The Magic of Reciprocity

September 8th, 2009

Everyone who studies persuasion and various forms of marketing knows of the Law of Reciprocity.

The Law of Reciprocity, in its most basic form, states: If you give or do something for someone they will respond in kind.

In ethics and religion this law is known as cause and effect, sowing and reaping, giving and receiving.

Reciprocity is talked about frequently in marketing, social psychology and persuasion circles. Reciprocity works. It’s been proven to work.

The problem arises in the action, or doing part.

It’s easy to talk about reciprocity, but few do anything to implement it in their sales and marketing process.

So, it’s refreshing when someone actually decides to incorporate reciprocity into their business and goes and does it. Don’t be fooled into thinking it won’t work for you. This law can work for you in many situations – including garage sales.

A friend of mine recently had a garage sale and his wife Melanie baked some cookies with a sign that read, “free, take one.”

The results: Those who took a cookie bought more than those who didn’t. The garage sale, and they have had them before, was the best ever in terms of sales.

If they can use the Law of Reciprocity for a simple garage sale, don’t you think that you could incorporate it into your business and marketing process?

Give the Law of Reciprocity a try and watch your sales soar.

Categories: Marketing |