The hottest Consumer behavior Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Car Rentals and Electric Cars are filing for Divorce, for now...

Startupology • 19 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Rental car companies and EVs face challenges like high repair costs and poor infrastructure.
  2. Hertz faced bankruptcy, then aimed to boost business with an EV fleet but is now selling off a third of it due to low demand and high repair costs.
  3. Issues with rental companies and EVs include maintenance costs, customer education, charging infrastructure, and consumer familiarity.

Christmas edition: Evidence-based gift giving

Klement on Investing • 3 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🔬 Science Consumer behavior
  1. Spending more doesn't make a gift more appreciated — people often overestimate how much price adds value, and spending limits can even push givers to overspend.
  2. Fancy wrapping can backfire — overly elaborate packaging can signal a lack of thought about the gift itself, so simple or hand-wrapped presents usually work better.
  3. Prefer experiences, sentimental or useful long-lasting items, and surprise giving — these create longer-lasting happiness, requested short wish lists are safer, and small unexpected gifts outside special occasions can be especially meaningful.

War and Purpose

Thoughts on Writing • 159 implied HN points • 05 Apr 22
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Businesses are complex entities made up of people from diverse backgrounds, and their responses to global crises like war reflect a mix of urgent crisis management and ethical considerations.
  2. Consumer sentiment towards brands and their involvement in social issues, such as the war in Ukraine, can vary based on age demographics, with younger generations showing less support for brands publicly addressing such issues.
  3. The role of purpose in guiding businesses during crises like the war in Ukraine is complicated, with examples like Unilever, Danone, and HSBC showcasing the challenges of aligning purpose with real-world actions and ethical considerations.

Fear Sells

Diane Francis • 259 implied HN points • 19 Jul 21
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Fear triggers strong emotions in people, leading them to react quickly without thinking. This is why the media often uses fear to get attention and sell stories.
  2. There is a growing market for products and services that cater to people's fears, like panic rooms and survival bunkers. Companies are making money off people's anxiety about safety and the future.
  3. Instead of relying on expensive fear-based solutions, people can better manage their anxiety by focusing on the present, identifying stress triggers, and taking simple steps like breathing exercises.

Advice for Nike and the NFL

House of Strauss • 41 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Nike's focus on women's sports in ads is driven by the potential to tap into a huge female consumer market. They want to reach more buyers and expand their brand.
  2. Current ads from Nike and the NFL may not resonate well with audiences as they seem outdated. The messaging could benefit from being more simple and relatable.
  3. A family-centric approach, like emotional storytelling, could be a more effective way for these brands to connect with viewers in their ads.
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The World of Consumer Subscription Benchmarks

Ben’s Newsletter • 119 implied HN points • 10 Aug 22
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Free trials help customers decide if they want a subscription. Many businesses see high conversion rates from these trials, making them a smart strategy.
  2. It's really important for subscription businesses to keep their customers over time. High retention rates mean more stable revenue and a healthier business.
  3. Monitoring user engagement is key. Successful subscription services have a lot of active users, showing that people value what they offer.

Winning isn't for Everyone

The Carousel • 54 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Nike used to be the main brand for running shoes but is now losing its edge. Other brands are becoming popular because people want variety and innovation.
  2. Nike's marketing strategies are not connecting with today's runners and they're failing to engage with the running community. They used to focus on meaningful campaigns but now seem out of touch.
  3. The company's recent struggles show that they are in danger of becoming irrelevant. Instead of adapting to modern trends, they have been more focused on image rather than performance and community connections.

Not another marketing trends report: I accidentally wrote this

The Social Juice • 41 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Brands are focusing more on real-life experiences instead of CGI and visual effects. Real events can engage customers just as strongly as elaborate digital fantasies.
  2. The lines between online and in-person experiences are blurring for Gen-Z. They still value real-world events but are motivated by how they can boost their online presence.
  3. AI in marketing is shifting from low-quality content to more creative, thoughtful pieces. It's about using technology to enhance storytelling and engage audiences better.

Why Smart Home Tech is Stagnant

The Digital Anthropologist • 39 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🕹 Technology Consumer behavior
  1. Smart home technology is struggling because it often fails to prioritize human needs and behaviors over technological capabilities.
  2. Many smart home products are designed based on assumptions about how people live, rather than a deep understanding of their daily lives and cultural norms.
  3. The slow adoption of smart home devices can be attributed to a lack of perceived value by consumers, cultural barriers, issues with device interconnectivity, and a focus on creating behavioral change in consumers rather than meeting their needs.

