What This Is About
✓ One might ask what is the purpose of this site. After many years of dealing in property management in towns and areas that are predominantly low income, I could not help but notice the preponderance of Nike products being worn by the majority of the youth (approx. 12 to 21 years old). While I would never doubt the quality of Nike products, having owned some myself, the question that naturally came to my mind is why and how would someone in such a low-income area be purchasing such a high price tag shoe when there are many alternatives? After having done many undocumented, casual surveys among the youth wearing these products it became obvious that in the end they were purchasing the product so they would be seen with the Nike "Swoosh". After questioning many of the youth there was no doubt that the product was comfortable, durable, well fitting, and up for the task it was intended to perform. However, when asked directly, would they consider buying a different but comparable shoe without the brand name or logo on the exterior of the shoe, there was instant hesitation. After prodding the interviewee, in almost all cases, they relented that, yes, the swoosh mark on the shoe identified them (in their mind) as someone who can afford to purchase and wear a top ranked product.
✓ While I myself, and others, would surely prefer in many cases to purchase what would be considered top of the line products (autos: Mercedes, houses: mansion on the hill in the best town, clothing: Brooks Brothers suits, watches: Rolex), one must ask themselves why we don’t? The reason is obvious. Most responsible people purchase what they feel they can afford, not necessarily the best product in a particular category. Most of us realize that in doing so we are trying to be fiscally responsible. While there are many people who can afford to purchase, at the moment, a top of the line product, such as Nike, that does not mean that they should purchase the product. Just as I personally can afford a Rolex watch, but do not purchase one, I try to be reasonable in my purchases and make them based on my current income.
✓ We may all want the top of the line products, and may well be able to purchase them, that does not mean we should. Furthermore, to purchase a top of the line product, such as Nike, for the predominant reason of "showcasing" that product to family, friends, etc. would certainly be construed as a poor decision if you were in an extremely low-income bracket.