-- Just what is “environmental recycling”?
Today, a small detour, and another reason why I’ll be cycling to work next year.
In these times of creeping credit crunchiness you can’t blame businesses for creative cost recovery. While hitting consumers in the pocket isn’t particularly taxing on marketing departments, their price-hike storytelling is much more colourful. The trick with price rises is providing just the right level of justification, even if it gaps the truth, to minimise customer discontent. Oil companies are leaders in this field (and, certainly, an oligopoly helps).
Here’s cost recovery that doesn’t wash, thanks to Continental Car Services.
The $15 “environmental recycling” charge added to a standard vehicle service.
“What’s this about,” I enquired.
“Oh, that relates to the oil change – we have someone collect the used oil,” the service manager explained.
“Hang on, workshops have been doing this from the beginning of time. So, tell me, what’s materially changed to justify the extra charge?”
“Well, um, ah, all workshops charge for it and it’s now our policy.”
“So, then, the only thing that’s changed is your decision to pass on this cost to customers.”
“Yes.”
The reason why I no longer use Continental Car Services is not the charge.
It’s the lies.
Oil collection is not something new and dressing it up as “environmental recycling” is bullshit.
Wankers
Today, a small detour, and another reason why I’ll be cycling to work next year.
In these times of creeping credit crunchiness you can’t blame businesses for creative cost recovery. While hitting consumers in the pocket isn’t particularly taxing on marketing departments, their price-hike storytelling is much more colourful. The trick with price rises is providing just the right level of justification, even if it gaps the truth, to minimise customer discontent. Oil companies are leaders in this field (and, certainly, an oligopoly helps).
Here’s cost recovery that doesn’t wash, thanks to Continental Car Services.
The $15 “environmental recycling” charge added to a standard vehicle service.
“What’s this about,” I enquired.
“Oh, that relates to the oil change – we have someone collect the used oil,” the service manager explained.
“Hang on, workshops have been doing this from the beginning of time. So, tell me, what’s materially changed to justify the extra charge?”
“Well, um, ah, all workshops charge for it and it’s now our policy.”
“So, then, the only thing that’s changed is your decision to pass on this cost to customers.”
“Yes.”
The reason why I no longer use Continental Car Services is not the charge.
It’s the lies.
Oil collection is not something new and dressing it up as “environmental recycling” is bullshit.
Wankers
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