Tips

The Supermarket’s Sneaky Tricks: How They Make You Spend More

Step inside any supermarket and you'll find a treasure trove of tricks and tactics designed to make you spend. From clever product placement to subtle psychological strategies, these stores have mastered the art of manipulating your shopping habits. Uncover the secrets behind their success and learn how to become a savvier shopper as we delve into the intriguing world of supermarket strategies.

Administrator

2 September, 2024

When you go to the supermarket, you vow to only buy the essentials. But by the time you leave, you’re laden with items you don’t really need. This may not come as a surprise as supermarkets employ clever tactics to make you spend. Let’s uncover 10 of their secrets in this article.

1Sampling

It’s common to find supermarkets offering samples of their products, such as snacks, for customers to try. While this may seem like a harmless way to experience the product before committing to a purchase, it’s actually a clever trick.

This is a form of psychological trap that creates a sense of “obligation”. Typically, when someone gives you a gift, you feel compelled to reciprocate, and this scenario is no different. After sampling, customers are more likely to make a purchase.

2Pricing Strategies

Have you ever wondered why supermarkets price items at 99,000 VND instead of rounding it up to 100,000 VND? This is a psychological tactic. Such pricing makes the item seem cheaper and more appealing to buyers.

3Trigger Words

“Just” is a common word used in supermarkets, and it’s a powerful trigger that reduces the “pain of paying”. It makes you feel like the item is a bargain and encourages an immediate purchase.

4Attractive Packaging

Given two bottles of water with the same flavor, the better-designed bottle will win every time. If the packaging appeals to children as well, it’s a double win.

Redesigning packaging can increase costs, but it’s a worthwhile investment as it leads to higher sales.

5Strategic Product Placement

Supermarkets invest in strategic product placement, knowing that customers associate certain areas with discounted items.

6Pairing Products

A common tactic is to place complementary products together. For instance, toothpaste is displayed near toothbrushes, and tea and coffee are stocked close to the sweets aisle.

This subtle suggestion makes it convenient for customers to find related products and often leads to additional purchases.

7Mirrors

Some supermarkets place mirrors above the shelves. This makes shoppers slow down as they want to glance at themselves while passing by. And when they slow down, they’re more likely to browse and buy.

Now you’re aware of some of the tricks of the trade. Happy shopping, and remember to stick to your list!

For more interesting reads, check out our blog section.

Frequently asked questions

Supermarkets use a variety of sneaky tricks to make customers spend more money. These include displaying expensive items at eye level, using deceptive pricing tactics, and strategically placing impulse items near the checkout counter.

Deceptive pricing tactics refer to strategies such as fake discounts, where supermarkets raise the price of an item before offering a ‘discount’ to make customers think they’re getting a deal. Another tactic is ‘charm pricing’, where prices end in odd numbers like $4.99, making customers perceive the price as lower than it is.

Supermarkets carefully plan the placement of products to increase sales. They place expensive items at eye level, knowing that customers are more likely to grab those first. Essential items like milk and bread are often placed at the back, forcing customers to walk through the store and potentially buy more. Impulse items are strategically placed near the checkout to tempt customers waiting in line.

They often play slow music to make customers walk and browse slower, potentially buying more. Some supermarkets use smaller carts to make customers feel like they’ve bought more than they have, encouraging them to buy more. Others use confusing layouts, forcing customers to wander and potentially discover new products.

Customers can save money by being aware of these tactics and planning their shopping trips. Making a list and sticking to it helps avoid impulse buys. Comparing prices and looking for genuine discounts can also help. Shopping with a friend who can offer an objective opinion is another great way to avoid overspending.