Do people not understand pricing?

[jmaryt]

Originally Posted by Capthowdy

Its just sign o the times....I run a repair shop here in FT laud FL....and selling work on the toilet bowl cars that seem to come in all day is almost imposs!!!!!

people have a right to keep their cars as long as possible,as long as it is cost effective to do so!..if you don't want to work on them!..kool!..they will find someone who will!..they won't care "two s**ts what you think,it's their property,and THEIR money!

[WadeWilson]

Originally Posted by jmaryt

to day people want true "value" in EVERYTHING they pay good money for!..it's the way it is!..get used to it!..they don't care about your particular situation!..it's THEIR money!..deal with it,by offering better value than the next guy!..simple as that!..don't want to do that?..starve!..go out of business!
welcome to the "new economy!"

It's not always that simple. Many companies have to charge a certain amount to cover overhead and other expenses. You're in a business to make money and you can't do things for "free". You want a quality product then you'll pay the price. You need to understand that companies such as the one I work for are there to make the customer happy, but at the same time they're trying to make a profit. You won't last long if you constantly work for cost by undercutting the other person. That's not good business. You aren't always going to make everyone happy because someone always wants it done cheaper until they realize they sacrifice quality while trying to save a buck. I realize the OP was talking about cookies, but what I said holds true in the real world.

[v6sonoma]

Originally Posted by rydahog

hey v6sonoma...kiss my old ass..ok// i am old person and believe me, i am a realist...i know the cost of goods and services go up...so don't put "especially older people" in total catagory like this...young , middle and older people are all guilty of these comments about prices..so lighten up!!

I'm sorry. Everyone bitches but I've been in retail as a manager for over 11 years now and statistically it's the older people who complain the most. Not only do they love to voice their opinion but they also like to make a scene like I snatched their ice cream cone out of their hand. So if you fall into this category take one of these and calm down. It's not the end of the world. Let's just agree to disagree.

[jrc1122]

I vow not to be an idiot when I get OLD.

[Jeremeymt]

It doesn't matter if it's cookies or cars the economics of it all is about the same. A business has set costs and variable costs. There has to be a certain price point where you break even and anything above that is profit. Larger companies have more ability to be flexible and react by dropping prices because they have lots of retail stores that joined together can make up in volume what they drop in price. My point is people complaining about prices. Just keep it to yourself and don't buy anything. What good does it do to complain to the person who is just here to serve you and has no control over the prices?

[el ess A]

High prices beat high prices. Don't worry about the pricing. The market will adjust the price point for you. If you're not selling, then you drop prices, run specials, lay off workers, etc. If the cookies fly off the shelf, then you can justify having to raise prices by hiring more staff, run less specials, etc. It's how it works. Right now, I'm willing to bet there's some "value" deal on your cookie menu for the price worriers. Which only makes sense. Rather than snipe about grumpy customers, offer them a free cookie to taste and see if it changes their minds. You never know. Even one net sale out of it per day can bring in more sales. Change a negative to a positive.

Retailers that think customers are idiots are well...idiots. Consumers have lots of choices. Make sure when they choose, they choose you. The true, successful retailer bites their lip, sucks it up and focuses on quality goods/services at their best possible price. Getting every customer to think you have the best potential solution to their needs is where it's at. Nothing else they do matters if you can't get that right. Competitive advantage and knowing how to seek out and seize opportunities are what separates the millionaires from the ones that barely keep up with this week's payroll. You have to make your own opportunities and as the old adage goes, "If you like our (fill in blank) tell others. If not, tell us!". You think retailers/manufacturers don't listen? Then why do they have focus groups for the Camaro? Can't please everyone, but feedback, good or bad, might do good for retailers willing to listen.

If you can't handle the old farts, the complainers, snotty nosed kids, etc., then get another line of work. You'll be unhappy the rest of your retail days if you can't. And that would suck. But I'm willing to bet you're selling more cookies to more buyers than not selling to those who are complaining.

[Jeremeymt]

I have worked here for 11 years. I know it's impossible to please everyone. I think what I'm trying to get at is those people who make a big scene about our prices while they are standing there ordering and about to pay. At that point where you have already walked up to me and placed an order you should be aware of how much $$ the stuff you just ordered is going to cost. I know how much something costs before I order it anywhere I go. We do have combo deals which account for about 25% of our net sales. We have cheaper things too. You are right most people order and pay and move on. This is a small % of people that complain. I'm just venting about them. I love my job. I will soon own this store so it's going to be my future.

[Mr_Draco]

Originally Posted by v6sonoma

People are morons. Especially older people who remember when $0.05 would buy a house. They just need to deal or get over it.

I'm a manager in one of the biggest retail chains in the US and for us it's the opposite. It's the young people (20-30's) that complain about prices where as the old folks who are on a fixed income (Social Security, Retirement, etc) will gladly pay higher prices if the service is good.

[CaniacFan]

I am also in the customer service (food service) business for a professional hockey team. I hear about it every event, "$4 for bottled water, $9 for a 24 oz beer. Ya know what though, they buy it and keep coming back for more.

Most don't understand the amount of money that goes into a business. Unfortunately, ticket sales aren't enough to recoup player salaries, so portions of parking, food and beverage as well as merchandise sales all work together to combine for a profit. We have to pay for our part time help (labor), rent, electricity, all of that. And with the ecomony, people are being very selective in regard to their entertainment dollars.

The complaints will never end though, and I will just keep on smiling.

[Jeremeymt]

Originally Posted by CaniacFan

I am also in the customer service (food service) business for a professional hockey team. I hear about it every event, "$4 for bottled water, $9 for a 24 oz beer. Ya know what though, they buy it and keep coming back for more.

Most don't understand the amount of money that goes into a business. Unfortunately, ticket sales aren't enough to recoup player salaries, so portions of parking, food and beverage as well as merchandise sales all work together to combine for a profit. We have to pay for our part time help (labor), rent, electricity, all of that. And with the ecomony, people are being very selective in regard to their entertainment dollars.

The complaints will never end though, and I will just keep on smiling.

I tell all of my employees "be thankful you dont work at the movie theatre or at sporting events" for this exact reason. I can only imagine how many people smart off or make comments about the prices. You are right they just keep paying it and coming back! Obviously we need them to keep coming back so yep just gotta smile and say "have a good day!"