Dynamic Pricing Explained: Why It’s Unfair to Customers (And Why We Don’t Do It)
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If you have ever added a product to your basket, come back a few days later, and found the price has mysteriously changed, you have already experienced dynamic pricing.
It has become increasingly common in online retail, especially in electronics, tech and hobby products. While it benefits sellers, it often comes at the expense of trust and fairness for customers.
At The Truck Monster, we do not use dynamic pricing. Our products are sold at the same honest, low price all year round. Here’s why that matters.
What Is Dynamic Pricing?
Dynamic pricing is when the price of a product changes automatically based on factors like:
- Demand
- Time of day or week
- Stock levels
- Sales events
- Customer behaviour
- Browsing history or cookies
In simple terms, two customers can look at the same product on the same website and be shown different prices.
Or worse, the price increases after you have already shown interest.
Why Dynamic Pricing Feels Unfair to Customers
From a consumer point of view, dynamic pricing creates several problems.
First, it removes confidence. When prices constantly move, customers are left wondering whether they are getting a fair deal or being quietly overcharged.
Second, it punishes loyalty. Regular visitors and returning customers often see higher prices than first time visitors, which feels backwards and dishonest.
Third, it creates pressure tactics. Timers, countdowns and sudden price jumps are designed to rush decisions rather than allow informed choices.
Shopping should not feel like a game where the rules keep changing.
Why It Can Be Deceptive
Dynamic pricing is often wrapped up in marketing language like:
- Flash sales
- Limited time offers
- Algorithmic discounts
- Smart pricing
In reality, many of these prices are inflated first, then discounted back down to what should have been the normal price all along.
This makes customers feel like they are getting a bargain when they are not.
At worst, it encourages impulse buying rather than informed buying, which is especially bad in a hobby like RC where compatibility, spares and long term support matter.
Why Dynamic Pricing Is Common in RC Retail
RC products are particularly vulnerable to dynamic pricing because:
- Many buyers are beginners
- Specifications can be confusing
- Prices vary wildly between sellers
- Some products go viral temporarily
- Stock shortages are common
This allows some sellers to quietly raise prices when demand spikes, then drop them again later, without ever clearly explaining why.
That might make sense for airline tickets. It does not make sense for RC cars.
Our Approach at The Truck Monster
At The Truck Monster, our pricing philosophy is simple:
- The price you see today is the price tomorrow
- No artificial discounts
- No inflated RRPs
- No surprise price increases
- No sale cycles designed to manipulate behaviour
- If a product costs what it costs, that is the price. Full stop.
We would rather set a fair, competitive price once and stick to it than play pricing games that leave customers second guessing their purchase.
Why Fixed Pricing Is Better for Customers
Consistent pricing means:
- You can take time to research
- You do not feel rushed
- You are not punished for waiting
- You are not rewarded for impulse buying
- You can recommend products to friends confidently
It builds trust. And trust matters far more than squeezing an extra few pounds out of a single sale.
Why We Can Keep Prices Low All Year
We keep prices stable because:
- We hold real UK stock
- We avoid unnecessary middlemen
- We do not inflate prices just to discount them later
- We focus on value, not hype
- We choose products carefully rather than listing everything
By running a lean, honest operation, we can offer strong pricing without resorting to tricks.
Sales vs Fair Pricing
We are not against value. We are against manipulation.
There is a big difference between:
- A genuine clearance of old stock
- A seasonal bundle
- A real cost reduction passed on to customers
And:
- Artificial price inflation
- Fake discounts
- Algorithm driven price changes
The first respects customers. The second does not.
Final Thoughts: Fair Pricing Builds Long Term Trust
Dynamic pricing might increase short term profits, but it damages long term trust.
At The Truck Monster, we would rather earn repeat customers who know exactly where they stand than chase short term gains through confusing pricing tactics.
When you buy from us, you can be confident that:
- You are paying the same price as everyone else
- You are not being tracked or manipulated
- You are not overpaying because demand is high
- You are buying from a retailer that values transparency
RC should be fun, not stressful.
That is why our prices stay fair, consistent, and honest all year round.