“When someone gives us a choice for a better product, we might not instantly realize how it affects us long term. Sure we had a great time drinking wine, but what about the mortgage payment due next month?”

I know this is a stretch and I’m taking way out of context (Courtesy of MSNBC for showing me how to spin things) , but if upgrading to wine at dinner is going to impact your budget that badly, why are you going to dinner in the first place? That dinner and wine could be had from the comfort of your own home with wine for a fraction of the price with the up-sell of a little effort. Or you could just raid the dollar menu at the fast food joints.

Up-selling is an art, and happens in just about every form of marketing. Sometimes, it’s hard to notice or avoid. It’s how a business gets paid a little extra for their efforts.

Buying furniture- are they charging you for delivery and are you buying the protection plan on your new item? Yes, save $50 on delivery and go pick it up and when it breaks, no warranty.

Cars- when your shop asks you to replace your old fuel filter or dirty air filter, scheduled maintenance etc, are you going to say no just because it’s a few extra bucks, or you want your car to run like crap?

Groceries- 2 for deals are the classic up-sell. Buy two and save this (although its more than just one in most circumstances). Can’t hurt to spend an extra $1 and get a second box of hot pockets.

It made me feel good!

We have domestic service with Dish Network, and my wife wanted to add an international channel.

I called up to add it, and the guy told me I had to get a second satellite dish for $56.

Somehow we got disconnected (turned out to be lucky for me) and I called back and spoke to a woman.

She told me that, instead of paying $56 for a second dish, they now have a “super dish” that can take the place of both the international and domestic dishes. I could get my domestic dish swapped for this one for free.

So, now, instead of having to pay $56 and having 2 dishes wired up together on the side of my house, I’ll pay nothing, and have only one dish to worry about!

Going “non-combo” ruins their system. I went into Whataburger recently, asked for a grilled chicken sandwich and a water, then sat down. At Whataburger, they’ll bring your food to you…my server showed up with the sandwich, a soda and fries. I pointed out that I hadn’t ordered the soda or the fries and, totally bewildered, she turned and headed back to the counter….I caught up with her and pointed out that she still had my sandwich and could I please have it?

And they totally do not understand that although getting a “combo” is cheaper than ordering everything separately, it’s even less expensive to simply buy less food, period. (And better for your waistline too, LOL.)

Cathy Sykes
http://www.moneytospare.net

Issues of frugality aside, if a waitress suggests an alcoholic beverage, I’m much more likely to try it. I want them to ask. It helps to rationalize the purchase, especially if no one else in my party happens to order alcohol.

Allese: It’s worth it to spend when you already have a plan to save and you are meeting that plan. Otherwise, it’s probably not worth it!

Atniz: No problem. I hope that as a consumer, you are able to recognize it and as a business owner, you are able to use it!