A question of perception
 

Let's say there is a certain product you like or need. Say, a car.

Let's say I will subsidize your purchase of this product.

At what level of subsidy will you begin comparison shopping?

Okay? Here we go ....

I will subsidize 5% of the sticker price. Will you buy the car you've always wanted or will you comparison shop?

I will subsidize 10% of the sticker price. Will you buy the car you've always wanted or will you comparison shop?

I will subsidize 25% of the sticker price. Will you buy the car you've always wanted or will you comparison shop?

I will subsidize 50% of the sticker price. Will you buy the car you've always wanted or will you comparison shop?

I will subsidize 75% of the sticker price. Will you buy the car you've always wanted or will you comparison shop?

I will subsidize 100% of the sticker price. Will you buy the car you've always wanted or will you comparison shop?

Thank you for the thoughtful response.

He's younger than he claims. He's not quite ready for Viagra just yet.

At some point I will purchase both and sell one of them for a tidy profit. I'd say 15%.

Not to be glib but I really do not understand what is being asked.

My nature is to always comparison shop.

I'd like to answer and don't give a rat's ass how old you are. When you say comparison shop, do you mean comparing prices on the same item at different sellers, or comparison shopping other makes?

So you're saying you'll pick up XX percentage of the price of the car, NO MATTER THE DOLLAR AMOUNT OF THE PRICE?

This sounds like an ethics question - do I repay your act of generosity by finding a car that meets my needs, at the lowest price possible out of your pocket - or at some level of subsidy decide to just throw morals to the winds, to take advantage of you, and order a Bugatti Veyron, simply because you're picking up the tab?

Or is it that the "question of perception" is in what each of us is perceiving your question to be asking?

Let's assume you have a particular dream car. Maybe it's a Maybach.

Like most people, you choose to live within your means and so, will likely not own a Maybach.

I come by one day and say, "David, you rascal, I have always wanted to be nice to you so I'll pay 5% of the sticker price of your dream car, no matter what the dream car is."

Will you go get the Maybach at 5%?, 10%, 25%, 50%, etc.

However you wish. My question is more about when the subsidy makes you no longer concerned about comparison shopping.

Remember that old series, "The Millionaire"? NO repayment. It is a true gift. It is your free choice whether Veyron or Trabant.

If you'll do 100% I would go buy a Ferrari GTO (35mil). The trick is finding one for sale. Second choice is probably a 289 Cobra or a MB gullwing.

I'd rather go it alone, and get it on my own. Going through all work of saving the money, or budgeting for it, is something to take pride in.

I'll pass, so that I can pass on the proof of accomplishment on to my children...It's a matter of pride.

At 50 percent subsidy, I'd not comparison shop. I'd order my Morgan.

I sell bike stuff sometimes. Sometimes it's brand new stuff that just doesn't work for me. Nobody wants to pay full price. It normally goes for about 30% off.

You are so noble.