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