Do you buy something beacause of an advert?

[Rev Sermon]

By the fiftieth time of seeing the daily mail advert the other night I was wondering what's the point. Does anyone actually go out and buy something because it is repeatedly advertised?
The only time I might be positively influenced by an ad is if it is a product I was previously unaware of such as something new on the market when I might give it a try if it sounds any good. Contrast this with the numerous products I avoid because the advertis so annoying eg Iceland (the shop not the country). Anyone admit to purchasing somethingjust because of the ads?

[tonymclark]

It mostly creates a product awareness.
You may not rush out and buy the product, but the first time you are faced with buying some wood varnish ( for example ), you will more than likely pluck a familier name off the shelf, even if you have never bought wood varnish before.
It can have the same effect as a friend recommending a product. If a friend has tried a product, you may be more inclined to give it a try.
Faced with a choice of wood varnish, you are more likely to go with the one you have heard of, even if that is only through a commercial.

[chazza]

i have to admit i went looking for the persil with the free penguin!