Obviously, not everybody rushes out to get the latest products. Some people move fast, some people never move.
Discuss your own attitude towards new products. Have you ever jumped at a new release / model / version of anything? If so, why or why not? What do other people do? Why? Etc.
Discuss your own attitude towards new products. Have you ever jumped at a new release / model / version of anything? If so, why or why not? What do other people do? Why? Etc.
Harry Potter 7
ReplyDeleteSounds weird I know but i was one of those millions kids, young adults and adults (see Mel Gibson) who lined up for hours on end at the craziest time to see the end of an era. I think it pretty much speaks about the emotional proximity I have with the series, having grown up with it. I pretty much think that emotional proximity has a lot to do with new products.
If something that I want becomes a need because of closeness, than I will try my best to see (Transformers 2; it sucked), hear (the new Muse song (even though it's leaked and not that complete) and buy (see above & the Nokia N85 cause I fell in love with it's coolness).
Other people would probably judge the rush to buy a new product for emotional proximity as well. Another reason would be just to have an aesthetic edge over rivals (Datuks buying new Beemers to show off at other Datuks).
I don't rush to buy new products, mainly because (in cases of electronic items) they might have faults that have not been identified and repaired, and because their prices will usually come down after a few months, so if I really want to buy it, I'd wait. A good example of this is the Apple iPhone 3G. It came out not too long ago, and already they have come out with the iPhone 3G(S). Imagine if you had bought the first model only JUST before the upgraded one came out. Most of the time, when wanting to buy an electronic product, I do surveys first. I check out relative prices, new and older models, features, and user-friendliness of different brands. Only after that, I decide which is the best. Sometimes, NEW does not mean it is BETTER.
ReplyDelete(On another note, I've never queued up like mad for the first releases of the Harry Potter books, eventhough I am a Harry Potter FANATIC, but this wasn't because I had to any survey. I definitely bought/read them within a month from the release date, though.)
Obviously, I have get excited over some new release for example movies or electronics stuff like hand phones but still I would never be one of those ‘craziest ones’ who would queue up throughout the nite for watching the first release of show even if the movie was one of my long awaiting ones, because we can always catch the movie anytime after the ‘crazy period’. I don’t say it’s mental but I just don’t think it is worthy enough for me to do so; unless they specify the speciality/ outstanding of it, then I might try to do so. Likewise, for hand phones I do get pretty tempted with the new functions and features of the new model through advertise, but I would never rush myself to get one immediately. I would usually get opinions from friends and family, den do my research through the internet, read reviews and then compare with another model that I’m also interested in before I make any foolish decision/act.
ReplyDeleteWhile on the other hand, I do comprehend that many of my friends are willing to queue up in the extreme line just to watch the first release of their desired show. Another example would be the Apple i-phone 3G, I would say many of my friends would already owned one by now as they are frequently being expose to the reappearance of advertisement and peer pressures from friends. Therefore, I do think that their buying behaviour is usually based on emotions, status, personality and the persuasiveness of a product.
I don't rush to buy anything. I'm always the one waiting or chilling with a drink till everyone lines in the line or to buy anything. Even in major sales of guess (big fan of guess) or anything, I'll definitely go, but I won’t go during peak times. It's Malaysia, there is always sale, so chill lah, what's the hurry ? :)
ReplyDeleteMy believe is if it’s new, wait as the price will go down and I can read the reviews on the product and ask around. As an example, I need to buy a phone as soon as possible as my N73 is giving me so much of problem and that is why I’m using a spare phone. But I am not rushing to buy a phone whereby I am taking my own time, reading online, asking people on few various phones to buy, like what Andrea said doesn’t mean its new it has to be better. My belief is I rather walk slowly and take my time then regretting later on. I have my eye on nokia’s e series and blackberry, so I am taking my time, doing the surveys and then ill decide which I shall buy.
My cousin is a huge fan of Harry potter, she actually ordered the book like 2 months or so before the book was out and she paid in advance and she waited in the line for hours to just collect her book.
Some people are just willing to go to the extend, as it gives them self satisfaction and the thought of its mine gives them the self pleasure. The only thing that I will rush or hunt to buy is India’s L’Oreal eye pencil as we don’t get it here and I use it on regular base.
