Why does Bacara (12-Inch) cost more than Bly, Cody and Gree??

[ProgMatinee]

If they have to increase prices but the people who buy the product are still earning the same amounts then its obvious that people will reevaluate the decision to buy and question the nature of the price increase.

I would bet half the people that aren't questioning the price increases are probably the people that can least afford to pay it but they're past the point of caring about things such as debt to income ratios or saving for emergencies, etc. The other half probably work their ass off to afford the luxuries.

I'm in between somewhere and have to take these increases into account.

 

[devilof76]

Buy what you can afford and don't look to justify it to anyone. The companies you buy from will do the same.

 

[ProgMatinee]

No doubt, I don't buy what I can't afford, but I don't understand why not to state why. I'm not "justifying" it as in trying to explain myself out of some committment I made with them. Like breaking it off with a girl friend or something (though I know there are a few people here who probably apologize directly to SSC when they don't buy something). . But we are lucky enough to have this forum to communicate WHY we're not buying something. Its not an excuse, its a constructive criticism and feedback.

SSC might think I'm passing on something because its a bad character or a bad paint job or some other reason. So it should be helpful to them to understand exactly why the total $$ I spent on their product had decreased by 25% over the past couple of years despite them charging almost 2x as much.

As far as SSC explaining it back to us "why". I'm not sure I need an answer. The question is somewhat rhetorical. I already know the answer is "because we think we can". Just like NetFlix's answer. SSC is fine with a certain amount of casualty and people quitting the lines over price increases. The question is how many people can they afford to lose?

 

[devilof76]

You don't think they've calculated that?

 

[ProgMatinee]

You don't think they've calculated that?

Of course they TRY.

I said as much when I said "SSC is fine with a certain amount of casualty and people quitting the lines over price increases. The question is how many people can they afford to lose?"

If less than they expected pass on an overpriced item then their profits go up, good for them, can't fault them, though I personally would be disappointed, its a good business decision.

But if MORE people balk at the price SSC needs to know that it was at the price in which they balked and not some other reason.

 

[The Josh]

If I'm fine with the price they charge I buy it if not I won't.

 

[ProgMatinee]

Out of curiosity, how do you afford the prices? Obviously don't have to answer if you don't want to.

 

[The Josh]

I afford it with some extra savings I have.

 

[ProgMatinee]

So giving up $10 of long term savings?

$10 doesn't sound like much, but in context of nickle and diming item after item indefinately they add up fast.

I don't really look at it in terms of "it's only $10 more". I look at it in terms of it's $135 for X". If I was already teetering on $125 making it $135 certainly doesn't help.

Every little increase makes me reevaluate the value of entertainment the hobby gives me that much more. If my paycheck moved with inflation (if you consider this increase inflation) then the increase would be seamless. But when my paycheck is stagnant, I just can't justify it.

 

[Deak Starkiller]

Out of curiosity, how do you afford the prices? Obviously don't have to answer if you don't want to.

Josh is a hooker. Savings schmavings...he gives up the ass.

 

[The Josh]

Well, sure I'd love to pay less but if I see something I want and can afford it without killing myself I'll do it. I'm not gonna sweat $10.

 

[The Josh]

Josh is a hooker. Savings schmavings...he gives up the ass.

 

[EVILFACE]

So giving up $10 of long term savings?

$10 doesn't sound like much, but in context of nickle and diming item after item indefinately they add up fast.

I don't really look at it in terms of "it's only $10 more". I look at it in terms of it's $135 for X". If I was already teetering on $125 making it $135 certainly doesn't help.

Every little increase makes me reevaluate the value of entertainment the hobby gives me that much more. If my paycheck moved with inflation (if you consider this increase inflation) then the increase would be seamless. But when my paycheck is stagnant, I just can't justify it.

Money is made to be spent. Sure it is smart so save some money for a rainy day. But then again, you could get in a car wreck tonight and die. Saved all that money for nothing.

 

[ProgMatinee]

My wife would like that.

 

[EVILFACE]

eh, I have a 1.25mil life insurance. I'm sure she would like that and selling my toys more.

 

[Deak Starkiller]

Holy sheet! How much does that run?

 

[EVILFACE]

I think it is 40ish a month. Wife handles bills and such. I just make the monies. I know she is plotting my demise.

 

[Gipetto0812]

Well, sure I'd love to pay less but if I see something I want and can afford it without killing myself I'll do it. I'm not gonna sweat $10.

but are you going to still feel that way when finally the next extra $10 makes a clone that comes with as much or less than Bacara at or over $200?

 

[devilof76]

New HT Batman was $225 and I cancelled it because I decided the money would be better spent elsewhere. I'm not cancelling Superman even though he doesn't really strike me as being worth $209. Much more elaborate figures are cheaper. But it's what they're asking, and I want it.

If my paycheck moved with inflation (if you consider this increase inflation) then the increase would be seamless. But when my paycheck is stagnant, I just can't justify it.

With all due respect, you work in the public sector, which doesn't function the way normal industry does. From the end of 2008 through 2010, in the aftermath of the entire economy contracting, no one was getting raises, but that's not so much the case now. A lot of areas are making more money (my hotel was charging $359 base rate for a standard room this summer, and we were sold out 7 days a week).

Regardless, raises are not the only way to deal with price increases. You can't come up with a way to save $10 somewhere ele? If you can save $10, why not $100? I get that it may not be worth it to you to shift priorities. I also realize it's important to you to let SSC know that the reason you choose not to buy is because of the price increase.

Personally, I bought Cody and Bly direct from them. I'm buying Bacara (and Gree) through Alter Ego. It never occurred to me to let them know. I just did it.

 

[Deak Starkiller]

My 3% increase "in this economic environment these things are out of our control" says hi Devil. Also, it's just ten bucks. Don't eat out at fast food 2 times and you'll be fine.