Final answer:
The customers who spend a lot of time researching and comparing products and prices are known as Comparison shoppers. This consumer behavior is a product of modern access to information and the standardization of goods, which elevates the importance of informed decision-making in purchase satisfaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The customers described in the question are those who invest significant time researching products, comparing prices, visiting different stores, and checking out retailer ads before making a purchase. Such behavior is characteristic of Comparison shoppers. They are methodical and informed consumers who look for the best deals and make purchasing decisions based on a thorough assessment of available options. Comparison shopping is part of the contemporary consumer behavior that contrasts with the previous patterns of consumption, where fixed prices were rare and advertising less prevalent. Furthermore, the access to information and the ability to compare has changed the landscape of purchasing, enhancing both consumer satisfaction and the pressure on sellers to provide clear and complete product information to avoid buyer's regret.