10/07/2025
I like this picture from Tom Pestridge that breaks down the phycological triggers Starbucks uses for their different sized coffees.
Here's the different triggers at play:
1. The Decoy Effect
↳ A strategically placed middle option can make the most expensive seem like the best deal.
2. The Von Restorff Effect
↳ Writing your name wrong, makes it stand out and encourages social sharing and free advertising.
3. The Customization Effect
↳ Allowing endless small choices increases attachment and perceived control.
4. Artificial Constraints
↳ Limited-time offerings increase desire and speed up decision-making.
5. Sunk Cost Fallacy
↳ The more effort people invest, the more committed they become.
6. Status Signaling
↳ Creating visible loyalty tiers taps into pride and exclusivity.
7. Endowment Effect
↳ Writing your name on the cup creates a feeling of ownership.
8. Sensory Branding
↳ Smells, sounds, and visuals build emotional memory and comfort.
