Ways they get you to spend more than you need to

[A Lark Ascending]

The iPod Classic thread discussed some of the ways the big companies try and get you to pay for things you perhaps don't need to.

A couple of other examples of this phenomena.

1) Back in August I went to see Loose Tubes at the Brecon Festival. Queuing up we were searched to make sure we were brining no liquids into the venue. Why? Potential terrorist activity at jazz concerts? Fear of spread of disease?

No - to protect the interests of the company that had won the franchise to sell beer/soft drinks inside. I'm pretty sure the searching was illegal!

2) I just ordered a concert ticket online. My postal options were two 'special delivery' choices at over £6 each or collect from box office for free. What happened to the standard postal option? I assume the 'special delivery' option includes a glass of champagne given by the delivery van!

I assume this is what Eton Boy and the people who fund his ambition mean by 'entrepreneurial spirit', 'flexibility' and 'market efficiency'.

Edited September 21, 2014 by A Lark Ascending

[Jim R]

1) Back in August I went to see Loose Tubes at the Brecon Festival. Queuing up we were searched to make sure we were brining no liquids into the venue. Why? Potential terrorist activity at jazz concerts? Fear of spread of disease?

No - to protect the interests of the company that had won the franchise to sell beer/soft drinks inside. I'm pretty sure the searching was illegal!

I attended a soccer game (football match ) at the brand new Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara recently, and if I remember correctly (my brain automatically tries to erase this kind of nonsense), a 12 oz. bottle of water was going for something like $7. It won't be long before we're paying for air. People will be holding their breath so they can afford a beer.

[Bill Nelson]

On too many occasions I'll buy a ticket for a club performance directly from their sidewalk ticket window and pay with cash.

After 30 minutes to park ($2) and walking to the window, the minion inside informs me "there'll be a $5 per ticket convenience charge".

WTF? Hey, I'm the one being inconvenienced, not you, squirt!

[sidewinder]

2) I just ordered a concert ticket online. My postal options were two 'special delivery' choices at over £6 each or collect from box office for free. What happened to the standard postal option? I assume the 'special delivery' option includes a glass of champagne given by the delivery van!

I assume this is what Eton Boy and the people who fund his ambition mean by 'entrepreneurial spirit', 'flexibility' and 'market efficiency'.

I have to say that in my experience It's been that way for a long time now, whether its Eton Boys, Comrades or whoever pulling the strings. Especially in London. Not just a UK phenomenon - the same thing was very noticeable in Canada and the US even 20+ years ago. Always a damed rip-off.

Personnally, I prefer gigs out in the sticks where you can pay in good ol' cash on the door..

Edited September 22, 2014 by sidewinder

[David Ayers]

I guess I don't mind supporting things I care about. Things I don't support, it doesn't arise. It is a question of price structure, price point perception and absolute cost. I guess I've got my head round it by now.

For baseball I go to the window though!