Frugal vs. Cheap

[The Budget Man]

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

Here is my take.

I work at a movie theatre. To me a cheap person is someone who will come and ask for a snacker popcorn and 6 free cups of water for themselve, instead of just purchasing a cup of pop or a bottled water or being like everyone else and asking for one. Yes, we give cups of water for free, but if it is abused it may go away. Oh and then they will ask for a carrying tray to carry the 6 free cups of water they got for themselves. They will also complain about the prices while they're at it, not realizing that those free cups of water and those carrying trays cost money. They will buy a snacker popcorn, then come back and ask for a refill - when I say we only give refills on large popcorn, they will roll their eyes and huff off.

So I think a cheap person is someone who doesn't necessarily NOT spend money, but actively complains about prices to anyone and everyone and makes up for it by doing things like loading up on the "free" things stores offer -- cups of water, ketchup packs, which aren't really free -- saying their 11 year old is 9 when they go to Disneyworld to get a childs ticket price, etc.

To me a frugal person wouldn't be at the movies in the first place. They would wait until it went to the $2 theatre or rent it on DVD. And if they did go to the movies, it would only be for a matinee and they would try to use Movie Cash certificates they earned from an offer. They don't complain about prices, but rather look for deals -- using their points card to earn free movie tickets, getting a large, refillable popcorn, instead of two snacker size popcorns, getting a large soda (only $.50 more than a small) and sharing it, instead of getting two separate drinks, etc.

That being said, I think complaining about the price of non-necessity items (and MOST things are not necessities) is obnoxious, annoying, unbecoming, and I do NOT like it. To me that is THE SIGN of a cheap person. We have way too many whiners in America!

There are three methods business use for setting prices.

The first method is called "Cost Plus".

This method takes into account the cost of an item to a business and then adds a profit for the selling it.

The second method of pricing is fixed price where a govenment or some other organisation fixes the price. T

his method was very common in Communist countries.

Then there is the most common method of pricing ...

Method three, test and see what the customer will pay.

This is by far the most used method of pricing arround. Items such as movie tickets are classic try and see what the customer will pay items. Take away food is also a classic The same can of dring can vary widely in price between when it is sold at a football match to when it is sold at a garage.

Here's the point. Since most prices are set by the test and see method, prices continue to go up until people complain.

Supermarkets know this and will even have different prices on the same items depending on the neighbourhood. Sometimes you only need to drive a short distance to benefit from this.

The bottom line is that unless the OWNERS/MANAGERS of the outlets see a drop off in sales or recieve significant complaints they will continue to raise prices.

Which brings us to a problem. We want to let the right people know we are unhapy with the price increase. The person on the counter or checkout is probably not the person who makes the decision. Be nice to the sales staff and they won't think you are cheap.

Enjoy your money
The Budget Man

https://www.personalitybudgeting.com

when you need a budget

[jmjj215]

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

I am trying to get him to focus on the things he does have, but he said we should be farther than we are!

Ask him what he wants to do to address it. Maybe he'll come up with a good idea on his own, feel the ownership there, and stick to it. A few gentle proddings from you never hurt either.

[PrincessPerky]

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

Method three, test and see what the customer will pay.

I alwasy think of that when someone pays for something then complains about it "this isn't worth 2$!" If you paid for it, you must think it is worth it

[Ima saver]

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

I have never been to a movie theater that offered free glasses of water. Since, that is all I drink, it has always bothered me that I could not take ice water in with me. Call me cheap, but I do not like the taste of soda and i won't pay for it. (I also have not been to the movies since titantic.)

[boefixepa]

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

I've been seaking food and drinks into theaters for as long as I can remember. If I don't I do with out or don't complain if I dish over the $$. It may be wrong, I agree, but I can't swallow the idea of the prices they charge....guess that's why I don't go unless it's a date, and then they pay. No I don't sneak anything in and I don't ask for something either on a date.

[lillyb]

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

Here is my take.

