One of the appeals of fast food is that it is relatively inexpensive, but the fact is, somebody is purposely trying to get you to buy more - and spend more.We go into a fast food restaurant generally hoping for three things - cheap menu prices ("good value"), quick service (not waiting 20-30 minutes for the food to arrive), and decent tasting food(food that isn't horrible). Fast food is a big part of our culture, so it should come as no surprise that, from a marketing perspective, these companies are doing everything they can to get the most from the people buying their product.

From Business Insider, here's some psychological tricks fast food companies use to get us to spend more.

  • USING THE COLOR RED - Apparently the color red is some sort of appetite stimulant. Think about all the red you see from McDonalds, Wendy's, Chick-fil-A, Inn and Out, and others.
  • FOOD PORN - Using pictures in their advertisements that look completely amazing and appealing.(and, of course, the final product never looks like the picture.)
  • MEAL DEALS - Buying a combo meal is cheaper for the customer than paying for each item separately, but, ultimately, many people end up buying more than they would otherwise, especially the drink. That means that in the end, the restaurant wins.
  • TOP 40 MUSIC- Playing easy listening or jazz tends to make people relax and take their time. Restaurants don't want you getting too comfortable. They need the turnover, so they want to get you in - and out as quickly as possible.

Think about some of these things the next time you are doing fast food. It could change the way you look at things --and the money you spend. Check out Business Insider for more psychological tricks by fast food companies.

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