STUDY ON THE BUYING BEHAVIOR OF CONSUMERS REGARDING BRANDED SHAMPOOS IN COIMBATORE CITY

Abstract
Title of the project: Study On the buying behavior of consumers regarding branded shampoos in Coimbatore City

The research has been conducted to know the buying behavior of consumers regarding branded shampoos in Coimbatore City. The study was conducted to know the factors that influence the purchase of these brands in Coimbatore City city, also what sources of information influence the purchase of these products. The reasons for consistency /change in regard to brands of shampoos were also inquired into and thereby their overall satisfaction level with the currently used brand was studied. The sample of 100 respondents was taken and questionnaires were filled in by them.

Table of Contents

Chapter No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Introduction

Particulars

Page no.

Research Methodology Data Analysis and Interpretation Findings Conclusion and Summary Appendix Bibliography

List of tables

S.No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Particulars Page No. Number of respondents using branded 21 shampoos Frequency of using Shampoo in a week 22 Awareness level of respondents 23 regarding various brands of shampoos Source of information regarding Branded 24 shampoos Most important factor of consumer 25 preference Preference of brands of shampoos 26 Importance level of factors considered 27 by respondents while purchasing

8 9 10 11

Shampoos Brand Switch if particular brand is not 28 available Brand Loyalty among consumers 29 Reasons that made respondents stick to 29 one particular brand of shampoo Response in regard to intention to stick 30 to the current brand of shampoo being

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used Satisfaction level of consumers towards 31

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their preferred shampoo brand Demographic profile of respondents

33

List of Figures

S.No. 1 2 3

Particulars Number of respondents using branded shampoos Frequency of using Shampoo in a week Awareness level of respondents regarding various brands of

Page No. 21 22 23

4 5 6 7

shampoos Source of information regarding Branded shampoos Most important factor of consumer preference Preference of brands of shampoos Importance level of factors considered by respondents while

24 25 26 27

8 9 10 11

purchasing Shampoos Brand Switch if particular brand is

28

not available Brand Loyalty among consumers 29 Reasons that made respondents stick 30 to one particular brand of shampoo Response in regard to intention to stick to the current brand of 31

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shampoo being used Satisfaction level of consumers towards their preferred shampoo brand

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Chapter I Introduction 1.1 Shampoo Shampoo is a common hair care product used for the removal of oils, dirt, skin particles, environmental pollutants and other contaminant particles that gradually build up in hair. The goal is to remove the unwanted build-up without stripping out so much as to make hair unmanageable. Shampoo formulations seek to maximize the following qualities:

Easy rinsing Good finish after washing hair Minimal skin/eye irritation No damage to hair Feels thick and/or creamy Pleasant fragrance Low toxicity Good biodegradability

1.2 Evolution

The word shampoo in english usage dates back to 1762, with the meaning "to massage". The word was a loan from Anglo-Indian shampoo, in turn from Hindi champoo, ie "to smear, knead the muscles, massage". It itself comes from Sanskrit/Hindi word "champ" , the flowers of the plant Michelia champaca which have traditionally been used to make fragrant hair-oil. The term and service was introduced by a Sake Dean Mahomed, who opened a shampooing bath known as Mahomed's Indian Vapour Baths in Brighton in 1759. His baths were like Turkish baths where clients received an Indian treatment of champi (shampooing) or therapeutic massage. During the early stages of shampoo, English hair stylists boiled shaved soap in water and added herbs to give the hair shine and fragrance. Kasey Hebert was the first known maker of shampoo, and the origin is currently attributed to him. During the early stages of shampoo, English hair stylists boiled shaved soap in water and added herbs to give the hair shine and fragrance. Kasey Hebert was the first known maker of shampoo, and the origin is currently attributed to him.

