Category: Shopping

Olive Oil Decisions! So Many Labels To Choose From!

3/2/2015

Hi all! Haven't been Musing much lately. No new recipes to share of late. I've just busy making my usual favorites! And I've been enjoying managing and building my FB group, Michigan Bread Bakers.

I ran across some interesting Olive Oil articles that I thought would be worth sharing here. I know that we use ALOT of olive oil in this kitchen. It is my preferred oil to use. When olive oil will not do, I will opt for organic canola oil. Of course butter and coconut oil are also in my pantry and I often use those for my baking endeavors.

I ran across an article recently, which evaluated different olive oils available on the market. I found it very interesting and thought it would be helpful for making decisions on which olive oil to buy.

To my surprise, olive oils from Costco and Trader Joe's were near the top of the recommended list! (Not all oils they carry were recommended, only certain labels).

I've included the link to the most recent article as well as some other recent articles. I think they will help you with deciding which bottle to select from the many you see on the self.

http://eatlocalgrown.com/article/12300-is-your-olive-oil-lying-about-its-virginity.html

http://www.truthinoliveoil.com/2012/09/toms-supermarket-picks-quality-oils-good-prices

http://www.truthinoliveoil.com/2013/08/trader-joes-extravirgins-and-floozies

Looking for guidance in how to choose an olive oil?

http://www.truthinoliveoil.com/great-oil/how-to-buy-great-olive-oil

0 Comments

Black Friday Brawls - The Science Behind The Behavior

11/29/2014

0 Comments

Well, Black Friday 2014 has officially "passed", however, the weekend of savings continues, moving onward towards Cyber Monday. The Christmas shopping season is officially underway this year, beginning well before the traditional "Black Friday" day after Thanksgiving shopping marathon. For the past couple of years, more and more retailers have been opting to be open on Thanksgiving, some as early as Thanksgiving morning. Many merchants even started offering pre-Black Friday deals, in an effort to bring shoppers into the store before Thanksgiving Day.

I used to take advantage of "Black Friday" deals in the past. But after watching a mob crush towards a counter separating them from their must have, desired items; I reconsidered my decision to venture out on Black Friday. That frenzied mob was massed against the counter and frantic employees behind the counter began throwing boxes out to the crowd. It must have been frightening for them to face that group of people rushing them. I just could not understand the crazy need to have that "stuff" and behave that way to get it. I stood back and observed from a safe distance. Why subject myself to that insane situation? I felt sorry for the employees. I have since boycotted going to these sales.

The internet and news reports now have annual accountings of shopping behaviors escalating into brawls, fist fights, and even stealing from each others shopping carts. With cameras everywhere these days, we now have an opportunity to see the behaviors of shoppers just about anywhere. There's many instances of total mayhem, with brutish, animalistic behaviors. All over materialistic stuff that really doesn't matter much later on. This growing mob behavior seemed to be more common in the US, but this year, videos of the mobs trampling over each other and fighting in the UK has revealed the global nature of this situation.

What is the science and psychology behind this behavior? Why do typically rational people change and behave in such a manner? What causes them to kick, punch, shove and even stab or stun gun each other over a Black Friday Special?

An article from The Independent provides some insight.

Primal instincts are triggered in certain situations. Everyone has "hardwiring" for violence given the right situation. What is it about Black Friday, that sets the stage for violence and mob mentality?

It's about obtaining a valuable reward. We are highly motivated to gain this reward. Black Friday offers "bargains" as the
"reward". Consumers are very motivated by the bargains because price reductions are seen as a "gain". It's getting something for nothing.

There are other motivators behind getting "the deal". It's exciting. It permits people to have things and enjoy them when they normally could not. People will go to great lengths to have a chance to get a reward. I am sure you have seen the images of people camped outside the stores, often days in advance, even in horrible weather. All driven by the chance to get "the reward".

