5 Mind Tricks That Restaurants Employ To Make You Spend

There are important things to consider while designing a new restaurant’s interior and its minor details such as the menu. One thing is for sure – you are building a business to boost your income. You may consider employing these Psychological tricks to help your sales.

#1: DROP THE DOLLAR SIGN

What I told you that you can entice your customers to spend more with minor alterations? Yes, it is possible! Simply drop the dollar signs found on your menu. Customers become more aware of their spending when they are bombarded with currency indicators (i.e., $ or S$).

Research suggests that customers who were given a menu without “$” significantly spent more than those who received a menu with currency indicators in them. You may write out the price in words too (e.g., ten dollars). These techniques reduce the negative feelings associated with paying.

#2: TRIGGER THE FAMILY TIES

The Asian culture puts a great value on the closeness of family. Most of us work to aid our family members’ expenses. Restaurant owners and managers can use this unified value to their advantage by tailoring their brand.

You may either put the “names” of the relatives on the menu or on the establishment. Having “grandma’s soup” or “uncle’s supreme burger” on the menu can add a hint of nostalgia. While, you can name your establishment something similar to Papa John’s Pizza or Auntie Anne’s.

#3: PUT THE APPETIZING COLORS

Whenever you are out to eat, you see wonderful colors that vary from the lightest to the darkest shades. It is no secret that colors can impact one’s spending. The sight of it automatically stimulates you and increases your memories, color-motivated behaviors, and social influences. For instance, green is associated with nature and other elicit relaxing feelings. It is used by cafes that want people to sit down for a long time. Just take a cue from Starbucks!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

From the logos to the interior, two colors seem to stay at almost every fast food chains. These two colors are red and yellow. Red and yellow stimulate appetite, which probably explains why your stomach starts to make noises as soon as you see the yellow arches or the red logo. You cannot resist spending more inside!

#4: PLACE EXPENSIVE DISHES FIRST

Previous research showed that customers scan through a menu and focus their attentions on the main course. With this in mind, you may influence the fixation of their eyes. Put the expensive dishes on the first page. People are likely to order the first few items that they are drawn to. You may add colorful pictures to tempt your customers with the dishes’ delectable flavors.

This technique works because of the Primacy Effect. Primacy Effect, in Psychology, is the tendency for the first items (presented in a series) to be remembered better than the rest. Another reason why this is effective is the utter comparison between the expensive dishes and the rest of the menu. The succeeding dishes seem to be reasonably priced compared to the aforementioned. People will pay more for good deals!

#5: MAKE YOUR FONTS FANCY

The beauty premium is the idea that attractive individuals receive higher salaries compared to the other side of the spectrum deemed as the “ugliness penalty”. Physical appearance is crucial to boosting a restaurant’s sales too. Having attractive fonts can add an irresistible tone to your menu and branding.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

You can highlight dishes using different colors or fancier fonts. The addition of pizzazz to the visual presentation increases its perceived specialty. However, high-end restaurants tend to avoid this technique. They tend to stick to minimalism as they do not want to appear “tasteless”.

Sources:  1,2 &3

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Shop Online And Save Money With BuyandShip!

With Chinese New Year just a month away, lots of us will be itching to get on our hands on new clothes to look extra good. From dresses and shirts to shoes, you’ll be spoilt for choice when you do an online search.

Most e-commerce merchants today do offer free international shipping, but you often have to hit a minimum amount spent, or pay a high shipping fee. They also cost in the weight of all the packaging – boxes, bubble wraps and styrofoam balls shavings included.

Enter BuyandShip! BuyandShip is a forwarding services company with established presence all across Asia, predominantly Hong Kong (their main outlet), Japan, Macau and Taiwan.

Here’s how BuyandShip helps to reduce the prices of your shipping – unlike others, BuyandShip consolidates all your packages into one before shipping them out. This way, you have the option to store your packages in the Hong Kong warehouse for up to 14 days (that gives you more time to do your shopping!).

Frequent online shoppers will be familiar with the feeling of opening your package, and realizing that you had actually paid more for the extra weight of the bubble packs, stuffing and boxes.

BuyandShip ensures that you will not be charged for the excess weight of the packaging! For instance, if you purchase a small item like a tube of lipstick, and it is delivered in a large box with tons of bubble pack and stuffings, BuyandShip ensures that you will only need to pay for the weight of the items you bought, and not its packaging. If necessary, they will even repackage the items and remove unnecessary packaging for you.

