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RE: Would you pay more for a product if you knew in doi... - 4/4/2007 12:09:15 AM   
Sinergy


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Termyn8or

I would. Not that I have money to throw around, but I get around that. What I do is not to buy anything new. My TV, car, fridge, stove, washer, dryer are all 20 years old at least. I like it that way.



I work a union job that pays a lot of money.  So I can afford to live my personal ideals.

I pay more for things because I wont shop at Walmart.  I buy things for more money that I want
based on quality. 

I do not insist other people do the same thing I do.

Sinergy 

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RE: Would you pay more for a product if you knew in doi... - 4/4/2007 12:26:11 AM   
FelinePersuasion


Posts: 4792
Joined: 11/20/2004
Status: offline 		No. Because I am cheap. And I am on such a tight budget right now there's no frills for anything at all except bills, so if i was to splurge it'd have to be something cheap.
quote:

ORIGINAL: SirDiscipliner69

Would you pay more for a product if you knew in doing so you would support a fair trade approach that allowed money money for third world natins that grew such products?

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RE: Would you pay more for a product if you knew in doi... - 4/4/2007 4:03:02 AM   
seeksfemslave


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Joined: 6/16/2006
Status: offline 		Surely 3rd World products should be and are cheaper. Its organic/free range farming for example where the products are not imported that cost extra. Isn't it ?

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RE: Would you pay more for a product if you knew in doi... - 4/4/2007 6:54:11 AM   
SirDiscipliner69


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quote:

ORIGINAL: DiurnalVampire

I cant afford to pay more than I do for things.  To take a third stance, I would rather be able to financially survive myself, and that usualy means choosing the lower prices regardless of their larger social impact.  I supose your question is geared toward people who are financialy in a position to toss as much money around as they'd like, but I am fairly sure there are others

Very understandable.

I enjoy farmer's market and artist's markets as it is a way of getting in touch with those that make it.

Not really on the scale of what I was talking about but a start.

Ross
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RE: Would you pay more for a product if you knew in doi... - 4/4/2007 6:59:08 AM   
SusanofO


Posts: 5672
Joined: 12/19/2005
Status: offline 		I was a Marketing Management major in college, and I sometimes think I know too much to be glamorized into buying something due to its (sometimes completely manufactured) "mystique". If it meant the manufacturerer (or at least the end seller) was actually doing their part for more "humanitarian" reasons than not (but of course they are still making a profit), and in more than just a token sense, then yes, I would. I'd try to veryify if that was the case, though- but it might not be easy, always.

The manufacturing and distribution channels of many goods sold here in the U.S. is so complex it almost defies description. So good luck on really knowing all about how something got from the rice paddy in an Asia country to your front door, for instance (unless you really love doing research, and every manufacturer and distributor is being completely honest, as far as what you may read).

When it comes to things like canned green beans, or TP, for instance, I have to say I am a whole lot less picky about brands than I once was, so I'd be willing to switch as far as many edible groceries, or basic durable goods.

I do financially invest in a "green fund", and I have researched that pretty thoroughly, so I feel I am somewhat doing my part for the envrionment, if only from another route.  

- Susan

< Message edited by SusanofO -- 4/4/2007 7:50:05 AM >

_____________________________

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And sings the tune without the words,
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RE: Would you pay more for a product if you knew in doi... - 4/4/2007 7:00:14 AM   
SirDiscipliner69


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Termyn8or

I would. Not that I have money to throw around, but I get around that. What I do is not to buy anything new. My TV, car, fridge, stove, washer, dryer are all 20 years old at least. I like it that way.

When I need clothes I do check out the second hand stores, hey, a pair of Docker in my size for three bucks ? What would you do ?

OK, those Dockers were made by slave labor and should've cost three bucks new, but somebody anted up the $30 for them, it just wasn't me.

That's why it is more than all that. Paying a premium price usually means some suits get rich, not the people who actually make the product.

The answer is yes. When I have the money and time on my hands I will fill up my gas tank and go out into America's heartland and start getting my dairy from a private farmer. I'll start buying Amish meat. When I get the chance I will do everything I can to keep the multinationals from getting one thin dime of my money.