1.3 Segmentation:

Shampoo market is segmented on benefit platforms Cosmetic (shine, health, strength) Anti Dandruff (AD) Herbal 20% of the total shampoo market is accounted by the AD shampoos. The AD segment is the fastest growing segment, growing at 10% to 12 % every year Usage: The frequency of shampoo usage is very low in India. Most consumers use shampoo only once or twice in a week. In many cases, these products are used on special occasions such as weddings, parties etc. About 50% of consumers use ordinary toilet soaps to wash their hair. About 15% of consumers use toilet soaps as well as shampoo for cleaning their hair. Also 70% of the total shampoo sales are through sachet sales. HLL has higher stakes in the rural market with an 80% share. The bottle sales are popular in the northern region where 50% of the shampoo bottles are sold After a sober growth in 2004 due to the downturn of the FMCG sector, shampoo sector saw strong growth in the next two years due to the introduction of sachets and a surge in rural demand. The overall shampoo
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market, which sees annual volume sales of approximately 63,000 tonnes, saw rural off take grow by 40% last year, while urban demand grew half that at 21%. From a penetration level of 13% in 2000, now almost a third of the country's rural population uses shampoo with penetration levels zooming to 32% in 2005. While the north and west zones have tripled in penetration, the south and east zones have doubled Urban - 40 % Rural - 10 % Targeted customers: Shampoos are mainly target at Upper middle class, Middle class housewives and upper rural class. However the main segment is Teenagers. 1.4 Opportunity Penetration of shampoo is very low in India. The average per-capita consumption of shampoo in India is very low at approximately 13 ml and many people in rural India still use toilet soaps. People still perceive shampoo as high end product in the rural areas. This provides a huge opportunity to the players. The huge size of the untapped market leads to a great potential for the existing players.

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India is and will remain for some time one of the youngest countries in the world. Currently there is a population of 163 m teen in India. Approximately half of the 1 bn plus population is under the age of 20, which is one of the largest consumers of hair care products. This provides huge market for the shampoo players. Also, with the increasing income levels of the middle class population, the usage of shampoos has increased. Despite its undisputed potential, the rapid expansion of the shampoo market was interrupted in 1999. Overall growth rates in the market slowed to 1.7% in 1999, from 16% the previous year. Lack of innovation was the major reason for slowdown. The perception that shampoos contain harsh chemicals that could damage hair, high price and the view that the shampoo is more of a glamour product rather than a hygiene product led to lower sales. The players came out with the idea of smaller packs, which were a success. Also, products like anti dandruff started getting attention and became the fastest growing category. Players like Dabur and Ayush came up with herbal shampoos.

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1.5 The top Shampoo brands

Normal Shampoos Clinic Plus Sunsilk Chik

Anti Dandruff Shampoos Clinic All Clear Head and Shoulders Dabur Vatika AD

Premium Products Shehnaz Hussain Revlon Flex L'Oreal 1.6 Market Scenario of shampoo industry

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The India shampoo industry is estimated at Rs 14 bn and is growing at an average rate of 20% per annum. According to AC Nielsen, shampoo is one of the fastest growing categories within FMCG sector and is expected to grow at 25% per annum in the coming years. Major Players of Indian shampoo industry

HLL By all accounts, the UNILEVER group is India's foremost multinational .The group has been operating in India for over 60 years. Being first it has being given the market leadership position in many product categories. Lever's have a sprawling distribution coverage which in the case of HLL extends to 3,200 stockists and 600,000 shops directly serviced by the company. HLL is today a multi-product, multi-unit organization addressing various public health challenges facing humanity. HLL is the undisputed leader from the early 1990s with brands like Sunsilk, Clinic All Clear and Clinic Plus.
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Sunsilk is the name of a brand of hair care products for women produced by the Unilever group. It was launched in 1954 in the United Kingdom and by 1959 it was available in 18 different countries world-wide. Currently, Sunsilk products are being marketed in over 50 countries throughout Asia, Latin America, The Middle East and North Africa. The Sunsilk brand is intended to demonstrate a perceptive and sympathetic understanding of women, communicate the idea of capturing the emotional drama in a girls life, and to provide a source of expert beauty care for women. P&G In US-the worlds largest market place in terms of effective demand-the Cincinnati (Ohio)-based household and personal care products colossus P & G Co. is a renowned company. Over the past 157 years (1837-1994) since William Proctor and James GambIe entered into partnership to manufacture candles and soap in Cincinnati, P & G has conceptualized, manufactured and effectively marketed a stream of consumer products, which have contributed significantly to American consumers Currently P & G employs l lakh people globally and has subsidiaries in over 60 countries including India. On 1st April 1988, the Bombay based Richardson Hindustan Ltd. commenced doing business as Proctor and
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Gamble India Ltd. The strategies and methodologies that the company has innovated to facilitate its inexorable growth have won it a place of honor in virtually every country. Yet to categories P & G as merely an excellent marketing company is to do it an injustice. It is an excellent marketing and product research company while its R & D, manufacturing strategies and operations are its major strengths. P & G entered India in Nov 1995, with the worlds largest selling brand Pantene. It also launched Head &Shoulders, which is the leading AD shampoo