Also, BuyandShip charges you for the actual weight of your packages, not based on volume. If you were to have 3 packages shipping from USA to Singapore, each weighing 1.3lbs, you’ll only be charged 4lbs (rounded up weight from 3.9lbs) as compared to other companies who will charge you 6lbs (each 1.3lbs package will be rounded up to 2lbs instead). That saves you a good 2lbs worth of shipping fee!

It’s incredibly simple to use. Just register as a BuyandShip member and start your shopping spree. Declare your parcels for international shipping and you will soon be receiving it straight at your doorstep!

If you’re worried about losing your packages, fret not. You can easily track and trace the movement of all your packages with a click of a button. Also, with 5 daily checkout times for each of their warehouses worldwide, never worry about delays in shipments again.

What are you waiting for? You can now go on a Chinese New Year shopping spree without having to worry about shipping fees. Start your wardrobe makeover early this 2018 with BuyandShip and register now at https://www.buyandship.com.sg/!

Stand to get greater discounts when you use the promo code MONEYDIGEST2018 upon checkout. Hurry and start today!

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Your Makeup Obsession Can Earn You Cash

How many ways can you earn money from your addiction or enthusiasm for makeup? Well, let me count the ways.

#1: BY KEEPING A GROOMING REGIMEN

Bodies of literature have proven that good-looking individuals have an advantage in the workplace. It was found that “attractive individuals earn roughly 20% more than people of average attractiveness.” Aside from attractiveness, grooming affect the rewards. Women’s earnings, in particular, benefit from good grooming.

#2: BY OFFERING REASONABLY-PRICED MAKEOVERS

If your friends or co-workers have been highlighting how well you apply your own makeup then, you can put your artistic talent into good use! Offer makeovers as a regular side gig. You may either set up a small station at your home or set up a station at your client’s home. Offer a reasonable rate as you are starting a new business.

#3: BY BECOMING A BRAND AMBASSADOR

A brand ambassador directly interacts with the consumers as she or he sells household, beauty, or health products. You may join Avon’s or Mary Kay’s legion of independent ambassadors. Becoming a brand ambassador or a sales representative allows you to have the freedom to design a schedule that works for you without thinking of building a business from ground up.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#4: BY WRITING ABOUT BEAUTY

Turn your cosmetics hobby into a sserious business by establishing a beauty blog. Put time and effort into cultivating your followers and boosting your views. Use your unique interest for makeup to build a fan base. Once all is set, brands will reach out to you for sponsorship deals and other advertisements. You may market your blog too.

#5: BY SELLING YOUR UNOPENED ITEMS

Much like my sister, many makeup obsessed individuals buy certain products that they may never use. She is tempted to visit Sephora every pay day. Moreover, she does not want to let a huge discount pass. She cannot be the only one!

You probably bought a product on a whime and you realized that it does not suit you. Instead of letting it gather dust along with a pile of underused items, you may sell these products online. Post a high-resolution photo along with a convincing caption at Carousell or Gumtree. Interested parties will message you soon.

#6: BY PERSONALLY SHOPPING FOR SOMEONE

Let us face it! Navigating the beauty aisles is second nature to you. With an utter fondness for cosmetics, you may use your skills as a personal shopper. Offer professional services to your relatives, friends, and co-workers. You can either charge per trip or per hour.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Please put the volume of items as well as the shop’s location into consideration.

Sources:1 &2

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6 Life-Changing Tips To Save Money At Beauty Salons

Despite the wrestling butterflies in your stomach, you visit a beauty salon with an anticipation of a wonderful makeover. Who can blame you for splurging in the beauty salon? You are there to improve your physical appearance, anyway. There are so many products and add-ons at your fingertips that you may just end up broke. A woman has to live a little, right?

Do not sacrifice quality for cheaper services! To help you maximize your funds, here are some money-saving tips:

#1: SKIP THE TREATMENT

I have to admit, I am a lucky gal! My recent trip to the hair salon included a free peppermint treatment. Conditioning treatments are crucial after coloring your hair. Furthermore, a peppermint treatment includes other benefits such as getting rid of dandruff.

Hair stylists will do anything and everything to promote their conditioning treatments. I have experienced different marketing tactics – one even went as far as telling me that I will soon become bald. If your hair is generally healthy, you may skip the salon treatment. Said treatments can boost your bill by S$10. Consider purchasing a hair treatment or a hair mask instead. You may get this S$19.90 hair expert and use it more than once.

#2: CHOOSE THE JUNIORS

When you enter a beauty salon (i.e., nail or hair), some receptionists may ask you whether you have a preferred staff or not. Clients usually go for a stylist that they trust. This is why salons enable booking in advance.

