Creating False Urgency with this "for a limited time" stuff

DarkWombat · July 2016

It's really disappointing Zenimax is going the cheap infomercial route and using the age old trick of creating false urgency to get you to purchase things from the Crown Store. There is no way some of these items are only available for a lousy 4 days.

Elder Scrolls Online is doing well now. Why the need to go this route? It's a lowbrow mechanic.

phermitgb · July 2016

in the interests of...fuller...disclosure, ZOS does seem to preface their removal of items from the store with the intent of "making room for" new items - so, apparently, they are implying that they have some kind of mechanical, upper limit with how many items can be available for purchase on the store, forcing them to remove items for purchase, even though those items remain active, of course, for all the people that have purchased them in the past.

Yes, I know it's a blatant, heavy-handed marketing technique. But part of me is at least pleased that they spent the effort concocting a thinly veiled lie to appease my conscience.

okay...not really. Now, in addition to finding it annoying that they think I'm so stupid I'll buy things because they're about to go back into the disney vault, they insist on insulting my intelligence yet again by trying to imply that there's some mechanical reason for the shameless manipulation.

and, on top of that, they're offering questionable quality products now - erg...that breton hero costume. *shudder*

although...looking back on it, I think there may be at least one barely legitimate reason for removing things from the store. Instead of offering periodic *sales* on items, which always enrages the people that bought the item for *full price*. Now, instead of having things full time in the store, and then angering a section of the populace when they offering something for cheaper than they purchased it for, they can now sell the object at full price all the time, but just limit the window in which the thing can be purchased.

that way, they never have to offer sales - instead, the *sale* price is replaced by the possibility of buying the product at all, at full price. Hrm...marketing genius *rolls eyes at marketing "geniuses"*

alexkdd99 · July 2016

I think people often forget that at the end of the day this is a company trying to increase revenue like all companies. Does it really matter if they want to sell things for however long they want? Either you want it and you buy it or you don't and won't buy it. I think of it as an impulse buy like the stuff on the counter when checking out at a convenience store.

mb10 · July 2016

ZOS dont exactly have to do things that suit you.

Theyre a business that are out to make money and if you blame them for that then you have absolutely no sense of the business world.

Try opening your own business and you'll know what they/I mean

phermitgb · July 2016

alexkdd99 wrote: »

I think people often forget that at the end of the day this is a company trying to increase revenue like all companies. Does it really matter if they want to sell things for however long they want? Either you want it and you buy it or you don't and won't buy it. I think of it as an impulse buy like the stuff on the counter when checking out at a convenience store.

since you asked... (Does it really matter if they want to sell things for however long they want?...)

Yes, it does matter. Obviously, it doesn't matter *much* - you're right. They're trying to make money, this is a way to make money, I'm not *materially* losing out on a key feature of the game if I don't purchase their costume. My character isn't losing access to a zone, or a skill, or a fundamental piece of gear if I don't purchase the rainbow farting unicorn mount in the allotted window.

But it's still insulting. Not the product itself (although the product itself can be insulting too) - the blatant manipulation. The above tactic is essentially the way you manipulate a small child. If you don't do it now, you won't ever be able to do it again!! Can't tell you how many uninteresting GI Joe figures I bought from Toys R Us (can't do the backwards "R" sorry Toys R Us fans) absolutely convinced that if I came back next week some other kid would have bought them, probably that same kid that bought that Star Wars figure I wanted and have never seen again, and they'd be gone and I'd never see them again anywhere so I have to buy them now, even if I don't really want them all that badly.

Erhem...

anyway, my point is - The general impression ZOS leaves in the mouths of myself, and, judging by how often this issue comes up, at least a significant minority of the community - the general impression is that ZOS essentially sees us as particularly gullible toddlers (or, alternatively, parents *with* particularly gullible toddlers that need to be placated from time to time - which is nothing to be ashamed of - we all mostly expect toddlers to be, for the most part, pretty gullible)

so, to answer the question you may have only been rhetorically asking...yes, it matters. It's personally insulting to be treated this way, as well as *minorly* materially inconvenient to have to make falsely once-in-a-liftetime choices about whether or not to purchase something you weren't particularly excited about, but may never have the chance to decide on again ever in the future. It's manipulation, it's fairly transparent, and it is, as far as we can tell, TOTALLY UNNECESSARY except as a heavy handed, unsubtle tactic to drive up sales. It's cheap, lazy salesmanship, and it ought to be beneath the dignity of ZOS to employ as a thuggish level tactic. The fact that it isn't, is both demeaning to the player base AND to ZOS...

at least, in my eyes. Of course, your mileage on my perception may vary.

alexkdd99 · July 2016

Almost every company that sales things will have limited edition or limited time sales though. This is nothing new and will probably be around as long as people are buying and selling things. I personally have never and probably will never purchase anything purely cosmetic though so maybe that is why I see this as normal behavior that every company does. And zos is definitely not the only gaming company that does this. I would say all of them do in some form.

