The hottest Consumer behavior Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

D-Students: Microsoft, Apple Get Failing Grades on France’s Repair Index. (For Now.)

Fight to Repair • 0 implied HN points • 24 Mar 21
🕹 Technology Consumer behavior
  1. France introduced a Repairability Index to rate products based on repair-ability, giving failing grades to Apple and Microsoft products.
  2. The scoring system considers factors like documentation availability, ease of disassembly, spare parts availability, and pricing of spare parts.
  3. The French Repairability Index has prompted companies to rethink product design and serviceability, setting a precedent for promoting repair-friendly products.

The Reopening Party

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 13 Aug 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Consumer behavior
  1. People responded to government reopening by venturing out quickly, even more eagerly than they curtailed activities before lockdowns.
  2. The trusted government theory suggests that people trusted government information post-lockdown, but not pre-lockdown, leading to their swift return to activities.
  3. Alternative theories suggest that post-lockdown rush could be due to pent-up demand after restrictions, or due to perceived safety improvements like social distancing measures.

Covid-19 and 'Forced' Experimentation

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 07 Aug 20
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Due to Covid-19, the entertainment industry is experimenting with online movie releases, which may lead to permanent changes in distribution practices.
  2. The economics of movie distribution involve factors like physical distribution costs, risk aversion in trying new strategies, and revenue-sharing agreements with theaters.
  3. If successful, the shift to online releases could mean higher quality home viewing experiences, changes in consumer choices, and potential scaling back of traditional movie theaters.

Will Yahoo! return to its portal roots?

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 14 May 13
🕹 Technology Consumer behavior
  1. Yahoo! may be returning to its portal roots, wanting to be the daily go-to for users across devices.
  2. Yahoo! is focusing on a portal strategy that includes information aggregation to solve users' information overload problems.
  3. Other big tech companies like Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft, and Google have their own strategies, but Yahoo!'s focus on a daily routine user base and advertising is unique.
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The Fun is in The Friction

The Renaissance Man • 0 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Consumer behavior
  1. We often want everything instantly, but patience can lead to surprises and joy. Sometimes the journey to find something special is what makes it exciting.
  2. We've started to value digital experiences over real-life ones. This shift can make us forget the joy of tangible objects and human interactions.
  3. Having a frictionless life sounds good, but it can also be boring. Embracing challenges can make experiences more fun and meaningful.

Stop using these emojis. 🥺

Business & Marketing with Nika • 0 implied HN points • 02 Jun 24
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Some emojis, like the pleading face 🥺, can be very confusing and misunderstood by people. Know which emojis might not work well for your message.
  2. Different cultures can interpret emojis differently, so it's important to understand how your audience sees them. What means 'OK' in one place might be offensive in another.
  3. Misusing emojis can create uncomfortable situations and hurt your brand's image. Use them carefully to ensure your audience gets the right message.

Financial Management: Pricing

Logos • 0 implied HN points • 16 Jul 20
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Setting the right price for a product is about making sure the extra money you make from selling one more unit is equal to the cost of making that unit. This is called finding the optimal price.
  2. Promotions and different pricing tactics can help increase sales without permanently changing the list price. These include limited-time discounts and special offers like 'buy one, get one free'.
  3. Mixing different product types or sizes can attract various customers. Offering a basic option for price-sensitive shoppers and a premium one for those willing to pay more can boost overall profits.

Meatless Future or Vegan Delusions? The Beyond Meat Valuation

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 12 Jun 19
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Beyond Meat is leading the plant-based meat market, but competition from companies like Impossible Foods is growing. Both companies are focusing on taste and texture to attract meat-eaters looking for alternatives.
  2. Health concerns, environmental impact, and improved taste are pushing more people to try meatless options. These trends are likely to strengthen, leading to more growth in the meatless products industry.
  3. The meatless meat market is still relatively small compared to traditional meat. While it has potential for growth, it may take time to reach a significant share of the overall meat market.

High and higher: The Money in Marijuana!

