A scholar who studies consumer decision-making explains just what it is in the human mind that makes people susceptible to nudges toward one behavior or another.
Time-limited offers leverage risk-aversion. That is, the more you dislike risk, the more likely it is you will take the bait and buy now.
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Technology has taken the old sales tactic of time-limited offer to a whole new level. But for the tactic to work requires a Goldilocks zone between being too pushy and not all.
Some personality types find more choices overwhelming. But if you’re someone with a strong “assessment orientation”, more options won’t phase you.
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There’s a lot of research in consumer behaviour that disputes the notion “more is better”. But it really depends on what type of personality you have.
Bill Blazina, 73, uses a high-potency marijuana oil as a medical marijuana patient, but he can’t afford it at a recreational marijuana store.
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New research on consumer behavior shows that we tend to match some types of choices the people around us make, but not others.
The consumer watchdog has accused Kogan Australia of misleading customers, by touting discounts on more than 600 items it had previously raised the price of.
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Many communities are banning single-use plastic shopping bags to reduce pollution, but a study in California shows that some consumers responded by purchasing more heavy plastic trash bags.
Researchers studied whether subtly being exposed to different colors could change tipping behavior.
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Studies show a weak relationship between tip amounts and quality of service. But the color gold seems to have a way of making diners feel wealthier – and more generous.
Department stores and clothing retailers are drawing on consumer behaviour and psychological research to compete with online shopping.
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Traditional retailers want to lure you back with a shopping experience that online stores just can’t provide.
A ‘Mickey Mouse’ Christmas tree at a shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The commercial aspects of Christmas have assisted its embrace in non-Christian countries.
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Many people become more forgiving of poor service if there are Christmas symbols around.
Modern slaves are not kept in literal chains, but this does not justify being oblivious to it. Consumers should care about how a product is made.
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Hidden slavery is a growing global problem but we continue to turn a blind eye and embrace a seemingly insatiable demand for fast, cheap goods and services.
Australians happily pay more for free-range eggs, but that hasn’t translated to other animal products.
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Meet the ‘Yeah-buts’ - those who know plastic is bad for the environment, but can’t get behind the bag ban because it affects their own convenience. This mindset can stall the best-laid green plans.
Most Australian children have such a glut of toys that parents are opting to give them gift cards so they can choose for themselves.
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Many children receive gift cards or even ask for them so they can choose their own presents. But are youngsters ready to handle the wiles of advertisers and the complexities of ‘credit’ on a card?
Product intervention powers apply across investment, insurance and credit products but it will never be easy for ASIC to prove the risk of “significant consumer detriment”.
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Trying to keep cool this summer while not blowing the power bill? A new mobile game aims to encourage energy efficiency - and research shows it can be more effective than simple advertising campaigns.
The success of the plastic bag ban announced by Australia’s big two supermarkets will hinge on whether they can persuade customers to change an engrained behaviour - without annoying them.