Unveiling the Truth: Why Restaurants Replace ‘Medium’ with ‘Regular’ to Upsell Customers

Have you ever wondered why fast food restaurants like KFC, McDonald’s, and Burger King label their middle-sized food and drink options as ‘regular’ instead of ‘medium’? It’s not a random choice of words. In fact, it’s a clever marketing strategy designed to subtly influence customer behavior and increase sales. This article will delve into the psychology behind this tactic and explain why it’s so effective.

The Power of Words

Words have a profound impact on our perceptions and decisions. In the context of fast food, the term ‘regular’ implies that it’s the standard or normal choice. This can make customers feel that opting for a ‘regular’ size is the safe, default option, while choosing a ‘small’ size might make them feel like they’re not getting their money’s worth. On the other hand, ‘large’ sizes are often perceived as indulgent or excessive.

The Upselling Strategy

By labeling the middle option as ‘regular’, restaurants subtly encourage customers to upgrade to a ‘large’ size. After all, who wants to be just regular when they could be large? This is a classic example of upselling, a sales technique where a seller induces the customer to purchase more expensive items, upgrades, or other add-ons in an attempt to make a more profitable sale.

Psychological Influence

Another reason why restaurants use ‘regular’ instead of ‘medium’ is to take advantage of the psychological principle known as ‘anchoring’. When making decisions, people tend to rely heavily on the first piece of information they receive (the ‘anchor’). In this case, the ‘regular’ size serves as the anchor, making the ‘large’ size seem like a reasonable step up rather than an extravagance.

Perceived Value

Finally, the term ‘regular’ can also create a perception of better value. Customers may feel that they’re getting a standard amount of food or drink for their money, rather than settling for a ‘small’ or splurging on a ‘large’. This perceived value can make customers more likely to choose the ‘regular’ size, even if it’s more than they originally intended to order.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of ‘regular’ instead of ‘medium’ in fast food restaurants is a strategic decision designed to influence customer behavior and boost sales. It’s a subtle yet powerful example of how language can shape our perceptions and decisions. So next time you’re ordering at a fast food joint, remember that ‘regular’ might not be as regular as it seems!