Head & Shoulders is a famous brand of anti-dandruff shampoo produced by Procter & Gamble. Head & Shoulders was first introduced to the U.S. market in November 1961, as a blue-green shampoo formula. Unlike other shampoos, Head & Shoulders had relatively few variations until the late 1990s and early 2000s, and there are now in excess of ten different kinds of shampoo for different hair types under the Head & Shoulders banner. It has since then grown into a billion dollar brand. The people responsible for this were Robert Jongstra

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(Procter & Gamble General Manager) and Olga Barr (Saatchi & Saatchi Global Creative Director). Pantene is a brand of hair care products owned by Procter & Gamble.The brand's best-known product is the conditioning shampoo Pantene Pro V. CavinKare CavinKare was founded by Ranganathan in 1983, with a modest capital investment of Rs 15,000 and with a single product. The company was called Chik India Pvt. Ltd., and its product was Chik shampoo. The company targeted the local market and within a few years emerged as a leading regional player in the shampoo market in South India. In 1998, the company adopted its present name, CavinKare Pvt. Ltd., to signify its change from a single-product company to a broader FMCG company, encompassing various market segments such as hair, skin and personal care. According to company sources, 'Cavin' is a literary word in Tamil meaning Beauty and Grace, while 'Care' was modified to start with the letter 'K' instead of 'C' as a tribute to Rang Nathans father, 'Chinni Krishnan.'....

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LOral Group LOral Group headquartered in the Paris suburb of Clichy, France, is the world's largest cosmetics and beauty company. LOral has developed activities in the field of cosmetics, concentrating on hair color, skin care, sun protection, make-up, perfumes and hair care. LOral is active in the dermatological and pharmaceutical fields. LOral is also the top nanotechnology patent-holder in the United States. THe CEO of L'Oreal SA in France is Jean-Paul Agon. L'Oral is a listed company, but the founder's daughter Liliane Bettencourt who is one of the richest people in the world, and the Swiss food company Nestleach control over a quarter of the shares and voting rights. LOreal markets its range of specialized hair care products exclusively through salons and beauty parlors. It is the only company in the market that has a hair colour range tailored exclusively for parlors. The company was also the first to introduce modern shampoo-based hair dyes for the Indian market Garnier is a company producing hair care products, including the Fructis line, and most recently, skin care products under the name, Nutritioniste,

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that are sold around the world. It is a brand of L'Oral. One of their key ingredients is a fruit concentrate used in all their products. It is a combination of fruit acids, vitamin B3 and B6, fructose and glucose

1.7 Consumer Behavior The term consumer behavior may be defined as the decision process and physical activities in which individuals engage them while evaluating, acquiring, using or disposing off goods and services. The study of consumer behavior is the study of how individuals make decisions to spend their available resources on consumption of related items. Buying behavior is an attempt to understand and predict human actions in the buying role. The issues that dealt within the discipline of consumers buying behavior are: What products and services do the consumers buy? How do they buy? Why do they buy? From where do they buy?

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 When do they buy? Consumer behavior provides a sound basis for identifying and understanding consumer needs. It is the act of the individuals directly involved in obtaining and using economic goods and services. The study of consumer behavior is an essential component of marketing. The adoption of marketing concept by the marketers provides the impetus for the study of consumer behavior. In case of New Product Introduction in the market, there is a risk of product failure. To increase the chances of success of new products, better information of the consumer behavior is required. Their desires, tastes and preferences are to be taken care of. So from all these aspects the study of consumer behavior is important.

1.8 Objectives of the study To study the consumer awareness regarding branded shampoos. To study the source of information regarding awareness of brands To study the factors influencing choice of consumers towards branded shampoos.

