Maybe I’m having a “bad week” but some tactics people are using to make sales online these days are really starting to infuriate me.
The most recent event occurred when I purchased CBPredator. (Now before you jump up and down, I am definitely NOT recommending you purchase this product. See my post below for reasons on that. NOR am I here to target this one product – it’s happening every day with hundreds of products.)
But… I purchased it so I could see if it lived up to the “hype” before I made a decision as to whether I would tell you about it. (This is in stark contrast to many marketers who went ahead and promoted it via the “cookie cutter” emails without even taking the time to check out the actual product.)
I paid the full $67 pricepoint.
Later I was discussing this product with someone else and they told me that I could have got the exact same product for $10 less if I had only tried leaving the page before ordering!
This REALLY got my back up. Not only did the product not live up to the hype BUT now I had been charged $10 more than those who had procrastinated!
Even if the product was great, I would have felt a little hard done by. Whatever happened to looking after your loyal customers. Surely someone who makes a decision to buy immediately should be rewarded more than someone who deliberates (or at LEAST be treated the same?)
Yes – I know these scripts work for the product owner. They DEFINITELY DO bring in more sales I am sure. But what about the “goodwill” of the customer? How do you think they will feel about your sales tactics when they are charged more than everyone else?
To me, this is a poor marketing tactic that does not foster trust or goodwill amongst a good portion of your customers.
If you’re going to offer a discounted price – then give it to EVERYONE. Don’t charge the loyal people who buy straight away a higher price than those who mightn’t have bought if you didn’t give them a discount!
What are your thoughts? Please have your say in the poll below and also feel free to add any other comments you may have on the topic. Maybe I’m missing something here?
Loading ...
I think this is one of the worst marketing tactics i have seen online. Often times I have started to leave a salespage, only to get a pop-up that says “Would you like a discounted price” only to hit cancel and the price drops. I have seen this several times when a product starts at $47, then drops to $27, then to $17, all the way to $7! They call it a “friends and family discount!” What a crock!
For a $47 product! This cheapens the value of the product for me, and also the sellers reputation. I simply don’t buy them.
I think the marketer would build a better bond with the early adopter by giving a $10 unadvertised discount on the order page. They were prepared to pay more but end up getting the same deal as a prospect who wants to think about it.
Gary
I once asked the professor teaching marketing in the advanced accounting course I was taking what value should we set for “goodwill” during the sale of a business. I was told in no uncertain terms that “goodwill” was not worth the time it took to write the word! Shocked, I continued my questioning asking why? Apparently, in the 90’s “goodwill” was “garbage”. And, it would seem it means nothing now. Sad!
I am both a customer and a budding marketer and for what it is worth, my customers WILL get the bottom dollar deal. If I get the same deal from others when I buy, they will receive recognition and my praise to others. So, I say, “Yeah, Goodwill should prevail.”
I bought the product to test it and I think it is crap. I have already asked for a refund and I am un-subscribing from the lists of the people that promoted it.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Mason Parker. Mason Parker said: I just read: This REALLY Gets My Back Up! What Are Your Thoughts?: Maybe I’m having a “bad week” but some tactic… http://twurl.nl/g2mzqt [...]
It’s ridiculous. But, like a well-trained seal, I’ve learned to attempt to close the window before I make any purchase (especially in the IM field) to see how much better I can do.
This morning, I purchased a product for $27 that started out at $57. All I had to do was try to leave twice.
I totally agree with you that this is deceptive and unfair.
I guess it must work to a certain extent, but as you say, I’d much rather keep the goodwill of my customers than engage in such tactics.
I’ve developed a good way to handle these things: I open the page in a second browser window — so I don’t lose it…then I close it, usually twice. I find most… including CBPredator I think…offer not only a ten dollar discount but a 20 dollar discount if you balk twice.
It’s a silly game but these jerks force you to play it…so SCREW ‘EM!!! This little trick won’t last long because people are going yo get wise to it and just close out and get their discount.
I notice this isn’t just being used by the 100 bucks a day guys but by the bigtime gurus who claim to be making 20-grand a day.It’s pretty sad if this is the way they’re doing it.
I’m with Jan. I now try to leave before buying a product. (But I still hate them!) And if I’m promoting a product and know the product owner does this, I tell my list to try and leave the page to get the discount.
That does three things: 1) gives me an appreciative and loyal list; 2) saves my subscribers money; 3) gives me a higher conversion rate for being upfront with my subscribers.
I should add that I review practically everything I promote, and my subscribers are aware of that. I’ve copped a lot of flack from product owners whose products don’t pass the test.
I even had one threaten to sue me. Yeah, for what? LOL
Dave and Aaron, thanks for always being so vigilant and telling us about these shonky tricks. I’ve learned a lot from you guys.
