Why People Love “Buy One, Get One” Offers?
Promotional deals like “Buy One, Get One Free” (BOGO) have long been a favorite among shoppers. Whether it’s a free coffee, a second pair of shoes, or an extra pizza, consumers are naturally drawn to these offers. But what makes BOGO so irresistible? The answer lies in a mix of psychology, perceived value, and smart marketing strategies.
1. The Psychology of Getting Something for Free
One of the biggest reasons people love BOGO deals is the power of “free.” Behavioral economist Dan Ariely conducted an experiment where participants chose between a high-quality Lindt truffle for $0.15 and a Hershey’s Kiss for $0.01.
When the Kiss was offered for free, the majority opted for it, illustrating how the concept of “free” can significantly alter consumer choices. Ariely noted, “The moment something involves ‘free,’ we get overly excited, and we no longer think rationally.”
2. Maximizing Value for Money
Consumers love feeling like they are getting the most out of their money. When they see a BOGO deal, they believe they are receiving double the value for the same price. This makes purchases feel like an investment rather than an expense. Instead of simply spending money, they feel like they are gaining more than they originally planned, which enhances their overall shopping experience.
3. Encouraging Bulk Purchases
BOGO deals also influence consumer behavior by encouraging bulk buying. When people see an offer like “Buy One, Get One 50% Off”, they are more likely to buy two items instead of just one, even if they originally didn’t need the second item. This strategy benefits both consumers and businesses:
• Consumers feel they are saving money in the long run.
• Businesses increase their sales volume and clear out inventory faster.
4. Social and Emotional Benefits
Shopping is not just about getting products—it’s also a social experience. Many people enjoy BOGO deals because they can share the extra item with a friend or family member. Whether it’s buying two movie tickets, an extra burger, or a second T-shirt, shoppers feel good about gifting or splitting the deal with someone else. This adds an emotional connection to the purchase, making it even more enjoyable.
5. The Illusion of a Limited-Time Offer
BOGO promotions create a sense of urgency. Shoppers fear missing out on a great deal, which encourages them to buy immediately rather than wait. This psychological principle, known as “FOMO” (Fear of Missing Out), makes people more likely to make impulse purchases. Even if they didn’t plan to buy the product, the idea that they are getting double the value for a limited time makes them take action.
For us, WisePass focused on starting this promotion as we focused on a specific audience. People who need to spend consciously while getting the job done. The though process was simple, there’s always a large audience looking to go out for a fancy drink but if you can also not break your wallet, that’s even better.
That’s why we believe that offering a Buy One Get One will always a great strategy until it isn’t. But that’s another blog article you’ll need to read later.
