Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M2415

Low-Ball Technique

Low-Ball Technique
BehaviorHigh supportPsychology
Included
account_tree

Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

First, quote an extremely low price to entice the customer to agree to purchase. Once the customer has psychologically 'committed' to the deal, revoke the low price on the grounds of 'calculation error/out of stock' and replace it with the normal price. Customers often continue to buy to maintain consistency with their commitment.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

- Anti-pitfall guide: When you find that the final price includes many additional fees (handling fees, insurance fees) beyond the initial promise, recognize this as a Low-Ball trap. Even if you have already filled out the form, decisively revoke your commitment because the premise has changed.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

First, induce commitment with a low price or favorable terms. After the other party has invested (commitment, psychological identification), then raise the price or add conditions. Exploit commitment consistency to make it harder for the other party to back out after investment.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

  • link
    zh.wikipedia.orghttps://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E4%BD%8E%E7%90%83%E6%8A%80%E6%9C%AFZH · Explicit
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