless to be a consumer. These reviews are totally impartial and solely depend on the individual experiences, so you have your due right to agree or disagree with me :)
*********************************************************************************
“Oh I bought this shirt for Rs 5000 from the New exclusive couture line (ABC), have you heard of it? How cool is that”? Said my friend, 25 years old. “But I bought the same from the mall next to my place for 2500”, it’s the same material and design,” said I convincingly. “But it’s branded”, said she triumphantly!
It was obvious she did not feel any remorse for Rs 2500 extra paid for the exactly same item I bought, so what is this brand fever which has been taking its toll more than forever now! Let’s see!
For few consumers, all that matters is the convenience to shop at a less crowded place (the exclusive boutiques and stores) than at a common marketplace, for few, it is the peer pressure which compels them to go after brands, and for others, quality of branded items is way better than the unbranded products. However, the most significant trend is that, brands were never as invasive in Pakistan as they are today. The all so well set and happening integrated marketing is etching the significance of being branded in consumers’ minds. It is always worthy to be recognized as the girl who wears "Chanel" or the guy who owns a dozen "Mango" shirts. For example, a twenty three year old working lady says,“mostly I shop at Khaadi, Ego or Generations; the clothes are expensive yet pretty, but most of all, they fulfill my desire to wear designer outfit”. A thirty year old housewife says, "everything is branded today? what and how much will you avoid? besides, brands provide me a sense of promise and value". However, not all the consumers replicate the above view,
“Why would I pay for the brand, if I can find the similar item at low price, said a twenty four year old working lady”! A twenty year old student says, “It doesn't really matter if the clothes are branded, I buy what I like, it’s simple I guess!
So, there still are consumers who never have complex of not buying branded products.
Well, to succinct in, the feeling of buying a brand is proud and satiating but sometimes consumers become prey to excessive prices, and low product quality in the brand run and cannot really determine if what they are paying for is worth buying. This is true, the charisma of brands can never be undermined. At some time point all of us want a “me” fondness which is well fulfilled by brands, but don’t we become victims of brand blindness sometimes and feel remorse afterwards? Have you ever?
probably consumers like us. We are shrewd :)
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