On Sat, 01 Oct 2005 04:14:34 +0000, Dave Stadt wrote:


"Greg Copeland" wrote in message
news
On Fri, 30 Sep 2005 18:41:11 +0000, Dave Stadt wrote:

nothing to do with performance. People don't spend $350K based on
"perception." Most people I know do not believe in your "perception."
To

If people didn't care about "perception", companies like Harley would have
been out of business two decades ago. Heck, I've known people that have
bought items like Porche, Ferrari, and Lamborghini just because of
"perception."

Harley, Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini owners combined are an
insignificant percentage of total motorcycle and car owners.

Which has nothing to do with the topic at hand. Besides, last I checked,
Harley owns ~35% of the US market...which is far from "insignificant".
And that is based on market share in sales...not all bikes. Back in the
60's, they owned something like 80% of the market. And all of this
ignores used sales. Needless to say, Harley sales are significant
based on its perception of quality. Sadly, quality is an oxymoron when
talking about Harley. Which, is exactly the point I was making. MOST
people buy based on perception.

Harley has
been almost out of business numerous times during it's history.


And yet are going strong today. You ask the American masses, especially
the blue collar guys, and they'll tell you they want the POS that is
Harley...because of its perceived strengths. The fact that it's a total
POS in reality doesn't seem to impact its sales or its preception of
quality. Which was my point. My point is, people often buy name brands
based on a perception of x.


Those that buy based on perception deserve what they get. I know far more
people that buy based on mission than perception.


I agree with you, but it doesn't address the nature of humanity. Most
people do buy based on perception. I would guess that those that read
usenet groups are also those that tend to be swayed more by facts and
analysis rather than perception. On the other hand, if you find those
that have lots and lots of money, buying based on perception is not
uncommon.


Greg