Glyntt · July 2016

I disagree. If you feel personally insulted, that's not a problem ZOS can correct. Planned obsolescence and perceived obsolescence are perfectly valid (and widespread) marketing strategies. There is no "false urgency." If it's a limited-time item, the urgency is real. There's a short window to purchase these things so if you want them you'd best act now.

Personally, I'm waiting for a white wolf. Sell me that. It's hard to be a good guy while riding a demonic wolf with laryngitits.

CJohnson81 · July 2016

Yeah, if the urgency to buy is reaching you, then it is working.

phermitgb · July 2016

honestly, I find it strange that, so many (and many may be an overstatement, as it's really only about 4 of you so far, but the thread is still young) are willing to defend a practice that is, even by your own admissions, manipulative. Almost *all* created senses of urgency are inherently false, with the exception of food, shelter, and the basic necessities of living. But offering options, opportunities, potentially useful products - this *can* be done without creating a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity haranguing.

Yes, it *can* be effective - doesn't mean it's the right thing to do. Doesn't mean it isn't insulting. Even from a business perception standpoint it can be seen as counter-productive. If you're...heavy handed, with your false-urgency marketing approach, you run the risk of insulting and losing more customers than sales you create.

Now, does ALL marketing require a certain degree of *convincing* to purchase the product? sure. Convince the consumer that they will find the product useful, or satisfying. Make the hero costume gorgeous! Make the xp grind to level up your character less personally time consuming for a nominal fee. Sure. There's always a degree of convincing that goes on in salesmanship. But convincing and manipulation aren't strictly the same thing. And ZOS, by removing items from the store, isn't convincing me to buy the object - they're essentially trying to terrorize me into it - it's a very minor, but very pronounced, fear effect, and I resent it. And I feel I'm right to resent it. And so I'm not purchasing it...and so ZOS is losing a sale over it. From a personal standpoint AND from a marketing stand, it's a dangerous risk, and better, I feel - both for the company's dignity AS WELL AS it's profitability, to adopt a more responsible sales view.

of course, the above argument only works if there are more people resenting the juvenile sales tactic than there are people allowing themselves to be manipulated by it. So, I'll admit, I'm hanging my hopes on the self-respect and personal resolve of the gaming community - which might not be the surest bet in the world to make

Korah_Eaglecry · July 2016

phermitgb wrote: »

in the interests of...fuller...disclosure, ZOS does seem to preface their removal of items from the store with the intent of "making room for" new items - so, apparently, they are implying that they have some kind of mechanical, upper limit with how many items can be available for purchase on the store, forcing them to remove items for purchase, even though those items remain active, of course, for all the people that have purchased them in the past.

Yes, I know it's a blatant, heavy-handed marketing technique. But part of me is at least pleased that they spent the effort concocting a thinly veiled lie to appease my conscience.

okay...not really. Now, in addition to finding it annoying that they think I'm so stupid I'll buy things because they're about to go back into the disney vault, they insist on insulting my intelligence yet again by trying to imply that there's some mechanical reason for the shameless manipulation.

and, on top of that, they're offering questionable quality products now - erg...that breton hero costume. *shudder*

although...looking back on it, I think there may be at least one barely legitimate reason for removing things from the store. Instead of offering periodic *sales* on items, which always enrages the people that bought the item for *full price*. Now, instead of having things full time in the store, and then angering a section of the populace when they offering something for cheaper than they purchased it for, they can now sell the object at full price all the time, but just limit the window in which the thing can be purchased.

that way, they never have to offer sales - instead, the *sale* price is replaced by the possibility of buying the product at all, at full price. Hrm...marketing genius *rolls eyes at marketing "geniuses"*

They arent implying anything. They arent removing things from the store in the real sense. Just turning it off so that it doesnt show up in the store. Its still there even if we cant see it.

Recremen · July 2016

People speak about this every time they have a limited time offer, so it's really a longstanding tradition at this point. For now, the ZOS marketing team seems content to gamble with the boost they get from limited time offers versus the potential for continuous income. I hate it, but I'm sure they have a spreadsheet somewhere showing a slightly larger profit margin with that tactic than with others. Maybe someday they'll get new data and change their minds, who knows.

Lysette · July 2016

An honorable business is convincing customers with added-value and not by manipulating them. Like what they have done with ESO+ was a good move - but these limited time sales offer are shopping TV style - lowest category and shameful, especially if it is exactly of the same quality like with shopping TV - low quality not worth what they charge for.

Ep1kMalware · July 2016

DarkWombat wrote: »

It's really disappointing Zenimax is going the cheap infomercial route and using the age old trick of creating false urgency to get you to purchase things from the Crown Store. There is no way some of these items are only available for a lousy 4 days.

Elder Scrolls Online is doing well now. Why the need to go this route? It's a lowbrow mechanic.

because they're limited time offers. it's not like the wolf mount cost anywhere near as much ad the senche, and all the 'hero' costumes have always been exclusives.

it goes into part of that 'you're getting something special' advertisement.

and it worked. I bought the wolf and feel like I got something cool.

mlstevens42_ESO · July 2016

No gun to your head to buy anything from the shop not even for the dlc's let alone things like costumes..pets or the like. If you want it get it and if you do not then don't simple. You do not NEED anything in the store.

phermitgb · July 2016

mlstevens42_ESO wrote: »

No gun to your head to buy anything from the shop not even for the dlc's let alone things like costumes..pets or the like. If you want it get it and if you do not then don't simple. You do not NEED anything in the store.

but that's sorta the point of this - by creating a sense of "you can only buy this now, and if you don't it'll never be available again", they *are* effectively holding a gun to your head.

Or, perhaps try imagining it another way...

We are holding your children hostage. Give us 2000 crowns, or you'll never see your child again!!...
obviously, this is an exaggeration, but the basic principle holds true. If the product is something we desire, we fork over the ransom now, or we never see the product again. Now, in this case, we can assume that dark-wolf with the creepily inappropriate vox-howl may not be as valuable to us as our first born child, but, the basic principle still holds - if we ever wanna see our demon-wolf again, we fork over the ransom, or it's gone forever.

Now, obviously, being a digital product, they can always bring back demon-wolf, but the tactic, the sales tactic, is relying on our assumption that they won't.

Fork over the crown ransom now, or you'll never see your poorly implemented breton-costume again!

Again, I find this kind of terror tactic, especially for such innocuous products, to be a little bit insulting, as well as kind of offensive. I feel like ZOS is trying to hold something I don't care all that much about hostage, and expecting me to suddenly fold only because they put a gun to it's head - Yes, I don't *need* to be offended by this behavior, but I am - not entirely sure I can explain why, except that clearly they think that I'm some kind of stupid, gullible, and/or afraid of I-know-not-quite-what, but yes, I find it offensive regardless.

I'm not objecting to the existence of the store. I have a small stable of adorably weird animals - I have my crab, 2 of my adorable flying-fire-breathing-dragon-lizard-frogs (with bonus inflammable mosquito), my floating squid, and my croaking lizard, among others. I like store stuff. What I don't like is being pressured. I don't like pushy salesmen (or women), I don't like being upsold past the point of having it offered and saying no, and I don't appreciate someone hiding in the bushes, hoping against hope that if they pretend to take this product away that I'm only mildly interested in, I'll suddenly scream like a 2-year-old and throw my money at them for fear that this mildly interesting product will disappear from the world forever.

Those kinds of things did work on me - many, many years ago. And while they don't work on me today, because my brain is now capable of overriding my impulses, I still feel the impulse; and I still resent someone hoping that they can exploit that impulse into lining their own pockets.

PurifedBladez · July 2016

Bad car salesman like to use this tactic.

Lysette · July 2016

Just low quality stuff needs support by such tactics, high quality sells on it's own - this alone shows, what kind of stuff that is, what they offer this way.

Phinix1 · July 2016

DarkWombat wrote: »

It's really disappointing Zenimax is going the cheap infomercial route and using the age old trick of creating false urgency to get you to purchase things from the Crown Store. There is no way some of these items are only available for a lousy 4 days.

Elder Scrolls Online is doing well now. Why the need to go this route? It's a lowbrow mechanic.

Because business no longer has any principles. Greed is the only governing principle in the modern world. Greed is beholden to no one, loyal to no one, and honors nothing. Greed has no God. Greed IS it's own god.

So long as there are people to fall for the same old tricks they will be used. It is the way of the world.

mb10 wrote: »

Theyre a business that are out to make money and if you blame them for that then you have absolutely no sense of the business world.

