thread Scarcity works best when it’s real in Community Corner

Scarcity works best when it’s real

TicketsCandy — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 06:09:46 GMT

While scarcity works, fake scarcity backfires, because people can tell the difference.

We see this when organizers use real capacity limits versus random countdown timers that reset every day.

Something we noticed across TicketsCandy events:
- Showing real remaining ticket counts increases conversion by about 19%.
- Events that genuinely sell out once build 2x stronger early sales next time.
- Fake or constantly extended “last chance” offers lead to more refund requests and angry emails.

And remember, buyers remember )

Re: Scarcity works best when it’s real

CurlyDoodle — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:41:09 GMT

For sure! I laugh when I am ordering something online and I get a ticking clock giving me like 5 minutes to complete my purchase. I know that "clock" resets every time someone places an order.

In my business I inform clients of scarcity then let them figure it out. I encourage them to pre-book so when they don't, they are faced with a real schedule and few appointment slots. Square is great for this because it shows the actual schedule.

Re: Scarcity works best when it’s real

TicketsCandy — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 04:05:53 GMT

Your approach is definitely way cleaner - just show the real calendar and let scarcity be what it is.