50 things that made the modern economy

[mrs maggot]

great listening on R4, and very true with the inks that we all use.

King Camp Gillette came up with an idea which has helped shape the modern economy. He invented the disposable razor blade. But, perhaps more significantly, he invented the two-part pricing model which works by imposing what economists call "switching costs". If you've ever bought replacement cartridges for an inkjet printer you experienced both when you discovered that they cost almost as much as the printer itself. It's also known as the "razor and blades" model because that's where it first drew attention, thanks to King Camp Gillette. Attract people with a cheap razor, then repeatedly charge them for expensive replacement blades. As Tim Harford explains, it's an idea which has been remarkably influential.

very worth a listen to, the rest of the series is interesting too.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08vq14q

[raydavies]

Very interesting post. I'm reminded of one of the most lucrative marketing techniques ever. The instruction on shampoo bottles to "Rinse and repeat". Totally unnecessary but it effectively doubled the sales of shampoo!

Ray

[UK Printed Mugs]

With the amount of gel and spray I use then shampoo and repeat is needed to get everything out. In order to start all over again. Perhaps grade 1 is the best option Hmm

[daviddeer]

Still doesn't tell me Why Hot Dogs Come in Packs of 10, and Buns in Packs of 8 !

[logobear]

Pepsi are credited with the making of their business with the introduction of the 2l pop bottle
- sold for marginally more (the profit) when all they were selling was an extra bit of water.
Customoers inevitable throw away the last bit in the bottle anyway!

Similarly, Mr Collman says he made his fortune on the wasted bit of his mustard left on the plate at the end of the meal!