Shoplifting

Shoplifting may not be the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks about consumer behavior. However, I thought it was in interesting twist on consumer behavior. There is something driving a consumer to shop lift. Although the consumer is not consuming the product in a way that benefits the producer (through cash), they are none the less still consuming.

There are a different factors that  drive consumers to shoplift. For some it is because they cannot afford a product, but for others it goes much deeper than that. Shoplifiting is a real problem in America. In fact, there is a website for shoplifting prevention. Facts on this website claim there is no profile for a shoplifter. Meaning, any one is a potential suspect in the store.

What consumer behavior theories result in shoplifting? Perhaps you could tie it into Maslow's Heirarchy in the need for acceptance. Products become a part of the extended self, perhaps people allow certain products not within their means to define them that they resort to shoplift. But, perhaps its more than that. It's a thrill seeker.

Whatever it is that causes shoplifters to commit the crime is interesting in all aspects to me. There are deep psychological factors behind the reason one commits the crime.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Do you remember toys from your childhood? As I sit down to really think about the products I just HAD to have as a child, it sure brings up many memories. Some of my favorite childhood products included:

• Hiccuping Baby Dil
• My Size Barbie
• Barbie Fashion Avenue
• Huffy Bikes
• Furby
• Socker Boppers
• Gak
• Giga Pets
• Bop It
• Pokeman Cards

I was convinced this thing was alive. I remember putting it on my light up tracer and it said "light", I was instantly convinced. Santa forgot where he hid this so I got it a few days after Christmas. 

Remember the farting noise you could make when you pushed the Gak into the narrow parts of the container?

This list could go on and on. It makes me really wonder how I ever convinced my parents to get me all these toys. Perhaps it was through nagging? Well, whatever it was, it worked. 

Donations



Talking about Non-Profits in my Social Entrepreneur class and working in a Non-Profit has me thinking a lot about donations. Research shows that 80% of donations come from individuals. So the question here is what makes people donate? The answer to this question is highly related to consumer behavior.

Do you donate to a non-profit? Whether it be time or money, there is a driving factor that causes people to donate. I'd say that although donating gives the donor a warm fuzzy feeling, there is more that goes into the decision about who and how much to donate.

My most recent donation was to an organization that I cannot even recall the name. I was walking through the Student Union Building (SUB) and someone grabbed me and gave their pitch for their organization. I let them talk them donated without even asking further questions. How did I make such an impulsive donation?

Was I feel generous or did I really connect with their mission? Well, based on the fact that I barely remember the mission, I'm assuming I was feeling generous. But, this is not what keeps people donating.

People work hard for their money and can be selfish when spending it, yet many don't hesitate to support a local non-profit. Especially when the organization manages connect to the donor on a personal level. Or, when the organization shows a real impact in the community. I was told by a professional fundraiser that, "people donate not because an organization has a need, but because the organization meets a need." I think she nailed it. People donate to make a real impact.