‘Social Proof’ and Peer Pressure
Unknown brands aggressively promoting their products with all their five-star reviews in a stream of Facebook ads is an efficient technique to stir the curiosity of potential customers. You’ll be more interested and likely to purchase a certain item if it’s the talk of the town.
In marketing terms, this technique is called “social proof” and it also applies when companies use expert testimonials or include sales numbers promoting their products.
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Don’t forget “Mail in Rebates” as apposed to a reduced price or instant rebate at the register. They sound great. Who doesn’t like getting freebies in the mail? You just have to remember to take the receipt, cut some proof from the box, fill out the rebate form… you did remember to pick one up, didn’t you? Then you mail that in before the deadline. Of course, you pay the postage. Then, if you got everything right, you eventually get your rebate in the mail. The next time you go to that store, you can use your rebate, if you are making a qualifying purchase, and the rebate hasn’t expired. Oh, and if you haven’t forgotten.