Consumers like sales. Stores can see an increase in profit because of a sale, but not all sales are worth it for the consumer.

Offering sales can attract consumers who would otherwise ignore products. For example, if toothpaste was offered for $1, a customer might buy it. They may already have toothpaste, but the product is “only a buck” and it is a deal.

Another offer that many retail stores use is additional product. If a can of peas is 10 oz. and the price is $1 that means that the consumer will pay 10 cents per ounce. Adding 20 percent means the consumer receives a 12 oz. product and the unit price is now 8.3 cents per ounce.