Shopper Is a Shopper, Unless of Course,

Shopper is a shopper, unless of course, the shopper is not a shopper. At what point does one become a shopper, it most likely depends on what type of shopper is being touted. There are a wide variety of shoppers; shopaholics, bargain shoppers, compulsive shoppers, online shoppers and even mystery shoppers.

One recent study determined that there are difficulties faced by almost all types of shoppers but one difficulty in particular stands out; that takes place when shoppers still have difficulty when "they have to make a shopping decision from a massive amount of options" (Wu, Wu, 2010, p.471). One could then understand the pride certain online shoppers take when conducting a shopping event online.

With the vast array of products available, a certain amount of pride in one's shopping skills could be assumed based upon how quickly and decisively the shopper manages to make shopping decisions. Comparing the online shopper with a bargain shopper would likely lead to a wide difference in the term 'shopping'. Another study observed a very different type of shopper the 'secret' or 'mystery' shopper; this type of shopper conducts evaluations of products and services without the purveyor being aware that the person is doing so.

Shoppers conduct audits on a wide variety of goods and services, including but not limited to sexual services. The study determined that "professional patients are a useful tool for sexual health evaluations" (Baraitser, Pearce, Walsh, Cooper, Brown, Holmes, Smith, Boynton, 2008, p. 55). No doubt there are plenty of shoppers out there that might enjoy that type of shopping.

On the serious side, many of these 'secret' shoppers provide important feedback to the business owners and managers on their employees; feedback that might assist the employee in getting raises, learning new skills and improving their capabilities. On the other hand, some employees could end up on the unemployment line if caught by a secret shopper in some nefarious endeavors. Another shopper that could end up in dire straits is the compulsive shopper. This individual is addicted to shopping.

A recent article in Money magazine described the effects of compulsive shopping on one-36-year-old mother of four. The article states this "suburban mother of four doesn't drink, gamble or take drugs, but she is an addict nonetheless" (Caplin, 2005, p. 104). The article detailed the story of how Kristine Rodgers bought hundreds of Gymboree outfits for her little girl, running the household debt up $50,000 and nearly bankrupting the family in the process.

Kristine would hear about a Gymboree sale and rush to the nearest outlet(s), while at the same time having her friends and family shop for her as well. One day she actually bought four coats of the same make and style but in four different colors. Compulsive shoppers buy because it gives them a 'high' much like a drug or other addiction can.

One other shopper could be called the 'normal' shopper; this is someone who only shops for what is needed, does not compulsively purchase items in numerous quantities, and can usually follow a list. This is.