Why Does a Discount Feel Better Than the Same Low Price?

[andrewcollins.]

A shopper finds a shirt originally priced at ₱1,000, now on sale for ₱500. Another store sells a similar shirt for ₱500 at its regular price. Both options cost the same, but the discounted shirt seems like a better deal. What makes a reduced price feel more attractive than the same price offered from the start?

 

[_benjaminross_]

There's actually a psychological effect behind this called the anchoring effect. We tend to compare the sale price with the original price, so the discount feels like a win even when we'd pay the same amount elsewhere.

 

[laurenaddamsdigital]

There's actually a psychological effect behind this called the anchoring effect. We tend to compare the sale price with the original price, so the discount feels like a win even when we'd pay the same amount elsewhere.

That's actually pretty cool! It's interesting how something as simple as seeing a crossed-out price can change how we perceive a deal. Makes me wonder how many times I've bought something just because it looked like a bargain.

 

[ryanchristophermason]

Not sure about the psychology behind it, but I usually compare the actual prices before deciding. A big discount can look tempting, but I still check if it’s genuinely cheaper than similar products elsewhere. I’d rather trust the numbers than the sale tag.

 

[amelia_marie_smarts]

I mean, I don’t really mind whether it’s on sale or not. I usually go for whichever option is cheaper, especially if the quality is decent enough for the price. I’d rather save a little extra than pay more just because a product is marketed as a good deal.