Which stage follows the need recognition in the consumer decision process?

In the consumer decision-making process, the stage that follows need recognition is the information search. After a consumer identifies a need or a problem, they move on to gather relevant information about possible solutions. This involves looking for information from various sources, such as personal experiences, friend and family recommendations, online reviews, and ads. The goal during this stage is to understand the available options and gather credible information to help make an informed decision.

This stage is crucial because the amount and quality of information gathered will significantly influence the subsequent evaluation of alternatives, where the consumer compares different products or services to identify the best option to fulfill their need. Overall, the information search sets the stage for effective comparison and ultimately leads to the purchase decision.