RE: Walmart - High Cost of Low Prices

Collarspace Discussion Forums

Home Login Search

RE: Walmart - High Cost of Low Prices

View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest

All Forums >> [Casual Banter] >> Off the Grid >> RE: Walmart - High Cost of Low Prices

Page: << < prev 6 7 [8] 9 10 next > >>

Login

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

RE: Walmart - High Cost of Low Prices - 4/8/2007 5:37:41 PM

GoddessDustyGold

Posts: 2822
Joined: 4/11/2004
From: Arizona
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: juliaoceania

Thanks for your view.

No I did not post this for all of you to debate it with me, no where in the OP was there an invitation to do so...

*Nods to Julia* Nor was there any indication not to debate or discuss.

_____________________________

Dusty
They that give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety
B Franklin
Don't blame Me ~ I didn't vote for either of them
The Hidden Kingdom

(in reply to juliaoceania)

Post #: 141

RE: Walmart - High Cost of Low Prices - 4/8/2007 5:41:51 PM

juliaoceania

Posts: 21383
Joined: 4/19/2006
From: Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Status: offline

You know, I have pretty much single handedly kept up my side of this debate on my own, with no help from anyone and plenty of people being pretty snarky and mean (despite disclaimers of the opposite), so I did propose a solution... you may not like it, but that is what I propose to people that agree with me.... if people like walmart they should shop there, if they do not they can do what I do, don't shop there... pretty damn simple. I do not see what is so hard to understand about what I posted... I must have missed that.

_____________________________

Once you label me, you negate me ~ Soren Kierkegaard

Reality has a well known Liberal Bias ~ Stephen Colbert

Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people. Eleanor Roosevelt

(in reply to GoddessDustyGold)

Post #: 142

RE: Walmart - High Cost of Low Prices - 4/8/2007 5:52:02 PM

hisannabelle

Posts: 1992
Joined: 12/3/2006
From: Tallahassee, FL, USA
Status: offline

julia,

my intent was not to attack you, simply point out that for many people it is far more complicated than "just don't shop there."

annabelle.

_____________________________

a'ishah (the artist formerly known as annabelle)
i have the kind of beauty that moves...

(in reply to juliaoceania)

Post #: 143

RE: Walmart - High Cost of Low Prices - 4/8/2007 5:56:48 PM

ExSteelAgain

Posts: 1803
Joined: 7/2/2006
From: Georgia
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: hisannabelle

julia,

my intent was not to attack you, simply point out that for many people it is far more complicated than "just don't shop there."

annabelle.

Same here for me. The regular posters are all friends in my mind. The very nature of this board being off topic means to me, don't get too riled up over the subject. I like your posts, this one especially.

_____________________________

You can paint a cinder block bright pastel pink, but it's still a cinder block. (By Me.)

(in reply to hisannabelle)

Post #: 144

RE: Walmart - High Cost of Low Prices - 4/8/2007 5:56:47 PM

juliaoceania

Posts: 21383
Joined: 4/19/2006
From: Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Status: offline

I did not mean you annabelle, and I understand your dilemma, I have tried to state over and over again I know some things people just have no choice but to buy there.

I am perhaps taking this all personal moreso than I usually would. I have a chest infection, I have lost my voice, and I am isolated on Easter from my family... so maybe I am not my usual self today

Edited to add, most of the people that responded here were not snarky, just a few, and they were the usual culprits...

< Message edited by juliaoceania -- 4/8/2007 6:03:14 PM >

_____________________________

Once you label me, you negate me ~ Soren Kierkegaard

Reality has a well known Liberal Bias ~ Stephen Colbert

Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people. Eleanor Roosevelt

(in reply to hisannabelle)

Post #: 145

RE: Walmart - High Cost of Low Prices - 4/8/2007 6:09:46 PM

ownedgirlie

Posts: 9184
Joined: 2/5/2006
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: juliaoceania

I am perhaps taking this all personal moreso than I usually would. I have a chest infection, I have lost my voice, and I am isolated on Easter from my family... so maybe I am not my usual self today

You're in shared company, Julia, I'm sick in bed and away from my family today, too. In fact, they just now called and all sang "Happy Easter" to the tune of Happy Birthday to me and made me cry! (Then again I'm a sap and that's not hard to do).