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 To study the reasons for consistency /change in regard to brands of shampoos. CHAPTER 2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Research Methodology deals with the method of study i.e. how the study was carried out and what were the various techniques used. It is careful investigation or enquiry in a systematic manner in order to find a solution to problem in research. It consists of defining and redefining problems, formulating hypothesis or suggested solution, collecting and evaluating data, making deduction and reaching calculation etc and at last care fully testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the formulated hypothesis or not. It includes the scope of the study, research design, collection of data, analysis of data and limitations of the study. 2.1 Scope of the study The scope of the study is to get the knowledge about the buying behavior of consumers towards the branded shampoos in Coimbatore City. The scope is restricted to study consumers awareness regarding branded shampoos and the factors influencing choice of consumers towards

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branded shampoos in Coimbatore City. This is done to avoid perceptual bias and for providing objectivity to the study. 2.2 Research Design The research design is an arrangement of condition for collection and analysis of data in manner that aims to combine relevance to the research purpose with economy in procedure. The research problem in clear-cut terms helps the researches to prepare a research design. It constitutes the blueprint for the collection, measurement and analysis of data. It is the strategy for a study and the plan by which the strategy is to be carried out. The research carried down is descriptive in nature because it describes the consumer buying behavior regarding branded shampoos. 2.3 Data Collection 2.3.1 Primary Data Primary data is that data which is collected for the first time. It is original in nature in the shape of raw material. For the purpose of collection of primary data, a well-structured questionnaire was given to the respondents and they were personally interviewed to fulfill the objectives of the study. The questionnaire comprises of close ended as well as open-ended

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questions. In close ended questions dichotomous, ranking, likerts scale, checklist questions and multiple choice questions are used. 2.3.2 Secondary Data Secondary data is the data which is already collected by someone. They are secondary in nature and are in shape of finished product. Secondary data was collected so as to have accurate results and the required data was collected from various magazines, newspapers, journals and internet to gather relevant information about the shampoo industry and the leading brands of shampoos. 2.4 Sampling Design Sampling refers to selecting some of the elements in a population by which one can draw conclusions about the entire population. 2.4.1Universe Universe is the infinite number of elements that the researcher is targeting in his study. Here the universe for the study consists of all the people who use branded shampoos.

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2.4.2 Population Population is finite number of elements that the researcher is going to target in particular area. People throughout Coimbatore City who use branded shampoos constitute the population of my research.

2.4.2. A) Element- Consumers i.e people using branded shampoos 2.4.2. B) Sampling Unit-A single consumer using Branded shampoo 2.4.2. C) Extent- Coimbatore City city 2.4.2 D) Time of Study- Six months 2.4.3 Sampling Technique In my research I have used non-probability technique for drawing a sample from the population. In non-probability technique I have preferred Convenience sampling method because population of my research is huge and due to the time constraint I will be catering to 100 people according to my convenience. The selection of the respondents was done on the basis of

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convenience based on the non-probability method of sampling. Convenience sampling was basically used due to money, time as well as distance constraints. 2.4.4 Sample size

Sample size is the size of sample drawn from the population which is the true representative of the research. The number of respondents included in

the study was 100 for convenience in evaluating and analyzing the data and because of time constraint. Business Service Professional Student Housewife Total 18 24 5 40 13 100

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2.5 Data Analysis and Interpretation For the purpose of analyzing, raw data was summarized in a master table and from this table the results have been carried out. The questions having alternative choices were analyzed by taking percentages. In the case of questions on Likerts point scale, the mean scores and percentages were calculated. In case of ranking questions the total score has been added and final ranking is given. The questions to which there were specific answers the ranges were clubbed and percentages were calculated. In case of explanatory questions, the general suggestions were summarized. 2.6 Limitations of the study Sincere efforts have been made to collect authentic and reliable information from respondents, however the report is subject to following limitations:

1. The study was limited to Coimbatore City city only. Wider coverage would have made the study more reliable and representative.

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2. Sample was drawn by convenience sampling, so possibility of sampling error cannot be ruled out. 3. Responses of respondents were biased based on their personal preferences. 4. Due to time and cost constraints, study could not be carried out on a large scale 5. Sample may not be the true representative of the universe

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CHAPTER 3 ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

The present chapter deals with analysis of data collected from the consumers regarding their awareness level regarding branded shampoos, Factors considered by them while purchasing branded shampoos and to check their brand loyalty. A total of 100 consumers were personally interviewed with help of structured questionnaires.

Results of the study:

Table 3.1 Number of respondents using branded shampoos

Response Yes No Total Figure 3.1

No. of respondents 88 12 100

Percentage(%) 88 12 100

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No. of respondants using branded shampoos

Interpretation: From the above table, we can conclude that out of 100, 88% respondents use branded shampoos and 12% dont use branded shampoos. So branded shampoos are very commonly used in Coimbatore City.

