Hintaherkkiä

Hintaherkkiä is a Finnish term used in consumer behavior to describe individuals or groups with high price sensitivity. Price sensitivity refers to how strongly changes in price influence purchasing decisions. The term is formed from hinta (price) and herkkiä (sensitive) and is commonly used in market research, retail analytics, and economic discussions in Finnish. It often designates segments that react quickly to discounts, promotions, or price changes.

Characteristics and measurement: Hintaherkkiä tend to compare prices across retailers, brands, and channels, and are more likely to switch products when promotions end or prices rise. Their demand is more elastic, particularly for non-durable goods and everyday essentials. Researchers estimate hintaherkkiä by examining price elasticity, conducting surveys on willingness to pay, or running field or online price experiments.

Implications: For retailers, targeting hintaherkkiä often means using price promotions, discounts, loyalty programs, and price-matching policies. Digital tools and price comparison sites tend to amplify the influence of price sensitivity on shopping choices. For policymakers, a high share of hintaherkkiä can reinforce competitive pressure, while excessive promotions may affect perceived value and revenue stability.

Notes: The term is primarily used in Finnish-language business writing; it aligns with the broader economic concept of price elasticity of demand in English. See also price sensitivity, price elasticity of demand, and price promotions.