Another Seller Tricks
Dictionary of Selling !
In the world of commerce or even e-commerce, sellers often employ some strategies to influence purchasing decisions.
Sometimes every step might be planned by psychological genius in order to activate your mind to get you buy the product or service.
It’s not basically how it looks.
These tricks are so easy to understand, that you don’t need to have any degree or special school completed at all.
In this article we will explore some common tricks used on us which will provide essential knowledge to navigate the markeplace with more wisdom.
Limited-Time Offers
Creating a sense of urgency !
One of the most used tactics is through a creating a sense of urgency or scarcity of the product.
For example:
This product will be available only for the next 24 hours !
We have only 200 products left, don’t miss your chance !
After 12 hours the discount will be over !
Sellers like to highlight that product or service in order to prompt immediate action.
While urgency can genuinely exist in some cases, buyers should be cautious and take the time to evaluate their options before making impulsive decision.
In short, before you want to make a purchase on a product with limited time offer do this:
- Research the product or service
- Compare prices
- Read reviews
- Determine if the deal is worth pursuing
Remember, it’s better to miss a time-limited opportunity than to make a hasty purchase you might regret.
Psychological Pricing
Changing perception of price !
“No, it’s not worth $10 it costs $9.49”
It’s a big change right ?
I did the math and the price got down for 5.1%
It is something, but more dirty trick is done while the price is at $9.99 but could be (or should be perceived as) $10.
Then I’m getting really mad and the cashiers as well because they can’t give the change for $0.01 but that’s other problem.
What it does is creates an illusion of a lower cost, even though the difference is minimal.
Sellers rely on the psychological tendency of buyers, that’s why they’re leading them to perceive the item as cheaper.
To fight with psychological pricing you could :
- Consider value and quality
- Evaluate the features and benefits
Don’t get into a trap by a single digit, most of the time it will not hurt your wallet that much.
Upselling and Cross-Selling
Making the demand !
Let’s say you are visiting a fishing shop in this story.
You went there only to buy some fish baits.
You took your fish baits, and the cashier suddenly says:
“Excuse me, there is a discount for hooks for your fishing rod with this particular fish baits you’re buying, would you like to hear it ? “
(Off the story, they probably won’t tell you this as a question more as a statement which I find quite weird sometimes)
The conversation continued, with more discounts, vouchers and somehow you ended up buying a boat.
Of course this story is overcolored and maybe not impossible but quite hard to do even for the best seller.
Before you decide to accept an upsell or cross-sell offer do this:
- Critically assess it’s relevance
- Ask yourself if it aligns with your needs
- Will it hurt your budget
- Consider researching alternatives
Influencer Marketing
Creating social proof !
The rise of social media changed our live in so many aspects and created new tactic among sellers.
Of course the social proof existed before the internet.
For example, in television there could be some famous actour or athlete and would recommend some product.
Right now, most of the ads are on our social media, specifically targeted on our interest zone, thanks to the trackers called cookies and not only that.
Besides using some famous person in advertisment sellers also use testimonials, reviews or user ratings.
Good example would be:
“9/10 dentists recommend this toothpaste”
Ratings can be done by any one. so it’s important to note if you’re buying something online that some of the reviews might be just Bots.
Remeber to:
- Conduct independent research
- Look beyond the influencer’s promotion
- Seek unbiased reviews or opinions from multiple sources
Summary
Awareness is a key, in order not to fall into a trap of naughty sellers.
Understand tactics employed by sellers.
After that you are prepared for all of the sneaky tactics, brought up by sellers.
Thank you for reading !
I hope you won’t buy something completely useless, thanks to this knowledge.
Have a great shopping ❤
