Let’s hear it: what kind of buyer are you?

August 29, 2011 · 8 comments

in Ask The Readers

How do you classify yourself? effortlessgent.comHey gents,

Thought I’d start today off with a question: What kind of buyer are you?

I was on the Lands’ End Canvas and LL Bean Signature sites earlier—sort of randomly, not browsing with any intent to buy—and I ended up picking out four items and completing the purchase… which, if you knew me, is actually pretty uncommon; I’m never one to just buy things like that.

I noticed what prompted me was 1.) I found something that I’ve been looking for for a while, and 2.) it was on sale. This causes me to 3.) browse other suggested items that were also on sale because, well, why not? I was already picking something up… Might as well add a few more sale items.

I’d classify myself as a bargain buyer, or a sale shopper, and on top of that, I only make the purchase if I absolutely need it. As i get older I dont spend as wildly and only get what I need, and I rarely, if ever, buy things full price (you probably weren’t expecting me to say any of the above, considering this is a site on men’s style, huh?)

What about you?

What motivates you to a actually make a purchase when you’re browsing online?

  1. Do you buy on impulse?
  2. Do you stock up when things are on sale?
  3. Do you buy based on need, regardless of price?
  4. Do you purchase based on desire, regardless of need?
  5. A hybrid or offshoot of any of these?

I’m curious to hear how you classify yourself, and maybe why you’re like that (or why you THINK you’re like that.) Let it all out in the comments below.

PS – Did you know EG is on Facebook? We’re also on Twitter. Continue the conversation with us there!

About

Barron is the founder and editor of Effortless Gent, a site dedicated to helping dudes figure out what looks best on them. He also co-founded Fifth&Brannan, a menswear label based in San Francisco. Connect with him on Twitter and Facebook.

  • http://twitter.com/kevinaight Kevin D

    Frugal minimalist. I’ll only buy something if I see myself getting a lot of wear out of it, know that  I don’t need to get another article to go with it, and I can get a good deal on it.
    And it’s gotta have good reviews and a solid return/exchange policy.

  • Shane Ellswood

    Mainly I’m a thrift buyer. This includes the Oxfam website where I’v found some bargains. I read blogs like yours to educate myself and always seek out product reviews when I know what I’m looking for. The amazon Wish List is a useful tool when buying retail at good prices and my spouse knows to look at it when she wishes to buy me a gift – no unwanted gifts see.
    I’m really into building a timeless wardrobe and decluttering my house so tend to list what I want and get rid of the rest. Bargains are always great, but as you say should fit your needs.

  • Jmbrunson

    My shopping habits are pretty much a combo of two and three. I don’t really “stock up”, but if something I try to wait until there’s a sale to buy something I need to fill out my wardrobe. Now, honestly I’m not generally in actually need of anything, I have plenty of clothes. It’s more of a desire, so I guess it’s kinda a combo of two, three, and four. Because I wouldn’t buy a great pair of loafers on sale if I had a pair in that color already. However I may buy them in a different color despite the fact that I don’t actually need a pair of loafers.  I also do a lot of thrift shopping, however I look at that entirely different. If it’s a good item I’ll buy, but the price is so low that it’s easy to justify it and if it doesn’t get a lot of wear in the next few months I send it back to the thrift store.

  • Brad B.

    I’ve been getting in much better shape over the last year so I’ve been having to pretty much buy a fresh wardrobe every season for the last 12 months. Gets pricey. So I keep a list based on need and then pick things up when I can find a good deal (or when I can’t put it off any longer and end up dropping full-price cash). 

  • Brad B.

    I’ve been getting in much better shape over the last year so I’ve been having to pretty much buy a fresh wardrobe every season for the last 12 months. Gets pricey. So I keep a list based on need and then pick things up when I can find a good deal (or when I can’t put it off any longer and end up dropping full-price cash). 

  • Jason

    I’m pretty much like you… I rarely if ever pay full price, and I usually have a list of things I need that I’m looking for. Unfortunately I get caught up in the thrill of the chase looking at sale stuff. My girlfriend helps keep me in from going too crazy though. I’ve been enjoying seeing the recommendations from you and your readers for good quality. I’ve got (small and on-sale) orders coming from ribbedtee.com and ctshirts.com ;)

  • MattR

    It actually depends on where I am buying clothes.

    If it’s a retail store or online, I’m impulsive about what I put in the cart, but very minimalist when it comes to actual purchases.  It has to be something I either need or really like.  And if it’s the latter, it usually has to be on sale or already on the cheap.

    Thrift stores are a whole other ballgame.  Now, there’s no reason to put crap in the cart at a thrift store, even if needed or wanted.  But if there’s nice product, as there often is, it can get ugly quick.  Usually the temptation to buy comes with products that I can’t use myself (ex. quality suits that are too big), but could easily flip at various places on the internet.  There’s a lot of risk, though, so there has to be a high probability of resale, otherwise it’s a waste of limited cash.

  • http://www.drivenbyfashion.com www.DrivenByFashion.com

    It all depends.  If there is something I want really bad (Ferragamo master slide loafers) that costs way too much($500), I keep looking online until I find it on sale (Kept checking bloomingdales.com until the price dropped to $350 – took 1 month of waiting).  Other stuff I usually buy based on need.  Unless I work overtime or whatever and get extra cash, then I’ll goto Bloomingdales or the Hugo Boss store and see what jumps out at me.
    -R

    Be driven by your passion.  http://www.DrivenByFashion.com

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