The Psychology of Sales: Why “70% Off” Feels Irresistible
In today’s consumer-driven world, sales and discounts have become an integral part of our shopping experience. From flashy advertisements to pop-up notifications, retailers are constantly bombarding us with irresistible deals. And one of the most powerful sales tactics used by marketers is the “70% off” discount. But have you ever stopped and wondered why this particular number feels so irresistible to us? The answer lies in the psychology of sales, where marketers have mastered the art of tapping into our subconscious desires. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind why “70% off” feels irresistible and how it triggers our buying behavior.
The Power of Discounts
The thought of getting a good deal or saving money is enough to make anyone excited. In fact, according to a study by the Journal of Applied Social Psychology, discounts activate the pleasure center of our brain, releasing dopamine and making us feel happy and satisfied. This feeling of satisfaction is what triggers our buying behavior, making us more likely to make impulsive purchases. And this is exactly what marketers are hoping for when they offer highly tempting discounts like “70% off”.
The Magic of Numbers
Despite being a numerical concept, “70% off” has the ability to evoke powerful emotions within us. This is because our brains are wired to respond to numbers in a certain way. According to a study by Cornell University, people generally perceive round numbers like 70 to be more trustworthy and accurate compared to numbers with decimals, such as 68.72. As a result, when we see a deal that offers “70% off”, our subconscious mind automatically perceives it as a great bargain, making it hard for us to resist.
The Sense of Urgency
Marketers are well aware that creating a sense of urgency is a powerful sales tactic. And when it comes to discounts, the sense of urgency is even more heightened. This is because most discounts, especially the “70% off” ones, are available for a limited time only. As human beings, we have a fear of missing out or FOMO, and marketers use this to their advantage. When we see a deal that offers “70% off” for a limited time, we feel the pressure to take immediate action, before the deal expires. This triggers our buying behavior and makes us feel like we are getting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The Perception of Value
In the world of sales and marketing, perception is everything. The way a product or service is presented to us can greatly influence our decision to buy it. And when we see a discount mark of “70% off”, our perception of the product’s value changes. We start to view it as a highly desirable and valuable item, that is too good to pass up. This is often referred to as the anchoring effect, where a high initial price makes us perceive a lower price as more attractive and valuable.
The Need for Instant Gratification
Finally, the reason “70% off” feels irresistible to us is because it caters to our need for instant gratification. With the rise of technology and the internet, we have become accustomed to getting what we want, when we want it. And the idea of getting a product or service at a discounted price gives us an instant sense of satisfaction. This psychological need for instant gratification is what makes us impulsive buyers and encourages us to click that “buy now” button without a second thought.
In Conclusion
In today’s competitive market, retailers are constantly finding new ways to grab our attention and persuade us to make purchases. And the “70% off” deal is just one of the many tactics used by marketers to appeal to our subconscious desires. By tapping into the psychology of sales, these marketers have successfully made us believe that we are getting an amazing deal, when in reality, we are often spending more than we intended to. So the next time you see a “70% off” discount, remember the psychological tricks at play and make a more informed decision before making that purchase.
