6 Mind Tricks That Brands Use to Keep You Spending

Each year, as Thanksgiving feasts wrap up, the frenzy of Black Friday and holiday shopping sets in, with brands rolling out all the stops to get you to spend more. Here are some sneaky tricks to watch out for — and avoid falling for — while holiday shopping!

1. The 'Limited Time Only' Tactic

• What it Is: Brands love creating urgency to make you feel like time is running out. By labeling deals as "today only" or "limited time," they pressure you into purchasing without fully considering if you actually need the item.
• Why it Works: When we feel pressured to act fast, we often skip our usual decision-making process and make impulse purchases.
• Holiday Example: Those "doorbuster" deals on Black Friday, where products are deeply discounted but "only until noon," are perfect examples.

2. 'Bundle Deals' to Make You Buy More Than Planned

• What it Is: Bundling products together — like "Buy One Get One" or "Get a $50 gift card when you spend $200" — is designed to make you buy more items than you originally intended.
• Why it Works: We get a "fear of missing out" on these deals, convinced we'll save money. In reality, you might just be spending more.
• Holiday Example: Electronics bundles are classic holiday bait; instead of just buying the TV you wanted, you end up with a soundbar and a streaming service "deal" you hadn't planned for.

3. Free Shipping Thresholds

• What it Is: Online retailers often offer "free shipping on orders over $50," nudging you to buy more just to avoid that shipping fee.
• Why it Works: This tactic works especially well on people who hate extra fees. We'll buy items we don't need simply to avoid the shipping cost.
• Holiday Example: You go online for a $35 sweater, but with free shipping at $50, you toss in socks and a scarf just to meet the minimum. Congratulations, you just spent $15 more than intended.

4. Decoy Pricing

• What it Is: Brands often place high-priced items next to what they actually want you to buy. By setting up a high, mid, and low-priced option, they make the mid-tier seem like the "best value."
• Why it Works: People generally go for a "middle ground" option, assuming it's good quality without being too extravagant.
• Holiday Example: When shopping for headphones, you'll see the $99 option, a $199 one, and a $499 one. Suddenly, the $199 pair feels like a steal!

5. The Illusion of 'Free Returns'

• What it Is: Promising free returns lowers the risk you feel about making purchases and encourages you to buy more.
• Why it Works: Knowing we can return items "free of charge" makes us more comfortable spending on things we're unsure of. Yet, once we buy, we rarely go through the hassle of actually returning.
• Holiday Example: Retailers push "Buy Now, Return Anytime" offers, and we end up ordering far more gifts than we'll actually gift.

6. Scarcity Warnings

• What it Is: You've probably seen "Only 2 left in stock!" on popular holiday items. This scarcity tactic is a big seller, especially during Black Friday and holiday shopping.
• Why it Works: Scarcity makes an item seem more valuable. When we think an item might sell out, we rush to buy it — even if it's something we don't need.
• Holiday Example: Those last-minute Amazon deals showing "Only three left — order soon!" can trigger a buying frenzy, even for items we weren't planning on purchasing.

Brands have honed these tricks to keep us opening our wallets. This holiday season, remember to take a deep breath, stay mindful, and ask yourself, "Do I really need this?" Before you know it, you'll be shopping smarter and saving more, despite all the tricks!

References: 15 Ways Companies Are Tricking You Into Spending More | The seven mind tricks brands use to keep you spending