- Man Yin -
ReplyDeleteA new product release is actually a type of "fresh feeling" for the consumer. Everyone wants new and unique thing. So if the product has only limited number and it is affordable, i will just take it. I prefer to waste it (if i don't like it after i bought) than regret for not getting it. For me, i am easily influencey by people around me, only when people talk more about it and introduce to me then i will consider about the new release product. I never buy new innovated product by exploring it myself. For example, when i was in Australia last month, my friend keep on mentioned to me how good taste is the new released doughnut - Krispy Kreme, and that was the time i went to have a try. My concern is the price and also the quality regardless how innovated or what version is it.
In addition, i found out most of the time people want to get the new release or new version product as soon as possible is due to the peer pressure. When they get the lastest and the newest thing in hand, they feel like winning, feel proud, get attention and people's jealousy. In fact, they do not really need the product or don't even like it.
For example, most of the girls like Louis Vuitton (L.V) product. Though i have not much interest in it, but when L.V came out with new product, i will search for the design and price. While chit chating with friend we will have common topic and i want to be part of them but without any L.V product. THis is called stereotyping >.<
Superman Comic Series – DC Comics
ReplyDeleteComics have always been bought and collected by the young and the old. Superman has always been my favorite, maybe because I grew up reading Superman comic books (emotional proximity) and always eager to buy more of the item. Waiting for new volume is always makes me impatient. I always check for new releases via the Net and via updates in the comic itself. Not many will actually stand in line to buy Superman comic books but this is due to the culture of Malaysia. We do not embrace Superman as much as the American do. Superman is a part of America’s history and culture, and there people will actually rush to new releases of Superman comics. Malaysians on the other hand, they would actually go and rush for Puteri Gunung Ledang because it is a part of their culture.
Pirates of the Caribbean 3 movie
ReplyDeleteRushed and queued at the day of the screening for 2 hours. Reason was that the movie was very well anticipated while the prequel ended in a very tense note.
I feel most of the time people want to jump in the new products is that they are probably an 'otaku' about that product. Harry potter fans are an example when they all rushed to the bookstore on the release date of the latest book.
Hahaha~~I’m the one who never buy because influence by people around me. I always buy because I want it, I like it or I need it. Btw, same as Andrea, I've never queued up for the new released. Even though I want the thing, I will rather wait until the ‘heat’ has cool down. For example movie, I won’t choose to watch those blockbusters, why do I need to pay more, queue long and maybe get a bad seat? & so sorry to Alvin, when I read Adrea talked about the iPhone I really first think about you! You’re really the best example for Adrea’s example!
ReplyDeleteI think this is all about the [bandwagon] effect…everyone join in because others are doing so as well. Since everyone else is doing it, you will be left out if you do not.
I actually have a similar standing as Chloe on this because I too do not go to the extend for instance driving all the way to Sunway Pyramid from Kepong just to buy a product or check out new releases. I am more chilled and laid back about new releases or sales for mainly I don't find logic in lining up for hours and for sales I can never get the right size anyway especially when you can't try on the clothes because the changing rooms are flooded by people.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I have to admit that there are times when I am really tempted by all the sales, promotions and new releases especially when my friends are in on it. For instance, I wouldn't have gotten my handphone, N71 if my friends hadn't influence me by going on and on about how convenient and great it is.Therefore, I must agree with Chloe's say on the whole bandwagon effect or rather the peer pressure thing that you get from your friends every now and then. So I guess for me at least the product alone doesn't innovates me as much but rather other factors like advertisements and the whole bandwagon/ peer pressure thing definitely helps.
Interesting to read a phrase I don't come across often: emotional proximity. Is dat like a feel-good factor?
ReplyDeleteHope you're all enjoying your 'emotional proximate' break, :)
Emotional Proximity is not so much a feel good factor. It's actually a journalism related phrase. An example is, let's say your a fan of Miley Cyrus (the talentless bitch), and any news that you hear, good or bad, about the singer/actress will have you excited to want to hear more.
