Buyers turning to social media.(Business)

Byline: Mail Business Staff

MOST consumers refuse to compromise on customer service, product range or quality when trying get the lowest price possible, according to the Accenture Global Consumer Survey - and Facebook and Twitter are having a growing influence on consumers, helping guide purchasing decisions.

Researchers questioned 5,800 consumers in 17 countries on their attitudes toward customer service and marketing and sales practices in ten industries.

Some 300 of those questioned were Irish.

Three-quarters of those believed that the increased use of technology has improved marketing and sales experience, as well as customer service.

Last year, the number of consumers who switched service providers over poor customer service fell for the first time in six years.

Vicky Godolphin from Accenture said: 'Factors, including loyalty programmes and the use of new mobile technologies and social media outlets, like Facebook and Twitter, are influencing consumers' decision to stay with or leave their providers.' The study also found that the vast majority of Irish consumers used the internet to search for company information on products - around 96pc.

And around seven out of ten used social media to get similar details.

One in five agreed that the internet influenced their opinions about brands.

CAPTION(S):

Savvy shoppers: Consumers are surfing for product choice