I wanted to tell you I admire your stamina here. After the last thread on Walmart, in which I cited 8, and Noah cited 13, I think, judgments against Walmart for bad business practices, and still people argued and got defensive, I didn't bother this time. But whether someone agrees with you or not, no one can accuse you of not passionately standing behind something you strongly believe in, and I applaud you for that.

I do not understand why you were so argued against. Your OP didn't pose an opinion one way or another. You simply posted information for people to see, and where I come from, there's nothing wrong with having information. Even in your second post, you refrained from posting an opinion and simply answered the question of what the documentary was about. I am amazed at how people have reacted simply from getting information.

My main beef with Walmart was their forcing American businesses to send factories overseas. I think that's bad for this country, and I won't shop there as a result. I haven't shopped there in years.

Anyway, kudos to you for standing by your beliefs, and for taking on such negative reponses to a mere video.

And I hope you feel better.

And Happy Easter. :)

(in reply to juliaoceania)

Post #: 146

RE: Walmart - High Cost of Low Prices - 4/8/2007 6:13:13 PM

hisannabelle

Posts: 1992
Joined: 12/3/2006
From: Tallahassee, FL, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: ownedgirlie

quote:

ORIGINAL: juliaoceania

I am perhaps taking this all personal moreso than I usually would. I have a chest infection, I have lost my voice, and I am isolated on Easter from my family... so maybe I am not my usual self today

You're in shared company, Julia, I'm sick in bed and away from my family today, too. In fact, they just now called and all sang "Happy Easter" to the tune of Happy Birthday to me and made me cry! (Then again I'm a sap and that's not hard to do).

i have had a terrible headache all day and also couldn't be with my family this easter, so i definitely sympathize. *big hugs to both of you*

julia, i really do admire you for your passion about this and for your willingness to stand up for what you believe, and i am glad you posted the thread. i'm with owned - we do need to be informed, regardless of what our choices are, and i thank you for putting the information out there.

_____________________________

a'ishah (the artist formerly known as annabelle)
i have the kind of beauty that moves...

(in reply to ownedgirlie)

Post #: 147

RE: Walmart - High Cost of Low Prices - 4/8/2007 6:16:38 PM

GoddessDustyGold

Posts: 2822
Joined: 4/11/2004
From: Arizona
Status: offline

Yes, you have. When you decide on something, you stick to it. I will give you that! *Smile*
My only point, Julia, is that all your reason for saying Walmart is bad has been addressed and put into other perspectives. Nobody is necessarily saying that Walmart is great. Maybe a few...but they didn't really argue either. Just said they shop there and like it. But it is hard for people who do shop there, either via necessity, or just because they like it, to be admonished via sideswipes, that they are bad people for doing so. And you do that.

quote:

But to attack me personally over my presentation of facts they have not refuted because these facts make them feel bad on some level is rather much.

For instance, the above quote. You state, unequivocally, that this is the reality of Walmart,

quote:

If the people attacking me do not have a problem with the reality that is walmart

and then, since people can't refute, in your eyes, they must be feeling bad (read guilty?) on some level?

All of your facts have been put into a more realistic frame of reference, but you refuse to acknowledge that and stand up and say you do not agree from a moral and poltical stance. I am not saying you're wrong. I am saying that it is very trendy to "pick on Walmart" just now...and honestly, Julia, they are not the only game in town who has the same sorts of situations. You are going to have to come up with more than you have.
I don't necessarily disagree with a few of the things you say, Julia, but I have to admit, I almost always do disagree with the way you say them.
BTW, no acknowledgement of the fact that I think I am the only person who responded to your question regarding Walmart's support of socialized medicine? And that was a question that was thrown out by you for discussion.

With that, I do wish you a Happy Easter, and have a great day! *Smile*

Edited to add: I am sorry I was writing when others posted in between. Julia, and the others who are not feeling good today and couldn't be with family...I hope you feel better soon. It is easier to get more emotional when one is not feeling 100%!

< Message edited by GoddessDustyGold -- 4/8/2007 6:20:47 PM >

_____________________________

Dusty
They that give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety
B Franklin
Don't blame Me ~ I didn't vote for either of them
The Hidden Kingdom

(in reply to juliaoceania)

Post #: 148

RE: Walmart - High Cost of Low Prices - 4/8/2007 6:24:53 PM

Lorgrom

Posts: 98
Joined: 1/1/2004
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Sinergy

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lorgrom

Get together and form your own version of what they do. Then you can set the standards that you feel things should be, and if you are correct. You will eventualy force Wal-mart to raise thier standards or they will go out of business.

This would be Costco's business model. Pay a living wage with benefits. Walmart had to start up Sam's Club to stay competitive. But Sam's Club, while many of the things they sell are slightly cheaper, are also of a dramatically lower quality.

The real issue, Logrom, is that your tax dollars are being used to subsidize Walmart's business practices. So it does affect you, even if you choose to think otherwise.

Sinergy

I live in a city that has choosen to attract larger business to set up shop here. While the short term cost of the subsidizes are quite high. The long term benifits in terms of new jobs, taxes, and donations to the local school systems. Have far out weighed that itintal cost. So in all honesty when people complain about it "costing you even if you don't see it", at least in my community is not a true statement. The city viewed it as a mid to long term investment, made plans to promote expansion and development (which has only slightly changed with 3 diffrent mayors being in office over the last 25 years), as a way to improve the city and that's exactly what it has done.

Perhaps the communites that are suffering becouse Wal-mart (or any other busniess that needs subsidize) should work on making more long term plans and sticking to them.

Edit: I should also mention that both Costco and Sam's Club have refused to come here, even with subsidizes.

< Message edited by Lorgrom -- 4/8/2007 6:41:34 PM >

(in reply to Sinergy)

Post #: 149

RE: Walmart - High Cost of Low Prices - 4/8/2007 6:26:13 PM

juliaoceania

Posts: 21383
Joined: 4/19/2006
From: Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Status: offline

Thanks to both of you annabelle and owned.

DustyGold, I may answer tomorrow, but my Daddy requested that I give posting anymore about walmart a break until I am physically better.

_____________________________

Once you label me, you negate me ~ Soren Kierkegaard

Reality has a well known Liberal Bias ~ Stephen Colbert

Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people. Eleanor Roosevelt

(in reply to GoddessDustyGold)

Post #: 150

RE: Walmart - High Cost of Low Prices - 4/8/2007 6:57:29 PM

UtopianRanger

Posts: 3251
Status: offline

quote:

I wanted to tell you I admire your stamina here. After the last thread on Walmart, in which I cited 8, and Noah cited 13, I think, judgments against Walmart for bad business practices, and still people argued and got defensive, I didn't bother this time.

Yes indeed....a stellar effort on her behalf. I think since early 2005, I've been involved/participated-in no less than four threads centering on Wal-Mart and the detrimental ''globalist'' perspective.

Unless you're robotic, you can only participate in depth so much before it becomes redundant /boring. I'm actually surprised Julia hasn't become bored with the topic at hand herself.

- R

_____________________________

"If you are going to win any battle, you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do... the body is never tired if the mind is not tired."

-General George S. Patton

(in reply to ownedgirlie)

Post #: 151

RE: Walmart - High Cost of Low Prices - 4/8/2007 7:14:02 PM

farglebargle

Posts: 10715
Joined: 6/15/2005
From: Albany, NY
Status: offline

quote:

As a past Business major in college, I have to say I think Sam Walton was really a genius. He found what people liked, and then figured out how to buy it and market it for the lowest imaginable price possible. It is no secret to me why people love to shop at Wal-Mart, even if they think that possibly some poor Chinese factory worker who supplies the goods is suffering for it, somewhere.

