Sell More by Omitting "$"
A Dummy's Puppet's Ramblings - from Chip Martin, Mannequin American
Omitting "$" Can Mean Bigger Sales
This just in from the terrifying world of "neurobiological marketing". The human brain can be fooled into spending more money if restaurants omit any reference to "dollars" on their menus.
Neuromarketing, a blog "Where Brain Science and Marketing Meet," reports on a Cornell study that looked at three restaurant price display techniques:
- Numerical with Dollar Sign: $12.00
- Numerical without Dollar Sign or Decimals: 12
- Written: twelve dollars
The researchers expected that the written/scripted prices would perform best, but they found that "the guests with the simple numeral prices spent significantly more than the other two groups."
It's hard to believe that the omission of "$" makes people forget that they're spending actual money. But what do I know?
I Usually Like Puppets in Ads ... But ...
To promote bundled Internet, phone and TV services, FairPoint Bundle (link to FaceBook page) uses a fluffy little creature that seems to be part monkey, part Alf and part Tribble. Viewers are encouraged to "Love your Bundle," which is fast, reliable, fun to curl up with and works during a power outage.
I don't know if I trust this particular puppet. He seems to be snuggling way too close to the woman on the sofa, and it may just be a matter of time before he sets those flashlight eyeballs on "kill". Click here to see the commercial.
If You're Looking for a Reason to be Afraid of Me, I'll Give You One
Okay, I wish this was a joke, but it's not ... and as a Mannequin American I'm seriously thinking about a discrimination lawsuit. Here's an entire Web site devoted to "Immediate help for Ventriloquist Dummy Phobia." Are you kidding me?!
First, we're "Mannequin Americans," not "Dummies." Second, how would people like it if I had a Web site devoted to "Immediate help for Mexican Phobia"? Or, "... Jewish Phobia"? Or, "... Italian Phobia"? Oh, wait. I have that one.
Getting over "Ventriloquist Dummy Phobia" will only cost you $147 for "CDs and Workbook," or $2,497 for a "One-on-One VIP Program." (and they call ME a dummy?!) Give me $2,497 and I'll pay Mannequin Americans to stay away from you.
From their Web site: "Risk Factors and Causes: Ventriloquist Dummy Phobia is usually caused by an intense negative experience from your past." Really? If I ever meet the yahoos behind this Web site, I'll give them a negative experience from today.
Besides, everyone knows people are more afraid of clowns than puppets. Even the U.S. Postal Service uses that fact in this recent and rather amusing commercial.
Now excuse me while I go to the mall and scare the heck out of people with Mannequin American phobia.
More Proof ... Clowns are Scarier than Puppets
The cutline for this VW ad is "Volkswagen lane assist. Gives you an alert when ou're not." And what does the company use to promote its new system that helps drivers stay alert? Not a puppet; but a scary clown. That would not only keep me alert ... it would keep me awake for years.
"I'm No Dummy" Now on Sale
Speaking of "puppets" the documentary, I'm No Dummy" is now available for pre-order at Amazon.com. I think they are offering a discount before the official release date. My advice to all who would be interested in this documentary is to buy it now.
Despite its racist title, "I'm No Dummy" is a good documentary on Mannequin Americans, ventriloquists and ventriloquism ... and it features several of our friends including Jay Johnson, Lynn Trefzger, Jeff Dunham, Jimmy Nelson and others. And I love the subtitle ... "Sometimes You Just Need to Vent." Ain't that the truth.
Know Where Your Billboard Is
From FailBlog: When buying a billboard to help those with alcoholism, I'm guessing that it's best not to place the ad near a billboard that promotes alcoholic beverages. Just saying ...
