Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate factors affecting the consumers decision
to buy second-handed mobile phones in Bangkok Metropolis. The population of this study
was 400 people who used to buy used mobile phones. Interviews following the constructed
questionnaire were used to collect the data. Percentage, arithmetic mean, standard deviation,
Chi square, t-test, ANOVA, and Scheffe were used to analyze the data via SPSS software.
It was found that most informants were female with the age range from 20-30 years
and bachelors degree background. They were company employees earning less than
10,000 baht/month. They used more than 4 mobile phones within more than 4 years and
owned one used mobile phone each. They had no knowledge or expertise of mobile phones.
Their budget was limited. To choose the phones, they just examined to make sure no
damage had been made. A rectangular shape was preferable. The popular mobile phone
functions were being able to use to play games, radio, and music all of which were tried
before purchase. The phones chosen had no marks of repair. The respondents chose Nokia
brand and AIS network. The budget for the used phones was 2,001-4,000 baht. The sale
location of the used mobile phones was in department stores. The problem frequently
encountered was with the battery. The repair service was provided by the distributors. The
fact for the phones undergoing repair was found eventually.
The investigation indicated that the significance of factors affecting the consumers
decision to buy second-handed mobile phones, as a whole, by aspect and by item, was at a
high level. However, the aspect related to market promotion was found moderately
important. The items concerning adaptation of ring tones, variety of accessories, sellers
being able to give receipts, accessory prices, being able to pay with credit cards,
advertisement through the Internet and printed media, giving gifts, being able to pay by
installment, and a discount for the next purchase were recognized at a moderate level.
The analysis of the relationship between factors affecting the decision to buy and the
informants personal status showed that sex had something to do with period of time for
using mobile phones, the number of the mobile phones having been used, knowledge and
skills to buy second-handed mobile phones, choosing networks, and budget. Age was
found related to period of time for using mobile phones, the number of the mobile phones
having been used, choosing extra functions and brands, budget, and sale location. As for
the consumers educational background, the study showed that it had a relationship with
period of time for using mobile phones, the number of the mobile phones having been used,
reasons to buy second-handed phones, choosing extra functions, considering the interior of
the phones, choosing brands, trial, choosing network, sale location, problems when using,
and sellers repair service. The consumers occupations were found influencing period of
time for using mobile phones, the number of the mobile phones having been used, choosing
extra functions and brands, and problems when using. The informants monthly income
were found related to period of time for using mobile phones, the number of the mobile
phones having been used, the number of mobile phones presently used, reasons to buy
second-handed phones and considering the exterior of the phones.
The comparison of the significance levels of factors affecting the decision to buy
second-handed mobile phones rated by the informants with different background revealed
that 8 items were different regarding sex, 13 items each regarding age and educational
background, 5 items each regarding occupations, and monthly income. The statistical
significance level of this study was set at .05.