COMPARISON SHOPPER Meaning and
Definition
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A comparison shopper, commonly referred to as a consumer or a buyer, is an individual who engages in the practice of meticulously evaluating various products or services before making a purchasing decision. The primary objective of a comparison shopper is to discern the best available option by contrasting and weighing the features, prices, quality, and other relevant factors of different items or brands within a particular market.
Comparison shoppers employ several strategies to facilitate their decision-making process. They often conduct extensive research through various resources such as online reviews, product descriptions, and customer feedback to gather comprehensive information about different products. This enables them to establish a benchmark for what they deem to be the most desirable qualities or attributes they seek in a purchase. Furthermore, comparison shoppers often visit multiple retailers, both physical and online, to compare prices, promotions, discounts, and any additional benefits associated with the purchase.
The aim of comparison shopping is to obtain the best value for money or the highest-quality product that meets the individual's specific needs or preferences. By actively comparing different options, a comparison shopper is able to make an informed decision that aligns with their budget, lifestyle, and requirements. The proliferation of e-commerce platforms and price comparison websites has made comparison shopping increasingly convenient, as it allows shoppers to easily access and compare prices, features, and customer reviews from the comfort of their own home.
Overall, the role of a comparison shopper is integral in promoting a competitive marketplace by encouraging businesses to maintain high-quality standards, competitive pricing, and customer satisfaction.
Etymology of COMPARISON SHOPPER
The term "comparison shopper" is a compound noun formed by combining the words "comparison" and "shopper".
The word "comparison" derives from the Latin "comparatio", which means "a making equal, a comparison". It is derived from the verb "comparare", which means "to make equal, to compare". The Latin word itself comes from the combination of the prefix "com-" meaning "together" and the verb "parare" meaning "to make ready" or "to prepare".
The word "shopper" is derived from the verb "shop", which comes from the Old English word "scoppian" meaning "to trade" or "to barter". Over time, "shop" evolved to refer specifically to retail buying, and "shopper" became the noun to describe a person engaged in shopping or purchasing goods.
