How to ETHICALLY Get a Discount on YOUR IM Purchase

42 replies
Hi Warriors

Anytime I want to buy an IM product these days I simple try and leave the page in order to see what kind of discounts I will get.

You can easily knock quite a bit of the price ... as much as $10 to $20 dollars

I wonder if the trend towards exits pop-ups is a bit self defeating and will eventually fade out

John
#discount #ethically #purchase
  • Profile picture of the author MilesT
    John, I've been doing the same thing. It seems everyone has an exit discount. IMO not the best long term profit strategy, but still good for the buyer!
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    • Profile picture of the author billjingle
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      • Profile picture of the author Mangozoom
        Originally Posted by billjingle View Post

        Same here, if I'm interested in the product. I go for the exit popups right away. In most cases there usually there.
        I click to or 3 times now to see just how low the discount will go

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  • Profile picture of the author AshleyBolivar
    How funny is that... I think more and more people are doing that very same thing. I know I am. I don't think that it will go away. Think of it this way, I am more willing to part with my money knowing I am getting a better deal and if I don't see the exit pop up offer, chances are I will leave to see if I can find a discount later on.

    As for the long term sustainability. If you get three extra sales out of every ten because of it. Don't you think its worth it?
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    • Profile picture of the author MilesT
      Originally Posted by AshleyBolivar View Post

      How funny is that... I think more and more people are doing that very same thing. I know I am. I don't think that it will go away. Think of it this way, I am more willing to part with my money knowing I am getting a better deal and if I don't see the exit pop up offer, chances are I will leave to see if I can find a discount later on.

      As for the long term sustainability. If you get three extra sales out of every ten because of it. Don't you think its worth it?
      Really my point is that if you add the right value to your product and then price it right then people will pay. It's worked for years, why would anyone think that formula has stopped working?

      But you are right. It probably does add on a few extra sales, but who's to say that if the exit offer wasn't there that the customer wouldn't buy anyway. Again,it goes back to the value you added in in the offer.
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      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        The really funny thing about it is that the person running the script will point to those discounted sales and tell you "see, it works" without knowing how many of those sales they might have made at full price...
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        • Profile picture of the author Robert Puddy
          Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

          The really funny thing about it is that the person running the script will point to those discounted sales and tell you "see, it works" without knowing how many of those sales they might have made at full price...
          Yes but downsells done correctly should never just offer a discount, if you drop the price you should also drop the offer too.

          you will never get a discounted offer on one of my sites unless your prepared to only get a portion of the original offer

          thats the problem with people they dont realise just dropping the price is counter productive

          Robert
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  • Profile picture of the author Mangozoom
    Thats my point Jim

    Eventually everyone will expect to hit the back button in order to get $10 off.

    John
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  • Profile picture of the author czilbersher
    It will take a very short amount of time before EVERY IMer accepts this marketing technique as normal, and then it will be impossible to leave a page without an endless barrage of pop-ups declaring: "BUT Wait!! Hold On! Now get our special offer for only $xxx.00!!!!! This is your last f#$% chance!!! Do it Now!!! You won't get another chance!!" Reminds me of the rush to remove the navigation buttons on videos. I'll tell ya....my image of IMers keeps going up and up, ya clever bunch of marketing gurus!! I'll follow ya anywhere!!!! Keep dem offers comin' Who in their right mind could ever develop a negative image of Internet marketing in this brave new world of clever, clever promotional techniques!!! :p (Next stop: Maybe I'll just go and sell used cars).
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  • Profile picture of the author E. Brian Rose
    The trend is shifting away from that and more towards a downsell on the exit pop. For example, if you were selling an ebook and a video for $99, the exit pop might say, "wait... get just the ebook for $49." The exit pop can also be used to break up the payment with two installments instead of forking out the full $99 at once.
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  • Profile picture of the author R Hagel
    Eventually everyone will expect to hit the back button in order to get $10 off.
    I bet there are folks using this who know full well that the market is catching on to this tactic of exiting the page to get a discount -- and these marketers price accordingly.

    For example, let's say a marketer wants to sell a product for $37.

    Price it on the sales page for $47. People will buy.

    But make the exit pop up for $37, which is the marketer's "true" price. People snap it up because they think they're getting a great deal... and the marketer is happy because that's what s/he wanted to sell it for anyway.

    Just a thought. (Hopefully those who're using it are testing it.)

    Cheers,
    Becky
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    • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
      I'm waiting for the first big time marketer to flash a pop up when someone goes for the "Add To Cart" button. Saying: "WAIT! Are you sure you want to buy? Can you really afford this?"

      Just to see how many blindly copy that tactic too.


      Frank
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    • Profile picture of the author PaulintheSticks
      Originally Posted by R Hagel View Post

      I bet there are folks using this who know full well that the market is catching on to this tactic of exiting the page to get a discount -- and these marketers price accordingly.