Ironically, people are so driven to get a "reward", they buy stuff they don't even need, just because it was a good deal. An interview of a UK shopper Illustrates this. When she could not get what she originally came for, she grabbed a Dyson vacuum, simply because she wanted to "have" something.

“I got a Dyson but I don’t even know if I want it. I just picked it up,” Louise Haggerty, a 56-year-old hairdresser and waitress, said of her 1am trip to the Black Friday sales. “It was mental in there. It was crazy. It was absolutely disgusting, disgusting.” (source: theguardian.com)

Another condition adding fuel to the frenzy is "competition". Competition happens when a limited number of products are offered at heavy discounts. Typically, these are called "Doorbuster" items. Ironically, the term "doorbuster" is no longer simply a metaphor...as there are videos of mobs actually breaking down doors to be among the first to enter the store and find their limited resource goal. Deep discounts and a limited number of items raises the tensions and competition among individuals who are seeking the same limited resources. One shopper's gain will be another shopper's loss. That's a psychological zero-sum game. This all results in very classic, violence inducing conditions. There is such massive competition for a very limited number of resources that those resources obtain a very high value. Scarcity seems to increase desirability.

Typically, human behavior is restrained and controlled by social norms. Such primal behaviors are usually tempered by laws and social mores. Whether violent behavior is promoted or prevented depends on the absence or presence of norms.

One norm connected with scarce resources is the "line up". Rules of "line up" are typically a socially agreed upon norm that prevents a "free for all", and as a result, maintains order and suppresses violence. However, with certain conditions, the line up norm can also bring about violence. Those who don't abide by the "norms" will degrade the situation. One example is the "butt in person", the one who "takes cuts". This violation of norm is so disturbing, that even the person in front of the violator gets upset. Violence comes about as a way of protecting the "norm". However, the way Black Friday sales are conducted, the norm no longer holds when the "doors are opened". At that point it becomes a "free for all". Unfortunately, merchants' practices of providing limited resources and creating "fanfare" at door opening simply encourages and optimizes "free for all" behavior and mayhem. Mob mentality can also rule, where people justify loosening of moral standards when they see everyone else acting like brutes — it's called pluralistic ignorance,

According to an article on thewire.com, there are chemical brain changes with the availability of coupons and discounts. The rituals associated with Black Friday shopping are exciting with arousal and presentation of challenge. The brain is actually more stimulated by Black Friday shopping than by typical shopping. The Black Friday shopping experience is viewed as a desired activity. While brawling and mayhem may make the news, a great number of these bargain shoppers are actually well behaved during their shopping experience.

Personally, I have shunned brick and mortar stores on Black Friday and the holiday weekend. I have absolutely NO desire to become part of the masses of humanity, some behaved and some not so behaved. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, is worth brawling over, shoving and fighting. I refuse to be manipulated by the psychological games involved in limited resource availability and sales. I do however, shop for discounts, but from the comfort of my home via cybershopping.

Cybershopping has become more appealing and there are many good offers to take advantage of. Online discounts and free shipping, many offered by merchants with local brick and mortar stores, are very attractive. No stress, no fuss, with items delivered to your home. I don't have to disturb my Thanksgiving Day, get up insanely early, use gas, compete for a parking spot, stand in line to get in the store, bump into people in the store, try to work my way around throngs of people and shopping carts, and then be disappointed if they are sold out of what I came for. I don't have to stand in line to pay and fight traffic to get home. I won't be tired out, my feet won't hurt. I have permanently checked out of the crazy experience and mobs and I shop from home.

