The 5 shopper modes
The Browser
Browsers are leisurely shoppers who go to websites for inspiration or to kill time. Browsing shoppers want to stay up to date on the latest trends, dream of future purchases, or prepare for the next shopping trip. They will regularly visit their favourite sites or new sites of interest.
The Researcher
Researchers are goal driven. They plan to purchase, but the purchase may happen today or a later date. They may be collecting information about products, learning about new products or searching for the right price or features. Research may be done over several in-depth visits or can involve a quick decision between options.
The Product Focused
Product focused shoppers know exactly what they want. They’ve done previous research and have picked the item that they want to purchase. Product focused shoppers are goal-oriented and go to websites to find specific products. They know what they need, and they want the site to give it to them quickly.
The Bargain Hunter
Bargain hunters look for the best deal possible. Bargain hunter mode can impact and run simultaneously to other types of shoppers (browser, researcher and product focused). Some shoppers are simply looking for bargains, enticed into purchases by the idea of getting a good deal.
One-time Shopper
One-time shoppers may also be in another shopper mode. They are often gift-card recipients, gift-card buyers, or gift buyers. They may come with a goal, such as a list of products that a recipient is interested in. They have no intentions to visit the site after the initial purchase; they are visiting due to a one-time need.