It seems that America is all to eagar to cast off things that aren't the latest in fashion or the fastest in processing speed.

Co-orperate big biz is one of the worst offenders marking down product ad sending it to the landfill when it could be donating it to worthy causes that specialize in reclaiming cast offs such as building supplies.

I know for a fact that Home Depot, Lowes, Walmart and such destroy and send more than they need to the dump.

I know for a fact that Staples throws out those toner cartriitages that people bring in thinking they are being green...it is just a ploy to get them into the store ...meanwhile they will dump 20 used toners in the trash.

Ross
©º°¨¨°º©

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Profile   Post #: 26
RE: Would you pay more for a product if you knew in doi... - 4/4/2007 7:01:57 AM   
SirDiscipliner69


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quote:

ORIGINAL: juliaoceaniaNow my mother is on Social Security and thinks like you do, and I understand how both of you feel and I am not putting you down or anything... just pointing out that not everyone that makes meager money has the same view or attitude (I also buy organic)


It seems Safeway has jumped on the organic line bringing it as an alternative to the consumer...

Frankly I think it is a marketing ploy rather than an enviromental awareness..

Bottom line biz will relabel and reinvent for the money.

Ross
©º°¨¨°º©

(in reply to juliaoceania)
Profile   Post #: 27
RE: Would you pay more for a product if you knew in doi... - 4/4/2007 7:03:22 AM   
SirDiscipliner69


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Domin8tingUrDrmz

Fast reply...

I do my best to avoid shopping in places such as WalMart.  I am not by any means wealthy, but I do my best to shop at local grocers, and the like.  In the summer, much of my fruit is purchased from 'u-pick' farms and the like...it's actually cheaper than going to a chain supermarket, and it helps support the local farmer.  I have made purchases through the big box retailers when that seems to be the only affordable way for me to purchase something, but I do my best to avoid it.  I'd much rather spend an extra 1 - 10 dollars or so on something if I know that it means another person has better insurance because of it.

Now, if I were very financially comfortable, I would make sure that was the case each and every time, particularly if I knew it would help out a third world nation.  There is a bottled water company where I live that donates a portion of its proceeds to bringing clean drinking water to third world nations.  They also help in the research in doing such things.  It costs ten cents more than most bottled waters, and I buy it every chance I get.


Very cool.

Wonder how many companies go under the awareness guise but it is just a marketing ploy?

It would be interesting to unearth those and see just how honest they really are.

Ross
©º°¨¨°º©

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Profile   Post #: 28
RE: Would you pay more for a product if you knew in doi... - 4/4/2007 7:06:03 AM   
SirDiscipliner69


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quote:

ORIGINAL: stockingluvr54

I try and buy AMERICAN MADE as much as possible and that's getting real hard to do anymore. If nothing else it helps me sleep at night knowing I try and keep some jobs at home.....


How *is* that possible now?

The tainted pet food came from wheat from China

80% of childrens toys come from China

Have you noticed that we have had a scarey number of food problems with contamination lately?

What if terrorist were to poison the sources?

Ross
©º°¨¨°º©

(in reply to stockingluvr54)
Profile   Post #: 29
RE: Would you pay more for a product if you knew in doi... - 4/4/2007 7:08:49 AM   
SirDiscipliner69


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Vendaval

I prefer purchasing local, organic, fair trade, etc.
Right now, that is not always financially possible.
 
 


No it is not always financially feasible or viable but the awareness of doing so when possible is the right thing to do.

It is sad however when a administration enacts policies that undermind what the consumer public is trying to do.

Big biz destroys the efforts of an acumilated citizens by one repeated action after another

Ross
©º°¨¨°º©

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Profile   Post #: 30
RE: Would you pay more for a product if you knew in doi... - 4/4/2007 7:10:19 AM   
SusanofO


Posts: 5672
Joined: 12/19/2005
Status: offline 		Capitalism is in operation here in the U.S. Some of the people in China, for example (where ironically the U.S. buys a lot of  goods sold here), would probably give their right arm to live in a capitalisitc economy. People can't have it both ways, and yes, parts of living in a capitalistic society suck.

