Explore why prices ending in .99 still influence perception through left‑digit bias. Test when charm pricing helps and when it can hurt positioning.
Charm pricing relies on the left‑digit effect, where $4.99 is perceived closer to ______ than to $5.00.
$5.50
$6
$0
$4
Which category is generally most compatible with .99 endings without eroding brand positioning?
bespoke consulting retainers
government fee schedules
price‑sensitive mass‑market goods
ultra‑luxury flagship items
Prices ending in 9 are disproportionately common in retail because they can ______ demand at the same or higher price point.
fix
eliminate
increase
guarantee
If a brand wants to emphasize quality over discounting, it should generally prefer ______ endings.
.97
.95
.99
rounded
The .99 effect tends to weaken when purchasers are in ______ decision modes.
routine grocery
low‑attention
high‑involvement, high‑stakes
impulse
For subscription intro offers, pairing a .99 first‑month price with a clear standard price avoids ______ accusations.
taxation
indexing
manipulation
bundling
A common misuse of charm pricing is applying it to items where prestige cues matter; this can ______ willingness to pay.
depress
eliminate
guarantee
ensure
When testing .99 vs. rounded, the best practice is to run a ______ with equal traffic and stable promo calendars.
sequential test during holiday spikes
controlled A/B test
one‑day flash test only
uncalibrated holdout
Left‑digit bias means consumers anchor on the first numeral; switching from $10.00 to $9.99 often creates a ______ change in perceived price.
negative
disproportionate
linear
negligible
A practical hybrid is to price core SKUs at .99 and premium lines at whole numbers to ______ both value and quality signals.
guarantee
eliminate
balance
fix
Starter
You understand .99 basics; focus on when it clashes with premium cues.
Solid
Solid left‑digit instincts and test design. Now calibrate endings by category and brand role.
Expert!
Masterful—your endings balance conversion and positioning. You know where .99 wins and where round wins.
