It’s a mix of both clever sales psychology and a practical tactic to drive volume through perceived value tiers, and while not exactly a new trend, it’s being used more creatively now by sellers looking to stand out.
The gradual increase in discount as quantity rises creates a visual incentive ladder that appeals to both impulse buyers and bulk purchasers, playing on the anchoring effect and making the highest tier feel like the best deal. Whether or not most buyers go for 16 units, just seeing that option can make buying 3 or 6 feel more reasonable and valuable by comparison.
It’s effective because it signals legitimacy, encourages higher cart values, and subtly gamifies the purchase decision without relying on flashy promotions.
The point is you can’t order more then 1 or 2 items. I’ve seen even 80% discount purchasing 3 items+ but always only 1 is available to put into cart. Another one trick to make customer jump into listing and got screwed. Different question is how customer reacts if he rely on a huge discount and can’t obtain it. And a third question is how it affects on br when customers leave listing again and again after they can’t use a displayed discount.
