Consumer Behaviour towards purchase of flameproof equipments

Project Presentation

1. CONSUMER BEHAVIOR TOWARDS PURCHASING FLAMEPROOF EQUIPMENT IN THE INDIAN MARKET Project done by Name : J SASITHAR Reg No : PA225200102006 Under the Guidance of Dr.Arulmozhi HOD / MBA

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY Primary Objectives To analyze consumer behaviour towards purchasing flameproof equipment in the Indian market Secondary Objectives To analyze consumer behaviour To determine the key decision-making factors, To assess market preferences. To evaluate the impact of regulatory compliance Secondary Objectives Identify emerging trends Analyze the competitive landscape Suggest improvements in supply chain management

3. LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 A Study on Consumer Buying behaviour in India Health and wellness have become key priorities, with consumers spending more on fitness, organic food, and wellness services, often motivated by the desire to look fit rather than just feel healthy. The demand for customization has also surged, with over half of consumers willing to pay extra for personalized products, particularly in categories like apparel and vehicles. Women are now playing a stronger role in decision-making, having the final say in more than half of household purchases, including traditionally male-dominated sectors like travel and vehicles. Another noticeable trend is the growing preference for Indian brands over international ones, particularly in food and personal care, due to a perception of better quality and suitability. Consumers are also shifting their spending focus from material possessions to experiences, prioritizing travel and entertainment over traditional purchases. Many even trade down on certain product categories to afford these experiences. The appeal of exclusivity is another emerging factor, with consumers placing high value on unique and limited-edition products as a sign of status. Additionally, renting is becoming a preferred alternative to ownership, especially for furniture, appliances, and gadgets, driven by affordability and flexibility . These trends are reshaping India's consumer landscape, presenting both opportunities and challenges for businesses. Companies must adapt by understanding these evolving behaviors and offering solutions that align with consumers' changing preferences .

4. LITERATURE REVIEW 2.2 Ten Trends Altering Consumer Behaviour in India The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report highlights significant shifts in Indian consumer behavior driven by rising incomes, digital influence, and changing priorities. Consumers are now highly information-driven, extensively researching products before making purchases, often comparing multiple data points such as reviews and features. Shopping habits have also evolved, with over 60% of consumers making purchases to stay trendy rather than out of necessity. Additionally, time-saving services have gained popularity, as urban Indians seek convenience through online shopping and end-to-end service providers . Health and wellness have become key priorities, with consumers spending more on fitness, organic food, and wellness services, often motivated by the desire to look fit rather than just feel healthy. The demand for customization has also surged, with over half of consumers willing to pay extra for personalized products, particularly in categories like apparel and vehicles. Women are now playing a stronger role in decision-making, having the final say in more than half of household purchases, including traditionally male-dominated sectors like travel and vehicles. Another noticeable trend is the growing preference for Indian brands over international ones, particularly in food and personal care, due to a perception of better quality and suitability. Consumers are also shifting their spending focus from material possessions to experiences, prioritizing travel and entertainment over traditional purchases. Many even trade down on certain product categories to afford these experiences. The appeal of exclusivity is another emerging factor, with consumers placing high value on unique and limited-edition products as a sign of status. Additionally, renting is becoming a preferred alternative to ownership, especially for furniture, appliances, and gadgets, driven by affordability and flexibility.

5. LITERATURE REVIEW 2.3 Consumer Awareness & Buying Behaviour Towards FMCGs in India The Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector plays a crucial role in the Indian economy, characterized by high turnover rates and extensive distribution networks. The market, valued at USD 110 billion in 2020, is expected to reach USD 220 billion by 2025 with a CAGR of 14%. Consumer preferences are shifting towards premium and branded products, with health-conscious choices gaining traction. More than 50% of FMCG revenue comes from products priced at ₹10 or less, highlighting price sensitivity among Indian consumers . The study analyzes factors influencing consumer buying behavior , revealing that product quality (40%) is the top driver, followed by brand loyalty (19.7%) and price (13%). While 55% of consumers prefer in-store purchases, 35% discover new products through social media and online ads. Sustainability is a growing concern, with 56% considering it important in purchasing decisions. Consumers also exhibit moderate brand loyalty, with 47% switching brands occasionally. The research emphasizes the importance of digital marketing, influencer partnerships, and omni channel strategies. Companies are advised to leverage data analytics, enhance consumer engagement, and focus on sustainability initiatives. Promotional offers and loyalty programs remain key to driving brand retention in India's highly competitive FMCG market.