But - I am certainly not moving to China - because I'd rather watch Wal-Mart at work here, and buy some of their products, than be crushed by directly living under a governmental regime that tells people they can have only one child, and routinely kills people for even suspecting they are talking trash about their government, much less writing what we think about it, like we are doing here, for example. I know that may sound uncaring, but it's my reality. 

I donate to international charitable causes in an active way, just through another route than the grocery or dpeartment store. Whether that route is ameliorative, or has a direct effect on humane governmental actions in the third world country those donations affect is anybody's guess, including those in that government, probably. 

I do agree with you that the Bush admin. are not at all very competent, and I cannot wait until the next election.

On a positive note, I read in TIME magazine this week that Hewlett-Packard is switching to lighter packaging in February for its printer cartridges - which will reduce carbon emissions by an amount equivalent to removing 3,500 cars from the road for a year.

Wal-Mart has trimmed everything from its rotisserie-chicken boxes to its water bottles, each now made with 5 grams less plastic. They plan to cut packaging 5% starting in 2008 - enough to prevent 667,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. I'd say that is a "humanitarian" goal that can benefit everyone - as it is a global company. It might not be perfect, but it's certainly a start.

- Susan

< Message edited by SusanofO -- 4/4/2007 7:50:40 AM >

_____________________________

"Hope is the thing with feathers,
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all". - Emily Dickinson

(in reply to SirDiscipliner69)
Profile   Post #: 31
RE: Would you pay more for a product if you knew in doi... - 4/4/2007 7:15:31 AM   
SirDiscipliner69


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quote:

ORIGINAL: KenDckey

Oh Hell no

I refuse to drive 100 miles to buy things just cause Walmart sells them.   And when you get there, they are exactly the same product - brand name and  all.

I don't believe that there are many truely American Products anylonger.   Not our food, not our houses, not our cars, not our clothing, nothing.   Oh I know that they do exist, but at some point along the chain, they don't.   Was the vehicle that transported them totally American?   Was the machine that pressed them totally American?   Was the......(fill in the blank)........ totally American?   No.   Probably not.

My morality said I should take care of my family first, provide for them first, then worry about someone else.   If that means that I have to spend all my time researching every item to assure myself that there was no part made by someone that wasn't morally responsible, then I don't believe that I am being morally responsible to my family.  And all that is to buy American where we don't 'EXPLOIT' (ROFLMAO) our workers.

Sorry, but I just don't see it as my responsibility to worry about what is being sold by whom.  I don't see where it is my responsibilty to see to it that mom and pop shops stay in business by selling their products at a higher rate than the larger chains can.    I don't see whre it is my responsibility to evaluate every product I buy to assure that it meets someone else's theory of moral responsibility.


I see you are a true model of what every citizen of the earth should do.

I am not talking totally American goods here...

Say for example a coffee shop decides to post its intentions of supporting underpaid coffee growers in country A so the customers can see it.

It outlines the awareness issue and why they are going to do it and how it will effect the prices that will get past on the the customers.

Now knowing that this deal will help a farmer buy a new tin roof and support his children through school would one not feel the moral responsibilty to try and do the right thing even though it cost a bit more from the customer who is more afluent than the farmer?

Ross
©º°¨¨°º©

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Profile   Post #: 32
RE: Would you pay more for a product if you knew in doi... - 4/4/2007 7:17:20 AM   
SirDiscipliner69


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quote:

ORIGINAL: blushingflower

When I can afford it, I do usually choose organic and/or fair trade products. Many fair trade products are also produced in more environmentally sustainable ways. Unfortunately, I can't always afford it.
We all live on the same planet, and if I can make the world even a little better by something as simple as what tea I choose to purchase, well then, why the hell not?  A few extra cents in my bank account when I die won't benefit me, but less carbon in the atmosphere will benefit everyone.  I want the world I leave to my children to be a better one than I inherited from my parents.


Very nice.

Yes it is difficult and not always the quickest way to deal with things.

I am guilty of it but making a concerted effort on a regular basis does help I believe...if not immediately then as awareness grows.

