1. Deceptive Advertising

2. Reduced Amount
Instead of raising prices, companies reduced the amount of product and keep the price the same

3. Increased Package Size
Large packaging leads consumers to believe that they are getting more

4. Marketing to Kids
Sugary cereals are at the eye level of children

5. Limit Supplies
Companies limit supplies to increase demand for product

6. Mark Up – Mark Down
Companies mark prices higher than market value and then offer big sales
Mall Jewelry Store Price $2,000
Club Store Regular Price $485
Sales Price at 75% off is $500

7. Made Up Words Companies make up words to impress customers
“Cybertech Advanced”
“Nutrium therapy”
“Biotene enriched”
“Oxy Powered”

8. Packaging Configurations
Companies use the shape and size of packaging to make the amount of the product seem more impressive

9. Slogans & Jingles
Companies use slogans & jingles to get their product or name stuck in your head
“Subway…eat fresh”
“ …Empire Today!”
“Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there!

10. Testimonials
Companies use testimonials to convince you that “if they can do it, so can you”

11. Celebrity Endorsements
Companies use celebrities to sell products.

12. Exaggerating the Truth
Companies sell the idea that if you buy their product, you will be popular with the opposite sex

13. Appealing to a Desire for Affluence
Companies want you to aspire to a rich lifestyle. If you use their product, you will be or feel rich.

14. Scare Tactics
Companies play on the consumers’ fears

15. Imagery
Companies use fields full of flowers or a mountain spring to portray the idea that a product is “all natural”

16. Peer Pressure
Companies use peer pressure to sell product. You will be cool if you buy their product.

17. Mascots
Companies use mascots to help you remember their name or product.

18. Sex Sells
Companies use attractive people (who may be less than fully dressed) to sell products

19. Pander to Those Who Buy Your Product
Men are portrayed as less intelligent in commercials that are intended for women

20. Looks Matter
Companies use color and graphics to “wow” customers

21. Demographics
Companies do research to target particular groups of people
Cereal commercials during cartoons
Dating hotlines during late night shows
Cleaning products advertised during daytime shows
Beer commercials during football and baseball games
College commercials during daytime shows

22. Infomercials High energy Sense of immediacy
(i.e. “Order Now”, “Order in the next 5 minutes…”)
Free gifts
(i.e. “But wait! There’s more!”)
Exaggeration of results
Create a new “need” that didn’t exist before
Payment plans
Take off a payment
Double the offer
Free product with separate “handling and processing” fee

23. Magic Bullet Running Time: 9 minutes

24. ShamWOW Running Time: 2 minutes

25. Snuggie Running Time: 2 minutes

26. On Your Own