What are power words in sales?

Power words are emotional triggers that bypass the logical brain. Words like 'Exclusive,' 'Secret,' or 'Instant' create a feeling that compels action, rather than just describing a feature.

Can I use 'Artisanal' for factory goods?

No. That is false advertising. However, if your factory uses a specific hand-finishing process, you can say 'Hand-Finished' or 'Crafted with care.' Always be truthful, but frame the truth in the most valuable way.

Does 'Guaranteed' actually increase sales?

Yes. It reduces risk. A high price creates anxiety ('What if it breaks?'). A guarantee removes that anxiety. Often, the increase in conversion rate outweighs the cost of honoring the few guarantees that are claimed.

Psychological Pricing Words: 5 Terms That Justify a High Price

You can't just double your price and expect people to pay it. You have to frame the value.

Why does a "Vintage" shirt cost $50, but a "Used" shirt cost $5? They are the same object. The difference is the Frame.

Copywriting is the art of framing. By using specific "Power Words," you can trigger psychological associations in your customer's brain that make a high price feel not just fair, but necessary.

In this guide, we will explore the 5 words that elevate your brand from "Commodity" to "Luxury."

1. "Curated" (The Expert Frame)

The Problem: The internet is flooded with junk. Customers are overwhelmed by choice (Analysis Paralysis).

The Fix: Use "Curated."

This word implies that an expert (you) has sifted through thousands of options and selected only the best. The customer is not just paying for the product; they are paying for your Taste and Time.

Average: "Here is a box of snacks." ($20)
Premium: "A curated selection of Japanese snacks." ($50)

2. "Artisanal" (The Human Frame)

The Psychology: Humans value effort. We perceive things made by machines as cheap and soulless. We perceive things made by hands as valuable and unique.

Even if you are manufacturing at scale, highlight the human touchpoints.

Average: "Ceramic Mug."
Premium: "Hand-glazed Artisanal Mug. No two are alike."

The phrase "No two are alike" turns a flaw (inconsistency) into a feature (uniqueness).

3. "Heirloom" (The Longevity Frame)

The Psychology: Price anxiety comes from the fear of waste. "What if I buy this $100 pan and it breaks in a year?"

"Heirloom" destroys this fear. It suggests the product will outlive the buyer. It reframes the purchase from an Expense to an Investment.

Average: "Durable cast iron skillet."
Premium: "Heirloom-quality skillet designed to be passed down to the next generation."

Suddenly, $100 seems cheap for something that lasts 50 years.

4. "Limited" (The Scarcity Frame)

The Psychology: FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). If something is abundant, it has low value (like air). If something is scarce, it has high value (like gold).

Don't just say "Buy Now." Give a reason why they must buy now.

Small Batch: "We only produce 50 units a month."
Seasonal: "Available only until the leaves fall."
Edition: "1 of 100."

5. "Guaranteed" (The Risk Reversal)

The Psychology: Every transaction involves risk. Usually, the buyer carries the risk ("What if it sucks?").

A strong guarantee transfers the risk to you.

"If you don't love it, we'll buy it back. No questions asked."

This confidence signals quality. A company selling junk cannot afford to offer a lifetime guarantee. Therefore, if you offer one, your product must be good. This justifies a higher price tag.

Words to AVOID (The "Cheap" Signals)

Just as some words add value, others destroy it. Remove these from your vocabulary if you want to be a premium brand:

"Affordable": Synonymous with "low quality." Use "Competitive" or "Valuable" instead.
"Discount": Sounds desperate. Use "Exclusive Offer" or "Event Pricing."
"Stuff": Never call your inventory "stuff." Call it "Goods," "Pieces," or "Instruments."

FAQ

Can I use these words for Dropshipping?

Be careful. You cannot call a cheap plastic toy from AliExpress "Heirloom" or "Artisanal." You will get refunds and bad reviews. However, you can use "Curated" if you have built a niche store with a specific aesthetic.

Does "Free Shipping" add value?

Yes, but it's a hygiene factor now, not a differentiator. "Free Shipping" removes friction, but it doesn't necessarily make the product feel premium. "Complimentary Express Delivery" sounds much more luxurious.

How do I test these words?

A/B test your product titles and Facebook Ads. Run one ad with "Durable Leather Bag" and another with "Heirloom Quality Leather Bag." The click-through rate (CTR) will tell you which frame resonates with your audience.

Conclusion

Your product is only worth what the customer believes it is worth.

Words shape belief. If you describe your product like a commodity, you will be paid like a commodity. If you describe it like an asset, you will be paid like a brand.

Action Step: Go to your best-selling product page. Find 3 instances of "boring" adjectives. Swap them for one of the 5 Power Words above. Watch your conversion rate.

Psychological Triggers: 5 Words That Justify a Higher Price Tag