SAM WALTON didn't buy chinese junk. He was PROUD TO BUY AMERICAN.

His family however, well, their actions speak for themselves.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that Sam Walton's philosophy exists in any form after his death.

_____________________________

It's not every generation that gets to watch a civilization fall. Looks like we're in for a hell of a show.

ברוך אתה, אדוני אלוקינו, ריבון העולמים, מי יוצר צמחים ריחניים

(in reply to SusanofO)

Post #: 152

RE: Walmart - High Cost of Low Prices - 4/8/2007 7:15:40 PM

thompsonx

Posts: 23322
Joined: 10/1/2006
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: seeksfemslave

With regard to Wal-Mart bashing surely the way the firm is operated is free enterprise in the raw.
Isn't that the American way ?
Until it starts to "work" of course !

In the UK the same attitude exists with regard to Tesco a supermarket operating world wide. Success of that kind can be almost guaranteed to upset the intellectuals, especially those paid by the BBC ! Why is that ?

Why should a firm finance health provision for its employees ? Only arskin'
You will be wanting mandatory ethnic employee quotas next.
Then Mothers having 5 years paid maternity leave and Fathers 2 years leave. Paid.

seeksfemslav:
How can you clasify a company that demands and gets government subsidies to be in business as free enterprise. I thought by definition that was just the opposite. If they and you are for free enterprise then why do they do all the armtwisting to get a govenment handout...looks like welfare for the rich to me.
thompson

(in reply to seeksfemslave)

Post #: 153

RE: Walmart - High Cost of Low Prices - 4/8/2007 7:20:43 PM

lockedaway

Posts: 1720
Joined: 3/15/2007
Status: offline

You do all of the arm twisting BECAUSE YOU CAN!!! If you don't like that Wal-Mart can get subsidies are reduced property taxes, etc., write to your Congressman. Don't blame Wal-Mart for taking advantage of laws that are in their favor. Jesus...that's rediculous. Would you take advantage of free health care if you could get it? Ok...I'm opposed to Wal-Mart getting subsidies. I'm also opposed to people who are perfectly healthy, mind you, receiving Section 8 housing when most of us have to pay fair market rent, etc. But as long as Section 8 is available, you can't blame people for taking advantage of it...even though it is certainly at your expense.

(in reply to thompsonx)

Post #: 154

RE: Walmart - High Cost of Low Prices - 4/8/2007 7:22:51 PM

thompsonx

Posts: 23322
Joined: 10/1/2006
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Totalmaster4you

I've seen a number of programs that refute the majority if not all the charge against Wal-Mart. This campaign against the company is being done by a union that wants to enroll the employees, not because they are needy but for their dues. Follow the money. Several hundred thousand employees @ $50 a head and you get the idea. I'm no supporter of Wal-Mart. A client of mine made several style of shoes for them and when the contract was to be renewed Wal-Mart went to China had them copy the design and make them under Wal-Mart's name(so their cost was less but sold at the same price). That's business. I just want all the facts to be on the table and make up your own mind.

totalmaster4u:
Perhaps you should do a little reasearch about what life was like in the U.S. before unions. Union dues do not become the property of the union to be spent of booze,babes and good times.
When a company like Walmart rips of someone like your friend it is against the law. Because of the huge economic power of Walmart they use their legal department to string out people like your friend to the point where he is has no economic ability to contend against them. This is hardly free enterprise or just business. If there was a union at Walmart and your friend had been a member of it then the huge economic power of that union could deal with Walmarts lawyers. This would then be a level playing field...you know free enterprise.
thompson

< Message edited by thompsonx -- 4/8/2007 7:29:50 PM >

(in reply to Totalmaster4you)

Post #: 155

RE: Walmart - High Cost of Low Prices - 4/8/2007 7:35:20 PM

SusanofO

Posts: 5672
Joined: 12/19/2005
Status: offline

farglebargle: Well okay, point taken. Apparently a lot of Americans seem to be able to live with that so-called junk. Wal-Mart is far from verging on bankruptcy.