Revisiting 2024 Predictions

next big thing • 44 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Venture capital is expected to pick up in 2024 as many companies seek funding to survive and grow. More startups could get funded, especially those in AI, but some may struggle to raise money.
  2. AI technology saw incredible growth in 2024, with many new applications becoming popular. Despite some challenges, AI became a huge part of tech this year.
  3. There are hopeful signs for real-world uses of crypto, as new applications are being built. With better technology and user needs, crypto could see significant adoption this year.

Obsolescence Pays: The Epson Printer Saga Continues

Fight to Repair • 39 implied HN points • 19 Oct 22
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Printer companies like Epson use software tactics to hinder repairability and push customers to buy new products, impacting consumer choice and environmental sustainability.
  2. Companies like Epson create narratives around complexity and danger to deter customers from repairing their devices, steering them towards buying new models or using authorized repair services.
  3. Advocating for longer-lasting, repairable products and changing the incentives for companies built on waste and obsolescence can help reduce e-waste and promote sustainable consumption in the electronics industry.

The Psychology of Fairness and Boycotts

Naveed Sheikh • 2 HN points • 08 Jul 24
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Consumers care about fairness in pricing decisions and may boycott brands if they perceive actions as unfair.
  2. Firms that aim to maximize profits should also consider the importance of maintaining a perception of fairness in their pricing strategies.
  3. Perceived egregiousness plays a crucial role in motivating consumers to participate in boycotts, highlighting the power of collective consumer action.

When Personalization Feels Fake: Starbucks’ Cup Messages, AI, and the Quest for Genuine Connection

Gad’s Newsletter • 26 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Starbucks' new initiative to have baristas write messages on cups seemed nice but felt forced and scripted. Customers want genuine interactions, not corporate mandates.
  2. Personalization in marketing works best when it's real and meets customer expectations. If customers feel it's fake or too much, it can harm trust and satisfaction.
  3. AI can help personalize experiences, but it can also make customers uneasy if they feel their privacy is being invaded. The key is to balance tech use with genuine human connections.

Super Bowl vs Valentine vs Duolingo's death — The best of brands and marketers

The Social Juice • 26 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Marketing can feel really fast and crazy, especially with big events like Valentine's Day and the Super Bowl happening at the same time. It’s like a mix of excitement and chaos.
  2. Testing different email times for newsletters can help find the best way to reach more readers. It’s all about experimenting to see what works better.
  3. Investing attention in good content is important, just like spending money wisely. When you pay attention to quality, it pays off in the long run.

Herding in Queues: Why we Can’t resist Long Lines for Bagels

Gad’s Newsletter • 32 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Consumer behavior
  1. People often wait in long lines for things like bagels because they believe that if a lot of others are waiting, then the product must be really good. This is called social proof.
  2. Even though waiting can be frustrating, many customers think the experience is worth it. They might feel like they're part of something special when they join a long line.
  3. Humans tend to mimic what others want rather than deciding for themselves. This means our desires can be influenced by seeing others enjoy something, like delicious bagels, leading us to wait in line too.

Inside Amazon's $100 Million Plan To Turn NFL Fans Into Black Friday Shoppers

Huddle Up • 32 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Amazon is creating an advertising program for NFL games, letting fans shop deals without leaving the game broadcast. It aims to connect NFL viewers directly to their shopping experience.
  2. They are investing $100 million to encourage NFL fans to be Black Friday shoppers, targeting a large audience during games.
  3. This initiative shows how Amazon combines entertainment with shopping, making it easier for viewers to buy products while they enjoy the game.

Brief thoughts on advertising

Logos • 19 implied HN points • 29 Aug 23
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Advertising helps people find products they didn't know they needed. For example, a drain declogger can come to mind when you see an ad.
  2. Ads send messages about brands. Brands like Nike signal excellence, and people may buy their products to show they value that quality.
  3. People often buy products to tell themselves a story about who they are or who they want to be. Ads can inspire us to reach for something we aspire to, like wearing running gear to start exercising.

How Food Marketing Is Reinforcing Bad Habits

Austin's Analects • 19 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🍲 Food & Drink Consumer behavior
  1. Eating before bed is unhealthy, yet 80% of Americans snack at night and $50 billion is spent on nighttime snacks per year.
  2. Big food companies are targeting the nighttime snacking market, despite the negative health impacts of eating before bed.
  3. nightfood, a company in the nighttime snacking category, uses deceptive marketing tactics to promote unhealthy snacking habits as a solution.

