It’s pretty easy to spot dark patterns when you look out for them, but I found a pretty obvious example of this.
Stoofie is a brand that sells water fountains for your pet (I don’t know what the problem with a water bowl is, but I digress). WayBack Machine
Plastered at the top is “33% OFF Ends Today- Free Shipping” with no way to dismiss it. There is a scrolling text under the main image “FAST AND FREE SHIPPING 60-DAY FREE RETURNS”
If you scroll down, you’re immediately introduced with a product with the option to buy two preselected. The rest of this section explains itself:
Other things are sprinkled in the main page, but it really is the prime example of dark patterns. Please, share your favorite examples of dark patterns. Don’t forget to archive them first so they can never be lived down.
Do it, quick! Before this post gets deleted! Only 10 comments left! /s
For all its very real shittiness, you will likely find that Amazon ships faster, has lower prices, has a better selection, and much easier returns than other online shops. This almost entirely the result of their massive monopolistic power. I don’t begrudge people that are squeezed for time and money from trying to save either, but Amazon needs to be broken up.