It's good to know you have the option of choice. Choice to physically shop, choice to cybershop and choice to not shop at all! It's not a bad idea to re-evaluate your shopping and gift giving habits. Is mindless consumption something you really want to participate in? Do you practice minimalist living? Do you evaluate every purchase for purpose, need vs want and make you own logical decisions that are not driven by advertising, marketing and outside influences. Exercise independence in your shopping habits to find what works for you and is in your best interests. And don't forget, the bill will be coming in January. By then, the excitement of getting the deal will have worn off....

http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/nov/28/black-friday-sales-police-attend-supermarkets-amid-scuffles

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/black-friday-the-science-behind-why-people-kill-each-other-over-tvs-on-the-friday-after-thanksgiving-9889810.html

http://mic.com/articles/105126/science-reveals-a-crucial-difference-in-your-brain-on-thanksgiving-vs-black-friday

http://www.thewire.com/national/2012/11/why-we-love-black-friday-according-science/59146/

0 Comments

Holiday Traditions - Feeling Stressed?

11/18/2014

0 Comments

image credit: cleanmama.net

We've had our first measurable snowfall last night. A bit early for us, but such is Mother Nature. We've passed Halloween and the holiday advertising has been going strong since then. Thanksgiving is just a week and a half away, and then the sprint is on to "The Holiday Season". Sneak peeks and formal releases of doorbuster and Thanksgiving weekend sales are already available for pre-shopping views. In many cases, pre-Thanksgiving sales are in full swing. Of course, there is the controversial concept of stores being open for business on Thanksgiving, which was a topic of an earlier Musing.

Regardless of how you celebrate the holidays, be it a religious connection or simply a seasonal holiday, there's so much that is connected to celebrations during this time. I have heard so many people fretting over not being ready and having so much to do and not enough time. There's agonizing over gift lists, finding just the right item, and of course shopping for the best deals. That means charging into crowds of humanity and elbowing your way through the shopping frenzy. Some love this excitement, some do not. Another option is to join the cyber crowds, and shop online. There's cleaning, decorating, sending cards, cooking, baking, travel, attending holiday parties and celebrations. It can be a very busy time, and in many cases too busy!

Holidays are often connected with "traditions". Traditions can be deeply meaningful, or done just because it's always been done and some are obligatory in nature, but not really enjoyable. If you find yourself going through the holiday grind and feeling stressed year after year, maybe it's time to stop and evaluate your holiday schedule and activities. Perhaps it's time to change what you've been doing.

It's important to stop and acknowledge any holiday stress you may be experiencing. It helps to evaluate and identify the sources of stress. There is a story that is easily found on the internet. You may have already heard it but it goes like this:

A teenager was watching her mother prepare a roast for their holiday dinner. The mother first cut off each end of the roast. “Why?” asked the inquisitive daughter. The mother explained that the best tasting roast always has the ends sliced off first before cooking. The daughter challenged why cutting the ends off made the roast taste better. The exasperated mother replied, “Grandma taught me to do it that way, and everyone has always thought your grandma made the best roast ever. Maybe she can tell you why.”

Later when the grandmother came over for dinner, the teen asked her why cutting the ends off the roast made it taste better. The grandma said, “Honey, cutting off the ends of the roast doesn’t make the roast better, I cut the ends off because I didn’t have a pan big enough to cook a whole roast!”

The point of this story is that there are many traditions that we carry on, that at one time, had a purpose and meaning. Over time, the reason may become unimportant, but the habit simply continues. Habits that are rich with tradition and meaning are good to continue, as they have an important significance to your life. However, there are other habitual traditions, perhaps devoid of the meaning they once held, that are worth re-evaluating. If they are no longer meaningful, no longer purposeful, and lack significance, you may benefit from "de-cluttering" your holiday experience. Hopefully doing that reduce the pressure on you and alleviate some of your stress.

I've been evaluating holiday habits for sometime. It's been a process that I've been doing over many years. I've chosen to keep some habits and have chosen to eliminate or modify others. I've even added new ones over time.

