We Own A Million Dollar Home But You Aren’t The Cheapest
A classic line we hear from folks in the ‘shopping around’ phase: “I can get it cheaper from Company X.”
Our respectful response: “Then get it cheaper from Company X.”
In a market as competitive as IT services, (where no federal or state license is required), a race to the bottom usually leads to bad behavior — but smart customer know this. The US Navy doesn’t award submarine construction contracts to the lowest bidder. Every great and successful brand is known for something other than lowest cost.
Henry Ford achieved initial success with mass production, interchangeable parts, and efficient manufacturing processes resulting in the lowest cost vehicles on the market. Quickly, Ford realized that people didn’t actually want the cheapest car. They wanted, and still want, a car to be proud of, a bit safer, a bit more stylish, and in the current world we inhabit, maybe a bit more eco friendly.
Everyone wants quality products built by people who care. Not coincidentally, people who care are usually paid a living wage. Their vocation allows them to be productive company contributors, but also productively contribute to their communities.
In the long run, ‘I can get it cheaper’ is a refuge for folks possessing short term, transactional thinking. Ultimately they realize ‘you get what you pay for’ is not just a cliche.
This post is adapted from https://seths.blog/2014/05/the-tyranny-of-lowest-price/ and thank you Seth for the inspiration!