bait and switch
1
a deceptive marketing tactic where a product or service is advertised at a low price to attract customers, but is then substituted for a more expensive or inferior option
The idiom "bait and switch" originated in the realm of retail and marketing in the early 20th century. It describes a deceptive sales tactic where a seller advertises a product or service at an enticing price (the bait) to attract customers, but upon engagement, the seller then attempts to persuade the customer to purchase a different, usually more expensive, item (the switch). This tactic is designed to lure customers in with an appealing offer, only to disappoint or inconvenience them by redirecting their attention to a less desirable alternative. This expression is now used to attract potential buyers and capitalize on their interest, only to redirect them to a different, often less favorable, product or service.
- The seemingly attractive online deal for a smartphone turned out to be a bait and switch when the store insisted on selling a more expensive model upon pickup.
- The restaurant's menu featured a tempting special, but diners felt deceived when it turned out to be a bait-and-switch, with the chef claiming they had run out of the advertised dish.
- Homebuyers were wary of falling victim to a bait and switch, carefully scrutinizing property listings to ensure that the showcased features matched the actual offerings.
- Consumers filed complaints against the electronics store, alleging a bait-and-switch tactic when the heavily promoted sale items were mysteriously unavailable, leaving only pricier alternatives.
- The car buyer felt cheated after realizing the advertised low monthly payments were part of a bait and switch scheme, with hidden fees and additional charges revealed during the final contract signing.