What have I done to de-stress vs. distress over the holidays? There's been some changes that have helped me in many ways. My personal changes have been to stop baking lots of Christmas cookies. Now I bake for what I need at the time, and it's not always cookies that I prepare. Cookies that I do choose to bake are often less complicated and easier to prepare. I've reduced my Christmas card list, opting to send cards to select people that I want to keep in touch with but don't see that often (for a variety of reasons). I also try to include a note with cards to stay connected and make it personal. I've simplified and reduced my gift list. I don't give many gifts and I don't really desire or expect gifts. I try to be practical by gifting cash or gift cards so the recipient is able to buy exactly what they want, and maybe even get a better deal than I could before the holidays! Easier for me! No fighting the holiday crowds, no impulse buying or overbuying and no worries about having to return something. I have scaled down my decorating too. More is not better, and I've reduced the depressing burden of having to put it all away when the holidays are over. To me, less is more when it's meaningful and special to me. When it seems like work, it's time to re evaluate! I have favored items that I decorate with and I feel no less in the holiday spirit than if I would have gone over the top with lights, garland, nicknacks and a loaded Christmas tree

Christmas has a strong religious connection for us, and we have added singing in our church choir to our traditions. It's a family affair for us now, with 3 members of my immediate family now active members of the choir. We also sing in a pre-Christmas concert. Family holiday meals have been pot luck, helping to make meal preparation and entertaining less stressful and easier on the budget. I also don't feel obligated to attend every event I am invited to. Sometimes I will say thank you for the invitation, but I will be unable to attend. Just do what feels right for you!

Some might say I'm being a Grinch. But for my family and I, it's been a gradual change and it seems to be a good fit for us. The major point of this Musing is that we should enjoy our holidays and participate in traditions that have a purpose or meaning to us. What we do or not do is unique to us as individuals. We should be careful that we do not get caught up in the obligations and practices that can unnecessarily take the fun out of the season. Don't sprint to the holidays! Pace yourself and take time to embrace and enjoy the holidays the way you really want to.

Here are some links with additional ideas and things to consider.

http://www.cleanmama.net/2013/12/simplify-the-season-change-the-tradition.html

http://www.virginia.edu/lifetimelearning/health/201212.pdf

http://www.exquisite-minds.com/idea-of-the-week/reducing-holiday-stress-2/

http://christmas.organizedhome.com/reality-check/ten-ideas-stress-free-holiday-season

0 Comments

Black Thursday - Is It Really A Good Idea?

11/14/2014

0 Comments

source: washingtonpost.com

Here we go! The race begins towards Christmas, and the ritual of holiday shopping is beginning. Traditionally, Black Friday had been the official start of the shopping frenzy, with stores opening earlier and earlier to lure shoppers in for "specials" and "door busters". Bleary eyed but energized shoppers poured into stores in the wee hours to shop and sometimes battle for deals. People even start lining up outside the stores days in advance, marking their places with lawn chairs and tents, so they can be first through the doors when the stores open. It amazes me that people do this. It's COLD in some areas where this is happening. Is getting "stuff" really that important??

You must have seen the videos that appear every year. Pushing, shoving, knocking each other down, and fighting over "must have" merchandise. It can get ugly. Employees must fear for their own safety seeing those masses of people charging at them. Sometimes entry doors get broken, displays are trashed and people get knocked down and trampled. The lucky employees at least have a counter to "protect" them. I wonder if shoppers really need those products or not. Is it the mob frenzy mindset taking over and driving their actions? Once shoppers have grabbed what's available, it's time to stand in long, snaking lines at the check out. Some people thrive on this excitement, saying it's all part of the holiday spirit. Others (like me) having experienced the insanity one time too many, vow never to be part of that chaos again. I have no desire to be surrounded by rude, aggressive and greedy people.

