Response to Jonathan Tomachick

Has a sale ever persuaded you to buy something you didn't expect to at first? Do you find yourself doing the same when you shop? Have you ever had to cut another shopping trip short because of splurging for sale items the week prior?

 Yes, a sale has persuaded me to buy something that I didn't expect to at first. I was watching television and I remembered watching commercials of someone advertising to sell snuggies; the advertisement was so convincing and persuading that it caught my attention and I wanted to buy the product and test it out. For example, a sleeved blanket just sounds so convincing and interesting to me. It also advertised that it is very comfy and you are able to do anything because both of your hands will be free. It also stated that you will be very warm when using this product. I remember that I would tell myself that I would never get this product but now, I am second guessing myself because it seems like a product that I would be very satisfied with.

Yes, I also find myself doing the same thing when I shop because I would think to myself if I would really need the product that I want to purchase. But, in the end if the sale is worth it I would end up buying it because I know for my favorite stores such as Hollister and Abercrombie; their clothings are most times expensive and if the clearance of the sale goes down by an effective amount then I would most likely purchase the item. No, I have not found myself to cut another shopping trip short because of splurging for a sale item the week prior because I am the type of person who likes to shop and I can basically do it for numerous hours. I also believe that shopping is somewhat of my stress reliever because it makes me feel better. Shopping is what I do best and I would never pass up on that opportunity to do it.

Is there a certain percentage of sale that would influence you to change your mind in purchasing an item? For example, if the product was 25% off as opposed to 50% off? Which one would you end up picking?

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

As discussed in chapter 6, Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a method of classifying human needs and motivations into five categories in ascending order of importance: physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization (pg. 106). It is noted that as a person fulfills one need, a higher-level need becomes more important. Physiological needs are the most basic needs for a human; such as food, water, and shelter. These needs are needed in order to survive. In my opinion, I think that the physiological needs are the most important because they are a necessity to life. Without those needs, nobody would be able to survive. Safety needs are needed for security and freedom from the pain and discomfort. This need helps marketers sell their products. For example, everyone would want to feel safe at all times. Mostly, for the ones who are ill; they would want to know that they can count on the doctors and nurses in the hospital to take care of them. Social needs include love and the sense of belonging. Love is always needed because it is the acceptance without regard to one's contribution. Self-esteem needs include self-respect and a sense of accomplishment. Esteem needs include prestige, fame, and recognition of one's accomplishments. I also believe that esteem is very important because it sets an image for oneself and it is very significant to have self-respect for yourself. The highest human need is self-actualization; which means that "people are what they feel they should be." I feel as if this need is the one who mostly convinces the consumers to buy their products.

If I had to narrow it down, the top three Maslow's hierarchy of needs that are the most significant to my life are the physiological needs, safety needs, and the social needs. Physiological needs are the most essential for me because without them I would not be able to survive in the world because no one person is able to survive without food, water, or even shelter. Those things are the most important in everyday life. Safety needs are also important because everyone needs to feel secure and protected. In my opinion, I would like to feel safe everywhere I go because that is the type of person I am and I would get paranoid if it was any other way. Social needs are also a huge factor in my life because without my friends and family I would not know what I would do. They are always there for me whenever I need them and in the end I know that I can always lean on them if I am feeling down and need someone to cheer me up.

What three Maslow's hierarchy of needs are essential to your life? Which one do you think is the most important to you?