In the Journal of Judgment and Decision Making ^[2], I found an article about the power of touch, but probably not the kind of touch you’re thinking of. It’s the kind of touch a toddler has when he says, “MINE, MINE, MINE!” According to the Journal, there is a part in all of us that never really grows up.

Researchers tested how simply holding an item before buying it affects how much people are willing to pay for it. A simple experiment with an inexpensive coffee mug revealed that in many cases, simply holding the mug for a few seconds created an attachment that led people to pay more for the item. Those who held the mug longer than a few seconds felt not only more compelled to outbid others in an auction setting, but they were also more willing to bid more than the retail price for that item.

“The amazing part of this study is that people can become almost immediately attached to something as insignificant as a mug,” said study author James Wolf. “By simply touching the mug and feeling it in their hands, many people begin to feel like the mug is, in fact, their mug. Once they begin to feel it is theirs, they are motivated ^[3] to keep it and willing to go to greater lengths to do so. Strong feelings of ownership can begin in as little as 30 seconds after initial contact.

“The strength of this attachment seems to increase with greater physical contact. And one explanation is loss aversion; that is, the longer people have an object, the stronger their attachment and their eagerness to keep it. People become attached and they are willing to pay much more to avoid losing that object,” according to study co-author, Waleed Muhanna.

^[4]

What does this mean for me?

One of the greatest sales trainers of all time, Zig Ziglar, calls this his “Puppy Dog Close.” He is referring to the pet store owner who allows a family to take a puppy home for a day or so, to “see how they like him.” Of course, once the little pup is in the home, the kids will never allow Dad to take him back!

• Car dealers use the “Touch it hold it, feel it” close all the time. Why? They know that if you get behind the wheel and take it for a drive, you will probably begin to “own” the car in your mind. Once you hit that spot, you’ll do almost anything (including bust the budget ^[5]) and sign almost anything to keep it.
• Clothing ^[6] stores allow you to try things on in their dressing rooms. Why? NOT so you can see how they fit, but so that you will see yourself wearing them.
• Electronics stores allow you to listen ^[7] to music and watch video snippets. Why? Once you wear those headphones or watch that HDTV, there’s a better chance you’ll buy.
• Real estate agents prefer to show homes that have furniture in them. Why? So you will mentally begin placing your furniture in that home.
• Brookstone (a mall retailer) will let you try out their wares in the store. Why? So you’ll begin to own them in your mind.

How do we fight it?

First, stay out of the mall and away from the car dealers! But if you’re there, look, but don’t touch. Like Momma said, “Keep your hands to yourself!”

Hands that are kept in your pockets always know where the cash is!

About the author

Ron has written 1083 articles on The Wisdom Journal.

The founder and editor of The Wisdom Journal ^[10] in 2007, Ron has worked in banking, distribution, retail, and upper management for companies ranging in size from small startups to multi-billion dollar corporations. He graduated Suma Cum Laude from a top MBA program and currently is a partner in a national building materials company.

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