Actually, with all of the money Wal-Mart must be raking in, you'd think they'd have come up with some other lighting solution than those God-awful flourescents.

They are just awful, IMO. I almost feel like when I go into the Wal-Mart in my town (which isn't often, btw, maybe twice a year), that I will have to get radiation treatment when I leave, or something.

juliaoceania: I hope you don't feel attacked by me, as I really would almost rather die than hurt your feelings. I consider this a debate only. I'd take it as a complement so many bothered to post. You always come up with such good thread topics!

- Susan

< Message edited by SusanofO -- 4/8/2007 7:47:24 PM >

_____________________________

"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 thompsonx)

Post #: 156

RE: Walmart - High Cost of Low Prices - 4/8/2007 7:42:06 PM

thompsonx

Posts: 23322
Joined: 10/1/2006
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mercnbeth

What is your proposed solution?
My solution would be called the free enterprise system. No government hand outs to the largest retailer in America. If you can't afford to do business in this or that town that is not the governments business. Why does the largest retailer in America need any welfare to be in business.

Government take over?
Regulated out of existence?

I guess, since this isn't "news" trying to get people not to shop there hasn't worked. Is it time for calling upon the "nanny" to do "what is best" for the citizens even if millions of people use the service and tens of thousands decide to work there? When a WalMart opens I guess the guns forcing people to apply for the jobs are kept hidden. The ads must carry some subliminal message forcing people to shop there against their will. It isn't Berkeley, you, or me that determines whether a store is opened or closed the customers make that determination. I know one thing for sure - I don't want the government to make that decision for me in the case of WalMart or any other place operation legally.

Providing information for their employees to take advantage of legal methods to get health coverage is a bad thing? Every company should do that. They pay taxes as do the employees, to fund the programs in the first place.
Actually Walmart uses its economic power to coerce the local government into giving them tax payers money to subsidize their so called free enterprise...Welfare for the corporate parasites.

Should WalMart fund an armed militia and take over China and their other sources of goods and install USA working conditions? What about the sovereignty of those countries?

Their parking lots are dangerous, more so than any other? There are incidences occurring regularly at more visible places than WalMart, check out any of the casinos in LA for instance. Maybe in the case of WalMart they are going into areas that other companies and the city itself viewed as 'bad neighborhoods'. If the "citizens" keep them out they are out. If they don't the store opens.

But again - what would you suggest to solve the problem and end WalMart and with it, access to low cost goods for a large segment of the USA population?

Tell you what though, I see the death soon of Circuit City. Their latest public move of firing anyone with enough years to be "knowledgeable" having the misfortune of making more than minimum wage is just wrong. I've bought plenty of goods there throughout the years, but it's over to Best-Buy for the next big box purchase. When you portray an image that you don't really want to provide service you lose customers and eventually you are out of business. Similar to Home Depot, the elimination of good people eventually is self destructive.
I could not agree more.

Never shopping at WalMart I can't say what the case is regarding their staff, but listening to some of the interviews it seems they have a core of dedicated and customer oriented staff. That and the fact that, I believe, they promote from within may be viewed as one of the last national companies that put more credibility in effort and experience versus a non relevant college degree.
I agree one does not need a degree to peddle coffee pots.
thompson

(in reply to Mercnbeth)

Post #: 157

RE: Walmart - High Cost of Low Prices - 4/8/2007 7:49:01 PM

thompsonx

Posts: 23322
Joined: 10/1/2006
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lorgrom

quote:

ORIGINAL: juliaoceania

Riveting documentary about Walmart
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3836296181471292925&q=genre%3Adocumentary&hl=en

Now be honest, did anything in this video really suprise you? All they are doing is basic business practices.

