Increase the price for status symbol

This cartoon nails a weird truth about marketing: sometimes higher prices make a product more desirable. The buyer even sees the price tag as part of the product’s appeal.

What’s Happening Here

When you raise the price, you’re not just increasing profit—you’re changing the story. A higher price can imply exclusivity, quality, and status. Psychologically, buyers equate cost with worth.

Why It Works

• Price anchors perception of value
• People buy identity, not just utility
• Limited or premium pricing triggers scarcity bias
• “If it costs more, it must be better” logic still rules brains

Real-World Examples

• Apple charges $999+ for phones others sell for $399
• Starbucks sells a $6 coffee experience, not coffee
• Rolex turns time-telling into status-telling
• Supreme resells $40 tees for $400 purely on brand perception