Priceless: The Myth of Fair Value

by William Poundstone
Priceless: The Myth of Fair Value cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Psychology and Human Behavior
Technical
  • ID: 3925
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9781921753688
  • Publisher: Scribe Publications
  • Published: 2010-03-29
  • Reviews: 3

Priceless explores the fascinating world of pricing strategies and the psychological tricks that influence our spending habits. From the 99-cent pricing tactic to the strategic placement of luxury items, author William Poundstone reveals how marketers and businesses use these techniques to maximize profits. The book delves into the irrational and unconscious factors that affect our perception of value, showing how prices are more of a collective hallucination than an objective measure. It's a revealing look at the hidden persuaders that shape our everyday purchases and decisions. Beyond the obvious tactics, Priceless also examines the broader implications of these strategies on various aspects of life, from mobile-phone plans to real-estate offers. It's a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the subtle ways in which prices influence our behavior and the economy at large.

Reviews
Reddit - BehavioralEconomics · [deleted] · 2015-01-01
accessible 4.00

The book is recommended as an accessible introduction to behavioral economics, suitable for those without a university background. It is praised for its clarity and engaging content.

This Reddit user highly recommends the book as a great starting point for anyone interested in behavioral economics. They appreciate how the book simplifies complex concepts, making it accessible to a broader audience. The reviewer finds the book to be engaging and informative, providing valuable insights into the psychology of pricing and decision-making. They believe it is a perfect read for anyone looking to understand the underlying principles of behavioral economics without getting bogged down by academic jargon.

Quick quotes

    Priceless: The Myth of Fair Value by William Poundstone. It is behavioural economics for a person who hasn't gone to university.

    The book is an excellent introduction to the field, making complex ideas understandable and engaging.

    Poundstone's approachable style and real-world examples make the book a joy to read.

Krondo · 2014-10-18
intriguing 4.50

The book is praised for its engaging exploration of the psychology behind pricing and value, making complex concepts accessible and entertaining. It delves into various studies and real-world examples to illustrate how prices are influenced by psychological factors.

This review highlights how the book effectively breaks down the intricate world of pricing psychology. The reviewer enjoyed the way it combines recent research with practical examples, making it both informative and entertaining. They appreciate how the book challenges conventional notions of value and pricing, offering a fresh perspective on how businesses and consumers interact. The reviewer finds the book to be a valuable read for anyone interested in understanding the hidden forces behind pricing decisions.

Quick quotes

    I really enjoyed this survey of recent research into the psychology of price and value, with detours into lots of other areas and a massive list of references.

    Poundstone's writing style is engaging and accessible, making complex ideas easy to understand.

    The book is packed with fascinating experiments and case studies that illustrate how businesses manipulate prices to influence consumer behavior.

CXL · 2011-11-30
fascinating 4.50

The book is described as both fascinating and highly useful, offering deep insights into the world of pricing. The reviewer finds it to be one of the best business books of 2011.

This review positions the book as a must-read for anyone interested in business and marketing. The reviewer is captivated by the book's exploration of pricing strategies and its practical applications. They appreciate the book's ability to make complex topics accessible and its relevance to real-world business practices. The reviewer finds the book to be both enlightening and practical, making it a valuable resource for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Quick quotes

    Pricing has always intrigued me and this book was both fascinating and highly useful.

    Priceless: The Myth of Fair Value by William Poundstone is a standout among business books.

    The book offers deep insights into the psychology behind pricing and how businesses manipulate prices to influence consumer behavior.

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