      For example, let's say a marketer wants to sell a product for $37.

      Price it on the sales page for $47. People will buy.

      But make the exit pop up for $37, which is the marketer's "true" price. People snap it up because they think they're getting a great deal... and the marketer is happy because that's what s/he wanted to sell it for anyway.

      Just a thought. (Hopefully those who're using it are testing it.)

      Cheers,
      Becky
      I think some big box home supply stores do this (e.g. Menards). I don't buy much from them until it goes on sale as everything does within a month or so. But I think the savvy marketer's "true price" is the average of the full price sales and the discount sales.
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  • Profile picture of the author christopher jon
    For example, let's say a marketer wants to sell a product for $37.

    Price it on the sales page for $47. People will buy.

    But make the exit pop up for $37, which is the marketer's "true" price. People snap it up because they think they're getting a great deal... and the marketer is happy because that's what s/he wanted to sell it for anyway.
    Exactly what I was thinking. Overprice and then work your way down.
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    • Profile picture of the author ExRat
      Hi,

      I don't mean to sound snarky or combative or anything, but I've found that practically any product that has an exit-pop-bribe/discount (as well as other 'flags') is not generally the type of product required by a serious internet marketer with more than a little experience. It kind of sends me a warning - 'don't waste your time, this is for newbs.'

      My point being, if you're looking to spend some money, these things can save you a lot of wasted time & money - they're an excellent 'flagging' system.
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  • Profile picture of the author Zero
    Most these products have upsells which they make the big money from...so its not like they really care if they have to loose 10 or 20 just to get them to buy.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dimitris Skiadas
    Product owners only have to win something from you.They know that they were going to lose you as a customer when you hit the exit button.But with this script, they make you feel "precious" that you ve bought their product and "won" 10 or 20 dollars.

    Dimitris
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  • Profile picture of the author Mangozoom
    I think that long term they will catch on and alter the deals on the exit pop ups.

    So maybe take away some of the bonuses and give you the discount.

    John
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
    I don't currently use any kind of pop-up (GASP!!!), but if I did, it would be an exit pop-up that said something like...

    "Wait! I know this is where a lot of other so-called "guru" will over you some phony discount in the hopes they can squeeze some money out of you.

    Sorry, but I don't go for gimmicks. Why? Because they're gimmicky, and they insult your intelligence.

    I don't need to offer phony discounts. [PRODUCT NAME] is $XX and that's already an excellent value. [MENTION A POINT OR TWO WHY IT'S SO GOOD]. This is your last chance to make sure you get it.

    [CLOSE]"

    Yep, that's what I would do.

    All the best,
    Michael
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    • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
      Originally Posted by R Hagel View Post

      I bet there are folks using this who know full well that the market is catching on to this tactic of exiting the page to get a discount -- and these marketers price accordingly.

      For example, let's say a marketer wants to sell a product for $37.

      Price it on the sales page for $47. People will buy.

      But make the exit pop up for $37, which is the marketer's "true" price. People snap it up because they think they're getting a great deal... and the marketer is happy because that's what s/he wanted to sell it for anyway.

      Just a thought. (Hopefully those who're using it are testing it.)

      Cheers,
      Becky
      You know how, when you read a thread and you have a good comment to add, then near the end someone says the same thing you wanted to say? You know how that is?

      Somebody stole my thunder, but I'm not naming names. Quoting them will suffice.

      Originally Posted by Michael Oksa View Post

      I don't currently use any kind of pop-up (GASP!!!), but if I did, it would be an exit pop-up that said something like...

      "Wait! I know this is where a lot of other so-called "guru" will over you some phony discount in the hopes they can squeeze some money out of you.

      Sorry, but I don't go for gimmicks. Why? Because they're gimmicky, and they insult your intelligence.

      I don't need to offer phony discounts. [PRODUCT NAME] is and that's already an excellent value. [MENTION A POINT OR TWO WHY IT'S SO GOOD]. This is your last chance to make sure you get it.

      [CLOSE]"

      Yep, that's what I would do.

      All the best,
      Michael
      That gave me an idea. Have the pop-up state something like: Click Cancel to stay on this page and buy at (your regular price), or click OK to leave. WARNING! If you leave the price will increase by $10 if you come back to buy later - so buy now and save $10.00!

      How many who only tried to exit to test for a discount, or were sitting on the fence undecided, will buy right then? It's mostly them that will buy at a discount anyway, most of those who have made up their mind not to buy aren't going to change their mind.
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      • Profile picture of the author raviv
        Honestly, I feel it reflects on the quality of the product itself. This technique will appeal to people who are price focused and not very quality focused.

