127. A few years ago, tea was a product with relatively little growth and was considered to be a product for
the old and the middle-aged. Then tea manufacturers started promoting the health benefits of tea. Since
the introduction of the research on how tea provides the body with useful anti-oxidants, tea
consumption has increased by more than 25 percent, and it appears its market share will continue to
grow, especially among young women in their twenties. This is an illustration of how promotion can:
change the importance of beliefs about product attributes
change beliefs about product attributes
add new beliefs about product attributes
reinforce current beliefs about product attributes
discover consumer needs about product attributes
Zena has been promoted to vice-president at the management consulting firm she works for. Her status
has led her to consider the need for a new car. Her trusty little Volkswagen Beetle had over 100,000
miles on it and no longer seemed appropriate. Susanne, another vice-president, suggested that Zena
consider a car produced in the United States because the consulting firm she works for has a policy of
supporting U.S. businesses. Zena began her quest for a new car by visiting several car dealers and
obtaining pamphlets on the models she is considering. She also studied Consumer Reports magazine,
Car and Driver ratings, and other consumer rating publications to see what the experts think. Finally,
after evaluating all options, Zena decided to purchase a new Chrysler. She believes the car is a good fit
with her new image and position in her company. Now that she has purchased the car, she has seen
more advertisements touting its features than she ever noticed before. She also has noticed many
models of her car on the road. Zena thinks the fact that so many others are driving the same model car
as hers is proof that she made a good decision.
128. Refer to New Car Purchase. Zena’s visits to the dealers and looking at ratings in magazines best
represent which step of the consumer decision-making process?
evaluation of alternatives
129. Refer to New Car Purchase. In noticing similar cars on the road and advertising supporting her
decision, Zena is reinforcing her decision and reducing the doubts she sometimes feels regarding this
purchase. The feelings of inner tension are called: