From the viewpoint of the consumer buying process. what is the difference between a need and a want? October 5, 2022 by 8i9x6 Needs are absolute necessities, whereas wants are discretionary. Needs are related to specific products, whereas wants occur only when the consumer has the ability to purchase the product. Needs are based on discrepancies between actual and desired satisfaction, whereas wants occur relative to specific products that can fulfill a need. Needs focus on specific elements of a product’s quality, whereas wants are related to the “extras” that add value to the product. Needs and wants are essentially the same, except that consumers will pay more for products they need. See Answer Needs are based on discrepancies between actual and desired satisfaction, whereas wants occur relative to specific products that can fulfill a need.