Free Effect. A new ice cream company in India has set up free ice cream vending machines on the streets to promote its brand. Result? People lined up at a very long distance in front of the vending machine. It was raining then, and the people in line went to a convenience store to buy umbrellas, then lined up again. Umbrellas cost much more than ice cream. However, people kept lining up. Cheap and free are two completely different concepts. When the price is low, sales increase slightly, but when it is free, an extraordinary dimension of the problem arises. It’s a privilege, so consumers are willing to pay a higher price to get something for free. Free is not a matter of reason; it is a matter of emotion. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
Founded in 1991, the American craft beer company, New Belgium Brewing Company, is unique because its employees hold all the shares. Since 1996, the founding couples have distributed 10% of their shares to employees annually as incentives, and they have now completely transformed the company into an employee-owned entity. Currently, the founders hold no shares in the company. Furthermore, all employees receive financial training to enhance their management mindset. Training in financial statements, which includes everyone from minor clerks to executives, is standard practice for the company. Running a company without the ability to read financial statements is like signing a contract without understanding the terms. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”