Quote:
Originally Posted by BeckyD@RodgersChevrolet
Anybody have any Friday the 13th superstitions?
in Wikipedia..
"According to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, North Carolina, an estimated 17 to 21 million people in the United States are affected by a fear of this day. Some people are so paralyzed by fear that they avoid their normal routines in doing business, taking flights or even getting out of bed. " It's been estimated that [US]$800 or $900 million is lost in business on this day". "
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I've always taken issue with this bold part of the statement.
How did 900 million dollars get lost? Hypothetically, If had a superstition to not buy gasoline or redbull, or a candy bar, or a new tv or any other purchase on Friday the 13th.. Does that mean, if I truly want those items, or need those items, that I want just simply buy them the next day.
If I choose not to fly on friday the 13th.. I would likely either reschedule for another day,, but ultimately still travel the same number of times and same distance per year.
If I decided to drive instead.. Then yes the airlines make less, but gas stations, and oil companies make money that way. It is all horse crap.. Money wasn't lost, it was simply not spread as evenly on that day as others.. but it will all balance out for the most part..
About the only time it would ring true of lost revenue for a business, is if you did something everyday, except friday the 13th. Like if you drank a Dunkin's donut coffee M-F every day before work.. But instead you don't drink one that day.. Good chances are you won't buy two next monday.. but that is about the only sort of thing that one could argue this bogus statement the report states.
Rant over