During your first visit, you may judge the staff through their price lists. Prices for junior and senior stylists are different. Stylists with less experience and educational background will get paid less. Are you willing to pay a fortune to get the senior stylist’s touch? For simple services, you may opt for the junior stylists instead.

#3: DO IT YOURSELF

Before having professionals dye my hair yesterday, I had it colored last August (2017). This means that I was carrying about 3 inches of black hair along with the rest of my brown hair. It was hilarious to look at! To look like a normal person again, I opted to dye my hair completely. Touching-up the roots alone can cost me about S$40! It is an insane price to pay for a minor flaw.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Touch-ups are better done at home. Aside from the convenience of not leaving your home, your pocket will thank you for it. Completing the service at home could cost you about S$4-15. This is a bargain price compared to having professionals do it.

#4: CUT THE UNNECESSARY

Spa and salon packages may sometimes include services that you would not normally reach for. While getting a foot massage is pleasant, you may simply opt for a pedicure. You are not getting much of a bargain if you are only there for the basic services.

Do you really need the standard packages or the a-la-carte options? If the standard packages do not suit your needs, explain your situation to the owner or the manager. Ask for discounts – if possible.

#5: RESEARCH THE CUT

Prior to booking an appointment, it is recommended to browse through your options. Do your research to have an idea of your desired outcome. Your cut must complement your face well. People with round-shaped faces can get a bold pixie cut.

While, people with square-shaped faces must keep their hair long with layers in order to highlight their face. Avoiding short hair styles is also a good idea. And for heart-shaped faces, a medium hair cut with uniform layers will look attractive.

#6: BE COMPLETELY HONEST

Whether you will visit a beauty salon for advise or a full-makeover, you need to determine your intentions. Be completely honest when you are there for “window-shopping” alone. Will you get the same level of attention you would have otherwise? If it is a busy day, probably not.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Honestly allows you to carry your pride despite walking out with nothing on your hands.

Sources: 1,  2, &3

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How To Escape The Trap Of Buyer’s Remorse

Words cannot describe how overwhelming the retail prices have been due to the Christmas and Year-end promotions. I bought a quality Kat Von D lipstick for S$13.20 (i.e., original price was S$32). That price is equivalent to the lipsticks found at the drugstore! It was insanely cheap. I did not regret this purchase! In fact, I shared the coveted information to my friends.

Despite my shopping highs, I had my lows. I bought a S$39 hand cream by accident. How can I be so dumbfounded? Well, I saw this product on a sale rack that was mislabeled. Fortunately, I was able to replace the item with several items within the price tag. I resolved the unwanted tension I felt inside. Said unwanted tension is called buyer’s remorse.

Buyer’s remorse (i.e., the feeling of regret after purchasing something) happens to the best of us. We are psychologically wired to focus on desire. This is why it is best to avoid the shopper’s trap. Consider these tips:

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#1: COME PREPARED

Upon entering the glittering halls of Sephora, my sister posed a firm question. “What do you want to buy?”, she said. She believes that it is important to have an item in mind before entering a store. She is certainly right! I walked out with a single item from my favorite brand – Nudestix.

To prevent the common pitfall of impulse purchase, you must do your research prior to shopping. Look through the online reviews as well as the opinion of your peers. Married couples may employ a general rule of purchase. For instance, items over S$100 should be discussed. This rule will help you spend within your means.

#2: SET A BUDGET

Last night, my mother and I went to the nearby grocery to buy toiletries. I did not bring any cash and she brought S$15. I was fine with that as we only needed a pack of facial tissue and two toothbrushes. However, she was repeatedly attracted with other items such as the broom and the wet wipes. Having limited cash helped us to identify the unnecessary items in our cart.

It goes without saying that a realistic budget can help you avoid the unwanted sting of buyer’s remorse. Steer away from the tempting plastic cards! Bringing a fixed amount of cash is a surefire way to strictly follow through your budget. The fixed amount relies on what you are willing to spend on that day. It is best to spend the money that you already have.

#3: WALK AWAY

One of the hardest things to do is to walk away from a seemingly tempting offer. Retailers rule you with posters that highlight limited offers and flash sales. These so-called bargains support impulsive buying behaviors. To save your wallet, just walk away! If you are not willing to purchase an item on its full price, you are better off without it.

Remove yourself from the pressure zone by asking the store to hold the item for at least 24 hours. If there is still a need to get it, go back for it. The passing time in between gives you a chance to rethink the value of your purchase.

Sources: 1,2, &3

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