Go Flux Yourself! Wendy’s Introduces Dynamic Price Increases Because They Can
Looking for a bargain? Too bad! The all new method of “variable pricing” will hike prices for food based on the time of day. Can’t afford the increased prices? You can have dinner at midnight or you can starve!
By Jonas Polsky · February 28, 2024
Old fashioned capitalism is getting an upgrade!
Want to buy something, but hate knowing the price in advance? We fixed that for you! Introducing “dynamic pricing,” an exciting new way for businesses to jack up prices depending on their mood. If you’re looking for an extra bit of surprise at checkout, then you’re going to love variable pricing.
“How much for a cheeseburger?”
“That depends – how much you got?”
Formerly known as price-gouging, dynamic pricing is a hot new trend that allows a company to automatically raise their prices based on demand. The more desperate you are for a product or service, the higher the price shoots up! If you weren’t already feeling the squeeze of regular inflation, then dynamic pricing is going to add an extra little pinch to your next shopping trip.
The confluence of artificial intelligence and digital in-store signage now allows businesses to increase the cost of your next meal right before your eyes. Don’t blink, or you might miss that the price of your favorite order went up while you were standing in line!
The fast food chain Wendy’s wants to assure their customers that if their restaurant is busy, prices are GOING UP! Beginning next year “surge pricing” will take effect, making their food a bit more expensive during peak times of day. Just imagine waiting in a long drive-thru line knowing that in addition to the inconvenience, you’ll also be overcharged for your food. You can thank technology for that futuristic experience.
And don’t show up to Wendy’s with exact change, because you might find that surge pricing is in effect; which is a silly little situation we like to call “bait and switch!” Dynamic pricing is a fun and unique way for corporations to flex their pricing power, and really punish the consumer for needing to shop with them.
Flaunt it! Share your super-sized receipt on social media and flex on your friends with how much you were overcharged!
Getting enough food to survive is pretty trivial, but variable pricing could be used for other types of transactions where the stakes are even higher. Using artificial intelligence to match prices up with the customer’s level of desperation could have so many dystopian applications:
When you lose your job your rent automatically increases
The closer a patient is to death, the more expensive the ambulance ride
Alcoholics pay more for alcohol if they have visible withdrawal symptoms
Gas stations charge more for gas based on how late you are for work
A little extra charge here and there isn’t going to hurt, and when artificial intelligence decides whether or not you can afford to eat, the world is better for it!