The IKEA Effect is a type of the Ownership Effect. People tend to become more attached to owning an item than borrowing it. Additionally, putting effort into their possessions enhances this attachment. However, if the effort is too much, it can have the opposite effect. IKEA intentionally does not sell furniture as finished products. Instead, it uses a sales method that encourages customers to assemble their furniture, which increases their satisfaction with the final piece. Furniture is not just a temporary consumer product but an experiential item that is visible and used regularly over time. When owners value their furniture, they see it as a vital part of their lives and a reflection of their family relationships, rather than simply a product that meets their needs. Customers who experience this tend to desire more than just furniture; they seek a symbol that fosters family bonds. However, this sales approach may not be suitable for all types of products. - Joseph’s “just my though...
One of the key principles of money is ‘opportunity cost.’ It means that when I buy something, I have to give up something else in return. We think we buy because we need something, but we often forget that we could buy something else instead. We rarely consider ‘opportunity cost’ when making a purchase. We do not compare other values against our needs. Buying something means giving up something else, but we often don’t realize it. When we spend money, we should also consider the ‘opportunity cost’; yet, in reality, we aren’t trained to do so. By making a purchase, we bypass the value comparison that may not offer any additional benefits. Maybe it’s because we lack knowledge, or perhaps the idea isn’t appealing. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”