Whether you call it dynamic pricing, surge pricing, demand pricing or time-based pricing, marketers’ change prices according to demand and supply. This has been the practice for a while in the travel and hospitality industries. But there are ways to bypass dynamic pricing and get a more competitive price while shopping online.
Examples of Dynamic Pricing
• The hotel industry raises prices on New Year’s Eve
• Airlines also increase rates for holiday travel or lower them at other times due to excess availability
• Hotels and airlines notice you’ve been searching online for a particular flight or hotel. They may charge a higher because they know you’re an interested buyer
Some Strategies to Keep Away from Dynamic Pricing
Here are a few ways to avoid dynamic pricing and beat marketers at their own game
Clear your computer’s cookies or cache
Whenever you are looking to buy an airline ticket or book a hotel room online erase your past searches. This will help you get a better price.
Shop on one gadget (your smartphone or tablet, say) and buy from another (your laptop)
A phone or tablet costs a lot of money, the retailer may think you can afford more and give a higher quote. This is another way to circumvent the issue.
Use different browsers to shop and buy to beat dynamic pricing
Every time you search for a deal online you leave a trail with your browser. The shorter this is, the less likely that you will be subjected to a price hike when you are finally ready to make a purchase. Use more than one browser to search for, compare and then eventually purchase items. This way you can minimise the trail you leave behind. It is also less likely to be tracked or targeted.
Don’t sign in to your frequent stay, flyer or buyer program while shopping online
Wait until you’re ready to buy, if at all. This helps the industry track you and since they know you’re partial to its brand, you might be charged more, based on the assumption you won’t look elsewhere or question the price.
Be coy to evade dynamic pricing
You could back out of the purchase before you hit the “buy” button. Some sites send an email hours or days later from saying you left the item in your shopping cart. A lot of times this also comes with offers and discounts if you purchase immediately.
Check for physical airfares, check flight prices
Sometimes local airports may have a lower rate or a scheme going. It is worth making a call to compare.
Try to avoid events and travel that are on holidays and school vacation days
Pretty much everything from cost more during this period. Try to avoid online shopping during weekends, and try to buy tickets for travel at least seven weeks before you intend to get away.
It is possible to sidestep these price hikes and come out on top, but only if you know what to look out for.
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