Why You Buy, Part Three

Part 3

Still more discoveries from the recent studies in behavioral economics:

Over-Valuing "Mine"

People consistently place a higher value on things they own, even if their "ownership" is temporary. The research is interesting, and I often saw this phenomenum used by salesmen on busses in Ecuador. A product is thrust into your hands, and after a ten-minute sales pitch, you pay or give back "your" item. It's a very effective technique.

Regret Aversion

Of course you should bet $10 to win $20 on a toss of a coin, but for many, fear of regret (I lost $10!) outweighs desire to profit (I won $20!). The applications for this facet of human nature are in how you present things. With a person who has a strong tendency towards regret aversion, you'll more likely to make a sale by suggesting what will be lost if he does't buy, than by promising great benefits.

Refusal To "Book" Losses

I often saw this one when I worked at a casino. The loss doesn't seem real to the player until he leaves the table, so he stays and loses more. There are thousands in casinos right now, losing more money and mumbling, "I just want to get even."

Investors regularly hold losing investments simply because to sell them is an admission of the truth. Ask them which stocks will have the greatest return, and they won't name their losing ones. They also won't sell them to invest the money in the better stocks they do name, which would be the logical thing to do.

The Future Of Behavioral Economics

The science of behavioral economics is a growing field, with more studies being done every year. Though it hasn't had much formal transference to the world of business yet, the techniques being studied have certainly been used for ages. Learn them, and you can profit - or protect yourself.