True, people buy to fill a need or want. But if that’s the only reason people buy, then the whole advertising industry might as well close shop and let it be overrun by sales people.
As a freelance copywriter, finding out what motivates people to purchase a particular product is crucial.
It allows me to target my message to the right audience, ensure relevant context and employ proper tone-of-voice.

Here are 10 reasons why people buy, aside from fulfilling a need or want. There are definitely more, but I’m just being a bit lazy today.
1. Pleasure
To feel good about themselves – luxury cars, jewelry, yachts and the like.
2. Appear Special
To be like someone else – Brad Pitt Tag Heuer or Aishwarya Rai Loreal anyone?
3. Indulgence
To reward themselves – that 2-week trip to Paris sounds nice right?
4. Peer Pressure
To belong, or be accepted – smoke this, you’ll feel like a man.
5. Emotional Need
To replace or substitute a loss – nobody loves me, but I love chocolates!
6. Great Bargain
To win – this lawnmower is too cheap, although I don’t need it.
7. Poser
To be hip, cool, awesome – iPhone 5, Onitsuka Kicks, 3DTV… I want them all.
8. Obligation
To feel less guilty – awwww… that’s very thoughtful of you, now I got to get you a gift too!
9. Circumstances
To shut the sales dude up – okay fine, these glow-in-the-dark photo frames are exactly what I need.
10. Convenience
It’s easy – why cook when we can tapau, get food delivered or just walk to the nearest mamak?
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