I’ll admit it, I’m a marketer’s dream.
It’s pretty amazing how retail stores play into our human psychology without us ever realizing.
From misleading discounts, to heavenly scents, clothing stores know what they’re doing.
Next time you’re heading out for a shopping spree, be prepared for some of these scams.
Many stores mark up their clothes, only to “discount” them a few days later.
If you find it difficult to avoid the sale rack, I feel you.
We all love knowing that we got the best deal.
“CheckDealNews, where we’ll tell you how much our discounted items normally cost.
They may only have a few available, or there may be too many restrictions.
Remember that you have other options, even when you see those major discounts.
Then, stick to your shopping list,” recommended Glaser.
There’s probably a reason it wasn’t on your shopping list."
However, it comes at a price.
“Be wary of store credit cards.
You’re probably better off getting a good rewards card you could use anywhere.”
Cute swimsuits for $12 or an entire outfit for less than $20?
They always look trendy and fun, but don’t be fooled.
Do you really think you could get a quality bathing suit for $12?
Communications director forBeenVerifiedJustin LavelletoldWoman’s Daythat those ads are not to be trusted.
“They show images of the clothes on models that look amazing.
One way to protect yourself from these tempting deals is to read the reviews.
“Most sites that look too good to be true,are.
Use a credit card that will allow you to dispute fraud charges.”
“And every item stolen has to be replaced, and that’s passed on to the consumer.”
Theft and other dishonest shopping practices have cost retailers up to$44 billion per year!
There are plenty of ways that thieves cheat the system.
Buying expensive outfits for an event, then turning around and returning it even has a name.
It’s called “wardrobing,” and72 percentof retailers experience it.
That’s not to say you should never shop online.
What would you do during the holidays?
However, just be careful, and if something doesn’t feel right, don’t type your information.
“Retailers have been caught out by bad data architecture.
“Create a systematic classification categorizing what’s sensitive and what’s not.”
They get you at the register
Have you ever noticed all those little deals at the register?
“Who goes to Old Navy for candy?”
I thought to myself.
“Americans are cautious,” consultant Jeff GreentoldReader’s Digest.
By offering you something small to buy, it opens you up to spending more.
But you may not notice all of the other details that retailers have carefully designed for you.
Stores use signature scents to put you in a good mood and make you more likely to buy.
Clothing stores often use certain perfumes to affect your mood.
Next, start listening to the store’s music.
It is designed to be slower than your heartbeat, which naturally slows you down.
That’s an easy no, but stores have caught on and are adjusting their strategies.
Rather than turning down a sale, we’re now faced with turning down a free gift.
Rude sales people
This was a shocking finding for me.
Physical touch
Who is at risk?
First, know the store’s return policy.
“When you purchase online just check out the return policy,” Holly Weidman ofMrs Savvy Savertold me.
“This should tell your right away if your return would go to a US address or not.
And always double-check the discounts.
Shop smart, and you won’t fall for any of these scams!
