Drip Pricing: A Deceptive Sales Tactic

What is Drip Pricing?

Drip pricing is a deceptive sales tactic where only a portion of an item's cost is displayed initially, with the full amount revealed later during the checkout process. This technique is commonly used in online retail and can be especially misleading for consumers who are not aware of the practice.

How Drip Pricing Works

Drip pricing works by withholding certain fees or charges until the end of the checkout process, making the product appear more affordable than it actually is. For example, a retailer might advertise a product for $100, but once the consumer adds the item to their cart, they are surprised to discover additional fees such as shipping and handling, taxes, or service charges, which significantly increase the total cost.

The Problem with Drip Pricing

Drip pricing is a problematic practice because it misleads consumers and undermines trust in businesses. Consumers have a right to know the full cost of a product before they make a purchase, and drip pricing violates this fundamental principle. Furthermore, it can lead to consumer confusion and frustration, as customers may feel tricked or deceived when they realize the true price of an item.