Modes of Acquisition of Consumption Resources: Critique and Development

Buying and owning are considered as the main paths toward consumption in consumer research. Yet, scholars have recently acknowledged the development of alternative acquisition modes, such as access or sharing. Building on a literature review, we identify four ideal types of acquisition practices, which emerge from two fundamental dimensions (the continuum between ownership and access, and the level of market mediation): a) purchasing and bartering; b) renting; c) gift receiving and self-producing; d) sharing and borrowing. This framework represents a first step toward a broader conceptualization of modes of acquisition to consumption resources.