There’s another reason besides convenience that subscription boxes and similar services suddenly seem so prevalent. Basically the hassle of canceling a subscription, even one that we don’t often use — keeps companies’ pockets full. It’s true even though we’re also unlikely to consume enough of something to justify the fixed price, and researchers find we would be better off giving in to the occasional splurge than signing up for a flat rate — even if it might seem like a great value.
Nowadays (thankfully) there are companies that work at getting you disconnected. They do the running after, they do the threatening and they do the shaming. Most service providers do not one to come across one of these.
Charm Pricing
This one is for anyone who ever wondered why that jar of peanut butter isn't $5 instead of $4.99. In a strategy called "charm pricing," marketing researchers have found that we're more likely to think we're getting a deal at $4.99 because we associate the price more closely with $4 instead of $5. On the flip side, there is "prestige pricing," high-end retailers are better off using rounded prices shoppers are more likely to associate with quality and luxury.
Some claim that although 4.99 seems cheaper, the actual space this figure takes up is larger, whereas $5 may be higher in price but takes up less space and to some look cheaper. And besides, who what to talk about cents when you're referring to upper-class buyers?
When Using the Kettle Wasn’t Free
When you check into a hotel, you might have a kettle in your room, which you would assume is for free use. But if you read through the binder, you’ll actually find there’s a fine for using the kettle, and only if reach the end of the binder. Basically, this is one example of how hotels scam their customers, they do the same with the mini-fridge.
The mini fridge is never locked, the door is always transparent for us to see what they have on offer and when you're staying with kids at one of these hotels, no matter how many times you say "Do not take anything out of the fridge", you end up finding yourself with a larger than life bill at the end of your stay.
Hiding the Download Button
This isn't clever at all, it's just incredibly annoying. To get the right button, you need to click on a host of fakes. Clicking the wrong one means opening a pop-up ad. We sure are getting tired of this kind of trickery and it does a good job of making us lose interest rather quickly.
And what we don't get is, how come haven't these brands realized that they are losing wanting to download customers, and instead they prefer to make loads of money from advertisers? Go figure. It's all down to priorities.
Supersized Carts
It would seem that supermarket shoppers don't like pushing around empty carts — it could be that it just feels like something is missing. Top marketing specialists say a cart that's double the size can lead customers to buy 40% more on average than they planned to in the first place. So while none of us like to run out of room, next time we head to the store, we should consider opting for a basket or a smaller cart to avoid supermarket overspending.
And here's a better idea. Use a shopping list, buy only what you need, and save and save a few bucks so you can buy more of the other things you don't need.