Holidays are some of the best times of the year for gifts and food. But did you know that the gifts you give can make a big difference to the planet? Click here to find out more! Click here to find out more!

Buying Factors | Marketing Techniques | Shopping Quiz

You're at a clothing store. You try on several pairs of jeans, pick the pair that fits, pay at the register, and leave. Sounds simple, doesn't it?

Buying decisions are more complicated than that, though. Some influencing factors are:

1. The Cool Factor. Low riders and boot cut are back. Maybe it's the Hurley shirt or the latest PS2 game. Whatever the product, it's out with the old, in with the new.
2. Peer Pressure. You buy something because everyone else has it. Or you may buy something because you don't want to look like everyone else.
3. Advertising. Companies set the fashion trends and advertise like crazy to get you and your friends to want the latest fashions.
4. Wishful Thinking. Maybe you thought the item would make you more attractive, cooler or even smarter.
5. Money Matters. Most of us have limits on what we'll spend. Cost plays a big role in most people's buying decisions.
6. Quality. Most people care about the quality of the things they buy. Who wants something that will break or rip the first time you use it?
7. Entertainment. For some people, shopping is fun. It doesn't matter what they buy, as long as they're having fun with friends or getting something new.
8. Supporting good businesses. Were those shoes made in a sweatshop? Did the manufacturing process cause environmental problems? Sometimes people make buying choices—including choosing to buy nothing—that express their social and environmental concerns.

Find out about some of the marketing techniques that are used to sell stuff. Then take the Shopping Quiz to find out what kind of shopper you are!

	See how other people are making a difference.
	See how you can take action.