Ross
©º°¨¨°º©

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Profile   Post #: 33
RE: Would you pay more for a product if you knew in doi... - 4/4/2007 7:21:48 AM   
SirDiscipliner69


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quote:

ORIGINAL: toservez

There was once a great political cartoon in the USA Today. It was a picture of a bunch of people with pro union and buy American shirts on walking in and out of Wal-Mart.

My Master is an independent sales representative and one of his lines is the last American made of it’s kind left and it he say it does him ZERO good when talking to buyers when he brings this up, even if price is not an issue.

I think it would be great if people buy stuff at higher prices to try to help others but I see nothing in this culture that it could or would catch on to make a difference. We all can justify our own actions and far too many of us go through life pointing how others can improve things and never bother looking in the mirror ourselves.




Bottom line is if enough consumers say enough and do it this way there will be a change.

You would be surprised how biz managers will bend over backwards if they think they can get a niche in a certin buying segment of the public.

Did you know that the breakfast food biz represents over a billion or so ?

Watch how many businesses will reinvent the breakfast services in the next few months.

Notice how Home Depot has spanish signs also? In the next 8 years the Hispanic population represents the largest buying segment in home improvements.

Walmart in the effort for lower medicine prices started a chain reaction.

It works

Ross
©º°¨¨°º©

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RE: Would you pay more for a product if you knew in doi... - 4/4/2007 7:23:11 AM   
SirDiscipliner69


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quote:

ORIGINAL: popeye1250

No. What do I care about what happens in third world countries? That's their business.


Some how I am sadly not surpised at your answers.

Ross
©º°¨¨°º©

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RE: Would you pay more for a product if you knew in doi... - 4/4/2007 7:44:46 AM   
Mercnbeth


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quote:

No it is not always financially feasible or viable but the awareness of doing so when possible is the right thing to do.
Awareness of what? What would make you more aware?
quote:

It is sad however when a administration enacts policies that undermind what the consumer public is trying to do.
What administration is that; George Washington? Policies regarding trade are as old as the country. The "founding fathers" were business capitalists. Trade, international and inner-colony/state,  was a key reason for breaking from England. Many of the policies enacted to regulate trade and respond to political correctness are the cause for the problem you see. Unions did great things regarding child labor laws and work conditions, but in this era those same regulations, not in place in Asia, Africa, or South America; are a reason why manufacturing jobs don't exist in the USA. Add into the equation the pressure placed on USA companies regarding the environment and it makes no sense to consider making anything in the USA.

What you feel is "undermining" is the free choice of the consumer. Similar to most so called "liberal" movements, the goal isn't to liberalize the choices available but to only allow one choice; the one seen correct in the eyes of the "cause". Whether it works or not, or other consequences result is never important. The 'intent' is good enough.

Business decisions are pragmatic focused on one thing - the bottom line. Nothing will change that basic fact. There is only one aspect of this fact that has a positive effect on consumers. The USA is the ultimate market for goods. Business can not completely eliminate the USA consumer because no matter how cheaply goods are manufactured the have to be sold for the business to make a profit. China invests in US dollars and now has the ability to effect the US money markets, but they can't destroy it, at least not yet, because in doing so they would have no market for their goods and no source of hard capital. It's the modern equivalent of MAD. Instead of nuclear weapons there is a symbiotic manufacturer/consumer relationship.
quote:

Big biz destroys the efforts of an accumulated citizens by one repeated action after another.
No - Big Biz represents what the majority of citizens want and need. Big Biz enables people it doesn't force people. It requires a government to make regulations to force people; Big Biz responds to government actions. Because the government is made up of lawyers too stupid and unable to make it in the business world, business will always be a few steps ahead of any government regulation.

The logic of your position could point you to wanting a country with no private business where all goods and services are provided directly by the government. That is fine, just appreciate that there are a plethora of issues you may not like associated with that solution.

(in reply to SirDiscipliner69)
Profile   Post #: 36
RE: Would you pay more for a product if you knew in doi... - 4/4/2007 7:57:24 AM   
SusanofO


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Joined: 12/19/2005
Status: offline 		I think that's wonderful food for thought.That was good to read, Merc.