Yes I agree with you everybody should have to pay the same price whether you order right away or a week from now. I’ve used this to my advantage sometimes by just doing what that guy said. You leave the site and they will give you a 10% discount on the price or even a 20% discount. I purchased a $47 product for $17 using this method. I’m skeptical about the product even more when this is done and sometimes the product doesn’t live up to my expectations. Anyway I think you’re right to be resentful for being penalized for buy the product right off the bat.
Dave and Aaron Thanks for being a step above.
I always leave a site to see if there are better discounts and never fall for the hurry, if I miss it and it sounds like I did, that’s OK with me.
Where we started in village world years ago is a long way off, now were in the real world of practising Politithieves and Banksters world wide, and very sadly that leads to a lot of fear, greed, appalling examples for many to follow and indulge in.
Sad to hear it was not a product worthy of it’s hype and blurb.
Hey Aaron, I agree. If you’re going to offer a downsell, you have to take something away from the original offer. That’s only ethical…
Derrick… That’s a VERY valid point! If you use it PROPERLY then I personally don’t see any ethical issue. If you offer a reduced package / product at a lower price, then in my view, there’s nothing at all wrong in that.
Jan..
“This morning, I purchased a product for $27 that started out at $57. All I had to do was try to leave twice.”
That’s horrific! Obviously the product owner was happy to take $27 for his product so why not charge EVERYONE that? They would probably find that overall they get just as good sales $ and they can sleep easy at night knowing that their customers got a fair deal.
Thanks for sharing!
Aaron
Maybe you should fight back like I do.
I check for this tactic in everything I promote and tell my subscribers how to get it cheaper. I also like to given my opinion of the product as well.
I also hate the tactic of rising the price after a product has been launched. Reason being it gives those marketers who were not privileged to receive the product prelaunch very little time to access the product. It also gets sales in quickly before the word can get out that the product is not up to expectations.
Keries
Hey Keries
Yes – IF I ever decided to promote one of those products, I’d be certainly telling subscribers how they can get it for the cheapest possible price.
Re the rising price concept, I certainly think it is a LOT better than REDUCING it for later buyers. But hey – that’s just my opinion.
I like to give “early adopters” the best deal possible that’s for sure.
Aaron
Hi Aaron,
It is a pity that more internet marketers don’t think like you do.
There are only a few people I will buy im products from and you are on top of the list.
you not only give good value but your back up service is second to none…you have helped me a few times…thank you.
Keep up the good work mate.
Cheers
Bryan
Thanks Bryan
I’ve been on the “other end” of bad service on the net over the years so when I started out I vowed NEVER to treat my customers or potential customers like that. I’ve found that the old saying “Treat others how you would like to be treated” holds true and gets you much better mileage anyhow. It’s a real shame that some online business owners don’t look after their customers more… it gives the whole industry a bad name.
Take care and thanks so much for the kind words!
Your friend,
Aaron
I really like them because now I always refresh the page before I buy and that triggers the new price. Sometimes you get more than 1 reduction. I had one the day which dropped from $57 to $27 (3 refreshes).
Roger
Thanks for sharing Roger
I guess the problem I have with the tactic is that people that don’t know about this “trick” then pay a higher price… only to quite possibly find the “trick” out later by accident when they return to the site. The other thing is, IMHO, that if the product creator is happy to offer his product to you for $27 then why not offer it to EVERYONE for that?
Thanks again for posting – I appreciate you sharing your thoughts.
Have a fantastic weekend!
Aaron
Agree with your post 100% Aaron.
I, too, have gotten into the habit of closing the browser first even if I am interested in the product. Sometimes it doesn’t hurt to refuse the offer 2 or 3 or even 5 times!
I don’t mind getting a discount, but all in all, it’s not very good marketing practice. What you are essentially communicating to your customer is that the product is not really worth what I am initially asking for it, i.e., my initial pricing is essentially dishonest.
But there are always going to be the fast-buck and dishonest-buck operators. You can’t do a whole lot about it except expose them for what they are.
As for customer goodwill not being important any more, as someone suggested, that is utter nonsense. It probably doesn’t matter if you have no intention of building a long-term business, but if you want to be around 10 years from now, or 20, it is everything. Well, not everything, but a lot.
I know as a customer and as a company I still do business with companies I started doing business with 10 and 20 years ago, and in some cases their products are not as good as their competitors, but I still do business with them because they have always given me good service and treated me right in the past. A slightly inferior product with excellent customer service and support is often far more useful than a superior product with no service or support (or worse, them acting like you are a nuisance for even wanting any service after the sale) in my experience.
Well, I could go on and on about this subject, but I guess I will show mercy and stop now.
Hi Aaron
Your absolutely right mate. Can’t agree more with you in your blog Post and your reply posts too. You hit the nail right on the head!
These tactics will eventually backfire on some very big name marketers I am sure.
It’s pretty sad and “Poor Marketing”, if this is the way they have to present theirs or other peoples products to their valuable lists. Some of whom, like me, have been excellent customers in the past. They are all slowly dropping off my list I can tell you.
