bait and switch
Advertised then swapped
Bait and switch is a deceptive sales tactic where an attractive offer lures customers in, only to be replaced with something inferior or more expensive: The apartment listing was a classic bait and switch—the actual unit looked nothing like the photos.
The phrase extends to any situation where promised terms change after commitment: The job turned out to be a bait and switch.
Dishonest money-making scheme
- fraudIntentional criminal trickery
- trickeryDeliberate deception or fraud
- misleadingCausing false beliefs
- deceitDeliberate misleading of others
swindle · con · false advertising · lure · duplicity · hoax · subterfuge · chicanery
Promote add-ons or upgrades
- retailSales to end users
- storefrontRetail facade facing street
- promotionRank increase or publicity
- discountReduced price offered
sale · loss leader · foot traffic · introductory offer · fine print · limited time · teaser rate · hidden fees
scam
Dishonest money-making scheme
- fraudIntentional criminal trickery
- trickeryDeliberate deception or fraud
- misleadingCausing false beliefs
deceit · swindle · con · false advertising · lure · duplicity · hoax · subterfuge · chicanery · sham
upsell
Promote add-ons or upgrades
- retailSales to end users
- storefrontRetail facade facing street
- promotionRank increase or publicity
discount · sale · loss leader · foot traffic · introductory offer · fine print · limited time · teaser rate · hidden fees · clearance
- car salescar dealership, car dealerships, dealerships, dealer, auto dealership
- comedy tropespratfall, parody, sight gag, running gag, satire
- consumer hassleshidden fees, long lines, out of stock, late delivery, overcharging
- cunningcunning, craftiness, crafty, guile, slyness
- dirty trickscheating, lying, deceit, trickery, deception
- sales tacticsupselling, cross-selling, hard sell, soft sell, high pressure
bait and switchtruth in advertising
Requirement for honest promotion
transparent pricing · fair dealing · what you see is what you get · full disclosure · plain dealing
bait and switchas advertised
Matching promotional claims
keep one's word · follow through · make good · good as one's word · true to form
bait and switchgood faith
Sincere, honest intent
fair play · win-win · ethical business · integrity · square deal
switch, bait, debate, switched, debated, baited, switching, debates, abated