Bait and switch
Meaning
A fraudulent sales tactic where a seller advertises an attractive but unavailable product (the 'bait') to lure customers, then pressures them into buying a more expensive or less desirable alternative (the 'switch').
Origin
The phrase 'bait and switch' vividly captures a deceptive sales technique that rose to prominence alongside the explosion of mass advertising in the mid-20th century. Imagine a store splashing dazzling, unbelievably low prices for a fantastic product across newspapers and storefronts—that's the 'bait,' designed to lure you in, hook, line, and sinker. But once you're inside, eager to make your purchase, suddenly that advertised item is 'out of stock,' or 'just sold,' or perhaps the salesperson artfully directs you to a far more expensive, less appealing alternative. That's the 'switch.' The term solidified into common parlance as consumer protection agencies, particularly in the United States, began to actively combat such fraudulent practices, making it a well-understood, albeit infuriating, descriptor of dishonest commerce.
Examples
- The car dealership was notorious for using a bait and switch tactic, advertising a low-priced model that was never actually in stock.
- Customers quickly grew frustrated with the online retailer's bait and switch promotions, which often led to disappointment and wasted time.