Want to Increase Sales? Then Drop the Dollar Sign

The Wall Street Journal reports that a recent study by Cornell University researchers found that restaurants that dropped the dollar signs from their menus actually saw an increase in sales.

Though the study is geared toward to restaurants it is believed that its findings can be applied to all businesses.

To be honest, I can truly say this works. Now that I recall, if I look at a menu that doesn't have dollar sign I tend to order more expensive dishes or add on extra drinks, appetizers, dessert, etc. This effect is enhanced if the menu displays the prices in a single or two digit format (i.e. 34 versus 34.00).

Next time you're out eating, be on the lookout for this.

Happy Eating!

Master P and Son Romeo Bring New Line to Wal-Mart

In a current Hip-Hop world brimful with entrepreneurs it comes to no surprise that some of the stars on the mic would team up with large corporations. You have the Diddy with his Ciroc joint venture and now we have Master P, Romeo and Wal-Mart.

Being an entrepreneur is nothing new the Master, whose real name is Percy Miller. He started his own record company, No Limit Records, and grew it become of the most successful record labels in Hip-Hop history. He produced and acted in several movies and television series and started several clothing lines. Now, the southern "Last Don" teams up with his Romeo, acting as a young Vito to launch his next venture--teaming up a with Wal-Mart to carry his P.Miller brand.

The deal will allow the P. Miller brand to be expanded into distribution at 350 Wal-Mart stores. The line has a Hip-Hop influence and will feature graphic t-shirts, hoodies and custom style denims.

P is one man that never ceases to amaze because he is always about business; but, is mostly behind the scenes these days. This dude has come a long way and knows how to switch up his hustle when the time is right.

P, we salute you!

GM Cuts Medical Coverage for Retirees

As our economy continues to dwindle as Main St. and Wall St. continue to falter and we feel the pain, yet another company adds to the dog pile.

The Wall Street Journal reports that General Motors will discontinue medical coverage for retirees and will no longer include coverage for new employees. The article continues to mention that employees of GM that are considering retirement or have recently retired should plan to work part-time until they are eligible for Medicare.

Even if employees have built up benefits for retirement they will be cut off. GM will supplement the discontinued medical insurance with an extra $300 in retiree pension checks. This may help for some but we will see a greater burden on those that are very ill in their old age.

Thanks GM. Thanks America. Thanks capitalism.

Viva La Revolution!

Great Stock Market Crash of 2008 and Onset of New Great Depression????

It has been predicted several years ago. Is it possible that we will see a crash of the stock market and the onset of another "Great Depression"? Gas prices are rising, the value of the dollar continues to diminish, inflation continues to rise, the unemployment rate is rising, hedge funds blowing up, IndyMac and Bear Sterns failing and possibly Lehman Brothers doing the same (remember bank runs caused the first depression). The Fed's interactions cannot curve the recession. People are being laid off and home foreclosure is at a record high.

What can we expect to see in the next couple of months? Things look pretty grim for the U.S.; but, I would not be surprised if we end up in a depression. Especially when it is expected that the average consumer will spend 20 percent of their income on oil (more than groceries) by the year 2010 . . . yeah, that's only two years away . . .

Not to mention that, we also have the prophecy of 2012 around the corner.

Hmmmm . . .

Here's an interesting video for food for thought: