Nearly 3 in 4 shoppers (74%) are more sensitive to price in 2013 compared with 2012,  according to a recent survey of US consumers by Parago.

That increased price sensitivity may stem from shoppers' concerns about how much their dollars will buy, with 42% of survey respondents saying they feel their purchasing power has decreased in the past year.

Below are the additional findings from Parago's third annual Shopper Behavior Study.

Deal Seeking Increases

• Before shopping, 80% of consumers surveyed said they look for deals, rebates, and the best prices, compared with 69% in 2012. 

• 46% of consumers surveyed shopped where they could use their smartphones to check prices; only 11% did so in 2012. 

• Price was the most important purchase driver for every income level below $200,000 and three times more influential on purchase decision than any other criteria overall. 

Will Travel For Savings

Some 81% of shoppers said they would drive 5 to 10 minutes out their way (round trip) for a $10 rebate on a $50 product; 93% said they would drive that distance for a $20 discount. 

Facebook Preferred Place for Rebate Deals

When asked "Where do you want to receive exclusive rebate deals?", the majority (53%) of shoppers said Facebook would be their preferred digital channel. 

 

About the research: The Shopper Behavior Study was based on data conducted via a national online survey during March 2013 with 1,078 respondents representative of the US (in terms of education, income and gender). They responded to a 50-question survey exploring their deal seeking behavior.