I have another gripe too. So this is how I deal with it on my own website.
Quote…
“Now About Those Bonuses. There aren’t any Bonuses!……….. Why?
Because bonuses as they call them are not really bonuses! They are part of the product that you pay for. They are included in the price! I am sure you can see that. Get the price right and you don’t need them. (Some ARE good affiliate sale incentives though! So I don’t knock them all.)
Have you heard of “BOGOF”? BUY ONE GET ONE FREE. Well that is a similar thing. You DON’T GET ONE FREE! You are paying for two items not one! They are persuading you into buying two because they want you to think you are getting an extra bonus or an item for free! UNTRUE. IT’S NOT FREE!
At this membership site You Get What You Pay For. No more No less. As the saying goes. “ It Does What It says On The Tin” There is No Bull…….Here. Just honest helpful information. You won’t find a; “Wait!!! Dont Go Yet….See This Special Offer at A Great Price” A “Drop Down” in other words. Nor an OTO Either. Although you may be offered one of the Membership Free Gifts if you don’t join now!”
Unquote…
I’d much rather keep the goodwill of my customers than engage in such dishonest sneaky tactics as those mentioned in your blog.
Thanks for your valuable comments over the years Aaron.
Your Uk friend
Ron Hotchkis
I just wanted to say thanks to EVERYONE who has either posted their comments or emailed me. I sincerely apologize if I have not yet replied individually but I wanted to let you all know that this feedback has inspired me to put some “integrity” back into the Internet Marketing niche. I will try even harder from hereon in to bring you only the very best in product recommendations and HONEST reviews. I firmly stand by my motto of “if it’s not good enough for ME to buy, then it certainly isn’t good enough for my subscribers.” Stick with me because you have all inspired me to develop a new blog devoted to this theme and that will most certainly help us ALL to succeed and show the “shoddy marketers” who I often term “shotgun marketers” for what they really are. You guys rock! Thanks so much for your support.
Aaron
It is my opinion that the old school IMers are not adapting to the current trends. Give and you will get more. Fleece and reduce the size of your list.
“INTEGRITY” It does mean something.
Saundra you are dead right! And ironically… my new blog is called IMIntegrity.com! (Standing for – Internet Marketing Integrity) lol… I’ll be launching that sometime soon. Just working on a theme!
I’ve known about this for some time, more people seem to be hopping on the bandwagen and doing it. I don’t see anything really wrong with it, it’s no different to going to purchase something at a retailers and if they think your going to walk they may offer you a discount…but at least you see what your getting there…online you just see a hyped up sales page and you have to buy it to see what your really getting, a lot of the time it’s not even worth the discounted price.
Hey Aaron,
Two main things I see after reading all these posts.
1) Yep, everyone seems to be learning that if you close out a few times, you will get a better price. Hopefully the guru’s will stop doing it and drop their prices but I doubt it as you can already see that the concept is changing from a reduced price offer to another download or free report offer which they hopefully think will add value and then come back again to the original offer.
2) Yes you certainly are putting integrity back into IM and should feel proud to be doing so in such an unscrupulous industry. I too had unsubscribed from all my guru lists but am more than happy to receive your offers and emails. Just purchased Push Button Design this afternoon:) Hope I can use it to it’s full potential!
So keep up the good work. In an industry with so much BS, smokescreens and empty promises of massive income generation it is good to know that someone is telling it like it is and hopefully will be able to help us all achieve that extra cash be it enough to pay the rent or enough to get rid of our current day jobs!
Stay true…please…
Cameron Abel
Hi Aaron
Just for a laugh I voted for ‘love them’ just to find out how many do!
I agree with the comments already made, I think that this tactic is a shoddy way to go and cheapens internet marketing.
Pay the full price and then find out you could have got it a lot cheaper by closing the web page – what a rip off to genuine buyers/ subscribers.
What price goodwill?
To me this leaves a bad taste in the mouth and is the quickest way to lose your loyal subscribers.
regards
Graham in UK
I’m not a huge fan of exit pop-ups. Some, remove bonuses in order to reduce the price, which is fair enough. If its a really good product you don’t devalue it by reducing the price point, instead you’re simply tweaking the offer to meet the customers price point.
I have seen exit pop-ups with a price point starting at $69, reducing to $49, then again on a second exit pop-up to $29. I find this unbelievable because a product that I was convinced was worth $69, has now been reduced seemingly out of desperation by $40. If the product isn’t really worth the initial $69, why should I believe its even worth the reduced price.
I love your slider though guys, I’m not a fan of optin pop-ups but this is subtle and unobtrusive, but still effective. Thanks.
Anthony . UK
[...] If you’re CRAZY ENOUGH to buy after I have said all this, then make sure you try to leave the page (twice) and you should get a $20 discount… yep you KNOW my thoughts on that crappy tactic too aye? (If not then read here) [...]