Re: Say NO NO NO to Wal-Mart!!!

Bob wrote:
> 
> The Real Bev wrote:
> >
> > So we should want to pay higher prices for what we want to buy?  Not
> > likely.
> >
> > Well, actually it IS likely.  Are all those stories about merchandise
> > (cosmetics, mostly) quadrupling in sales volume when prices were doubled
> > true or just urban legends?
> 
> Don't know if they are true, however they were taught in college
> business classes 35 years ago.  There was one story about GM doubling
> the price of a 1923 Buick and doubling sales because people wanted a
> "luxury" car.
> 
> Lots of cosmetics and "botique" items the customer has no clue about the
> actual value of the product, and no way to find out.  Cosmetics are sold
> at whatever the market will bear, and the "cost" is mostly packaging,
> advertising, and retail.  The actual products are often not
> significantly different from the half gallon jug you can buy at Wal Mart
> for $2.95.  Nevertheless, many customers will gladly pay $20 or more for
> a 1 oz jar if they are told that it's "special."

I, like most of my fellow-readers of MCFL, buy that stuff at our local
equivalent of the 99 Cent Store.
 
> I read a copy of GQ magazine a few months ago. Their fashion for men
> article had shirts at $400, slacks at $900.  Shoes at $1,200.
> Altogether the outfit was about $4,000, including a jacket.
> 
> Out of that $4,000 about $3,600 is marketing hype, and about $400 would
> probably produce and distribute equally high quality pants and shoes.
> Heck, being featured in GQ is probably way expensive.

I would have little respect for a person who spent that much on ordinary
non-protective clothing. 

-- 
Cheers,
Bev
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Never argue with a woman holding a torque wrench.