Thanksgiving Day is a holiday celebrated as a time for us to pause and give thanks for the good things we enjoy in our lives such as family, friends, health, jobs, food, freedom, football and more. Some people choose give back to the community and volunteer their time at soup kitchens or donate money/items to food banks. The holiday's origins trace back to the “first Thanksgiving,” however, it was neither a feast nor a holiday, but a simple gathering. Following the Mayflower’s arrival at Plymouth Rock on December 11, 1620, the Pilgrims suffered the lost of 46 of their original 102 colonists. With the help of 91 Indians, the remaining Pilgrims survived the bitter winter and yielded a bountiful harvest in 1621. In celebration, a traditional English harvest festival, lasting three days brought the Pilgrims and natives to unite in a “thanksgiving” observance. (allabouthistory.org) In modern times, it is still tradition to gather around the table (at home or at a restaurant) to enjoy a feast to celebrate our bountiful lives and to strengthen our bonds with those in our lives who are important to us. This holiday is one of the busiest travel days of the year as people travel, sometimes great distances, to come together.

Traditionally, retailers were closed on Thanksgiving. Black Friday was the first day of traditional Christmas shopping, during which crowds of consumers are drawn in to take advantage of special offers by retailers. “Black” refers to stores moving from the “red” to the “black,” back when accounting records were kept by hand, and red ink indicated a loss, and black a profit.

Things have changed over time. Now, "Black Friday" has turned into "Black Thursday". Holiday shopping creep has moved into Thanksgiving Day with retailers now opening their doors to shoppers on Thanksgiving. Of course, this means their employees no longer have the day off to celebrate the holiday. Reaction to this change has been mixed. Shoppers are showing up, but does this really mean they actually approve of this practice, or are they simply being manipulated by retailers who are trying to utilize as much time as possible prior to Christmas to boost their sales and profits? Black Thursday may now be the new "norm" but are shoppers really "choosing" to shop that day or are they simply "responding" to retailer induced changes?

A survey by consulting firm Accenture found that 45 percent of Americans planned to shop on Turkey Day, up from 38 percent last year. And most shoppers had few qualms about leaving the holiday dinner table: 32 percent of shoppers said they would avoid brick-and-mortar stores on Thanksgiving because it would interfere with family time, down from 41 percent last year. (wsj.com)

Ironically, Black Friday isn't necessarily the best day to snag the best prices. Instead, retailers’ biggest price cuts last year came on the Monday before Thanksgiving, and shoppers who bought items on Thanksgiving Day snapped up the season’s lowest prices, according to Adobe. The weeks before the Black Friday weekend offered better deals than the weeks leading up to Christmas. What’s more, those who shopped on Black Friday were more likely to find items out of stock. In addition, more shoppers are moving towards making their purchases on line. (wsj.com)

This year, some retailers have decided NOT to open on Thanksgiving, and are promoting their decision to do so. It's no longer notable when a retailer says it will stay open on Thanksgiving Day. Instead, it makes headlines when one says it's going to close. The moves to make Thursday the new Black Friday has drawn petitions, boycotts and plenty of questions about worker fairness and the effect on employee morale. It's also unclear whether the holiday openings will even help these stores in the long run. Though some data has shown an upside, retail consultants have warned that Thanksgiving sales could just cannibalize purchases that would have happened on Friday. (washingtonpost.com)

What are you going to be doing on Thanksgiving? Eat, relax and enjoy the day with those you love? Or are you going to eat and run....to the store?

http://online.wsj.com/articles/when-to-snag-the-best-holiday-deals-1415569005

https://blackfriday.com/pages/black-friday-history

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-leadership/wp/2014/10/28/in-keeping-with-its-values-costco-to-close-on-thanksgiving/

http://newsroom.accenture.com/news/us-consumers-plan-to-increase-holiday-spending-this-year-supported-by-greater-optimism-about-personal-finances-accenture-study-finds.htm

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2014/11/12/how-giving-workers-the-day-off-for-thanksgiving-became-a-retailer-promotional-scheme/

0 Comments

"Killing" Series - A Review

10/27/2014

0 Comments

I am an avid reader. Happily, it's hobby I've been able to indulge in more often, since I've retired. I like to read all kinds of books, both fiction and non-fiction. I recently finished reading Killing Patton by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard. It is the latest book in the the "Killing" series that includes Killing Lincoln, Killing Kennedy and Killing Jesus. I've read all of them, and enjoyed every one. They are pleasurable books to read, not dry or bogged down in overwhelming detail. Yet, each book offered me new insight into their particular subjects, and also sparked a new interest to look into other books to read for additional information about events and individuals that were presented in the Killing series. To be honest, I don't think I would have thought about, or been interested in reading those additional books otherwise!

