Man, I want to know how these guys get paid to run studies like this… if it’s more than minimum wage, sign me up.
I won’t go to far into it because it’s not worth talking about, but suffice it to say that this is similar to the $100 bill theory discussed earlier. This particular “money saving” idea basically hypothesizes that the less you touch or pick up things while shopping, the less likely you are to actually buy those items. I think this is generally true in a lot of cases, but it probably isn’t a tactic you want to emulate if you’re trying to save money. Instead, how about not going into the store in the first place?
Or, you could amputate your arms. Of course, I’ve seen a lot of people pick up iPods and whatnot with their teeth.
Whatnot. Geez, what a word.
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April 6th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
This theory would so not work with Midas.
April 6th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
That is true, but I don’t really “Trust the Midas Touch”. =)
*singing the jingle in my head*
April 6th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
This reminds me of “counting coup”, where native Americans touched enemies with a stick and it was seen as an act of honor. It shows that humans attach a lot of meaning to merely touching things.
Personally, I am never keen on touching or picking up things when shopping unless I absolutely need to in order to inspect it (looking is generally good enough). This is mainly due to the omnipresent disgusting behaviors I witness in Tokyo (nose picking, spitting, etc.). I don’t want to touch things other people touch because I think it’s all pretty unsanitary and leads to catching colds more often.
I have noticed that some people feel compelled to fondle and touch everything they can when they’re out shopping. It always sort of creeps me out.
April 6th, 2009 at 10:22 pm
@orchid - Definitely true, it’s one of the hazards for me when shopping at the thrifts. I carry hand sanitizer in the car or in my pocket. Cause you absolutely have to pick stuff up and fondle it at the thrift, especially stuff like dishes. And boy, there’s no telling where that stuff has been!