Russian Consumers Cut Back on Services and Goods
New findings from Profi reveal shifting spending habits among Russians in 2022. A notable portion began saving on goods and services, while others reduced their overall expenditure. The study shows that 47.2 percent of respondents started saving on both goods and services, according to data gathered by the editors of socialbites.ca. Simultaneously, 16.4 percent reduced spending on goods and 16.2 percent cut back on services. A portion did not feel the need to save at all, even when the economy faced tighter conditions. The list of services most commonly dropped was led by fitness trainer sessions, beauty treatments, and home help, reflecting a prioritization of essential needs over discretionary expenses.
Specific shares reinforce this trend: 18.7 percent were prepared to cut fitness trainer services, 17.8 percent considered skipping beautician visits, and 17.7 percent opted out of home assistance. Other areas where respondents reduced spending included tutoring, psychology, veterinary care, car maintenance, legal services, accounting, and real estate services. These choices illustrate a broader strategy to tighten household budgets while still addressing essential or urgent needs.
When it came to how tasks would be handled, 39.5 percent of respondents chose to complete these tasks on their own. A further 10.8 percent indicated that replacing certain specialists would be impossible, underscoring the value many place on professional expertise. The remaining respondents explored alternatives such as enlisting help from friends or seeking cheaper options that fit their budget constraints. The data highlights a spectrum of adaptation from DIY approaches to selective reliance on professionals when necessary.
Despite a clear appetite for savings, 40.5 percent of participants said they would not give up services entirely. They cited several reasons for this stance, including a reluctance to perform specialized tasks independently, concerns about speed and quality when substituting professionals, and worries about missing out on essential outcomes. Some respondents noted that cutting back on services could lead to higher overall costs or lead to anxiety about handling unfamiliar tasks. The study points to a nuanced balance between cost savings and maintaining service standards that many households strive to achieve.
The insights presented come from a survey of Russians conducted in March 2023, offering a snapshot of how households adapted to shifting economic conditions and the perceived value of professional services during this period. These patterns suggest that consumers weigh efficiency, reliability, and outcomes heavily when deciding whether to keep, replace, or drop specific services in favor of cost control. At the same time, there remains a segment that prioritizes ongoing access to professional help and is willing to absorb higher costs to protect quality and peace of mind.