23 sats \ 2 replies \ @zapsammy 10 Jun \ on: How do feel about negotiating? culture
have u ever tried to negotiate a lower coffee price with a Starbucks barista?
how about negotiating a deal with a local butcher?
therein lies the difference:
- one is operating under a business which is beholden to the shareholders, who want higher and consistent profits as the first and final objective.
- the other is still attempting to retain quality customers and provide quality service, and profits are 1st but sometimes tied for 1st and 2nd objective.
as far as rent... i am cutting my rent and size of the living space in half but adding a gazebo, in the same neighborhood. the landlord also really want me around, great relationship with them and the dog. for them the price is basically secondary.
I'd argue it's less about shareholders and profits and more about whether the thing being sold is standardized and commoditized. The social dynamics are relevant too, but I'm not sure that's all there is.
A local butcher has a unique product and sells it in a unique environment. Starbucks is the same everywhere. Starbucks is so large and abstract and the market for their product is so liquid, you don't have leverage in a negotiation. If you don't buy at their listed price, 100m other people still will. In contrast with the butcher, his business is comprised of hundreds of customers at most and adding a single customer can make a big difference.
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Correct analysis
The lines at Starbucks are long enough. Can you imagine if every customer tried to negotiate? Complete madness
This is why we have menus and price tags in grocery stores.
You can’t negotiate on Amazon. You can negotiate on eBay but it depends on the seller.
Both Starbucks and the local butcher wants to maximize profits and customer satisfaction.
Think of all the substitutions Starbucks allows. Decaf cappuccino. Espresso ☕️ is supposed to be caffeinated!
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