I finally learned why those 90% off mattress ads are a trap

Went to a warehouse sale last month in Austin and saw a $2,000 mattress marked down to $200. Turns out the original price was never real - they just print whatever number makes the discount look huge. Anyone else fall for these fake MSRP games?

3 comments

3 Comments

smith.elliot1d ago

Same game as every store that has a "suggested retail price" that nobody has ever actually paid. They just need you to feel like you're winning.

the_viola1d ago

Oh, the "suggested retail price" (you know, the one that's basically a fairy tale). I swear my brain still lights up like a slot machine when I see a "50% off!" tag, even though I know full well that jacket was never gonna sell for $200. It's like my brain forgets I'm not actually getting a deal, just getting the normal price with some theater thrown in. I've literally bought things because I felt like I "won" against the store, which is hilarious because they're the ones who designed the game. My wallet is out here thinking it's a genius gambler when really it's just a trained seal clapping for a discount.

walker.julia1d ago

Eh, is it really that deep though? It's just shopping.