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 16 Oct 18
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. The marijuana market is growing quickly, with many people using it and spending significant money on it. Legal cannabis sales in places like Canada and California are generating billions in revenue.
  2. Even with legalization, the illegal marijuana market will likely continue because legal options are more expensive due to taxes and regulations. This makes it harder for legal businesses to compete.
  3. Investors should be cautious as not all cannabis companies are profitable yet. Choices include investing in specific companies, buying a variety of stocks, or looking at established businesses already involved in the cannabis market.

Deconstructing Amazon Prime: Loss Leader or Value Creator?

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 17 Oct 17
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Amazon Prime has grown rapidly since its start in 2005, reaching around 85 million members by 2017. This makes it a vital service for Amazon's business.
  2. The value of a Prime member is significant because they tend to spend much more on Amazon than non-members, often over $1,300 a year compared to around $700.
  3. Amazon faces challenges managing shipping costs and maintaining member growth. If these costs rise too much, it could negatively impact the value of new and existing members.

What's in a name? Of Umlauts, The Alphabet and World Peace!

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 09 Sep 15
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Changing names can help businesses escape negative associations, like when Philip Morris became Altria to distance itself from tobacco.
  2. Sometimes a name change reflects a shift in focus or values for a company, like when Apple dropped 'Computer' from its name as it began selling more phones and tablets.
  3. Names matter in marketing and can influence a company's value, as shown by how stock prices react to name changes, even if the business itself doesn't change much.

Losing, sustaining and building on brand names

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 19 Apr 09
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Brand names can add a lot of value to a company, but they can easily lose that value due to bad events or actions, like in the case of Domino's.
  2. Companies need to understand where their brand value comes from and actively maintain it. Mistakes, like Coca-Cola's New Coke, can harm a brand significantly.
  3. Brand names can last a long time, but if companies don't connect with younger customers and avoid overextending their brand, they risk losing their appeal.

Valuing brand names

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 10 Apr 09
💰 Finance Consumer behavior
  1. Brand names can significantly add value to a company, making it important to try estimating that value. It's interesting to think about what would happen if a company suddenly lost its brand name.
  2. Estimating the value of a brand is easier when there are no significant quality differences among products. For example, Coca Cola and generic sodas are very similar except for the brand.
  3. For companies like Sony or Apple, their higher profits might come from factors besides their brand names, like quality and design. So, valuing their brand may include a mix of different advantages.

The power of a brand name

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 02 Apr 09
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. A strong brand name can significantly increase the price of a product, even if the product itself is the same as a less popular one. Think of how much more you pay for Mickey Mouse merchandise compared to generic items.
  2. Companies with valuable brand names tend to have higher overall value than similar companies without strong brands. This value comes from their ability to attract customers and charge more.
  3. When valuing a business, the brand's worth should already be reflected in the financial data, such as profits and margins. Adding an extra value for the brand can lead to counting it twice, which isn't accurate.

Get your users into the habit of upgrading

CommandBlogue • 0 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Make it easy for users to take actions like signing up or upgrading. The simpler it is, the more likely they are to do it.
  2. Using a consistent button for similar actions helps users form good habits. They will associate that button with success and keep using it.
  3. Be careful with what you make easy to do. Some actions, like deleting data, should have extra steps to prevent mistakes.

Reversals make brands more memorable

Creative Samba • 0 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Using reversals in branding helps people remember the brand better. It creates a surprising twist that catches attention.
  2. Engaging younger audiences requires understanding their habits, like spending lots of time on social media platforms.
  3. Food brands should consider the cultural context of their audience to connect more meaningfully, like how family interactions are affected by technology.

Whats The Point Of Chewing Gum?

jsfour • 0 implied HN points • 24 Sep 24
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. When thinking about business ideas, consider if they solve a real problem (painkillers) or just offer something nice (vitamins).
  2. Chewing gum has a lot of purposes, like freshening breath or relieving stress, but it may just be good marketing.
  3. Even if your product isn't a 'painkiller', like vitamins, it still has value and a market. So, don't give up on your idea!

