🎭 How Decoy Pricing Works
Businesses know our brains are wired to look for the best value. By deliberately making the medium overpriced, theaters push you to buy the large because it feels like a smarter choice.
Here’s the breakdown:
Small looks “too small” – so most people skip it.
Medium is the decoy – priced high on purpose, it’s not meant to sell.
Large looks like a bargain – thanks to the medium, the large feels like the “obvious” option.
The result? Most people walk away with a giant tub of popcorn they didn’t really plan on buying.
🍿 Why Movie Theaters Do It
The truth is, movie theaters don’t make much money from ticket sales. A huge chunk goes back to film studios. The real profit comes from concessions like popcorn, soda, and candy—where the margins are massive.
By steering customers toward the large, theaters increase both sales volume and profit. It’s a win for them, even if you end up with more popcorn than you can finish.
🧠 What You Can Learn
This little popcorn trick isn’t just about snacks—it’s a window into how everyday pricing psychology works. Restaurants, grocery stores, and even subscription services all use similar tactics to nudge you toward certain choices.
So next time you’re at the movies, ask yourself:
👉 Do I really want the large, or did the medium just trick me into buying it?
⚡ Bottom Line: The “medium” is a decoy. You were never supposed to buy it. It’s only there to make the large look irresistible.
