Bait And Switch (Noun)
Meaning
A deceptive way of selling that involves advertising a product at a very low price in order to attract customers who are then persuaded to switch to a more expensive product.
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- The company used a classic bait and switch tactic to lure customers into buying their cheap phones, only to exchange them for a more expensive model once they arrived at the store.
- The coupon advertised a bait and switch deal on the expensive software, but customers were furious when they realized it was just a ploy to sell them a yearly subscription.
- Consumers beware of the bait and switch tactic used by some retailers, who will offer a low price on a product just to get you in the door, then try to sell you a more expensive item instead.
- The company's bait and switch tactics were exposed when a customer noticed that the cheap laptop they advertised was only available for purchase for a limited time, after which the price would skyrocket.
- The salesperson's friendly demeanor was just a ruse to execute a bait and switch, persuading the customer to trade in their old phone for a newer, more expensive model.