What do the 20-somethings buy?

58 replies
Hey guys,

What do you all think the 20-somethings group buy?

I've been reading a lot of different opinions on this.

Some say they're just too young and cheap to pay for something, especially when it comes to a self-help product as they can probably get it somewhere else for free or just talk to their friends.

Some say they would buy more tangible goods, like T shirts and stuff.

Some say your best bet is that they'd click on ads only.

What do you all think? Any experience with this?
#20somethings #buy
  • Profile picture of the author summerdayz
    Apparels, games and investments.
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  • Profile picture of the author MonetizerX
    I'd say clothes, electronics and general cool gadgets.
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  • Profile picture of the author DeanJames
    Grand Theft Auto V

    Look at all the magazines aimed at this demographic. Look at the ads in those magazines. That's what they are buying.

    I'm seeing people in their 20's spending thousands on IM products and building businesses.
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  • Profile picture of the author ronrule
    Pre-25 = Entertainment items and other misc. dumb crap.

    Post-25 can be a more serious audience though... that's usually when you're thinking about buying your first home, getting married, having kids, etc.
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      • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
        Banned
        Shoes, clothes, cosmetics, books, CD's, computers, smartphones and techie-related stuff, more shoes, mortgages and related financial services, "household contents" stuff, cars, travel and still more shoes.

        Not that I'm talking from experience at all, you understand ...
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    • Profile picture of the author kpmedia
      Originally Posted by ronrule View Post

      Post-25 can be a more serious audience though... that's usually when you're thinking about buying your first home, getting married, having kids, etc.
      Nope.

      Part of the reason the real estate market hasn't bounced back, and the auto industry has downsized, is because millenials (18-30) are skiddish with what little monery they do have. They're being called the "lost generation", because they've been forcibly arrested (development) in their late teens by the horrid job market and economy. They've put off careers, relationships (marriages), kids ,etc.

      I read about this regularly. It's sad.

      They get what they can for free/cheap, and mostly stick to tangibles like clothes or techno doo-dads, or on things they can't steal/infringe like online game subs, Spotify and Netflix. Convenience also plays a big part in this.
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      • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
        Banned
        Originally Posted by Ken_Caudill View Post

        WTF is skiddish?

        Just wondering.
        I also wondered about this, but decided that it was probably just a misspelling of "skittish" (as perhaps sometimes pronounced with a US accent?).
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  • Profile picture of the author butterballs8
    Women spend a lot of money on make up, hair products, skin care, jewelry, clothes, accessories etc
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  • Profile picture of the author webgal1985
    cheap clothes
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  • Profile picture of the author wolfe655
    I have 4 daughters 2 in their early 20's. Alex hit it right on the head. Except for mortgages and related financial services, "household contents" stuff, cars. The 23 year old is married and moved out. I can't seem to get the 25 year old to go! LOL! I also have a 15 year old and 8 year old who both think they are in their 20's
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  • Profile picture of the author ImtheBrilliantest
    clothes and gadgets, and accessories for said gadgets.
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  • Profile picture of the author KyleG1461
    I'm just barely in the under 25 category. Most of my disposable income goes into seriously detailed history/archaeology books and reproductions of medieval armour.

    Do not use me as an example of a typical 18-25 year old...
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    • Profile picture of the author ronrule
      Originally Posted by KyleG1461 View Post

      I'm just barely in the under 25 category. Most of my disposable income goes into seriously detailed history/archaeology books and reproductions of medieval armour.

      Do not use me as an example of a typical 18-25 year old...
      It's not that weird. I actually have an original copy of every book ever written by Sir Austen Henry Layard (1849 to 1870's print). Most aren't in great shape, but a couple are and they are all still readable and all of the fold-out sketches are intact. Read every one of them, I love all of that stuff.
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  • Profile picture of the author ronrule
    Home Depot.

    Very "do it yourself" mentality in that age group... a realization that escaped me until recently. When you're in your late 30's and older, you're more likely to be paying people for labor. But when you're under 30, and just bought your first house and decide you want a deck... you aren't writing a $7,000 check, you're buying 2x4's and building a freaking deck.