The Collection of Every Report Mentioned In The Social Juice Newsletter in 2024

The Social Juice • 31 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Studies show that consumers want brands to respond quickly to their questions. Fast responses can lead to repeat business.
  2. Marketing needs to focus on how consumers feel about their products. Emotional advertising can make people more willing to pay more.
  3. Research indicates that consumers prefer sorry offers over loyalty points or credits when brands make mistakes. An apology can go a long way!

What do people think about cultured meat?

The Counterfactual • 59 implied HN points • 17 Aug 22
🍲 Food & Drink Consumer behavior
  1. Consumer acceptance of cultured meat varies widely. Some people are very open to trying it, while others are quite resistant and refuse even to consider it.
  2. Concerns about the unnaturalness and safety of cultured meat are significant barriers to its acceptance. Many people are worried about how it is made, even if it tastes similar to traditional meat.
  3. Economic factors are key in determining whether people will choose cultured meat over conventional options. If the price of cultured meat becomes competitive, it could lead to more widespread adoption.

Rethinking Returns: The Invisible Battleground of Modern Retail

Gad’s Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Returns during the holiday season are rising, causing challenges for both shoppers and stores. Retailers are changing their return policies to manage costs and customer satisfaction better.
  2. Some companies are offering return-less refunds, where customers keep the items without returning them. This helps stores save money on shipping and processing, but it can create confusion about who benefits from these policies.
  3. Retailers are using new strategies to reduce returns, like providing customers with better information to help them make good choices. Companies need to balance easy returns while being mindful of costs and environmental impacts.

The Perverse Incentives Depreciating Your House

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 22 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
💰 Finance Consumer behavior
  1. Home prices are rising fast, making it hard for many people to think they'll ever own one. It's more of a struggle for the average person to afford a home nowadays.
  2. Builders often focus on making homes quickly and cheaply instead of making them durable and long-lasting. This means new homes might not hold their value as well as older ones.
  3. Homebuyers are not paying as much attention to quality. They’re more interested in lower prices, which can lead to issues later as newer homes may need repairs sooner.

People Have More Money Than Ever

Spilled Coffee • 32 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
💰 Finance Consumer behavior
  1. Many people have more money now than ever because wages have been rising faster than inflation for over a year. This means that they can buy more with their earnings.
  2. Homeowners are seeing their property values increase, while those looking to buy are facing more expensive housing costs. This shows the trade-off between rising asset values and affordability.
  3. Overall, both asset prices and wages are at all-time highs, which has led to a significant increase in net worth for Americans across all income levels, especially the bottom 50%.

How products exploit our biases

Gentle Nudge • 2 HN points • 19 Jun 24
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Biases are judgments with little or no logical rationale behind them, affecting our decisions despite lacking justification.
  2. Biases are ideal tools for marketing as they are often subconscious and common among people, making them effective for a wide range of individuals.
  3. Marketing strategies exploit biases like decision fatigue, scarcity bias, and anchoring effect to influence consumer decisions and drive sales.

The Forgotten Text

Tigerfeathers! • 10 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Using clever writing in unexpected places can really enhance a brand's identity. Brands should treat every point of communication as an opportunity to connect with their audience.
  2. Companies are moving towards shorter, more engaging content instead of long articles. This shift helps maintain interest and keeps the conversation flowing.
  3. Memorable experiences, like special welcome emails or unique packaging designs, can create an emotional connection with customers. It's the small touches that often leave a lasting impression.

What happened in marketing: FTC working overtime, LinkedIn becoming home of AI slop and Bluesky

The Social Juice • 26 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. The FTC is actively investigating companies like Google and Microsoft for potential monopolistic practices in the ad tech industry. This could lead to changes in how these companies operate.
  2. LinkedIn is seeing an increase in AI-generated content, which some users find less authentic and engaging. It's becoming more common to encounter bot-generated posts.
  3. Bluesky is gaining popularity among journalists, as it's reportedly driving more referral traffic than Twitter. This shift might indicate a growing preference for alternative social media platforms.

From Anti-Aging to Pro-Living

Creative Destruction • 26 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Consumer behavior
  1. People are really focused on anti-aging and doing extreme things to avoid getting older. This can make them miss out on actually enjoying life.
  2. The trend is getting more commercialized, with lots of companies selling products that promise to reverse aging. It's becoming more about selling than about real health.
  3. Focusing too much on living longer can lead to forgetting how to truly live and enjoy the present moment.

