It used to cost $900. So what?
Training 1245 minutesprice anchoring
“Today: $600, down from $900.” Your old laptop is failing and you need one this week. You have $650, and the crossed-out price looks tempting.
Training goal: Choose for usefulness, not the first number
▶ Play this trainingSituation
1. Two stores offer the same model for $580 and $590 with the same warranty. Delivery is included everywhere.
- Compare against the real $580 offer
- Take the $600 offer for its $300 discount
- Pick the middle price of $590 without checking
2. The $580 model meets your needs. A $640 version has more memory, useful only for programs you do not use.
- Choose $640 because extra capacity cannot hurt
- Raise the limit to $900 for reliability
- Keep the $580 option on the shortlist
3. The next day the $580 offer disappears. The same model is available for $590; waiting a month would disrupt work.
- Buy at $640 because the cheapest offer vanished
- Buy at $590 after checking the terms
- Wait for $580 regardless of timing
4. You save a note for your next purchase. What helps if a bold price catches your eye first?
- Write needs and a limit before browsing
- Search for the largest discount percentage
- Always choose the market’s middle price
What you will learn
- A crossed-out price is not the market price
- Yesterday’s bargain can become an anchor too
- Define the task before comparing prices
Your real-life step
For your next purchase, list three required features and a price limit before browsing.
Questions and answers
What is price anchoring?
The first salient number can shape later comparisons even when it has little to do with value.
Is a big discount always a good deal?
Compare the final price and terms with available alternatives. A percentage off a reference price does not establish value.
How can I rely less on the first price?
Set your needs, timing and budget first, then find comparable offers.
More trainings in this module
- Leave it as it is?
- My phone is worth more
- Everyone is already going
- Does the queue know best?
- Does a bonus count?
- Today or next week?
Numbers are illustrative. A game, not financial advice.