6. LITERATURE REVIEW 2.4 Study on Consumer Buying Behaviour at D-Mart, Nagpur The study on consumer buying behaviour at D-Mart in Nagpur examines the key factors influencing customer preferences and shopping patterns. It highlights that a majority of consumers prefer D-Mart over other stores due to its affordability, product variety, and attractive discounts. Most shoppers visit the store on a monthly basis, primarily purchasing grocery items, household goods, and food products. Discounts and promotional offers are the strongest motivators for customers, followed by product quality and store experience. However, the study also reveals challenges such as a lack of awareness about D-Mart’s online services, inefficiencies in the billing process, and customer service issues. Additionally, the study finds that middle-income groups form the majority of D-Mart’s customer base, as they seek value-for-money products. The convenience of finding all essential products under one roof further enhances customer preference for the store. While consumers appreciate D-Mart’s competitive pricing, there is a growing demand for a wider variety of clothing and household items. The study also indicates that most customers are satisfied with the store’s return policy and consider D-Mart more affordable than other retailers. To enhance customer satisfaction, the study suggests improving product quality to attract high-income customers, increasing awareness of online services, and streamlining the billing process. Additionally, better staff training is recommended to improve customer interactions. Overall, the study concludes that while D-Mart effectively caters to middle-income shoppers with its competitive pricing, further improvements in service quality, product variety, and digital engagement could strengthen its market position and customer loyalty.

7. LITERATURE REVIEW 2.5 Consumer Behaviour Towards Online and Offline Shopping The study explores consumer behaviour towards online and offline shopping, highlighting key factors influencing preferences. While online shopping has gained traction due to convenience, discounts, and accessibility, many consumers still prefer physical stores for trust, product feel, and payment security. The research finds that males shop online more frequently than females, and lower-income groups (₹10,000-₹20,000) are more inclined towards online purchases. Among the respondents, 59% use both shopping modes, with Flipkart emerging as a major online retailer. Security concerns remain a significant barrier to online shopping, leading many to favor malls and physical stores for safer transactions. Factors such as product variety, brand preference, and delivery times also impact shopping decisions . Consumers shopping online value the ease of comparing products and accessing better deals, while offline shoppers rely on the sensory experience and immediate product availability. The study also reveals that online shopping has gained popularity recently, with most users having adopted it in the past year. Despite concerns over fraud and delayed deliveries, e-commerce platforms continue to expand, offering better return policies and improved customer service to build trust. The integration of online and offline shopping, such as click-and-collect models, is becoming increasingly popular. Retail giants are leveraging technology to bridge the gap between the two shopping modes, enhancing customer experience. In conclusion, while traditional shopping remains dominant due to familiarity and trust, the shift towards online shopping is evident and is expected to grow further with technological advancements and improved digital security .

8. LITERATURE REVIEW 2.6 Analyzing Industrial consumer buying behaviour The paper further explores the impact of advertising, promotional offers, and brand perception on consumer choices, emphasizing how repeated exposure and strong branding influence habitual buying behavior . It discusses how emotional and psychological triggers, such as fear of missing out (FOMO) and social proof, shape purchase decisions. For industrial buyers, factors like supplier reliability, product quality, after-sales service, and long-term contracts play a crucial role in decision-making. The study highlights the significance of Quality by Design ( QbD ) in pharmaceutical procurement, ensuring consistent product performance. Technological advancements, such as e-commerce and data analytics, have transformed both consumer and industrial buying patterns, enabling businesses to predict demand and optimize inventory. The paper concludes by stressing the importance of continuously adapting to evolving market trends, consumer expectations, and competitive dynamics to maintain business growth and customer loyalty.

9. LITERATURE REVIEW 2.7 Study of Consumer Behaviour Towards Purchasing Electronic Products The paper "Study of Consumer Behaviour Towards Purchasing Electronic Products" explores the factors influencing consumer decisions when buying mobile phones and laptops in India. The study analyzes cultural, social, personal, psychological, and marketing mix factors to understand their impact on consumer preferences. Data was collected through a questionnaire with 130 respondents from Mumbai, and statistical tools like SPSS and Microsoft Excel were used for analysis. The findings reveal that while independent variables weakly influence overall consumer behavior , social factors, physical product aspects, and marketing strategies significantly shape purchasing decisions. Key insights indicate that younger consumers (below 35 years) prefer online shopping, while older consumers prefer offline stores. Mobile phones are primarily purchased online from Amazon (57.7%) and Flipkart (17.7%), whereas laptops are more frequently bought from offline stores (46.92%) due to the need for physical inspection and quality assurance. The study also finds that as the price of a product increases, consumers shift from online to offline purchases, showing greater quality consciousness in higher-value items. Additionally, brand preference plays a role, with some consumers prioritizing social image by opting for premium brands like Apple and Samsung, while others seek affordability with brands like Xiaomi and Symphony. The research highlights how income levels, age groups, and shopping platforms affect purchasing behavior , providing valuable insights for retailers and e-commerce platforms. It suggests that offline retailers should focus on high-priced product segments, while online sellers like Amazon and Flipkart should strategize to improve consumer confidence in high-value online purchases. The study concludes that understanding these behavioral patterns can help businesses tailor their marketing strategies, enhance consumer satisfaction, and drive sales in the electronic products market.

