Testimony of Living

What motivates you to make a purchase?  I'm not talking about milk and eggs here. I'm talking about purchasing the new TV, the new car, getting season tickets or just the rivalry game, getting the appetizer or just sticking with the main course.  What "pushes you over" to go ahead and spend the extra money, especially in today's market?  I have a few thoughts, but I'd like to hear from you most.

1) It's probably not limited to one variable.  What I mean by that is, it's probably not only the price.  It's probably not only the brand or purchase location, etc.


2) There's a new variable that is gaining "market share" as a purchase influencer.  That variable has something to do with making a difference, providing purpose and giving.  The variable seems to be more important among younger people, but it is growing faster than they are.  The greatest example I can think of is TOMS shoes, where they give one pair of shoes for every pair sold in stores to children in need.  TOMS not only sells shoes, they sell purpose, impact and life change.  The secret is, all people involved receive all three.

Are you seeing your purchasing power being influenced in a greater way by giving opportunities?  If you could buy the same product for the same price, but a portion of your payment would go to someone in need, would you spend the extra time to make that happen? Why?

Seriously, I'm curious.