Skip to content

The Psychology of Perpetual Sales and Coupon Codes

Why never-ending 'limited-time' coupons from influencers and retailers like Kohl's exploit FOMO and fixed-pricing history to drive purchases.

Introduction

Hey, corporate professionals! Have you ever wondered why some businesses, especially online influencers like Meet Kevin, always seem to have a "limited-time" coupon code? It turns out there's a method to the madness. Let's dive into the psychology behind perpetual sales and why they're so effective. ๐ŸŽฏ

The Meet Kevin Phenomenon ๐Ÿ“บ

Meet Kevin is a finance YouTuber who consistently offers coupon codes for his courses. These codes are always "expiring soon," but as soon as one expires, another takes its place. While this tactic has become a meme among his subscribers, it's incredibly effective. ๐Ÿ”„

The Retail Parallel ๐Ÿ›๏ธ

This strategy isn't unique to Meet Kevin; it's prevalent in the retail industry. Stores like Kohl's, Macy's, and even high-end brands like Hugo Boss, often have sales that make you feel like you're getting a deal. It's a psychological trick that taps into our FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). ๐Ÿง 

The Origin of Modern Pricing Strategies ๐Ÿ“œ

The concept of fixed pricing became standard during the industrial revolution, replacing the bartering system. However, as competition among retail giants increased, they had to find ways to stand out. Enter coupons and perpetual sales. ๐Ÿท๏ธ

The JC Penney Experiment ๐Ÿงช

JC Penney once tried to eliminate all markdowns and introduce "fair and square" pricing. The result? A 25% decline in same-store sales and a loss of $1 billion. It turns out people like feeling they're getting a deal, even if it's an illusion. ๐Ÿ’ธ

The Psychology Behind It All ๐Ÿค”

Perpetual sales create a sense of urgency and a high price anchor. Even regular viewers who know another coupon is coming will feel the time pressure. For new viewers, the "discount" from the high original price makes the deal seem irresistible. ๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธ

The Results Speak for Themselves ๐Ÿ“Š

Meet Kevin, with less than half the subscriber count of other finance YouTubers, was making $3 million per month in 2021. The strategy, while annoying to some, is undeniably effective. ๐Ÿ’ฐ

Originally published on LinkedIn .

Amr Elharony
Delivery Lead, Mentor, FinTech Author & Speaker โ€” bridging banking and technology to deliver measurable digital transformation across MENA.

Discussion 0 comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
2 min left