Consumers’ Preference on Imported and Locally Made Furniture in Dar es Salaam and Arusha, Tanzania

Abstract

This study was designed to assess the consumer’s preference between imported and locally made furniture in Dar es Salaam and Arusha in Tanzania. Primary and secondary data for the study were collected from furniture consumers in the study area. A total of 134 consumers were surveyed. Questionnaires and documentary reviews were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used in the analysis of data. The result of the study revealed significant differences on the levels of consumers’ preference for furniture products. Imported furniture seems to be far preferred by consumers. It was observed that the major differences in consumers’ preference for furniture were due to quality and design. This study provides valuable implications for local small-scale manufacturers if they want to compete in the globalized market. It is, therefore, recommended that local furniture manufacturers should acquire adequate skills, technology and innovation in order to produce competitive products.

Network Linkages and Performance of Exporting Micro and Small Enterprises in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: Perspectives in the Handicraft Industry

“…Therefore, H A was accepted, and it was concluded that access to network programmes could positively influence the performance of exporting handicrafts MSEs in Tanzania. These findings corroborate those of Cisi et al (2016), Kumburu (2016), Surin and Wahab (2013) and Gronum (2015), who observed a positive and significant link between networking and SMEs' performances.…”

“…Such restrained MSEs, if left with no network, more often than not will steadily underperform in the foreign markets. Studies (i.e., Kumburu, 2016;Gronum, 2015;Ayako et al, 2014;Surin & Wahab, 2013) have shown that MSEs with no access to networks linkages are more likely to underperform. This underperformance is a serious matter that involves a serious waste of profitability, manufactured exports, human resources, GDP and government revenues.…”

“…These findings corroborate Rutashobya and Jaensson ( 2004), who revealed that a large number of the firms in the handicrafts industry have less than 10 years of export experience. Furthermore, a study by Kumburu (2016) suggests that the length of time in operation is significantly associated with business performance, as it is linked with availability of the market for selling its products.…”

Performance of Small Businesses in Tanzania: Human Resources-Based View

“…During analysis, researchers tried to understand respondent’s views from case studies and observation and interpreted them (Mashenene, 2016). The explanations and observations were matched with the literature and empirical evidence elsewhere (Kumburu & Kessy, 2018).…”

The Effects of furniture specifications on purchasing decisions according to some socio-demographic consumer characteristics

“…In addition, the effect levels of the factors vary according to marital status and education level.The results obtained from this research will be useful in making managerial decisions about marketing. groups, local furniture was preferred because of its cheapness (Kumburu & Kessy, 2021). In a study in Finland, focusing on the development of marketing strategies by going to market segmentation depending on the differences in the constructions of wooden home furniture, quality and design are the most important features in all market segments, while style and advertising are determined as the last attributes (Pakarinen & Asikainen, 2001).…”