It Happened in 1893 and it’s Still Happening Today
We've all been there before…
Trying to make sense of philosophical questions like:
- Are national anthems another form of country music?
- Are tomatoes fruits or vegetables?
But I've never imagined such questions as the basis for a court case.
But it did happen in 1893 when two people dragged themselves to the Supreme Court...
... to decide whether tomatoes are fruits or vegetables.
In the fruit camp is John Nix, a Manhattan businessman.
While Edward Hedden, a tax collector, claims tomatoes are vegetables.
The case involved the attorneys of both sides presenting their argument…
Two witnesses – who've been selling fruits and vegetables for 30 years – offering "expert opinion."
And…
Three dictionaries for the definition of "fruit" and "vegetable".
Gotta say I feel for the judge here 'cause imagine him telling his wife at home:
"Today, I ruled over a case deciding whether tomatoes are fruits or vegetables."
Are you supposed to get a "well done" for that?
Anyway…
The verdict:
Tomato is a vegetable.
Now, I'm not really concerned about the verdict…
Instead, I'm more interested in why two grown men would go to court over this.
Turns out...
When the Tariff Act of 1883 was passed, it increased the tax on imported vegetables.
But imported fruit tax remained the same.
So John Nix figured he could save a ton of cash and pay less tax by proving tomato is a fruit.
Now, it all makes sense.
Fact is…
People would always find ways to save money.
John Nix did it in 1893 and people are still doing it today
Like this comment I found online:
"It's always better to not buy just before Black Friday."
That's someone's opinion in a discussion about whether it's okay to wait for Black Friday or to buy now.
And a lot of people agree with that idea.
I mean, why buy at full price when you can "save money" during Black Friday, right?
This is exactly what Drew Sanocki pointed out on his blog:
"For most retailers, the holiday sales frenzy doesn’t increase Q4 revenue. It just cannibalizes the rest of Q4. Customers sit on their wallets until Black Week."
This is why offering steep discounts isn't the best strategy for profitability during Black Friday.
Because you’re swapping full-margin sales for discounted ones.
So consider this a friendly reminder to not offer steep discounts this Black Friday…
Instead, find ways to incentivize purchases that won't eat much into your profitability.