O'Reilly is a well known political commentator on a major cable news network. He is also an established author. His Killing series books are researched, historical narratives that do not lean politically in one direction or another. I found them to be very interesting books that broadened my knowledge and interest in new subject areas.

I hope you find them interesting too. You can find these books at your local library or if you prefer you can purchase them in print or electronic format.

https://www.goodreads.com/series/137481-the-killing-of-historical-figures

0 Comments

History of Car Colors - Reasons Behind Choices

10/23/2014

0 Comments

I've owned a few different cars over my driving years. Probably not as many as most people though as I tend to keep my cars for an extended period of time. I ran across some interesting articles about choosing vehicle colors, the changes colors available and color preferences over time, which vehicle colors are more popular and hold value over time. Unlike the Model T days, of which Henry Ford wrote in his autobiography: “Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black”, consumers now have choice of color on their vehicle.

Personally, I've owned cars and SUV's, and I've only owned three different colors, dark/wine red, white and silver. Ironically, the white and silver were compromises that needed to be made because I was purchasing a vehicle off the lot. When I ordered a vehicle, I certainly considered the different colors available, but always gravitated back to the dark red color palette. I currently own a silver vehicle. I've found it a bit challenging to locate my car in a sea of cars in the parking lot (assuming I wasn't the one that parked it there), because there seems to be quite a few silver vehicles out there (along with black and white!)

Vehicles from earlier generations that are still on the road, stand out and are quite visible. Not for their design necessarily, but for their colors which just pop out in contrast to the more bland color scheme of modern vehicles. Vehicle colors today are usually black, white, gray, or silver. Other colors, such as red or blue tend to be muted rather than bold and pronounced, like those vehicles of the past.

According to an article from slate.com:
"With the exception of an early ‘90s flirtation with the color purple, and a late ‘90s love affair with forest green, the past 20 to 30 years have represented a demure era in the world of automotive colors. Since the late-1990s, the best-selling paint colors have been black, gray, white, and silver (silver, in fact, was the best-selling color for a decade, until it was recently overtaken by white). George Iannuzzi, a board member of the Color Marketing Group (an international color-forecasting group that meets regularly to discuss the colors of the future) says that concerns about resale value have a tendency to conservatively shape buyer’s inclinations"

An article from Kelly Blue Book (kbb.com) describes the effect of vehicle color on resale values.
"The Monetary Value of Color
So, you might ask, "Why does color matter?" Like many vehicle features, color plays a role in the residual value of your car. Put simply, today's popular color will probably make your vehicle more popular to a buyer five years from now. The "probably" factors in the cyclical nature of color popularity, but the general rule still holds true.

It also follows that less popular colors depreciate your vehicle's value. By how much, you ask? That's the tricky part. It actually can vary from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the vehicle and the color in question.

Sticking to neutral colors such as silver, white, black and gray are your safest bets. But, if you feel moved to more chromatic colors, bright yellow, orange, or purple vehicles could put you at a disadvantage when selling or trading in your vehicle."

However, an article by Forbes stated:
"On average a yellow car that originally cost $20,000 can be expected to retain about $1,500 more of its value after five years than the same exact car painted black.That’s according to an analysis of over 20 million used car listings from the 1981 through 2010 model years conducted by the Boston-based used-vehicle website iSeeCars.com. Other colors the study found that bring back the most green include orange, teal and – of course – green.....it should be noted that one is more likely to find a sports coupe or convertible offered in eye-popping hues like orange and yellow in the first place than a more-conservative family sedan or station wagon, where the “non-colors” tend to proliferate."

