Today’s code: “Starting from only….”

Translation: You could theoretically get it for this price but you wouldn’t want it.

Example: Car ads are notorious for this. This is the classic “bait and switch” routine…bring ‘em into the store and then up-sell them to products where you make real money. The price is usually marked with an asterisk, referring to the infinitesimally fine print at the bottom of the ad where all the exclusions and conditions can be found (if you can see them!).

Funny story: Some years ago, Mercedes had introduced a low-end model that at $32K was pretty competitive with mid-range sedans from Subaru, Toyota, etc. I decided to have a look at what that money could buy. When I asked the salesman at the dealership about that model and price tag he sneered at me and said “Frankly sir, that car would have to be special ordered since anyone interested in a Mercedes would want far more than it offers”. With that he lost complete interest in me and walked away. I bought a Toyota Highlander instead.

Variations: Some car makers have caught on that consumers have become inured to that gimmick and you’ll sometimes see ads for cars that include a second pricing tier with the words “Well-equipped from….”