Tuesday, 11/2

Not that I'm complaining...but is this how capitalism is supposed to work?

Let me explain. A couple of weeks ago I went to a store. For the sake or argument let's call it, oh, “Bowl's”. I bought a suit jacket and a couple of shirts & ties because TV Jim needed them. When I paid for everything at “Bowl's” they gave me a slip that would allow me to spend 50 dollars with the company at a later date. So this past weekend I went on the “Bowl's” website where I was indeed able to pick up a pair of noise canceling headphones for free (although I did pay for shipping). After the order, “Bowl's” then sent me an e-mail saying I now had another 10 dollars to spend with them,

So correct me if I'm wrong, but “Bowl's” gave me a shot at getting free stuff from them just because I got some free stuff from them. Isn't capitalism wonderful?

8-)

Now, I'm not an economic expert, nor do I play one on TV, but just how do you make money from something like that? I mean, I realize it actually has to do with loss leaders and mark-ups and profit margins, but just how do you make money by, basically, giving people stuff like that? And it gets even stranger when you consider this—I paid for the original stuff with a credit card. I get points for buying something at “Bowl's”, and I could redeem those points for a ”Bowl's” gift card, should I choose, which makes it another way that I could get more free stuff at “Bowl's” just because I've already gotten free stuff at “Bowl's”.

As I mentioned, I'm not complaining. I really like “Bowl's” as a store, and I'd shop there even if I didn't get free stuff from them just because, you know, I got some other free stuff from them to begin with. And I realize two things—that isn't actually “free” stuff (much like airline miles aren't “free” but a cost built into your ticket). And I also know that this is all (probably) an insidious scheme to make me go back to “Bowl's” and buy even more stuff. But each time I buy something they give me more free stuff, and then they give me more free stuff just for getting the free stuff.

Like I said, I'm not an economic expert, but shouldn't things get to the point where this because economically unsustainable? Either that, or I'm just overlooking something here, which wouldn't be a surprise because, as we all know, I have absolutely no interest and/or ability in the field of business.

All I know is that I'm getting free stuff just because I already got some free stuff. And I'm actually okay with that.

******

Before I leave, I have to wish my favorite brother in the whole wide world a happy birthday! Now, he's my only brother in the whole wide world, so I'm probably contractually obligated to say that. But nonetheless, I hope Marc has a great day despite everything that's going on. Marc—hope Tiffanie and the boys spoil you rotten.

You deserve it!

(jim@wmqt.com)