Bonus Frame

A specific application of gain framing in which an upsell is presented not as a purchase but as an additional reward or gift that accompanies the core transaction. A mobile game that offers “10 extra moves and a power‑up” after giving three moves for free is using a bonus frame; the purchase feels like an extension of the just‑received generosity rather than a standalone transaction. The bonus frame is especially effective among users who have previously rejected a purchase‑framed offer, because it changes the psychological posture from defensive evaluation to receptive continuation. It does not change the price; it changes the narrative around the price.

Example: A SaaS platform offers a free month of a premium add‑on at the end of a successful trial, framing the paid upgrade as the natural continuation of a useful gift rather than a new bill.