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Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,322
Registered: ‎08-19-2011

Goodbye, Price Tags. Hello Dynamic Pricing

Is the title of a fascinating opinion piece in the form of a short video in today's New York Times.  In short, we have surrendured enough data to online companies to enable their algorithms to adjust charges individually and in seconds to capitalize on our immediate needs and circumstances.  It is not reassuring.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,192
Registered: ‎05-02-2017

Re: Goodbye, Price Tags. Hello Dynamic Pricing

 

Yes, I have experienced that with shopping for airline tickets.

 

Sometimes I wait for a few days to clear the information from my history, or I just use a different computer.

 

Hotel prices do not fluctuate that much, nor does this happen too much with items for sale from stores.  Yes, the prices are constantly changing, but they are not necessarily aligned to your personal demand the same way.

 

The smart shopper has to constantly track prices these days!

Honored Contributor
Posts: 47,035
Registered: ‎08-23-2010

Re: Goodbye, Price Tags. Hello Dynamic Pricing


@Bookplate wrote:

Is the title of a fascinating opinion piece in the form of a short video in today's New York Times.  In short, we have surrendured enough data to online companies to enable their algorithms to adjust charges individually and in seconds to capitalize on our immediate needs and circumstances.  It is not reassuring.


@Bookplate 

 

I've read about this ....  it's also called surveillance pricing.

 

 

Where do they get these numbers? It’s called Surveillance Pricing and it’s being done by major corporations mining your personal data and offering you a different price than your spouse, or your neighbor.

 

None of these companies would be investing heavily in this personalized pricing tech in order to save you money. They’re looking to squeeze you for every last penny they think you’re willing to pay.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,081
Registered: ‎04-25-2020

Re: Goodbye, Price Tags. Hello Dynamic Pricing

As they say, "Big brother is watching you" and it ain't pretty.  😟

I would give everything I own just to have you back again.......David Gates of Bread
Honored Contributor
Posts: 47,035
Registered: ‎08-23-2010

Re: Goodbye, Price Tags. Hello Dynamic Pricing

[ Edited ]

@SloopJohnB wrote:

As they say, "Big brother is watching you" and it ain't pretty.  😟


 

@SloopJohnB  @Bookplate @FancyPhillyshopper 

 

This is EXACTLY why I do all retail shopping via the Duck Duck Go search engine, which keeps us anonymous. 

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,322
Registered: ‎08-19-2011

Re: Goodbye, Price Tags. Hello Dynamic Pricing

@Tinkrbl44 @SloopJohnB @FancyPhillyshopper :  New York is the first state to address this legally.  Starting this month it requires retailers that use this personalized pricing to disclose this statement:  "This price was set by an algorithm using your personal data."

Now, I haven't noticed this yet anywhere I shop but I will keep an eye out for it.