What are the five stages of the consumer buying decision process?

The five stages of the consumer buying decision process as identified in marketing are problem recognition, information search, evaluation of alternatives, purchase decision, and post-purchase behavior.

Problem recognition is the initial stage where the consumer identifies a need or a problem that requires a solution, prompting them to seek out a product or service. The information search stage follows, where consumers actively gather information about various options available to them, looking for solutions that best meet their needs.

Once they have sufficient information, consumers enter the evaluation of alternatives stage. Here, they compare different products or brands based on criteria such as quality, price, features, and personal preferences, leading to a more informed decision. After evaluating their options, consumers reach the purchase decision stage, where they commit to buying a specific product. Lastly, the post-purchase behavior stage encompasses the consumer's evaluation of the purchase after it has been made, which can influence their satisfaction and future purchasing decisions.

This framework captures the entire journey of a consumer from recognizing a need to evaluating their experience after the purchase, making it comprehensive for understanding how consumers make decisions. Other choices presented may refer to different models or stages, but they do not align as closely with the standard consumer buying process outlined in marketing principles.