blog entry #4

I recently made a purchase at the local gym. I had realized that I needed to get more exercise for some time now, and have been planning on getting a gym membership. I was driving down PCH (Pacific Coast Highway), and I passed a large banner that read, "MONTHLY $98.00 INCLUDES ALL ACCESS TO SPA SERVICES". I noticed the sign and decided to call now rather than later. This was my need recognition phase. When I called the sales employee told me about several different packages that were available. This was the information search phase.I decided on the advertised one that included spa treatments. The sales person kept urging me to buy a larger package that includes a friend pass every time I come for $20 more a month. I obliged. This was the evaluation, negotiation and selection phase. I gave my credit card information and she told me to bring my ID for my first visit and welcomed me as a new member. I went later that day and signed some paperwork and it was official. This was the purchase, payment and delivery phase. I have visited several times since then and am very happy with my purchase. The first month is a trial and there is no contract or obligation for there after, but I plan to sign up next month for a 3 month contract. My friend had come with me twice and now signed up for her first month as well. This was my after-purchase service and evaluation phase which I am still in. Depending on my continuing satisfaction I will renew and recommend this gym for an uncertaon period of time.
I think that the Purchase Decision Model is very accurate, I just explained the different steps I went through during my purchase decision and they directly correlated to each step in the model. Even if it is a quick purchase you go through these stages, just not as in depth. And if it's a bigger purchase (house, car) you go through these stages as well, although the information search is usually drawn out.