Consumer Buying Power Series Part One

My husband and I were currently on a trip. Which had landed us in downtown Eugene. One night while out exploring in town. I found myself walking down Willamette St. Which is their customized label of the traditional Main St. The downtown scene there can be summed up as a group of people simply hanging out. With a mere scan anyone could tell that this downtown group had seen hard times. However if one were to just look at their smile, you would have been cleverly fooled. It's not only their smile that would cause you to believe that their happiness is incredibly genuine. but their laughter, and the glint of joy in their eyes when they talk. All point directly to signs of pure and blissful happiness. As my husband and I reach the point were we are just about to walk by. A women jumps up and exclaims, "Oh my god I love your shirt!" Now I don't care who you are. Everyone loves a complement, I being no different. All while being pleasantly surprised, I said thank you and began to continue on down the street. As my feet began to make the first steps towards the heart of downtown Eugene. I heard in a quite timid voice if I would be willing to trade her something for my shirt. At that point I cannot hide the smile that forms on my face. This woman who appears to have so little. Has buying power and definitely knows how to use it!

She may not use it in the traditional sense or by the typical definition of business leaders. Traditionally speaking consumer buying power is the disposable income we use to purchase goods or services throughout the day. You utilize it when you pick up a cup of coffee or a sandwich at the corner shop. The purchase by no means has to be a big purchase. Small ones make just as much of an impact as the larger ones do.
Over the years the balance of power has changed. No longer are we having companies tell us what we need or what we should think we need. Social media has allowed consumers to unify their voices. In turn creating a buyer bargaining power. That is where the consumer forces a company to complied in some way. Weather is forcing them to offer higher quality products, better customer service, or to lower prices. Everyone has the power to utilize their own buying power to make a difference. In any way you want to.
In downtown Eugene Oregon I used my $10.00 tank top to bring joy to a woman I knew for less then 60 seconds. I traded a hug for it, and really who can put a price on a hug!
Sincerely,
Raquel
Owner of
Thavin & Marcob​​​