Financial Scarcity & Purchasing Behaviour

The Problem

A research client wanted to understand whether present‑biased consumption, social signalling, and budget constraints predict buying patterns among informal market traders.

Our Solution

Surveyed 371 traders. Ran chi‑square tests of association in Python across multiple cross‑tabulations; built Power BI reports so stakeholders could drill into planning vs pressure, impulsive buying vs status display, and related segments.

Impact

• Counterintuitive findings: traders resisted cheaper alternatives despite pressure
• Revealed survival‑driven purchasing logic that defies standard consumer theory
• Informed design of financial literacy and micro‑lending programmes