10. LITERATURE REVIEW 2.8 Study of Consumer Behaviour: Building Marketing Strategy Consumer behavior is at the core of successful marketing strategy, and understanding it requires a blend of psychology, sociology, anthropology, and economics. This comprehensive work delves into how individuals make consumption decisions and how these decisions are influenced by a web of internal and external factors. The authors emphasize that consumer behavior is not only the study of what people buy, but also why, when, where, and how they buy it—and how they eventually dispose of the product. The book starts by asserting the importance of consumer behavior for marketers, policymakers, and consumers themselves. In today’s dynamic environment where globalization, technological advancement, cultural shifts, and regulatory changes occur rapidly, businesses must grasp the complexity of consumer behavior to remain relevant and competitive. By aligning marketing strategies with evolving consumer preferences, organizations can deliver superior value, enhance customer satisfaction, and build brand loyalty . The book introduces a conceptual model that integrates external and internal influences, the decision-making process, and outcomes at individual, firm, and societal levels. External influences such as culture, subculture, demographics, social class, reference groups, family, and marketing activities shape consumer perceptions and preferences. Internal influences, including motivation, personality, emotion, perception, learning, memory, and attitudes, drive individual behavior and response to stimuli. These factors interact dynamically as consumers progress through a decision process that includes problem recognition, information search, evaluation of alternatives, purchase, and postpurchase behavior . The decision process is further affected by the situation in which it occurs, such as physical surroundings, social setting, time, task, and the consumer’s momentary condition. These situational variables often tip the scale in favor of or against a product, brand, or outlet .

11. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY RESEARCH DESIGN This study follows a Descriptive research design , which aims to systematically describe the factors influencing consumer purchasing decisions for flameproof equipment. The research evaluates price sensitivity, regulatory compliance, brand preferences, and technological adoption in decision-making processes .

12. DATA COLELCTION METHODS Primary Data Collection Primary data refers to first-hand information gathered directly from respondents. This data was crucial in capturing real-time, contextual insights into purchasing behavior and preferences . Methods Used : Structured Questionnaires Personal Interviews Field Observations Secondary Data Collection Secondary data refers to data that has already been collected and documented by other researchers or institutions. It played a significant role in validating and contextualizing the findings of the primary research . Sources Used: Industry Reports Academic Journals Government and Regulatory Bodies Company Websites and Catalogs Books and Literature

13. SAMPLING SAMPLING TECHNIQUE A non-probability convenience sampling method is employed, targeting professionals and stakeholders involved in the procurement of flameproof equipment . Sample Size: 5 respondents, including procurement officers, safety engineers, and financial decision-makers . Target Group: Buyers and decision-makers from industries such as oil & gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.   RESEARCH INSTRUMENT The primary tool for data collection is a structured questionnaire , which includes : Multiple-choice questions assessing factors influencing purchasing decisions. Likert scale questions to measure attitudes towards pricing, certification, and brand reputation. Open-ended questions to capture qualitative insights from industry experts.

14. FINDINGS Industry Distribution percentage Position Distribution percentage

15. FINDINGS Price Sensitivity – A significant majority of customers are highly price-sensitive, prioritizing affordability over brand or advanced features. Dealer Influence – Purchase decisions are often influenced by local dealers or suppliers rather than marketing or advertisements. Certification Importance – BIS, PESO, and CIMFR certifications are seen as essential by buyers; uncertified products face resistance. Brand Preference – Indian customers tend to prefer domestic brands that offer after-sales support and compatibility with local standards. Online Purchase Reluctance – Customers are still hesitant to buy flameproof equipment online due to concerns over authenticity, warranty, and support. Usage Sector – The primary demand comes from hazardous industries like oil & gas, mining, and chemicals, where compliance and reliability are non-negotiable. Awareness Gap – Many end users lack technical awareness of the product and depend on consultants or third parties for selection. Product Range – Customers prefer manufacturers that offer a full range of products under one roof to simplify procurement and servicing

16. SUGGESTIONS Competitive Pricing Strategy – Offer value-based pricing and provide transparent pricing models to attract cost-conscious customers. Dealer Network Strengthening – Develop stronger dealer partnerships with training and incentives to improve end-user influence Certifications & Compliance – Ensure all products carry the required certifications (PESO, CIMFR, BIS) to meet industry expectations and regulatory needs. Customer Education – Conduct workshops, webinars, and distribute technical brochures to educate buyers and specifiers about product benefits and standards. After-Sales Support – Establish responsive service networks and easy-to-access warranty claims to boost confidence in domestic brands. Hybrid Sales Model – Combine online visibility with offline fulfillment through local dealers to build trust and bridge the digital gap. Full Product Portfolio – Expand the product line to include all key types of flameproof equipment (switches, lights, panels, etc.) to meet customer expectations for one-stop sourcing.

17. THANKS!