An extensive and informative article written by The Consumerist (consumerist.com), explains the impact of the rise and fall of the economy on vehicle color preferences and resale potential.
"...during the recent recession, consumers were a bit shy of flashy things and tended to play it safe when and if they took the big step of buying a new car, and that trend has persisted over the years. Meaning the likelihood of a flood of yellow cars on the market is not great, hence, the rarer it is, the higher price tag it can command."

Bottom line is that color choice is part of your personal expression of your ride. The importance of personal expression through color varies among consumers. Some like more subdued colors and other want the "look at me, here I am" presentation of popping, bright colors. Run with the pack or stand out? As the Consumerist article states: "Whether or not you take that risk, it’s up to you. But at least you don’t have to order it in black, if you don’t want to."

Here are the links to the articles and sites I referenced in this Musing. I found them to be very interesting. I hope you do to.

http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/design/2011/10/car_paint_colors_why_are_so_many_cars_painted_white_silver_and_b.html

http://www.kbb.com/car-advice/articles/best-color-to-buy/?r=40420190542296290

http://consumerist.com/2014/10/10/a-brief-history-of-car-colors-and-why-are-we-so-boring-now/

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2014/06/17/new-car-colors-that-boost-resale-values/

0 Comments

Free Food Samples - It's More Than Just Eating For Free

10/4/2014

0 Comments

image credit: theatlantic.com

I suspect that just about everyone has tried a free food sample at one time or another. If you are a Costco shopper, you definitely know about the free food samples that are offered in the store. You could almost come in hungry and leave having eaten from all the food groups! People love "free", people love "food" so why wouldn't people love "free food"?? What you may not be thinking about as you are munching away, is the retailer's use of marketing strategies behind free sample advertising. Retailers use sampling for financial as well as behavioral reasons. Evidence shows that samples can boost sales, sometimes significantly and they can also sway people to begin buying things they never would have purchased otherwise.

Costco is probably one of the most well known retailers employing free sample marketing strategies. It is a well known practice, even encouraged on blogs, to cruise the sample stations for a "free lunch". There is evidence that free sampling opportunities not only help consumers learn more about products, it also make the retail environment more appealing. Costco itself does not manage the sample stations. A product demonstration company is responsible for staffing the sample tables.

Behavioral economists state that getting something for free creates a strong feeling of obligation to do something back. (ie. buy the product you just sampled). Free samples can also make forgotten cravings become more evident to the consumer, causing the consumer to feel compelled to act on the craving. One interesting fact from sampling research showed that it is important for the demo table to be staffed (vs. self serve). A heightened awareness of the presence of others increases the "social pressure" to make a post-sample purchase.

In addition, the prepared food departments in stores for eat in and carry out, including the "cafe" at Costco, are designed to make the store a destination for eating a meal. Once in the store, there is a greater likelihood of the consumer buying additional products while at the store. At the very least, eating a meal at the store increases the positive experience of the customer, making it more likely that they will return to the establishment at a later date.

You can read more details about free sample marketing strategy by visiting the links below.

http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2014/10/the-psychology-behind-costcos-free-samples/380969/

http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/trends/offering-a-bit-more-than-a-free-sample/4001841.article

http://business.time.com/2011/02/17/the-power-of-freebies-why-companies-pay-to-give-free-samples-to-supermarket-customers/

0 Comments

Cooking is my creative outlet and my writing is "food for thought"

Olive Oil Decisions! So Many Labels To Choose From!

Black Friday Brawls - The Science Behind The Behavior

Holiday Traditions - Feeling Stressed?

Black Thursday - Is It Really A Good Idea?

"Killing" Series - A Review

History of Car Colors - Reasons Behind Choices

Free Food Samples - It's More Than Just Eating For Free

Categories

Archives