I was struck by a terrible, guilt-inspiring thought today.
There are three companies I’ve come to know and like recently. They are Girl Meets Dress (rent terrifically expensive dresses for cheap!), Spotify (free music, duh), and Graze (healthy snacks delivered to you weekly).
These companies are great. They are tuned into their customers. They offer tangible value, an interesting product, and they’re cheap. In other words, they’re all selling something I think I want, and I think their prices are reasonable. And yet, I’m not willing to pay for a single one of their services.
What are great, innovative companies like these supposed to do if customers aren’t willing to pay for them, regardless of how good their product or service? And why won’t I shell out?
I feel definite guilt about the fact that in this case, I don’t seem to be able to put my money where my mouth is. At the same time, all three of these companies are selling something non-essential. In thin economic times, perhaps it’s no bad thing that I’m not swayed by their attractive, if optional, propositions.