Table 3.2 Frequency of using Shampoo in a week Frequency 1-3 times 3-5 times Daily Total No. of Respondents 48 33 19 100 Percentage (%) 48 33 19 100

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Figure 3.2
Frequency of using Shampoo in a week

No. of Re sponde nts

60 40 20 0

1-3 times

3-5 times Frequency

Daily

Interpretation: From the above table, it is clear that 48% respondents use shampoos 1-3 times in a week, 33% respondents use shampoos 3-5 times in a week and rest of the respondents use shampoos daily.

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Table 3.3 Awareness level of respondents regarding various brands of shampoos

Brands Garnier LOreal Sunsilk Pantene Clinic Head & Shoulders

No. of responses 80 73 92 83 77 84

Average Scores 0.16 0.14 0.19 0.17 0.16 0.17

Figure 3.3

Awareness level of respondents regarding various brands of shampoos

Brands

Interpretation:

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From the above table and graph it is clear that out of 100 respondents, 92% are aware of Sunsilk, followed by Head & Shoulders, Pantene, Garnier, Clinic and least are aware of LOreal.

Table 3.4 Source of information regarding Branded shampoos

Sources Newspaper Television Magazine Salesman Friends/Relative Internet Figure 3.4

No. of responses 51 81 49 4 27 18

Average Scores 0.22 0.35 0.21 0.02 0.18 0.08

No. of re sponse s

Source of information regarding Branded shampoos

Television

Friends/Rel ative

Magazine

Sources

Salesman

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Internet

Interpretation: From above table it is clear that television is the most important source of information followed by Newspaper, Magazine, information from friends/relative, Internet and least important source of information is from salesman.

3.5 Most preferred shampoo brand among consumers is Sunsilk followed by Head and Shoulders, Pantene, Garnier, Clinic and least preferred is LOreal. However some respondents also prefer chik shampoo because of its price and some other medicated shampoos or herbal shampoos.

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Table 3.6 Most important factor of consumer preference Factors Price Brand Quality Schemes(discount offers) Packaging Quantity/Package Advertisement No. of responses 27 35 76 9 10 6 15 Avg scores 0.15 0.20 0.43 0.05 0.06 0.03 0.08

Figure 3.6
Most important factor of consumer preference
80 60 40 20 0 Price Quality

No. of responses

Packaging

Factors

Interpretation:

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Advertise ment

From the above table, it can be concluded that quality is the most important factor while considering the preference of shampoos followed by brand and price factor. And the least important factor while buying the shampoo is Quantity/Package after Packaging.

Table 3.7 Preference of brands of shampoos Brands LOreal Head & Shoulders Pantene Clinic Sunsilk Garnier Total Score 379 332 324 378 312 377 Rank 6 3 2 5 1 4

Figure 3.7

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Preference of brand shampoos

Shampoos

Interpretation: In the above table 1 is given to the most preferred and 5 to the least preferred to rank the shampoo brands. Most preferred shampoo brand among consumers is Sunsilk followed by Pantene, Head and Shoulders, Clinic, Garnier and least preferred is LOreal .

Table 3.8 Importance level of factors considered by respondents while purchasing Shampoos Factors Strongly Disagre
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Neutral Agree Strongly Mean

Disagree Price Brand Quality Schemes Packaging Quantity/Packag e Advertisements Figure 3.8 (-2) 7 3 2 36 12 31 12

e (-1) 26 19 10 17 26 28 4

(0) 23 21 19 22 31 18 34

(1) 23 33 39 16 24 19 20

Agree (2) 21 24 30 7 6 3 30

Score . 0.28 0.63 0.96 -0.67 -0.15 -0.73 0.54

Importance level of factors considered by respondents while purchasing Shampoos

Factors

Interpretation: In above table, 2 is the weightage given to Strongly Agree, 1 to Agree, 0 to Neutral, -1 to Disagree and -2 to Strongly Disagree; the mean (0.96) of quality being calculated lies between 0 to 1 so it is very near

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to strongly agree therefore from the above table we can conclude that respondents feel that quality is the most important factor while considering the preference of shampoos followed by brand, advertisement and price factor. And the least important factor while buying the shampoo is Quantity/Package after Schemes available as their mean scores are coming in negative.

Table 3.9 Brand Switch if particular brand is not available Response Yes No Total Figure 3.9
Brand Switch if particular brand not available
No of re sponde nts 100 50 0 Yes Response No

No. of respondents 62 26 88

Percentage (%) 70 30 100

Interpretation:

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From above table, it is clear that 70% of the respondents buy another brand if a particular brand is not available.

