The Psychology of Pricing

The cost of a product or service is relative to what the buyer thinks that cost should be. Based on his or her previous experiences, the customer will judge whether prices are too high, too low, or on target.

Through personal experiences, advertising, and a base knowledge of standard pricing,

By using psychology, you can present a perception of value or discount that will help you to sell your products. For example, the common use of $9.99 over $10.00 has long been a matter of pricing psychology that says: Although there is only a 1 cent difference, something in the $9 range is a greater bargain than something in the $10 range. In fact, studies show that odd numbers are more commonly associated with lower prices than even numbers.

Giving an item free with purchase is primarily a perception of savings. While a buy-one-get-one-free offer represents a small savings to the customer, it draws more business because of the idea of getting something for free. Using that philosophy, you can ask the consumer to buy two and get a third for free and thereby double your initial sale. They get something for free, and you sell two instead of one.

As long as you have a firm grasp on your costs and know that you will not lose money, you can present products and services in a manner that indicates to the customer that they are “walking out with a savings.” In many cases, it’s primarily a matter of presentation.

Other factors that play into the perception of pricing include availability. If, for example, you indicate a one-day sale, the idea that availability is limited will encourage the customer to act quickly rather than mull over the purchase. Likewise, if you know that supply and demand are in your favor, you can stand by a higher price and let it be known that only a few items remain available. Limited items always appear as more valuable.

Of course, you need to remain honest in pricing, marketing, and advertising. However, as long as you are neither price gouging nor making fraudulent claims, you can use the power of perception — or the psychology of pricing — to your advantage.