DGAF: Why unhinged brands could be the safest marketing path

{grow} by Mark Schaefer • 0 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Unhinged brands are becoming popular because they grab attention and spark conversations. They prioritize standing out over sticking to traditional marketing rules.
  2. Brands like Liquid Death and Nutter Butter are showing that being weird or edgy can resonate well with consumers. This approach allows them to connect with those who feel disconnected from mainstream products.
  3. Indifference is a big problem for brands. By being bold and different, these brands create their own unique identities and stay relevant in a crowded market.

The Nutter Butter campaign explained. Yes, this nightmare makes sense

{grow} by Mark Schaefer • 0 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Nutter Butter's new marketing campaign is loud, weird, and grabs attention. They're using strange videos to stand out in a crowded market.
  2. The goal is to evoke strong emotions, whether good or bad, because that makes people remember and share the content. This makes their ads go viral.
  3. Gen Z loves brands that are different and a bit bizarre. Nutter Butter is taking a risk, but it's working because they had nothing to lose and needed to be noticed.

159 | Spotlight on Shigella | Superweeds (Super Bad) | Loving Fakes |

The Rotten Apple • 0 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🍲 Food & Drink Consumer behavior
  1. Shigella bacteria can cause severe foodborne illness and mainly spreads through contaminated hands. Proper handwashing and careful food sourcing are crucial to prevent its spread.
  2. Superweeds are plants that have become resistant to common herbicides like glyphosate. They are a growing problem for farmers, leading to higher costs and reduced crop yields.
  3. Consumers sometimes buy counterfeit food products as a way to challenge social inequality. They may feel that buying fakes helps them reject expensive brands and achieve a sense of equality.

Global smartphone shipments rise 5% in Q3 2024

philsiarri • 0 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Consumer behavior
  1. Global smartphone shipments went up by 5% in Q3 2024, which is the best it's been since 2021. This means more people are buying new phones than before.
  2. Samsung and Apple were the top smartphone sellers, with strong sales from new models like the iPhone 16. These companies have been successful in reaching both developing and established markets.
  3. Emerging markets like Southeast Asia and Latin America are growing the fastest due to competition and price incentives, while rich countries see more demand for high-end phones with smart features.

From FDs to IPOs: The Investor Shift Shaking Up Financial Institutions

Decentralised • 0 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
💰 Finance Consumer behavior
  1. More people in India are moving their money from safe savings options like fixed deposits to investing in the stock market. This trend is growing quickly.
  2. There are now many more retail investors actively participating in the stock market, with millions of new investment accounts opened recently. This is changing how people invest.
  3. Financial institutions like banks need to update their technology and adapt to the changing market. If they don't, they risk losing customers to newer fintech companies that provide better services.

How DTC brand JUDY made prepping cool with PR, podcasts, and joyful branding

the case for brand 💼 • 0 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. JUDY, a go-bag brand, makes emergency planning fun and accessible. They focus on turning disaster prep into smart and positive emergency plans.
  2. The brand uses celebrity endorsements to gain popularity. Having the Kardashians support them helps JUDY stand out in the market.
  3. JUDY emphasizes the importance of community and expert partnerships. They collaborate with organizations like the Los Angeles Fire Department to build credibility and trust in their products.

10 Charts That Capture How the World Is Changing (Part I)

Digital Native • 0 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Prediction markets are gaining popularity as people can now bet on real-life events. This trend allows individuals to use their knowledge and insights to potentially earn money.
  2. The venture capital landscape is shifting, and experts believe 2025 could see a turnaround with more returns and IPOs. There's hope that a new wave of companies might provide big payouts to investors.
  3. People are increasingly spending on experiences rather than just goods. This trend reflects a cultural shift where memorable experiences are valued more, driven by social media and a desire for unique moments.

