Sam was using which alternative pathway in making a decision the peripheral route.
This type of persuasion occurs when the listener decides to make decisions based on other information that excludes the strength of the argument provided at the time. In this case, Sam didn’t consider making decisions based on a holistic approach of considering all the information that includes conducting his own research.
He decided to make a decision or listen to expert saleswoman. The persuasion cues can also occur if the listener feels he/she lacks the ability to motivate the argument on their own.