    That example might not translate to online very well, but all of the DIY stuff is an easy sell on that age group.
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  • Profile picture of the author vedremo
    Banned
    This is what I buy:

    - Supplements. BSN & Optimum Nutrition stuff.
    - iTunes gift cards. Movies, tv shows.
    - Petrol.
    - ASX Shares, particularly Energy stocks.
    - The occasional $1 toy from ebay for my toy poodle.
    - Electricity, Water, Gas, Broadband, Mobile Phone, Home Phone, Strata, Council.
    - Korean and Japanese boxes and weeping cherries.
    - Meal at a nice place to eat. E.g. La Trattoria.

    I don't like to buy clothes. I don't like to buy gadgets. I don't like to buy alcohol.

    There is also a (somewhat saturated, but increasingly less reluctant) market for companionship e.g. dating sites/apps.

    Hope that helps, maybe somewhat atypical for someone in this age group.
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  • Profile picture of the author HeadStartSEO
    Fitness/supplements, clothing, travel.
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  • Profile picture of the author coreypaulotten
    I'm not sure I'm qualified to answer this because everyone tells me that I am like an 80 year old in a 24 year olds body. None the less.

    It is hard to be general with people in that age group. The majority I would have to say would buy clothes, hats, shoes, supplements, guns,

    The smaller but more targeted niche would be personal development, investments, and money making opportunities.

    I hope this gives you more of an idea.
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  • Profile picture of the author Stefan Shields
    Gadgets and technology is what I would say.
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  • Profile picture of the author aldentan
    Haha awesome answers guys!

    My 24-to today( 28) days simply consisted of partying. Alcohol all the way man.

    But on some level, I think I'm different cause I'm willing to pay for something to help better myself. I've bought self-improvement products online myself.

    Okay so, do you all think it's a viable business idea to set up a personal development blog targeted at the 20-somethings?
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  • Profile picture of the author Radium
    From what I have observed, mostly useless, short-term stuff. Electronics, mobile apps, games, entertainment, clothes, cosmetics, alcohol & tobacco, tattoos..
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  • Profile picture of the author katequinn1983
    Banned
    Generally, women are crazy about make-up products, clothes, shoes, skin care products,etc and men like buying new-released gadgets, electronics and clothes.
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  • Profile picture of the author tasmedia
    ok, I think your going about this all wrong, your asking the wrong question...

    Go out and survey 100 plus 20 somethings asking them what are the 3 main problems they face.

    Collate the answers and you will have a reasonable product idea. Develop an ebook around that topic that solves their problem.

    Create a sales funnel website, with autoresponder series of emails.

    Get targeted 20 somethings traffic.

    Once the ball is rolling and you are making a decent profit, then develop more products and sell them to your list.

    Rinse and repeat.
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    • Profile picture of the author dreamtoreality
      I belong to the pre 25 age group. My money goes on rent, broadband, water, electricity, council tax, Sky TV, clothes, food, drink and tobacco, mobile phone, the odd PS3 game, the odd holiday, cinema, music and football tickets, oyster card (travel) etc. As others have said, pretty much short term goods. We don't buy high ticket items, except when necessary. For example, I bought a new laptop a few days ago because my old one stopped working.

      All my friends are pretty much the same, with the majority of our money (apart from rent) being spent on going out and very little online. A gym membership is also popular. To sum up, we spend our money on things that make life a bit more fun, as we feel that we don't have to focus on saving just yet.
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  • Profile picture of the author aldentan
    Thanks guys!

    Hmm do you think it can work online?

    Product on Gym/videogames/makeup/gadget online?
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  • Profile picture of the author vinness
    well, im twenty something but i buy self-help books, business help books, etc. but to give you an idea, some of my friends spend their cash buying dresses online, makeups, etc while the boys look for songs, games, and shoes!
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  • Profile picture of the author PolkaDotMarketing
    Originally Posted by aldentan View Post

    Hey guys,

    What do you all think the 20-somethings group buy?

    I've been reading a lot of different opinions on this.

    Some say they're just too young and cheap to pay for something, especially when it comes to a self-help product as they can probably get it somewhere else for free or just talk to their friends.

    Some say they would buy more tangible goods, like T shirts and stuff.

    Some say your best bet is that they'd click on ads only.