        I saw an offer for $47 that went down to $17 at the end. Imagine the angst of a user who bought it for $47 and later found that it could have been purchased for $30 less by just exiting the page repeatedly.

        The creator of the product has no pride in his/her product. Selling it away for whatever price he/she can reflects a lot on his/her mindset.

        As pointed out by Michael Oksa, it is a cheap gimmick and a strategy to extract whatever $ possible from users at any cost.
        Cheers
        Raviv
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        • Profile picture of the author Loren Woirhaye
          Originally Posted by raviv View Post

          Honestly, I feel it reflects on the quality of the product itself. This technique will appeal to people who are price focused and not very quality focused.

          I saw an offer for $47 that went down to $17 at the end. Imagine the angst of a user who bought it for $47 and later found that it could have been purchased for $30 less by just exiting the page repeatedly.

          The creator of the product has no pride in his/her product. Selling it away for whatever price he/she can reflects a lot on his/her mindset.

          As pointed out by Michael Oksa, it is a cheap gimmick and a strategy to extract whatever $ possible from users at any cost.
          Cheers
          Raviv
          Recently I saw one that went from $47 to $7 through a series of desperate
          popups.

          I found it really pathetic, but I guess the product owner is just trying to
          squeeze a few bucks out of it. Looking it up on WF I found nobody had
          much good to say about the product and I think it was a few years old too.
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          • Profile picture of the author The Crog
            There seems to be great deal of chase the sale at any price these days. I remember reading somewhere that the fastest way to bankruptcy is to get in a price war with your competitors. Nobody wins and everybody gets hurt.

            I have also noted many of the discounted products are down priced to their actual value. Old, obsolete, or freebies that are being sold (some times barely disguised as new products with the same old sales page.

            Great discussion, thanks all.
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    • Profile picture of the author George Wright
      Originally Posted by Michael Oksa View Post

      I don't currently use any kind of pop-up (GASP!!!), but if I did, it would be an exit pop-up that said something like...

      "Wait! I know this is where a lot of other so-called "guru" will over you some phony discount in the hopes they can squeeze some money out of you.

      Sorry, but I don't go for gimmicks. Why? Because they're gimmicky, and they insult your intelligence.

      I don't need to offer phony discounts. [PRODUCT NAME] is and that's already an excellent value. [MENTION A POINT OR TWO WHY IT'S SO GOOD]. This is your last chance to make sure you get it.

      [CLOSE]"

      Yep, that's what I would do.

      All the best,
      Michael
      And then if they click off of that another popup says, OK, You win, click here for 90% off.

      George Wright
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  • Profile picture of the author Mangozoom
    How about a pop up that says give me your paypal address and I will send you ten dollars ... think I might be tired
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  • Profile picture of the author Dean Jackson
    I think this is one of the worst tactics ever invented for LEGIT online marketers. I immediately discount the product if it tries to use those sneaky tactics on me.

    And is anyone really stupid enough to believe "WAIT! 3 COPIES LEFT AT $XX!"?

    It's insulting to my intellegence .

    It's not a good strategy if you want some credibility in this industry and that's what counts (to me anyway).

    - Dean
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    • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
      Originally Posted by Dean Jackson View Post

      I think this is one of the worst tactics ever invented for LEGIT online marketers. I immediately discount the product if it tries to use those sneaky tactics on me.

      And is anyone really stupid enough to believe "WAIT! 3 COPIES LEFT AT !"?

      It's insulting to my intellegence .

      It's not a good strategy if you want some credibility in this industry and that's what counts (to me anyway).

      - Dean
      Hi Dean,

      For the record, that can sometimes be 100% true. Some of us are honest marketers and will withdraw an offer once we sell the listed quantity, or will raise the price after so many are sold.

      When I first started here at the forum I had a limited offer; it went to the first 10 people. Well, once those 10 were gone, I had several people begging me to let them get in on it for various reasons. I posted in the main board asking what I should do, and most Warriors said I should stick to my guns...I did, and have ever since.

      It's up to you as to whether or not you want your intellegence [sic] to be insulted.



      All the best,
      Michael
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  • Profile picture of the author snapcontent
    How about a 'reverse popup'? When you exit the page, it logs your IP and cookies your machine, and if you return to the page, the price has gone UP? !
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  • Profile picture of the author Mangozoom
    Almost like a OTO but in reverse ... that sounds interesting.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mike Murphy
      Yeah, not a fan of the ol exit pop discount. The public may miss it and buy the first time but once they become IM ninjas, they'll buy at the discount everytime.

      I think a better way to get a product at a discount would be to buy it (at full price), do a review on it, become an affiliate for it and sell it yourself. The purchase becomes a cost of doing business and can be written off.

      I've had product owners notice my sales and send me a copy of the product....after I'd already bought it.