Beauty Is in the Algorithm of the Beholder

Digital Native • 0 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Consumer behavior
  1. Beauty standards are always changing based on what is seen as desirable. For a long time, being plump was a sign of wealth, but nowadays, being thin is often seen as the ideal.
  2. New drugs like Ozempic are making weight loss more accessible, which could shift beauty standards again. If everyone can easily lose weight, we might see a change in what is considered beautiful.
  3. The rise of social media and technology is influencing how we perceive beauty. With tools for photo editing and cosmetic procedures becoming more common, people are more focused on looking good in photos and online.

Stimulus, Rent the Runway, and do people know how angry the average consumer is?

Alex's Personal Blog • 0 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. China's economy is struggling with low inflation and falling producer prices, leading to the need for monetary stimulus to boost growth.
  2. Rent the Runway is facing significant market challenges, even as it takes steps to improve its business and reduce losses.
  3. There is a growing divide between business leaders and the general public regarding consumer anger, particularly about issues like health insurance.

FIFA: Beanie Babies in football form

The Rectangle • 0 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Consumer behavior
  1. Digital items, like football players in a game, can create strong emotional attachments for players. Losing these items can feel really upsetting, even if they are just part of a game.
  2. People often assign value to things that are not inherently valuable, similar to beanie babies. This happens because of perceived rarity and people's willingness to pay for them.
  3. The feelings tied to these digital goods reflect a hope for improvement in life, like achieving success in a game. This optimism is what makes people value both digital items and collectibles.

Thar Roxx Review: Only for SUV Usage

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Consumer behavior
  1. SUVs like the Thar Roxx are designed for off-road use and towing. If you don't plan to do those things, a crossover might be a better choice.
  2. The Roxx isn't as comfortable or smooth as other cars meant for city driving, like the Creta. It can be noisy and the ride isn't very smooth.
  3. If you're looking for an SUV, make sure it fits your needs. Buying one just for city use is like getting a TV for listening to music; a dedicated speaker will do better.

Don't Confuse Need and Timeline in Sales

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. In sales, it's important to recognize the difference between a customer's need for a product and their timeline for buying it. Some people might need something now but are not ready to buy right away.
  2. Salespeople often mistakenly try to convince customers who have already expressed a need that the product is good, instead of focusing on when the customer plans to make the purchase.
  3. Understanding the BANT criteria in sales, which stands for Budget, Authority, Need, and Timeline, can help clarify these distinctions and improve sales strategies.

How to Monetize a Cult Following: Lessons from MrBeast and Notion

Divinations • 0 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. A cult following is about belief, not size. Fans are deeply engaged and support the brand like it's part of their identity.
  2. To monetize your following, create products that involve fans and allow them to participate in your community. It's about building relationships rather than just selling stuff.
  3. Keep your core product strong and control it closely, while letting the surrounding community and ecosystem thrive. This helps maintain loyalty and manage growth.

Agentic Commerce: When AI Does the Shopping for You

Digital Native • 0 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🕹 Technology Consumer behavior
  1. Agentic commerce is the next big change in shopping, where AI will do a lot of the work for us. Instead of us searching and buying, our AI agents will find deals and make purchases based on our preferences.
  2. There are two types of shopping: utility and emotional. Utility shopping is for necessary items like groceries, while emotional shopping is for things we want, like clothes or gifts. AI can help with both, but they need to be designed differently.
  3. For agentic commerce to work, websites need to change to make it easier for AI to shop. This means having better data and systems so AI agents can find and buy products quickly for us.

Attention Is the Last Scarce Resource

Digital Native • 0 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
💼 Business Consumer behavior
  1. Attention is becoming a rare resource because there is so much content available. Companies are trying harder to get and keep people's attention.
  2. New technology is changing how we capture and use attention. For example, voice technology is improving, allowing for more natural conversations and creating new ways to engage with people.
  3. Businesses are exploring different models to make money from attention, like subscriptions and micro-transactions. As competition grows for our time, they are finding more effective ways to get value from each moment.