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Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 43 views

Analysis of Factors Affecting Consumer Behavior in Decision Making of Secondhand Goods in the Melati Market, Medan

Introduction

In recent years, the trend of purchasing secondhand goods has gained significant attention from consumers worldwide. This phenomenon is particularly evident in the Melati Market, Medan, where numerous buyers are seeking used goods that offer quality comparable to new goods at a more affordable price. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing consumer behavior in decision making when purchasing secondhand goods, with a focus on the Melati Market, Medan.

Research Background

The increasing interest in secondhand goods can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the quality of used goods is not inferior to new goods, making them a viable option for consumers. Many consumers have come to realize that some used goods are still in good condition and suitable for use. Additionally, the price of secondhand goods is significantly lower than new goods, making it an attractive choice, especially for those with budget constraints.

The rise of secondhand goods has also been driven by the growing awareness of sustainability and environmental concerns. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions and are opting for secondhand goods as a more eco-friendly alternative. Furthermore, the convenience of online marketplaces and social media platforms has made it easier for consumers to access and purchase secondhand goods.

Research Methodology

This study employed a quantitative approach with associative methods to evaluate the relationship between the variables studied. Purposive sampling was used to select 96 respondents, who were then asked to participate in the study. The data was analyzed using several methods, including instrument tests, classical assumption tests, multiple linear regression, determination tests, and hypothesis testing, with the assistance of SPSS software version 21.0.

Research Results

The results of the study showed that the stimulus, response, and intervening variables have a positive and significant influence on the decision to purchase secondhand goods. The determination level of 0.817 indicates that 81.7% of purchasing decisions can be explained by the combination of these variables. The remaining 18.3% was influenced by other factors that were not investigated in this study.

Analysis and Discussion

Further analysis revealed that the stimulus variable includes promotion, product quality, and visual attractiveness of the goods sold. Effective and attractive promotions can increase buyers' interest, while product quality and visual attractiveness can influence their purchasing decisions. The response variable is related to consumer attitudes towards secondhand goods and trust in the quality of goods. The more positive the attitude of consumers, the more likely they are to make a purchase.

The intervening variable, although not examined in depth, has an important role in influencing the final decision of the purchase. Factors such as the social environment, recommendations from friends or family, as well as personal experience with secondhand goods can be an additional influence in the consumer decision-making process.

Conclusion

This study confirms that consumer behavior in decision making when purchasing secondhand goods is influenced by various factors. Stimulus, response, and intervening variables contribute significantly in influencing purchasing decisions in the Melati Market, Medan. This research opens opportunities for further research to identify additional factors that influence purchasing decisions, as well as assisting business people in designing marketing strategies that are more effective for secondhand goods.

Through a better understanding of consumer behavior, business actors can be more targeted in selling secondhand goods and increasing customer satisfaction. By recognizing the importance of stimulus, response, and intervening variables, businesses can develop effective marketing strategies that cater to the needs and preferences of their target audience.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Businesses should focus on creating effective promotions that highlight the quality and benefits of secondhand goods.
Product quality and visual attractiveness should be prioritized to increase buyer interest and purchasing decisions.
Consumer attitudes towards secondhand goods should be positively influenced through education and awareness campaigns.
Social environment and recommendations from friends or family should be leveraged to increase the influence of intervening variables.
Personal experience with secondhand goods should be encouraged to build trust and increase purchasing decisions.

By implementing these recommendations, businesses can increase customer satisfaction, loyalty, and ultimately, sales of secondhand goods.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations that should be acknowledged. Firstly, the study was conducted in a specific market (Melati Market, Medan), which may not be representative of other markets. Secondly, the study only investigated the influence of stimulus, response, and intervening variables, and did not explore other potential factors that may influence consumer behavior. Finally, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases and limitations.

Future Research Directions

This study opens opportunities for further research in several areas. Firstly, future studies can investigate the influence of other factors that may affect consumer behavior when purchasing secondhand goods. Secondly, studies can explore the differences in consumer behavior between various markets and demographics. Finally, research can focus on developing effective marketing strategies that cater to the needs and preferences of consumers.

By addressing these research gaps, businesses and policymakers can develop more effective strategies to promote secondhand goods and reduce waste, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Consumer Behavior in Decision Making of Secondhand Goods

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to analyze the factors influencing consumer behavior in decision making when purchasing secondhand goods in the Melati Market, Medan.

Q: What are the key factors that influence consumer behavior in decision making of secondhand goods?

A: The key factors that influence consumer behavior in decision making of secondhand goods include stimulus variables (promotion, product quality, and visual attractiveness), response variables (consumer attitudes towards secondhand goods and trust in the quality of goods), and intervening variables (social environment, recommendations from friends or family, and personal experience with secondhand goods).

Q: How do stimulus variables influence consumer behavior in decision making of secondhand goods?

A: Stimulus variables, such as promotion, product quality, and visual attractiveness, can increase buyer interest and influence purchasing decisions. Effective and attractive promotions can increase buyers' interest, while product quality and visual attractiveness can influence their purchasing decisions.

Q: How do response variables influence consumer behavior in decision making of secondhand goods?

A: Response variables, such as consumer attitudes towards secondhand goods and trust in the quality of goods, can influence purchasing decisions. The more positive the attitude of consumers, the more likely they are to make a purchase.

Q: What is the role of intervening variables in influencing consumer behavior in decision making of secondhand goods?

A: Intervening variables, such as social environment, recommendations from friends or family, and personal experience with secondhand goods, can influence the final decision of the purchase. Factors such as the social environment, recommendations from friends or family, as well as personal experience with secondhand goods can be an additional influence in the consumer decision-making process.

Q: What are the implications of this study for businesses and policymakers?

A: This study has several implications for businesses and policymakers. Firstly, businesses should focus on creating effective promotions that highlight the quality and benefits of secondhand goods. Secondly, product quality and visual attractiveness should be prioritized to increase buyer interest and purchasing decisions. Thirdly, consumer attitudes towards secondhand goods should be positively influenced through education and awareness campaigns. Finally, social environment and recommendations from friends or family should be leveraged to increase the influence of intervening variables.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations that should be acknowledged. Firstly, the study was conducted in a specific market (Melati Market, Medan), which may not be representative of other markets. Secondly, the study only investigated the influence of stimulus, response, and intervening variables, and did not explore other potential factors that may influence consumer behavior. Finally, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases and limitations.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: This study opens opportunities for further research in several areas. Firstly, future studies can investigate the influence of other factors that may affect consumer behavior when purchasing secondhand goods. Secondly, studies can explore the differences in consumer behavior between various markets and demographics. Finally, research can focus on developing effective marketing strategies that cater to the needs and preferences of consumers.

Q: What are the benefits of purchasing secondhand goods?

A: The benefits of purchasing secondhand goods include reducing waste, conserving resources, and saving money. Additionally, secondhand goods can be a more sustainable and environmentally conscious option compared to buying new goods.

Q: How can consumers make informed decisions when purchasing secondhand goods?

A: Consumers can make informed decisions when purchasing secondhand goods by researching the product, checking its condition, and asking questions about its history and authenticity. Additionally, consumers can also consider factors such as the social and environmental impact of their purchasing decisions.

Q: What are the potential risks associated with purchasing secondhand goods?

A: The potential risks associated with purchasing secondhand goods include the risk of buying counterfeit or damaged goods, as well as the risk of not getting a refund or exchange if the goods are not as described. Consumers should be aware of these risks and take necessary precautions to protect themselves.