3.10

The most preferred alternate brand is Clinic, followed by Head &

Shoulder, Clinic, LOeal, Pantene and the least preferred brand as an alternate is Garnier.

Table 3.11 Brand Loyalty among consumers Response Yes No Total Figure 3.11 No. Of respondents 58 30 88 Percentage (%) 65.91 34.09 100

Brand Loyalty among consumers

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Interpretation: It is clear from the table that 65.91% of the respondents are not brand loyal and does switch over the brand

Table 3.12 Reasons that made respondents stick to one particular brand of shampoo Factors Price Brand Quality Schemes(discount offers) Packaging Quantity/Package Advertisement Figure 3.12 No. of respondents 18 18 26 4 3 4 6 Avg Scores 0.23 0.23 0.33 0.05 0.04 0.05 0.08

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No.of respondents

Packaging

Reasons

Interpretation: It is clear from above that quality is the main reason that made respondents stick to one particular brand as it is having the highest mean score. Price and brand are having equal mean scores and are the second most important factors.

3.13(a) The most common reason that made respondents switch over to another brand of shampoo is that they like changing brands. Other important reasons are quality and schemes that made respondents switch over to another brand of shampoo.

Table 3.13(b) Response in regard to intention to stick to the current brand of shampoo being used
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Schemes(discoun t offers)

Quantity/Package

Advertisement

30 25 20 15 10 5 0

Reasons that made respondents stick to one particular brand of shampoo

Price

Brand

Quality

Response Less than one month 1-3 months 3-5 months More than 5 months Total

No. Of respondents 19 23 13 12 67

Percentage (%) 28.35 34.32 19.40 17.93 100

Figure 3.13(b)
Response in regard to intention to stick to the current brand of shampoo being used
No. of Respondents 25 20 15 10 5 0 Less than 1-3 months 3-5 months More than 5 one month months Responses

Interpretation: From above figure it is clear that out of 67 respondents who did not stick to one particular brand, 19 have intention of sticking to current brand for 1 to 3 months, 19 for lass tan 1 month, 13 for 3-5 months and 12 for more than 5 months.

Table No. 3.14 Satisfaction level of consumers towards their preferred shampoo brand
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Very Bad Bad (-2) -20(10) Figure 3.14 (-1) -4(4)

Average (0) 0(10)

Good (1) 29(29)

Very good (2) 70(35)

Mean Score 0.85

1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0

Satisfaction level of consumers towards their preferred shampoo brand

M e an Score

Satisfaction

Interpretation: In above table, 2 is the weightage given to very good, 1 to Good, , 0 to average and -1 to Bad and 2 to Very Bad; the mean (0.85) being calculated lies between 0 to 1 so it is more near to Very Good therefore from the above table we can conclude that respondents are satisfied with their currently using brand. Demographic profile of respondents

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Sex Wise Sex Male Female Total Age Wise Age 16-25 26-35 36-45 More than 46 Total Occupation Wise Occupation Business Service Professional Student Housewife Total No. of respondents 18 24 5 40 13 100 Percentage (%) 18 24 5 40 13 100 No. of respondents 35 28 14 23 100 Percentage (%) 35 28 14 23 100 No. of respondents 41 59 100 Percentage (%) 41 59 100

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Chapter IV

Findings

Findings from the study:

From the research it was found that 88% respondents use branded shampoos.

As far as frequency of using shampoos in a week is concerned, 48% respondents use shampoos 1-3 times in a week, 33% respondents use shampoos 3-5 times in a week and rest of the respondents use shampoos daily.

Television (81%) is the most important source of information followed by Newspaper (51%), Magazine (49%), information from friends/relative (27%), internet (18%) and least important source of information is from salesman (4%).

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 Most preferred shampoo brand among consumers is Sunsilk followed by Pantene, Head and Shoulders, Clinic, Garnier and least preferred is LOreal .

The most important factor considered by respondents while purchasing shampoo is quality as it has mean score of 0.96, followed by brand (0.63) and advertisement (0.54)

Out of 100 respondents, only 37% respondents stick to one particular brand and out of respondents who stick to one particular brand consider quality being the most important factor for it

Out of 67% respondents who switch to other brand, majority of them quoted the reason I like changing Brands for shifting to other brands.

As far as the intentions of 67 respondents for sticking to current brand used by them is concerned, very less have intention of switching over the brand and are satisfied with the current brand they are using.

