International Baccalaureate (IB) Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Study Resource

The rationale behind identifying "compare your purchase with a friend's" as not being a "power over purchase" tactic lies in the core objective of power over purchase strategies. These tactics are designed to empower consumers to make more informed and deliberate purchasing decisions by encouraging them to reflect on their choices, values, and economic realities.

Considering the opportunity cost serves to remind individuals of what they must forego when spending money, prompting them to assess whether the potential benefits of the purchase are worth the cost. Waiting overnight provides the buyer with time to reconsider the purchase, often leading to a clearer perspective on whether it aligns with their financial goals or desires. Seeking counsel involves getting advice from another individual, which can bring additional perspectives or insights that could impact the decision positively.

In contrast, comparing a purchase with a friend potentially introduces external opinions or feelings that may not align with one's own financial situation or desires. It may shift focus away from personal values and needs to an external benchmark. Thus, while it may influence decision-making, it does not function in the intended way of empowering the individual consumer to establish their own priorities and decisions regarding their purchases.