    What do you all think? Any experience with this?
    There are so many things 20 somethings like to spend money on I really don't know where to start. Definitely not self help books though... I'd say electronics and clothes are the top 2
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  • Profile picture of the author Video Expert
    They buy clothes.
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  • Profile picture of the author vojohn33
    everyone has different tastes to things and what kids buy highly depends on the trends. im in my early 20's and I buy cars. computer hardware, fitness related things. all depends on the person. i know ppl that spend their paychecks on hookers and blow, they're in their 20's? all i can tell you is that MOST 20 year olds now .. live in the moment, it's alll about partying and drinking, that jersey shore life and whatnot and they don't give a crap what is going to happen in the future. Its the YOLO (you only live once mentality) that is messing up kids.
    miley cyrus loves wrecking balls and work tools.
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  • Profile picture of the author bradstern
    The purchasing decision of this age bracket is largely influenced by their peers.

    The desire to fit in and to be "in" and the "latest" usually guides their decision.

    E.g. Latest gadgets, cool computers, apps, latest fashion clothes.

    You get the idea.
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  • Profile picture of the author KevinChapman
    My kids are all in their 20's.

    My sons spend their money paying bills, going out, buying clothes/dvd's/music but they both have their own businesses going so they don't need to buy anything IM related.

    My daughter Lucy is pretty similar, obviously bills then going out to dinner/drinks, clothes, make up and holidays!

    I think the best thing to sell to people in their 20's is probably website subscriptions, just think how well netflix are doing!
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  • Profile picture of the author aldentan
    Would it make sense to write about personal development and motivation (cause 20 somethings need them) and yet promote "stuff?"

    Gadgets, games, makeup etc.
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  • Profile picture of the author ConnerHogan
    You chose a great market. 20 something kids are looking for easy money, sex, and the normal thing that fill music videos. Clickbank, and Click Sure have tons of dating products. Plus many other products related to sex, and that whole deal.

    I used to be one ya know.
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  • Profile picture of the author BatJay
    Hey, travelling for me anytime(; Though, if you are talking about tangible stuff, then it will be stuff like games, clothes and anything that is fun!
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  • Profile picture of the author murielcrom
    I'm almost positive that all the women in their 20's buy clothes and the guys buy gadgets or cars.
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  • Profile picture of the author kpmedia
    I amazed at some of the silly things people are saying here. Seriously, if you're going to call yourself "marketers", then at least pay attention to the trends (research!) and the news.

    20s kids are NOT buying homes, cars, sex, etc. That's just stupid. Research is contrary to this.

    I realize few here have actual degrees, or experience in the field, but you can at least read. :rolleyes:

    Quit pulling "facts" from your butt.
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    • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
      Banned
      Originally Posted by kpmedia View Post

      I amazed at some of the silly things people are saying here.
      Really? You seem to go from thread to thread saying this, though, so many people will perhaps take that perspective with a pinch of salt.

      I don't claim to have researched it extensively, but I was told fairly recently by a mortgage broker that the average age of people getting their first mortgages - here, anyway - is under 30.

      That's "20-something", isn't it?

      Originally Posted by kpmedia View Post

      20s kids are NOT buying homes, cars
      Really? So, tell us, then ...

      How old do you think most people are, on average, when they get their first car?

      If the average isn't "20-something", I'll eat my shoes. I'm hungry, but I'm not that hungry ...

      Originally Posted by kpmedia View Post

      That's just stupid.
      Really? I suspect that referring to us as "20's kids" might just be displaying your prejudices, here, just a little?
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    • Profile picture of the author martinp
      Originally Posted by kpmedia View Post

      I amazed at some of the silly things people are saying here. Seriously, if you're going to call yourself "marketers", then at least pay attention to the trends (research!) and the news.

      20s kids are NOT buying homes, cars, sex, etc. That's just stupid. Research is contrary to this.
      I bought my first home and my first car in my 20's, as did most of my friends. Although maybe you're not referring to the UK when you talk about this 'research'.
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  • Profile picture of the author Video Expert
    Tons of tech gadgets
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  • Profile picture of the author ashloren
    I just turned 26 and at this point in my life, I spend most of my money on:

    1. Drugs
    2. Clothing
    3. Cosmetics
    4. Dining
    5. Online expenses (website hosting, etc.)
    6. Vet bills and dog products
    7. Gas
    8. Accessories and appliances
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  • Profile picture of the author hansnwcb
    It is hard to be general with people in that age group.
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    • Profile picture of the author Devid Farah
      Video games? Condoms? Guides/magazines/books on how to build muscles, lose weight, how to pick up hot girls, electronics, mobile phones, clothes, gadgets, shiny cars, cigarettes, alcohol, food, entertainment...
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  • Profile picture of the author Fantastic
    Alcohol?