- Susan

_____________________________

"Hope is the thing with feathers,
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all". - Emily Dickinson

(in reply to Mercnbeth)
Profile   Post #: 37
RE: Would you pay more for a product if you knew in doi... - 4/4/2007 8:34:45 AM   
popeye1250


Posts: 18104
Joined: 1/27/2006
From: New Hampshire
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: SirDiscipliner69

quote:

ORIGINAL: KenDckey

Oh Hell no

I refuse to drive 100 miles to buy things just cause Walmart sells them.   And when you get there, they are exactly the same product - brand name and  all.

I don't believe that there are many truely American Products anylonger.   Not our food, not our houses, not our cars, not our clothing, nothing.   Oh I know that they do exist, but at some point along the chain, they don't.   Was the vehicle that transported them totally American?   Was the machine that pressed them totally American?   Was the......(fill in the blank)........ totally American?   No.   Probably not.

My morality said I should take care of my family first, provide for them first, then worry about someone else.   If that means that I have to spend all my time researching every item to assure myself that there was no part made by someone that wasn't morally responsible, then I don't believe that I am being morally responsible to my family.  And all that is to buy American where we don't 'EXPLOIT' (ROFLMAO) our workers.

Sorry, but I just don't see it as my responsibility to worry about what is being sold by whom.  I don't see where it is my responsibilty to see to it that mom and pop shops stay in business by selling their products at a higher rate than the larger chains can.    I don't see whre it is my responsibility to evaluate every product I buy to assure that it meets someone else's theory of moral responsibility.


I see you are a true model of what every citizen of the earth should do.

I am not talking totally American goods here...

Say for example a coffee shop decides to post its intentions of supporting underpaid coffee growers in country A so the customers can see it.

It outlines the awareness issue and why they are going to do it and how it will effect the prices that will get past on the the customers.

Now knowing that this deal will help a farmer buy a new tin roof and support his children through school would one not feel the moral responsibilty to try and do the right thing even though it cost a bit more from the customer who is more afluent than the farmer?

Ross
©º°¨¨°º©


Or, if those coffee growers in Colombia need a new tin roof or a new Hummer they just grow a field of cocoa leaves and sell them to the Drug Cartels.

(in reply to SirDiscipliner69)
Profile   Post #: 38
RE: Would you pay more for a product if you knew in doi... - 4/4/2007 9:37:22 AM   
stockingluvr54


Posts: 673
Joined: 6/22/2006
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quote:

ORIGINAL: SirDiscipliner69

quote:

ORIGINAL: stockingluvr54

I try and buy AMERICAN MADE as much as possible and that's getting real hard to do anymore. If nothing else it helps me sleep at night knowing I try and keep some jobs at home.....


How *is* that possible now?

The tainted pet food came from wheat from China

80% of childrens toys come from China

Have you noticed that we have had a scarey number of food problems with contamination lately?

What if terrorist were to poison the sources?

Ross
©º°¨¨°º©


SirD....Like I said...."it's hard to do" in this economy but I try and buy american made anytime I have the "option"....which is unfortunately very rare anymore......

Just bought a new seat for one of my bikes from a one-man shop here in the good ol USA....cost was $350. Now I could have bought the jap import setup for about maybe $200 but I didn't. The jap setup doesn't have the quality I need and I helped keep a one-man shop afloat! There are many times I could have bought the cheaper foriegn item and pass them up...do a little research and find a part or product made here at home so I can do my part to help us (USa). I know it's real hard to do in todays economy but I try and do what I can...when I can.....that's just me.


< Message edited by stockingluvr54 -- 4/4/2007 9:48:31 AM >

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Profile   Post #: 39
RE: Would you pay more for a product if you knew in doi... - 4/4/2007 9:54:15 AM   
SirDiscipliner69


Posts: 2607
Joined: 2/1/2005
Status: offline 		The concept is more about social entreprenuers....doing the right things and still being good capatalists...

Perhaps the The 2007 Social Capitalist Awards  might be a little more enlightening toward the subject I have in mind.
http://www.fastcompany.com/social/

Ross
©º°¨¨°º©


(in reply to stockingluvr54)
Profile   Post #: 40
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