ReplyDeleteANother example is this morning when I, a fan of all Marvel-comics based superhero movies, heard of Disney's plan to use Miley Cyrus in 'The Avengers' movie. That caused the emotion of anger.
normally i dont rush out to buy new products on the market'but hey i rushed to watch the transformers and am glad that i watched it caus it was too nice''however there are some certain products like ifone which i think thy dont deserve so much hype''caus after all the hype an evting,i thought it was goin to be a realy good product but i was dissapointed in some of the features
ReplyDeletei think some companies just know how to market their products well and that make some of their features to get well known because those companies have got millions to spend on advertising
To me, emotional proximity = how obsessed you are with the product. If you have a high emotional proximity with something, (for example, you LOVE LOVE LOVE watching One Tree Hill, even if other people DON'T) you'd be running to watch it/download it the SECOND a new episode comes out. I'm now thinking about how you target otakus all over again.
ReplyDeleteHave I ever? No, I don’t think so… but I would check them out (depending on what) and see what the hype is about. Like when new cars are released, showrooms are filled with lots of people. Usually all these kinda stuff eventually loses its hype and becomes cheaper, especially electronics like mobile phones and TVs etc. So, its good to wait.
ReplyDeleteAlso, its not a really good idea to buy the new product right away (unless its FOOD) because it might have defects/problems which the makers have not discovered yet. Also, it can get disappointing if the product is not what you expect it to be, especially with all the hype and excitement around.
I think most people will behave like the people around them, their family, friends, coworkers etc. So if their friends are absolutely crazy about a certain product and rush to get it, they will eventually get influenced too.
yes, otaku otaku. that's the mantra. very apt as we're moving into market segmentation. your textbook doesn't have 'niche' in its index - weird.
ReplyDeleteanother thing is nowadays there's a tendency for people to self-create products which they and others consume (e.g. YouTube). This triggers an explosion of new 'products' which are so diversified (in a super-detailed kind of way), bizarre, of customised-quality yet, you know what? FREE. Go figure.
By Benette Lee
ReplyDeleteI believe that it all goes down to preference as well as geographics. I for one enjoy products and services which are not common or popular in this region. I do not go all out and wait for the new bestsellers to arrive, neither will I wait in line for the most anticipated blockbusters to be shown on the silver screens.
However I believe that new media technology has allowed us to move pass this phase, what with Internet purchases and credit cards allowing us to shop at the comfort of our own homes. Sites like E-Bay, Yes Asia and I Tunes allow us to shop with just a click of a button- and some of them pushes sales with attractive discounts as well as earlier date of releases for most products (normal retail would see these products hitting the shelves only a week or two later). I am one of those who reap benefits from these services as I cannot stand having to wait physically to get products. There is also a better guarantee that you would get your hands on them as your submission for the purchase would indicate whether there is sufficient quantity, unlike when you wait in line and later to regretfully find out that the new release(s) is sold out.
In relations to geographics, I have been an avid fan of a different music genre and therefore the majority of my purchases do not come from the normal music stores here in Malaysia. Collectors or huge fans of such products are likely to spend extra to get the versions/ limited editions of the product, although the same product is likely to arrive in their country except that it would not consist of the additional features.
Unless I’ve been keeping myself up to date with a soon-to-be-released product since it was first announced, I rarely if ever jump onto a new product just like that. I need to be excited about it without having the media hyped it for me. It all boils down to personal reasons, if the product is something of interest to me even before it was incepted I would naturally have actual motivation to purchase it. To borrow a phrase used here, I need emotional proximity. I guess I need to be part of the product’s niche.
ReplyDeleteTo give a basic example, if my favourite author announces he will be releasing a new book, I would get it on its release date without hesitation (with or without media hype backing it up). If Hollywood produces another intellectually vacuous movie derived from some toy line from my childhood, I would have no incentive to go watch it on premiere day – or ever – simply because I am uninterested in such anymore (although nostalgia has significant selling power, a good percentage of cinema-goers who watched the GI Joe movie were adult former fans of the toy/cartoon).
Most of the time new products sell because of the bandwagon effect, which is why certain products sell outside of their target market. People who don’t otherwise read fiction (or read books at all) bought Dan Brown’s books for no other reason than that his name had media ubiquity and everyone seems to be talking his books. Same goes for the Twilight and Harry Potter series. This is anecdotal of course so take my example with a grain of salt.
- Alif Omar Mahfix