      Not as easy this route, but makes for good relationships that can be VERY profitable down the road.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mangozoom
    I have a couple of offers with limitations and am just using stock settings on Paypal in order to manage the offers.

    For example when the first 10 of an ebook are sold it diverts new customers to another page where they have to buy it at the increased price.

    John
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    • Profile picture of the author Amod Oke
      I personally hates this type of "twisty marketing". I also think that people who sell such stuff lose my respect then and there. I totally and completely respect some marketers who do not use such tactics, so much that I exclusively open their emails without even reading the subject.

      Reason 1: Trust
      Reason 2: Respect

      An example would be, I just purchased 2 ebooks, one by Rich Schefren on joint ventures and another by Dave and Naomi on "how to sell your ebook", and I was blown away by the simplicity of both their sales letter. In fact Dave & Naomi

      Plus, there were no pop-ups, pop-unders, stupid opt-in fliers, exit popups, or any such gobbledygook.

      Immediate trust established, not because of what they did, but because of what they DID NOT!

      Regards,
      Amod
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  • Offering a discount on your exit pop up is STUPID. There are many ways to use your exit pop up more efficiently. I recently wrote a small report about that which, if interested, you can download here (it's free, no optin needed): Internet Marketing Reports | Cheap Internet Marketing Tools
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    How about a pop-up that says: "Wait! Would you like to be notified the next time this product goes on sale?"

    Then have a subscription form. Do you think you'd be able to build a mailing list that way? You could, at any point, also have a real sale to reach out to the bargain hunters.
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    • Profile picture of the author The Wanderer
      Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

      How about a pop-up that says: "Wait! Would you like to be notified the next time this product goes on sale?"

      Then have a subscription form. Do you think you'd be able to build a mailing list that way? You could, at any point, also have a real sale to reach out to the bargain hunters.
      That sounds like an excellent idea to me. That would really get my attention-- and respect. If you combined it with a newsletter that had some useful information I bet you'd build a big list quite quickly with that.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mangozoom
    How about take the product and pay me what you think it is worth ... I wonder how many would dip their hands in pockets and pay!
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    • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
      Originally Posted by Mangozoom View Post

      How about take the product and pay me what you think it is worth ... I wonder how many would dip their hands in pockets and pay!
      I actually got started this way. I didn't have a merchant account or even a way to take payments, so people would have to send me a check to pay. What I did was make custom graphics, give the graphics to the person, and tell them to pay me what they thought they were worth.

      Most people were fair in my estimation, a few overpaid, a few underpaid. I felt it averaged out. That was back in the late 1990s, not sure if it would work out the same today.
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  • Profile picture of the author mlord10
    I never buy a product (for a sales page) without doing this. more times than not you will find that you can receive a discount that ranges anywhere for $10-$50 off of a product. Now that is an ethical way to save a little cash!
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  • Profile picture of the author Tymarkinc
    Originally Posted by Mangozoom View Post

    Hi Warriors

    Anytime I want to buy an IM product these days I simple try and leave the page in order to see what kind of discounts I will get.

    You can easily knock quite a bit of the price ... as much as $10 to $20 dollars

    I wonder if the trend towards exits pop-ups is a bit self defeating and will eventually fade out

    John
    They just want you to buy, it good marketing... Psychologically you feel you're cheating the system but they take home 100% profit.

    Especially in the IM niche, they know we are aware of the exit pop up. My guess is that the retail price is increased and when we exit out we pay what they know(or think) the product is worth.
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    • Profile picture of the author Lance K
      [DELETED]
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      • Profile picture of the author tpw
        When I buy any products online, physical or digital, I get to the purchase page that says "Coupon Code" and then I hit Google with the search query: company + coupon

        I have been getting a 33% discount on domain name purchases from my registrar for the last 6 months, because I employ this one technique at checkout every single time... LOL
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        • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
          Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

          I actually got started this way. I didn't have a merchant account or even a way to take payments, so people would have to send me a check to pay. What I did was make custom graphics, give the graphics to the person, and tell them to pay me what they thought they were worth.

          Most people were fair in my estimation, a few overpaid, a few underpaid. I felt it averaged out. That was back in the late 1990s, not sure if it would work out the same today.
          Dennis, that's a blast from the past. I used to do the same sort of thing on AOL and CompuServe. I'd post text articles in the various content sections, with email addresses that delivered longer reports using the "vacation message" autoresponder. At the end, I'd list my address and ask them to send what they thought it was worth.

          It wasn't huge, but I never got tired of opening an envelope and finding a check, money order, cash or even postage stamps for payment...
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  • Profile picture of the author dagaul101
    Searching the coupon is the way to go, everybody who can does it
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  • Profile picture of the author The Crog
    Does anybody remember when the "Make My....Sale" products had a sliding price determined by number of sales? More sales raised the price over time, fewer sales lowered the price.
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