And lo, it came about, that on Fri, 12 Sep 2003 04:15:10 GMT in
rec.crafts.metalworking , Gunner was inspired to utter:



Thats the way the industry works. It wasnt all that long ago that ADT
was selling a $99.95 install the same way. It just about covered the
wholesale equipment cost. And most installers dont get paid all that
much.

Course this is not uniqe to the alarm industry. How many offers do you
get for a free cell phone if you sign up for a year, or two or
three......

And computer printers..they tend to be sold not much over wholesale. The
consumables is where they make their money.

Don't forget Safety Razors. Gillete gave them away - the money was in the
blades.

And the first serious toothpick manufacturer sent a "shill" round to
restaurants to eat dinner, and then make a small scene about having something
stuck in his teeth and "no toothpicks?".

And let us not forget that it was the printing press which created a
problem it could solve (illiteracy wasn't a "problem" when books were the
equivalent of $20,000 - and up.).

Don't sell the steak, sell the sizzle.


pyotr

--
pyotr filipivich
The cliche is that history rarely repeats herself. Usually she just
lets fly with a frying pan and yells "Why weren't you listening
the first time!?"