This is the classic defense of the collapse of ethical integrity in the modern business world. Today, the people actually argue that anything done in the name of business is automatically right. The ends justify the means, and the only end is greed.

Aldous Huxley wrote an entire book about why the ends CANNOT justify the means, and that if the means are fundamentally destructive they will be so to the ends, sooner or later. Even the "good businessmen" themselves will suffer for it.

That is why everything today is so short lived. No one PLANS on there being a future to anything. They built it to fail. Programmed obsolescence. Milk it for what it's worth then throw it away.

Welcome to the disposable world of greed. No business is immune.

No public forum is free of those that will clamor to defend it.

Conquistador · July 2016

The limited time frame to buy these items isn't going to make me want to buy them any faster. If I want them at some point, I will buy them. I cannot buy them if they aren't there and I most certainly won't be baited to buy poor quality items that cost way too many crowns.

ZombieZig · July 2016

Phinix1 wrote: »

DarkWombat wrote: »

It's really disappointing Zenimax is going the cheap infomercial route and using the age old trick of creating false urgency to get you to purchase things from the Crown Store. There is no way some of these items are only available for a lousy 4 days.

Elder Scrolls Online is doing well now. Why the need to go this route? It's a lowbrow mechanic.

Because business no longer has any principles. Greed is the only governing principle in the modern world. Greed is beholden to no one, loyal to no one, and honors nothing. Greed has no God. Greed IS it's own god.

So long as there are people to fall the same old tricks they will be used. It is the way of the world.

mb10 wrote: »

Theyre a business that are out to make money and if you blame them for that then you have absolutely no sense of the business world.

This is the classic defense of the collapse of ethical integrity in the modern business world. Today, the people actually argue that anything done in the name of business is automatically right. The ends justify the means, and the only end is greed.

Aldous Huxley wrote an entire book about why the ends CANNOT justify the means, and that if the means are fundamentally destructive they will be so to the ends, sooner or later. Even the "good businessmen" themselves will suffer for it.

That is why everything today is so short lived. No one PLANS on there being a future to anything. They built it to fail. Programmed obsolescence. Milk it for what it's worth then throw it away.

Welcome to the disposable world of greed. No business is immune.

No public forum is free of those that will clamor to defend it.

A+

Sadly in one ear and out the other for most.

reclaimervii.sierra117ub17_ESO · July 2016

alexkdd99 wrote: »

I think people often forget that at the end of the day this is a company trying to increase revenue like all companies. Does it really matter if they want to sell things for however long they want? Either you want it and you buy it or you don't and won't buy it. I think of it as an impulse buy like the stuff on the counter when checking out at a convenience store.

You're right my business is just trying to create revenue ill be shady and put out *** quality items after all Im trying to make revenue

reclaimervii.sierra117ub17_ESO · July 2016

Phinix1 wrote: »

DarkWombat wrote: »

It's really disappointing Zenimax is going the cheap infomercial route and using the age old trick of creating false urgency to get you to purchase things from the Crown Store. There is no way some of these items are only available for a lousy 4 days.

Elder Scrolls Online is doing well now. Why the need to go this route? It's a lowbrow mechanic.

Because business no longer has any principles. Greed is the only governing principle in the modern world. Greed is beholden to no one, loyal to no one, and honors nothing. Greed has no God. Greed IS it's own god.

So long as there are people to fall the same old tricks they will be used. It is the way of the world.

mb10 wrote: »

Theyre a business that are out to make money and if you blame them for that then you have absolutely no sense of the business world.

This is the classic defense of the collapse of ethical integrity in the modern business world. Today, the people actually argue that anything done in the name of business is automatically right. The ends justify the means, and the only end is greed.

Aldous Huxley wrote an entire book about why the ends CANNOT justify the means, and that if the means are fundamentally destructive they will be so to the ends, sooner or later. Even the "good businessmen" themselves will suffer for it.

That is why everything today is so short lived. No one PLANS on there being a future to anything. They built it to fail. Programmed obsolescence. Milk it for what it's worth then throw it away.

Welcome to the disposable world of greed. No business is immune.

No public forum is free of those that will clamor to defend it.

Nice response! Mind telling me what the book is called?

Phinix1 · July 2016

reclaimervii.sierra117ub17_ESO wrote: »

Nice response! Mind telling me what the book is called?

Aldous Huxley - Ends and Means

Lysette · July 2016

Phinix1 wrote: »

DarkWombat wrote: »

It's really disappointing Zenimax is going the cheap infomercial route and using the age old trick of creating false urgency to get you to purchase things from the Crown Store. There is no way some of these items are only available for a lousy 4 days.

