I realize that’s an odd question, but one that pertains to how we buy and value products and services.
Here are some examples:
- You see a house go on the market in a great neighborhood and it’s sold in 3 days.
- You hear a song on the radio and think, “Cool band, I’d like to go see them.” Then you find out the show sold out in 2 hours at First Avenue.
- You attend an awesome networking breakfast that sells out in 20 minutes with 3 ticket drops.
- Your favorite band is in town, but there are still tickets the day of the show–how can that be?
- You just need a cheesy hamburger, but the line’s 30 feet out the door and it’s only 20 degrees out.
What do these experiences (all real) say about value?
- You want to buy a house near Mattock’s Park in St. Paul? Get in line. It’s one of the most popular micro-neighborhoods in St. Paul.
- The first time I heard Mumford & Sons on the Current, I was intrigued, but too slow to buy tickets in time.
- The Java Meetup 612 group is entertaining and educational even if it’s at 8 in the morning–but maybe I shouldn’t tell you about it if I ever want a ticket again?!
- Bob Mould played First Avenue Saturday night. I’ve followed his music since I was not-so-sweet 16. I couldn’t believe the show didn’t sell out until Friday. Doesn’t everyone know how brilliant he is?
- And the storied, Juicy Lucy. You can buy them all over town, but if you go to the Blue Door in St. Paul, expect to wait.
As consumers, our value perception changes based on product availability. Are Mumford & Sons any better than Jeremy Messersmith just because its slightly harder to get tickets to them? No. But then music is subjective. How do we think differently when everyone’s talking about something? Despite Bob Mould’s stunning show on Saturday night, most of the buzz I heard last week was about Dessa’s sold out lipstick unveiling. I really like her, too, but Bob, well Bob takes precedent and he doesn’t play here that often anymore. Was the buzz shining for Dessa because she’s local and Bob moved away a long time ago? Does she have better public relations? And, oh, Dessa Red is sold out…
My point really is when something is continually sold out, when do we lose interest? How much hype is too much?
If you have an answer, find me Saturday at the Minnesota Blogger Conference — that is if you have a ticket. It’s been sold out for weeks!
