Shopping is not only a necessity but it is also a fun jaunt when time allows. It is important for the shopper to realize that every time you enter into a store, years of marketing research has been invested to get you to overspend.
This article lists several of the ways the experts have to “motivate” you into purchasing more than you need and overspending. Next time you go shopping, keep this in mind.
The shopping carts are getting bigger and bigger. This is so you can fit even more into the cart. Even when you only need a few things, choosing a big cart encourages you to fill it to the brim. The better option is to choose a
shopping basket, filling the basket is more realistic when you only came in for a few things.
Playing old familiar music is another way of making you feel nostalgic and young, more carefree and willing to spend time in the store, which translate into spending more money. As a result of this easy marketing tool, we tend to spend 17% more when hearing our oldies.
Vanity sizing is tricking us into thinking we are fitting into this smaller size so I’m buying it today. In reality, the stores are merely labeling clothes with smaller sizes to entice you into buying. In the case of a pair of men’s pants with a 36 inch waist, the pants were labeled as a 36 but the actual waist measurement was from 37 to 41 inches depending on the store. Remember that no one really cares what size you wear.
Trick mirrors and mood lighting in the dressing rooms is another way of provoking you into purchasing something you have tried on. Many stores have mirrors that make you look taller and thinner and lights with pink tint to create a softer ambiance.
Free food samples are a way to wet your appetite and get you hungry and ready to try new foods or to at the least buy some stand-by snacks. Just say no to the samples.
Another slick trick is to offer you a percentage off if you will apply for an in-store credit card. Don’t do it! Studies show that when we enter into a store with their card in-hand we spend up to 30% more than if we are shopping with cash.
There is an entire science built around manipulation of the shopper. Be a wise shopper and only buy what you need or want and not based on the experts pushing your buttons.
For a more complete list read the entire article: 9 Secret Ways Store Seduce You Into Buying
I was watching a show about American trends and statistics and I found it interesting that Americans are getting fatter and this is reflected in how dinner plates are being made larger and theatre seats are now larger than they were in years past. This change has much to do with the processed foods we are eating and our departure from natural, whole foods in our diet.