Would you rather Wal-mart pay thier employees just enough that the employee no longer qualifies for outside aid (which if Wal-mart really wanted to be a dick about it they would)? Imagin how much worse people and famlies would be.

Lorgrom:
Walmarts purpose is not to be a dick to their empolyes but rather to increase the bottom line. Paying marginally more would not have the desired effect on the bottom line so they will not do it.
What they will do is feed at the public trough like the parasites that they are and mouth the rhetoric of free enterprise which is the last thing on their mind. They are the largest retailer in the U.S. why do they need to be subsidized by the tax payers. Let them operate as a free enterprise with no hand outs. No forgiven property tax. No special incentives to locate to this or that location.
thompson

(in reply to Lorgrom)

Post #: 158

RE: Walmart - High Cost of Low Prices - 4/8/2007 7:53:02 PM

SusanofO

Posts: 5672
Joined: 12/19/2005
Status: offline

I sometimes find some people's shopping habits to be interesting. My brother-in-law grew up in a poor rural family. He refuses today to shop at Wal-Mart, because he wants everyone to know he can "afford the best", even if some retailer rips him off, by marking up a product about 1200%.

I think most people who shop at Wal-Mart are aware they are not shopping on Rodeo Drive, and don't expect merchandise to be absolutely stunning, or perfect. But, beauty, and elusive things like "quality" are mostly in the eye of the beholder, IMO.

I think their goods are are very acceptable, considering the prices being charged. In fact, I find some of the prices truly amazing. I think as far as quality, Wal-Mart gives K-Mart and Target a good run for their money, as far as the quality of many of their durable goods.

My father, who can well afford to shop anywhere, thinks my brother-in-law's reasoning is completely insane, and scours dollar stores just for fun (he seems to consider it some kind of personal "challenge"). Now it is no sin to be poor, and people can't help it if they are poor, sometimes. I've been poor, homeless in fact. But, no matter what my personal circumstances have been, I have rarely considered it a barometer of my personal worth, to be able to pay through the nose, for an article of clothing, for example, that is actually worth far, far less.

Maybe I just have too much common sense. Clothing has to look good on me. If it is, I will buy it if I think I need it (and can afford it). But not because it cost too much. To me, that's ridiculous.

I realize this has not much to do with Wal-mart's business practices, it is just an observation about some people's purchasing motivations.

- Susan

< Message edited by SusanofO -- 4/8/2007 8:09:24 PM >

_____________________________

"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 thompsonx)

Post #: 159

RE: Walmart - High Cost of Low Prices - 4/8/2007 7:55:52 PM

thompsonx

Posts: 23322
Joined: 10/1/2006
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Invictus754

Why is everyone so against WalMart? 30 years ago, WalMarts were only in rural areas providing jobs where there were none, and helping rural areas survive inflation and recessions. This is the American dream - american founds company, grows it into a multinational powerhouse and dies rich. Every one of us would have done the same thing in Sam's shoes.

WalMart provides jobs for fast food workers to aspire to, and jobs for those who are too lazy to stay in school to earn a degree and get a job that takes a brain. Apparently, WalMarts are sorely needed in the US at this point.

Invictus754:
If memory serves me correctly did'nt Bill Gates drop out of school to become a billionaire? My understanding is that a college education only gives you some tools not the money.
thompson

(in reply to Invictus754)

Post #: 160

Page: << < prev 6 7 [8] 9 10 next > >>

All Forums >> [Casual Banter] >> Off the Grid >> RE: Walmart - High Cost of Low Prices

Page: << < prev 6 7 [8] 9 10 next > >>

Jump to:

New Messages	No New Messages
Hot Topic w/ New Messages	Hot Topic w/o New Messages
Locked w/ New Messages	Locked w/o New Messages

Post New Thread

Reply to Message

Post New Poll

Submit Vote

Delete My Own Post

Delete My Own Thread

Rate Posts

Collarchat.com © 2025

Terms of Service

0.094