I work at a movie theatre. To me a cheap person is someone who will come and ask for a snacker popcorn and 6 free cups of water for themselve, instead of just purchasing a cup of pop or a bottled water or being like everyone else and asking for one. Yes, we give cups of water for free, but if it is abused it may go away. Oh and then they will ask for a carrying tray to carry the 6 free cups of water they got for themselves. They will also complain about the prices while they're at it, not realizing that those free cups of water and those carrying trays cost money. They will buy a snacker popcorn, then come back and ask for a refill - when I say we only give refills on large popcorn, they will roll their eyes and huff off.

So I think a cheap person is someone who doesn't necessarily NOT spend money, but actively complains about prices to anyone and everyone and makes up for it by doing things like loading up on the "free" things stores offer -- cups of water, ketchup packs, which aren't really free -- saying their 11 year old is 9 when they go to Disneyworld to get a childs ticket price, etc.

To me a frugal person wouldn't be at the movies in the first place. They would wait until it went to the $2 theatre or rent it on DVD. And if they did go to the movies, it would only be for a matinee and they would try to use Movie Cash certificates they earned from an offer. They don't complain about prices, but rather look for deals -- using their points card to earn free movie tickets, getting a large, refillable popcorn, instead of two snacker size popcorns, getting a large soda (only $.50 more than a small) and sharing it, instead of getting two separate drinks, etc.

That being said, I think complaining about the price of non-necessity items (and MOST things are not necessities) is obnoxious, annoying, unbecoming, and I do NOT like it. To me that is THE SIGN of a cheap person. We have way too many whiners in America!

Good points, I agree.

[PrincessPerky]

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

DH and I figure we are hypoglycemic, and the food they offer is lousy, eating is a medical neccessity, so we have no qualms about sneaking in some drinks and food

Having kids helps, we have a diaper bag, though often if we are willing to go to the movie, no kid is still in diapers, but that is beside the point!

[The Budget Man]

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

DH and I figure we are hypoglycemic, and the food they offer is lousy, eating is a medical neccessity, so we have no qualms about sneaking in some drinks and food

Having kids helps, we have a diaper bag, though often if we are willing to go to the movie, no kid is still in diapers, but that is beside the point!

Taking in food to the movies is a national passtime. The diaper bag or other bag is essential. Locally they will stop you if you are showy about having your own food and drinks but they don't seem to mind if you are quiet about it.

Enjoy your money
The Budget Man

https://www.PersonalityBudgeting.com

when you need a budget

[lillyb]

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

This is really interesting to me. I read on another board and the whole 'sneaking snacks into the movies' was mentioned. I admit, I'm a sneaker. You'd have thought the lot of 'sneakers' was an immoral bunch the way they carried on about it. Glad to know I'm not the only one trying to be frugal with entertainment.

[RunnerGirl78]

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

I think there is definitely a difference...I like to think of myself as frugal. I watch where I spend, use coupons whenever possible, and always buy the generic brands. Cheap, however, is totally different. Cheap is definitely a more "negative" word and brings to mind images of someone who is stingy or miserly. Just my thoughts...

[The Budget Man]

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

Our Russian friends from around the corner moved this week.

We'll miss their incredible way of living. Out of next to nothing they could turn up at a party and take the show. Their dress sense and ability to look the part was incredible.

Now the way these people lived frugally without looking cheap was amazing.

Enjoy your money
The Budget Man

https://www.PersonalityBudgeting.com

Where you discover to live in a way that suits you

[JBinKC]

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

Being told I was cheap/stingy by others doesn't bother me one bit because I am the one who was able to fully retire at age 43 and they are the dumb saps who have to work like a dog until the day they die. Unfortunately, people don't appreciate the free things in life anymore and so wrapped up in consumerism and competetion of showing off the wares and stressed out trying to pay for it all.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

Frugal and cheap is a fine line. The best is mary hunt's quote on frugal versus cheap. Frugal is living within your means and enjoying it. Cheap is being frugal but forcing everyone around you to make up for it. Here is Liz Weston's article with the direct quote from Mary Hunt.

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/SaveMoney/AreYouFrugalOrStingy.aspx

I love how they differ. Frugal people will give what they can, cheap people never give at all.

[Broken Arrow]

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

That's a good summary, LAL.

[Ima saver]

Re: Frugal vs. Cheap

I like Mary Hunt a lot. I get her newsletter every month. Thanks for quoting her.