    Condoms?

    Phones?

    Name brand clothing?

    Duck Commander duck calls?
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  • Profile picture of the author China Newz
    Probably tech stuff, new gadgets, sporting equipment/clothing, professional clothing, student loans, school related items, cheap eats, who knows? Everything I said has probably already been mentioned. I am not much a help, am I.
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  • Profile picture of the author Make Money Ninja
    25, male. My latest non essential purchases:

    1) GTA.
    2) Nice clothes.
    3) Supplements.
    4) Kindle books.

    I am not much of a consumer though. I prefer to save and invest my money in to different things. Obviously this is not typical, lol.
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  • Profile picture of the author keith88
    Originally Posted by aldentan View Post

    Hey guys,

    What do you all think the 20-somethings group buy?

    I've been reading a lot of different opinions on this.

    Some say they're just too young and cheap to pay for something, especially when it comes to a self-help product as they can probably get it somewhere else for free or just talk to their friends.

    Some say they would buy more tangible goods, like T shirts and stuff.

    Some say your best bet is that they'd click on ads only.

    What do you all think? Any experience with this?
    Clothes, video games and of course electronics they don't need. Is this male or female???
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  • Profile picture of the author lisakynan
    If you are thinking of writing about personal development or anything "IM" related then sell something in that area... don't go selling make-up and clothes lol. I am 22 and if I am on a website looking for inspiration for my business endeavours, I am not looking to buy make up lol! We spend money on what anyone else in this industry spends money on.. How-to products, courses, books, subscriptions...
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  • Profile picture of the author Jeffery Moss
    Most early 20 somethings these days are in college or just graduating and still spending most of their free money on themselves. Free from child support payments or heavy mortgage, they are more concerned with self gratification and personal pursuits as well as building a career to earn more money to pay off those student loans. Any new electronic item, gadget, game, etc will be popular with this group.

    Once these people hit their late twenties, they will most likely already be in steady relationships; married with kids, good jobs,etc. And, a lot of the excess spending will have been curtailed as more important things are being paid for.
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  • Profile picture of the author bytedisorder
    25, male. My latest non essential purchases:

    Jetboil Camping Stove
    Stansport Gold Sluice
    Poco Pack Child Carrier
    Casio Pathfinder Watch
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  • Profile picture of the author aldentan
    Thanks guys!

    The number of replies here are amazing! Great insights!
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  • Profile picture of the author samjaynz
    I'm 21, and apart from the obvious (food, petrol, rent etc) I buy:

    * Clothes
    * Electronics

    That's about it. Without wishing to sound to mean, good luck getting me (and most other 20-somethings) to part with any amount of money for a self-help guide. I can usually find all the info I want for free on forums, websites etc.

    The only exception is if an eBook offers me something I truly cannot get anywhere else.
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  • Profile picture of the author carlamae
    The smart ones will be listening to us!
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  • Profile picture of the author ijohnson
    Well, you can get a pretty long varied list for this age group because sex, culture and economic status will play a major role in those purchases when they use THEIR money and not mom and dad's.

    video games
    clothing
    cars
    Starbucks
    entertainment / concerts / nightclubs
    fast food / dining out
    gold grills
    music / iTunes
    Smartphones
    electronics
    iPad / iPod
    makeup, hair and nail products
    haircuts
    alcohol and mind-altering drugs
    college tuition / student loans
    vacations
    fantasy football
    Candy Crush Saga

    ... the list goes on!
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  • Profile picture of the author Dr Boom
    Originally Posted by aldentan View Post

    What do you all think the 20-somethings group buy?
    Clothes, music, computer games, alcohol, drugs, porn....
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  • Profile picture of the author greenowl123
    When I was in my 20`s I bought a lot of protein powder, health supplements and gym equipment like lifting belts. Others my age were buying booze, trendy clothes, music, cologne, shoes, electronic gadgets, etc.
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