What are the three stages in Consumer Decision-making?

The three stages in consumer decision-making are accurately described as Input, Processing, and Output.

In the Input stage, consumers receive information regarding products or services, which may come from various sources such as advertising, personal recommendations, or market research. This stage is crucial as it forms the foundation upon which consumers base their decisions.

During the Processing stage, consumers analyze and interpret the information they have gathered. This includes assessing the product’s features, benefits, costs, and potential alternatives. This cognitive evaluation is critical as it determines the consumer's attitude towards a product or service and influences their subsequent behavior.

Finally, in the Output stage, consumers make their decision, which could involve purchasing the product or service, sharing their opinions with others, or even choosing not to engage with the product at all. This stage reflects the culmination of the previous two, resulting in a tangible action based on the processing of information.

Each of these stages plays a vital role in understanding how consumers reach their final decision, making this framework a significant aspect of consumer behavior studies.