Re: Target unit pricing - Here's the real point

max <betatron@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> In article <MPG.22d001326708406f98b6d4@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>,
> Stan Brown <the_stan_brown@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
>
>> Fri, 27 Jun 2008 23:39:48 GMT from Lou <lpogoda@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>:
>>> There was an assortment of sizes that were aerosol cans, and the
>>> unit price was given per ounce. ... The unit price for the pump
>>> sprayer was given in pounds. Again, easy enough to figure out what
>>> was the most economical pump sprayer. But impossible to tell if the
>>> pressurized can or the pump spray was the most better buy.
>>
>> Well, if you know the best pump sprayer's unit price and the best
>> aerosol's unit price, multiply the latter by 16 and compare to the
>> former to find which is "most better". While I agree with you that it
>> would be better if both were in ounces, it's hardly "impossible" to
>> compare them, just less convenient.
>
> Now try doing that and crossing the english/metric divide _and_ cross
> the weight/volume dimension at the SAME TIME.   Another thing you'll
> notice is the wildly varying amounts -- we just took a look at the
> first three boxes of cereal we could find.  17, 18, 19 oz.
> respectively -- no common denominator.
>
> Or, my favorite, take something that is priced in a two container
> bundle, then compare that to the same exact branded product in
> slightly different sized containers, bundled in a three pack. One is
> per liter (but the containers are labled in fractional liters) and
> the other is per "each", "each being the bundle price.
>
> So I'm going to have to disaree.  I'm passingly good with arithmetic,
> i use it at work a great deal, and do a fair amount in my head.  I
> almost certainly have a great deal more day-to-day experience and
> practice with applying arithmetic than most people, and yet,  i find
> myself being bewildered and confounded with unit pricing, especially
> when trying to hold three or four mutually hostile unit pricing ploys
> in my head at once for a single, simple product choice.
>
> If it's too hard for me, it's too hard for a great many of people.
>
> So I carry an HP reverse polish calculator ... when i remember.

Makes more sense to have one of those in the cellphone instead
so its always with you, and to have the list in the cellphone too.

> Unit pricing as been perverted into a bald-faced contemptuous
obfuscation

Nope.

> and would benefit from a pointed remediation.

Sure.

> This is a sentiment i feel often at the grocery store, and not simply
this week as
> a result of this thread.  My long-suffering better half will gladly
attest to this fact.

Just another mindless obsessive.