Introduction to the “foot-in-door technique” (psychology (foot in door))
The foot-in-door technique is a persuasion tactic in which a person who wants to influence another through the use of requests or demands. Starts with small requests and then follows up later with larger ones. This technique works by first allowing the person to get used to saying yes. Then gradually increasing the size of those requests until they are satisfied with whatever it is you want them to do. The foot-in-the-door technique is also referred to as “foot-in-the-door phenomenon” or “door-in-the-face technique”
Let’s talk psychology (foot in door)
Obtain agreement to a large request by first obtaining agreement to a modest request.
The foot-in-the-door technique is a strategy that involves asking someone for a small favor first, then later asking them to do something bigger.
This method can be especially effective because it gives people less time to think about why they are saying no. When someone says yes to something small, they don’t have time to consider their decision or make excuses for why they can’t do the larger request. This means that if you ask somebody for a favor and they say “no”, you can use this technique to get them to change their mind by suggesting another favor (or making an even larger one).


Can be used in advertising and sales.
The foot-in-the-door technique can be used in advertising and sales, as well as in other areas of life. It’s a way to get people to agree to something before they realize what they’re agreeing to. For example, if there’s a sale on washing machines at your local store, the salesman might ask if you’d like an extended warranty for an extra $50. If you agree. You’ve already agreed in principle (that is, with your foot already in the door) even though you don’t realize it at that moment.
You can also use this method when trying to sell something more intangible. Like ideas or products that require some convincing before people will buy them:
- A politician could make promises during their campaign but not really deliver on those promises once elected because they were only made while campaigning with no intention of keeping them.*
Classic foot-in-door example:
The classic “foot-in-door” example shows how a salesperson can get you to agree to a small request by first asking for something larger. For instance, consider the following scenario:
Salesperson: “Would you be willing to sign this petition against nuclear power?”
You: “No.” (or “Yes,” depending on your political affiliation)
A person is asked a series of questions, including how much they think they could afford to donate. Then asked if they could volunteer. The next week, they are asked if they could donate what they said the first week.
The foot-in-the-door technique is used by marketers to get you to take an action that you might not otherwise take. This can be anything from buying a product, to making a donation or even volunteering your time.
The first step is usually asking for something small and then building up from there. For example, someone may ask if you could donate some money to their cause before asking if you would volunteer your time. The second approach can be seen as more valuable than the first. Because it often leads people who are on the fence about donating. Or volunteering to make that leap and commit themselves fully.
People who agree to small requests will be more likely to agree to larger ones.
Many people have heard of this phenomenon, but few know how it works. It’s quite simple: if you ask someone to do something small for you first (e.g., donate $5. They are much more likely to do something larger later (e.g., donate $50).
The reason why this happens is that we tend to agree with people who have already agreed with us in the past. However, we don’t necessarily realize that’s what’s happening at first! We think back on our previous interactions and conclude that they were positive. So we assume that everything else they say will be positive too. Even when it isn’t!
This explains why there is such a strong connection between “foot in door” techniques and compliance-gaining efforts (such as negotiation). If someone has already agreed with us once or twice. Then it becomes easier for them to agree further down the line. When we put forth even bigger requests for their help or support!
Now put this in phrases in situations other than this. People will start off by asking you for small favors, then it gradually gets bigger.
Conclusion on psychology (foot in door)
It is important to remember that this technique can be used in sales and advertising. But also in relationships. It can also be a great way for you to get what you want if you are trying to sell something. Or promote an event.
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