Elder Scrolls Online is doing well now. Why the need to go this route? It's a lowbrow mechanic.

Because business no longer has any principles. Greed is the only governing principle in the modern world. Greed is beholden to no one, loyal to no one, and honors nothing. Greed has no God. Greed IS it's own god.

So long as there are people to fall for the same old tricks they will be used. It is the way of the world.

mb10 wrote: »

Theyre a business that are out to make money and if you blame them for that then you have absolutely no sense of the business world.

This is the classic defense of the collapse of ethical integrity in the modern business world. Today, the people actually argue that anything done in the name of business is automatically right. The ends justify the means, and the only end is greed.

Aldous Huxley wrote an entire book about why the ends CANNOT justify the means, and that if the means are fundamentally destructive they will be so to the ends, sooner or later. Even the "good businessmen" themselves will suffer for it.

That is why everything today is so short lived. No one PLANS on there being a future to anything. They built it to fail. Programmed obsolescence. Milk it for what it's worth then throw it away.

Welcome to the disposable world of greed. No business is immune.

No public forum is free of those that will clamor to defend it.

An exception to it are luxury super cars - they are pricey, but they have added-value (a whole lot of fun to drive them) and they will increase in value over time (if you don't crash it) and bring a lot more than their original price after some years. Same goes for real antique furniture - you can live for decades with those and when you'll sell them, you will get a lot more than when you bought them, even if you take inflation and such into account - those are investments, not just goods.

Nifty2g · July 2016

DarkWombat wrote: »

It's really disappointing Zenimax is going the cheap infomercial route and using the age old trick of creating false urgency to get you to purchase things from the Crown Store. There is no way some of these items are only available for a lousy 4 days.

Elder Scrolls Online is doing well now. Why the need to go this route? It's a lowbrow mechanic.

WELL *** ZENIMAX FOR TRYING TO USE MARKETING TO MAKE MONEY. YEAH *** THOSE GUYS

lmao what a topic

Wreuntzylla · July 2016

Lysette wrote: »

Just low quality stuff needs support by such tactics, high quality sells on it's own - this alone shows, what kind of stuff that is, what they offer this way.

You are completely missing the point. The number of people defending the marketing schemes for the masses is greater than those deriding it. In other words, there are plenty of morons to fall for these common marketing ploys.

This is not the Elder Scrolls we came to know and love. This is the sell out version. The elder scrolls series is ultimately over except for a continuous rehashing of the past fan favorite elements. We'll never see any further innovation, just the thieves guild, dark brotherhood, etc., re-canned by different development leads.

That's what happens when the little guy finally sells out to the big guy.

Ep1kMalware · July 2016

I hate these rage threads. what's wrong with releasing limited time items to give them an extra sense of value.

can't wait for this thread to be closed. groupthink aboit something positivr for once?

khele23eb17_ESO · July 2016

Seeing how the awful the costume is Im not experiencing any sense of urgency at all. They forgot its not enough to put a high price on something for it to sell. That something also needs to be at least decent quality. And it isnt.

Cathexis · July 2016

You buy it, you buy it!

ScottK1994 · July 2016

Wreuntzylla wrote: »

Lysette wrote: »

Just low quality stuff needs support by such tactics, high quality sells on it's own - this alone shows, what kind of stuff that is, what they offer this way.

You are completely missing the point. The number of people defending the marketing schemes for the masses is greater than those deriding it. In other words, there are plenty of morons to fall for these common marketing ploys.

This is not the Elder Scrolls we came to know and love. This is the sell out version. The elder scrolls series is ultimately over except for a continuous rehashing of the past fan favorite elements. We'll never see any further innovation, just the thieves guild, dark brotherhood, etc., re-canned by different development leads.

That's what happens when the little guy finally sells out to the big guy.

I dunno.zenimax reminds me of blizzard during vanilla WoW time but they dont have subscription(the thing with subscription is it allows you to spend more, even if on some months players spend lots it's because they can't accurately predict the exact amount) regardless none of these things impact the competitiveness of the game, or screws with mechanics. That means you can just ignore it bro

DRXHarbinger · July 2016

When was the last time you saw the drugar polymorph? No one bothers with common items it's all about what's rare at the time. Take the Dro M'artha senche to a stater zone and people do nothing but message you ask how you get it. You tell them it was time limited and boom thr next item that comes up they jump on it. Damn zos has me working for them now.