Competition among manufacturers across the globe has intensified, and marketers in Canada and the United States are pushing creative tactics to grab consumer attention. In a recent interview with socialbites.ca, Kirill Kotov, who leads the sales department at a training academy and works as a business analyst for entrepreneurs, described how some sellers try to steer buyers toward purchases they may not need.
One of the most common moves is to manufacture product shortages. This creates the impression that items are about to run out. Firms restrict access by signaling messages like “3 left in stock,” “Offer valid for 48 hours,” or similar time or quantity limits. This technique often appears as a simple constraint, while in reality the product is readily available in ordinary volumes. A crowd effect then amplifies the feeling that many people are already interested, nudging consumers to act quickly for fear of missing out. The underlying product remains ordinary, yet the perception drives demand.
Beyond shortage tactics, social pressure plays a significant role. The sense that others are buying the same product can push an individual to follow suit, especially when the messaging implies broad popularity or prestige.
Another widely used approach rests on perceived value and status. Companies project that a product or service is in high demand and of superior quality by displaying numerous reviews or endorsements. In markets where media personalities hold sway, campaigns often feature familiar actors or singers in promotional materials. In the United States and Canada, this strategy can be particularly effective, as audiences tend to trust familiar faces. When a well-known person appears beside a product, the likelihood of a purchase increases noticeably, sometimes by a measurable margin.
Marketers also use pricing psychology to make a purchase feel more affordable. Instead of presenting a straightforward price, they show installment options. This approach began with high-ticket items like home appliances or vehicles and has since migrated to a wide range of goods. For example, a price tag may read 10,000 with a note that payments are monthly. Buyers often skim past the fine print and focus on the impression of a low monthly cost. Banks may arrange financing or offer flexible payment terms on behalf of customers, which is especially common in online education where lengthy courses are broken into manageable installments. The final price becomes apparent only at payment, at which point rejecting the offer becomes psychologically harder.
To guard against the pull of these marketing tricks, Kotov recommends a careful, methodical approach to evaluation. Consumers should scrutinize the product or service before deciding, rather than reacting to elementary signals of popularity or scarcity.
In addition to familiar tactics, there are more subtle methods that capture attention. Some restaurants use the aroma of baked goods to extend a visitor’s stay, increasing what they order. Studies show that pleasant scents can add extra minutes to a customer’s visit, often leading to higher spend. When considering a premium purchase, it is wise to spend one or two days comparing offers from different manufacturers. Look at prices side by side and read the terms of promotions in detail. Before making a commitment, ask whether the product is truly needed or if the marketing message is appealing primarily because of the advertisement itself.
An important note emerges from these insights: consumers who take the time to analyze offers are better protected against impulse buys. This careful approach helps reveal whether the claimed benefits match real value, and whether the price reflects genuine quality rather than clever presentation.
What stands out is the persistent tension between persuasive marketing and informed choice. The landscape in Canada and the United States mirrors global patterns, with brands using scarcity signals, social proof, celebrity associations, and installment pricing to influence decision making. The best defense is a thoughtful, deliberate assessment of what is being offered and a clear view of one’s actual needs and budget.