The Pratfall Effect Why Flaws Make Brands More Likable

In Episode 21 of Behavioral Economics with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore the Pratfall Effect — the counterintuitive finding that competent people and brands become more likable after a minor mistake. They anchor on a 1966 experiment by Elliot Aronson where a quiz-show expert who spilled coffee was rated more attractive than one who didn't. From there, they trace the effect through modern examples: why a software glitch at a beloved app can boost loyalty, why luxury hotels that admit small errors get better reviews, and the fine line between charming imperfection and genuine incompetence. The hosts also discuss the 'bumbling CEO' archetype in consumer branding and why perfectionism can backfire in customer service. The episode closes with a practical takeaway for marketers and managers: when you screw up small, own it fast — but never on something core to your value. The Pratfall Effect offers a rare glimpse into the upside of vulnerability in business, backed by decades of social psychology. #PratfallEffect #ElliotAronson #SocialPsychology #BrandPerception #Vulnerability #ConsumerBehavior #MarketingPsychology #BrandLoyalty #CustomerService #Imperfection #BehavioralEconomics #Economics #BusinessPsychology #BrandStrategy #Reputation #Trust #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo