Firstly, the first stage of the buyer decision process is problem recognition. This stage is where the consumer recognises the problem and need. This is sensing the difference between the actual state and the desired state (Bruner II & Pomazal, 1988). This need can be sparked by both internal stimuli and external stimuli. Internal stimuli is the individual’s normal problem and needs eg. ( hunger, thirst, sex) which develops to a drive (Kotlel, 2010). Likewise, external stimuli is the external environment eg( peer pressure, desires after seeing someone else having what u are interested in) enticing the individual to a need. Therefore its is ideal for marketers to identify the consumer problems which exist, and the marketed product is the perfect solution. A great example of external stimuli is advertisements of products, this case (Hydroxycut, 2010) fat burning pills which are developed to make the purchaser slimmer and hence more attractive. These advertising campaigns create and different understanding
References: Acevedo, L., 2009. Consumer Buying Decision. Retrieved from: http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5438201_consumer-buying-decision-process.html Bruner, Gordon C., II; Pomazal, Richard J. (Winter 1988; 5, 1) Problem Recognition: The Crucial First Stage Of The Consume. The journal of Consumer Marketing. pg 53(Business Source Premier) ICFAI University. Consumer Behaviour. Chapter 15-Post purchase behaviour. Kotler, P., Brown, L., Burton, S., Deans, K., Armstrong, G., 2010. Marketing 8th Edition. New South Wales: Pearson Nash, R., Phillips, CM., Neer, SA., 2010. Rohan Acedemic Computing. San Diego State University. Retrieved from http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/~renglish/370/notes/chapt05/index.htm Richard L. Sandhusen. Marketing, 3rd ed. 2000 Rose S. & Samouel P. (2009) Internal psychological versus external market-driven determinants of the amount of consumer information search amongst online shoppers. Journal of Marketing Management. (Business Source Premier) Retrieved from http://www.buyhydroxycut.com/