The buying behaviour of farmers in the Eastern Free State when purchasing wire products

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assist wire companies to identify buying behaviour amongst consumers of their products. For the purpose of this study the product will be wire products and the specific target market will be farmers in the Eastern Free State. The primary objective of the study is to identify factors that play a role in the buying behaviour of farmers in the Eastern Free State when purchasing wire products. By knowing exactly the buying criteria of wire products amongst farmers and seasonable cycles of purchasing will form the basis of strategic marketing planning. This study was conducted in two phases. Phase one consisted of a literature review and phase two of an empirical research. The empirical research consisted of a quantitative research design; more specifically, descriptive research that employed cross–sectional analysis of the quantitative data collected from a sample by means of a structured questionnaire. The results show that 76% of the respondents are older than 41 years of age. The population for this study is, therefore, a more matured one. Regarding their buying behaviour, the purchase frequency shows that the majority purchase wire products on a monthly basis and 40% on an annual basis. Most of them (78%) purchase their wire products from the co–operative. Wire products are an integral part of farming activities and in general the respondents are very positive about the industry. Most important considerations identified are that the wire industry should keep in touch with its market, never be out of orders, keep up the fast service that is currently provided, and that reputable products should be kept in stock.