Twas Writ: > it's an insidious process when done correctly by a skilled sales rep. >they start by re-arranging shelf stock ; putting their product at prime >height & increasing the number of brand X "facings" in that area. >( basically they shove the competition to the back, side, down etc.) >it's often done at the individual store level, sometimes with - >sometimes >without the knowledge & consent of the store manager or person >responsible for that shelving area. this way, when a consumer looks >at a shelf section, he's confronted with a "wall" of brand X near eye >level, and limited display of the competitors product, usually lower on >the shelf space. > ><snip> > so ... as i consider the difficulties faced by small producers in >competing with the big name brands; i realize that the "little guy" >doesn't have the economies of scale when it comes to production, >shipping & especially merchandising. > therefore ... for the sake of "product diversity" ... OK, variety; >a higher price at retail is justified. how high? is up to the consumer! methinks...just another reason to buy locally produced/grown goods...search out the independents...and thus tell corporate agriculture/producers/growers/etc. to kiss our CH arses... but that's just me... Peace, Hendrix, and Chiles....... Rael"...3 exams and i'm done til fall..."64 "hhhmmm...6-4-tricapsiacincyclohexane?...no, no, no..."