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buying something - a perspective from an NRI's marketer



Indians are lovers of beauty and utility. To them, a high-involvement purchase decision is not only one that uses logic but channels emotion as well. A good purchase is one that continues to give joy while delivering functionality for the consideration put in.
Conditioning of several generations, mainly governed by household economy, has been drilled into the Indian consumer. To claim a share of the taxpayer’s wallet, the value provided by a product is paramount. Indians famously seek to ‘repair and reuse’ as opposed to ‘use and throw’.
The Indian diaspora largely remains true to this idea while mulling over a purchase. They seek to gain lasting value. The fillip of value lies in an item reminiscent of the motherland – one that smacks of the flavours, tastes, and the colourful heritage that India signifies.
Uniquely Indian items – and they are many – have historical, religious, or nostalgic significance for non-resident Indians. Linking a product’s features and benefits to the target buyer’s growing up years in India is a sure-shot formula for sales success.
A notable example of this is the love of the foreign residents towards the eternal kanjeevaram silks, the ethnic motifs of heirloom jewellery that just won’t stay out of fashion, and the brisk business done by vendors of handicrafts and indigenous art.
A striking example of how marketers use this sentiment is reflected in Amul’s tagline, “The taste of India”. It ensures fond buyer recall and ensures positivity to surround the brand.

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