What do a gym membership, a bottle of prescription pills, and a holiday gift card have in common? You’ll have to read our New York Times Magazine column to find out. As always, we’ve posted some of the research behind the column elsewhere on this site. You’re welcome to leave comments on this post.
And thanks to Rory O’Connell, who got us thinking about this topic.
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Enjoyed the eBay giftcard spreadsheet on the NYT link – though I’m not sure what would drive someone to pay more for the card than it’s worth…. Perhaps the heat of a bidding war clouds one’s judgment.
Enjoyed the eBay giftcard spreadsheet on the NYT link – though I’m not sure what would drive someone to pay more for the card than it’s worth…. Perhaps the heat of a bidding war clouds one’s judgment.
does it have to do with seniorage?
does it have to do with seniorage?
Never get fully used.
Never get fully used.
Most people pay for more than they use in all three cases, most of the time that is. A two year gym membership that sees heavy use the first month but sporatic the rest of the term. The bottle of prescription pills that sit in the medicine cupboard after half the bottle is used and you deem yourself healthy enough to discontinue use. And the $2.95 that is left on the Amazon gift card that sits in your desk or wallet after your initial purchase till you eventually toss it out. All money wasted.
Most people pay for more than they use in all three cases, most of the time that is. A two year gym membership that sees heavy use the first month but sporatic the rest of the term. The bottle of prescription pills that sit in the medicine cupboard after half the bottle is used and you deem yourself healthy enough to discontinue use. And the $2.95 that is left on the Amazon gift card that sits in your desk or wallet after your initial purchase till you eventually toss it out. All money wasted.