BYD approach toward Global South market

TP’s Substack • 22 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Cars in Global South countries tend to be smaller and more fuel-efficient compared to those in the United States. This is important for companies like BYD to consider when entering these markets.
  2. BYD's current models may be too large for many consumers in the Global South, where smaller vehicles are preferred. They need to develop smaller cars and hybrids to better fit local preferences.
  3. The charging infrastructure in these regions is lagging behind, meaning that practical and affordable vehicles are crucial. BYD should focus on making adaptations for local markets to increase sales.

Value != Price

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Value and price are not the same. People often pay more for brands or status rather than for actual utility.
  2. It's easy to set prices based on user value for certain products, like software, but it’s trickier for physical goods like cars and clothes.
  3. Luxury products have high prices because of the status they carry, not necessarily because they offer more utility compared to cheaper options.

Everything you want to know about subscriptions

Logos • 19 implied HN points • 24 May 23
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. There are different types of subscription models, like 'pay to access' or 'pay to save.' Each type has different strategies for companies.
  2. Companies should know their goal for subscriptions — either to make money directly or encourage customers to spend more on other products.
  3. Offering upfront annual payments may not be the best idea. Many users who pay upfront are less likely to cancel anyway, so the discount might not be worth it.

Amazon’s Strategic Moves to Counter Temu’s Competitive Edge: The BuyBox Innovation

Gad’s Newsletter • 41 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Amazon is facing competition from companies like Temu, pushing them to innovate strategy like introducing a second BuyBox.
  2. The BuyBox tool simplifies shopping by highlighting one listing, and its introduction boosts marketplace orders, lowers entry barriers for sellers, and can lead to lower prices and higher quality for consumers.
  3. Self-preferencing of Amazon's products in search results may have mixed effects, impacting competition, innovation, consumer choice, and marketplace dynamics.

Would you pay up for climate pledges?

Klement on Investing • 1 implied HN point • 08 Dec 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Consumer behavior
  1. Shoppers are willing to pay a noticeable premium for products with a climate pledge—about $7 more on a $25 gift card (roughly 30%).
  2. Explaining pledges with bullet points or a traffic‑light label makes people look at them more, but many still don’t understand differences like carbon neutral versus net zero.
  3. Because consumers are largely uninformed and show no higher willingness to pay for net zero versus carbon neutral, firms can capture the premium with weaker pledges, creating room for greenwashing.

Malta Liquidity

Malt Liquidity • 12 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
💰 Finance Consumer behavior
  1. Travel can often feel like work, and it's not always enjoyable. Sometimes it’s more about experiencing new places than actually immersing oneself in them.
  2. Taking breaks is essential for clear thinking. Finding time to think deeply without distractions can help improve creativity and problem-solving skills.
  3. Retirement is more about having the freedom to choose how you spend your time. It’s not just about money; it's about being content with how you live your life.

Cultured meat and the problem of "naturalness"

The Counterfactual • 19 implied HN points • 16 Jan 23
🍲 Food & Drink Consumer behavior
  1. People often think cultured meat is unnatural, which makes them hesitant to eat it. This feeling comes from a fear of trying new foods and being disgusted by the idea of lab-grown meat.
  2. Discussions around meat can shift when we point out that conventional meat production is also unnatural. Many people are surprised to learn how modern farming practices are much different from what might be considered natural.
  3. It helps to show cultured meat as food rather than as a lab product. When people see it served in a plate instead of in a lab, they tend to feel more positive about it.

no. 42: socialmedia megamerger superstar

let them eat cake • 59 implied HN points • 30 May 21
🍲 Food & Drink Consumer behavior
  1. The social justice movement has shed light on the issues in the restaurant industry, particularly concerning working conditions and pay.
  2. There is a challenge in implementing significant changes in the industry due to financial constraints and the low profit margins in restaurants.
  3. Consumers play a crucial role in driving change by supporting restaurants that prioritize treating their staff well, but currently, there isn't enough focus on this aspect in the dining experience.

What the Heck is Welfare?

Economic Forces • 4 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Welfare analysis looks at how different markets affect people's well-being. It's all about comparing situations to see if consumers are better or worse off.
  2. Changes in demand don't always mean a decline in overall consumer welfare. We need to understand why demand shifts to know the real impact.
  3. In multiple markets, the total welfare isn't just the sum of individual market welfare. Changes in one market can affect others, so we have to consider the bigger picture.