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 Out of 67 respondents who did not stick to one particular brand, 19 have intention of sticking to current brand for 1 to 3 months, 19 for lass tan 1 month, 13 for 3-5 months and 12 for more than 5 months.

Mostly all the respondents are satisfied with their currently using brand.

The suggestions which are given for their currently used brand are: Consumers of Loreal want its price to be lesser. Consumers of Pantene want to have more hair specific like Sunsilk. No suggestion has been recommended by consumers of Sunsilk

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Chapter 5 Conclusion and Summary

The results reflected the perception of users in Coimbatore City of branded shampoos. The results of the study indicate that though the price of shampoos is perceived to be on the higher side of users, the quality offered by these products compensates for their dissatisfaction. The Coimbatore City users accept that high quality comes at a price. Since the study was restricted to the Coimbatore City city so there is need to study more in other cities to get the clear view of the findings.

Scope for further study Many companies are coming up with the shampoos with enough variety as its the fastest growing FMCG product now days. There is a huge potential market in India and better scope. To survive in such an environment, all the companies will have to undertake bold efforts towards their products in such a way so as to meet the requirements and expectations of the consumers. It

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therefore calls for a continuous research in this field as consumer preferences keep changing with time and so does their buying behavior. Hence it provides basis of a scope for further research.

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Appendix

Questionnaire

1. Do you use branded shampoo? Yes No

2. How many times do you use shampoo in a week? a. 1-3 times b. 3-5 times c. Daily _____________ _____________ _____________

3. Which of the following brands are you aware of? a. Garnier b.LOreal c. Sunsilk d. Pantene e. Clinic f. _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

Head & Shoulders_____________

4. What is your source of information for this? a. Newspaper _____________

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b. Television c. Magazine

_____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

d. Salesman e. Friends/Relative f. Internet

5. Which brand are you currently using? _____________ 6. Why do you use this particular brand? Price Brand Quality Schemes (discount offers) Packaging Quantity/Package Advertisements

If any other please tell 7. Please rank the following brands of shampoos on the basis of your preference (a-most preferable and f-least preferable) a. b. LOreal _____________

Head & Shoulders _____________

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c. d. e.

Pantene Clinic Sunsilk

_____________ _____________ _____________ _____________

f. Garnier

8. While making a purchase decision, rate the following factors that affect your decision. Factors Price Brand Quality Schemes (Discount offers) Packaging Quantity/Packa ge Advertisements Strongly Disagre Disagree e Neutra Agre l e Strongly Agree

9. If your preferred brand is not available, do you purchase another brand? Yes No

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If yes go to Q No 10,if no go to Q No 11

10. Which brand you are ready to purchase if your preferred brand is not available? _____________

11. Do you switch over a particular brand? Yes No

If yes go to Q No 13,if no go to Q No 12 12. Why do you stick to a particular brand? a. Price b. Brand _____________ _____________

c. Quality _____________ d. Schemes (discount offers) _____________ e. Packaging _____________

f. Quantity/Package _____________ g. Advertisements _____________

13. a) Why did you switch over the brand? b) For how long you intend to stick to current brand?

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a. Less than 1 month _____________ b. 1-3 months c. 3-5 months _____________ _____________

d. More than 5 months_____________ 14. What do you think about the current brand you are using? Very Bad Bad Average Good Very Good

----------I--------------I--------------I--------------I-------------I-------------Any suggestions

Personal Details: Name: Age: Gender: Occupation: Address: _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________

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Contact No:

_______________________

Bibliography

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Prasad , Use of advertising and their impact on the consumer behavior, Indian Journal of Management, Volume XXXIII, Number 4, April 2003, Page 3-5

Moorthi YLR, Brand Management(The Indian Context),2003,Edition V,Page 16-25

Kotler Philip, Principles of Mrketing, 2004,Prentice Hall, New Delhi, Pg 204-209

Bearden, William O. and Michael J. Etzel, Reference group influence on Product and Brand Purchase Decisions, Journal of Consumer Research, September 1982,Pg 183-194.

Websites: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantene http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shampoo http://www.diplomatist.com/dipo1st06/story_12.htm http://inhome.rediff.com/money/2003/jul/19spec.htm http://www.indiantelevision.com/tamadex/y2k4/june/tam63.htm

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http://www.equitymaster.com/research-it/sector-info/consprds/consprdsproducts.html http://www.domainb.com/companies/companies_p/procter_gamble_india/20040129_wars.html.

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