Reader Erik Johnson sent us this photo of a rather unusual pricing scheme. “I only wanted one bag of chips,” Johnson wrote, “but if they’re paying me to take the second…”
Sure, it was probably a mistake. But if not, what does it say about the quality of the product?
Photo: Erik Johnson
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I remember a comedian – can’t remember who – doing a routine about the 64 oz thirst guzzler Coke at a quickie mart being only $0.29… when the 12 oz was $0.69.
This was years ago…
This happens all the time. The other day I bought two bottles of Lynx shower gel for ?2 on offer, and it was originally marked at ?2.25 each.
I interpret it as a shameless marketting ploy where the real price of the good is ?1 and the only relevance of the supposed ‘individual’ price is to make you think you’re ‘making money’ by buying another.
Might be expiring soon so they are trying to get rid of everything ASAP.
I’ve been wondering about Marco’s pizza, which almost always has a “special” deal where the medium (or occasionally the large) pizza is cheaper than the small. They must have a reason, but I can’t figure out what it is.
Maybe they just have excess inventory which is very close to its labeled expiry date and needs to be sold quickly.
This reminds me of a pet peeve at certain restaurants (the Applebee’s next to the University of Minnesota is an example) where the “meal” prices total more than the components. At breakfast, you’d pay less for two eggs, bacon, potatoes, and toast (all individually) than for the breakfast meal that is exactly those items. Perhaps it is an innumeracy tax.
Reminds me of an old joke:
“First prize is a week long vacation in North Dakota! Second prize is a two week long vacation in North Dakota!”
(To make it relevant around the world change North Dakota with some region that is not appealing for a vacation.)
@joe – there is a barbecue joint where I regularly get the 1/4 chicken and side salad. They always suggest, “Why not get the lunch chicken combo with a side?” Well, because that’s thirty cents more.
The pizza thing above may just be marketing – like you’re getting some deal.
As far as this particular entry, it is probably a mistake. Probably was supposed to be “$1 each if you buy 2″