Scarcity (versus popularity) cues for rejected customers: The impact of social exclusion on cue types through need for uniqueness

Abstract

This study examines how customers' psychological situation influences their responses to two promotional cue types. More specifically, we propose that rejected customers are more likely to choose products promoted by a scarcity cue (this product is a limited edition) compared to a popularity cue (this product is popular among customers). Also, we propose that rejected customers indicate an increased need for uniqueness, which in turn entices customers to choose a product promoted by a scarcity cue (relative to a popularity one). The results of Study 1 show that rejected customers display a greater preference for a product promoted by a scarcity cue, and need for uniqueness underlies the effect of social exclusion on customers' product choice. Study 2 provides further evidence that rejected (compared to accepted) customers display an increased need for uniqueness, which entices customers to choose a product promoted by a scarcity cue (relative to a popularity cue).