Psychological pricing is also called price ending. It is a marketing strategy and practice that is based on the theory that certain prices have a psychological affect on the sale and shelf life of a product or service. In the current market scenario, the retail prices are often referred to as odd prices; slightly less than a round figure, like the popular $19.99 and £6.95. However, it is not necessary that the figure be mathematically odd. It could also be 2.98. The theory involved is that this particular line of figures demand greater customer attention than would be expected if consumers were rational in thought.
Psychological pricing theory is based certain hypotheses. Consumers tend to ignore the least significant digits, rather than concentrate on the rounding. Even though the cents are 'seen' in a subtle way, they are not totally ignored and may subconsciously be partially ignored. The effect may be enhanced further when the cents are printed smaller, like in the case of $1999. The fractional prices in a way suggest to the consumer that the goods are available at the lowest possible market price. When items are listed by way of segregation into price bands, the price ending is used to keep an item within a lower band, so that it is viewed by the potential purchasers.
Psychological pricing theory is based certain hypotheses. Consumers tend to ignore the least significant digits, rather than concentrate on the rounding. Even though the cents are 'seen' in a subtle way, they are not totally ignored and may subconsciously be partially ignored. The effect may be enhanced further when the cents are printed smaller, like in the case of $1999. The fractional prices in a way suggest to the consumer that the goods are available at the lowest possible market price. When items are listed by way of segregation into price bands, the price ending is used to keep an item within a lower band, so that it is viewed by the potential purchasers.