My Weekend

mvscal · Post by **mvscal** » Sun Sep 05, 2010 2:05 am

BSmack wrote:I was talking about corporations that don't pay takes.

The only corporations that don't pay taxes are the ones that don't make any money. But don't take my word for it. It's really very simple and a matter of public record for publicly traded corporations anyway.

BSmack · Post by **BSmack** » Sun Sep 05, 2010 12:13 pm

IndyFrisco wrote:If you were in my shoes, would that not piss you off?

95% of Americans would trade bank accounts with you in a heartbeat. And you expect me to feel sorry for you? If I ever make as much as you do, and can afford that great McMansion in the sky, I swear to you I will never, EVER be as bitter about paying for the amenities that living in the greatest country in the world provides as you apparently are.

Screw_Michigan · Post by **Screw_Michigan** » Sun Sep 05, 2010 2:08 pm

IndyFrisco wrote:that 40% is federal and state combined by the way. add in the 7% state sales tax....fuck government.

Aw. Tough shit. Would you like a band-aid? Or perhaps a lollipop?

Screw_Michigan · Post by **Screw_Michigan** » Sun Sep 05, 2010 2:10 pm

IndyFrisco wrote:If you were in my shoes, would that not piss you off?

Shut the fuck up you whiny pantload. Go change your fucking diaper.

Screw_Michigan · Post by **Screw_Michigan** » Sun Sep 05, 2010 2:11 pm

BSmack wrote:
IndyFrisco wrote:If you were in my shoes, would that not piss you off?
95% of Americans would trade bank accounts with you in a heartbeat. And you expect me to feel sorry for you? If I ever make as much as you do, and can afford that great McMansion in the sky, I swear to you I will never, EVER be as bitter about paying for the amenities that living in the greatest country in the world provides as you apparently are.

But BSmack, HE'S the victim! Don't you understand that?

Atomic Punk · Post by **Atomic Punk** » Sun Sep 05, 2010 4:46 pm

KC Scott wrote:
BSmack wrote: And the price WalMart sets becomes the benchmark for everyone else.
No - it doesn't. What Wal-mart will do is two specific tactics:

1. They will contractually require their sippliers to guarantee that no one is given lower pricing than Wal-Mart and require them to provide audited financials proving it every year. This makes sure they don't become the benchmark and all of their competiors pay more.

2. For Smaller manufactuers they will play a game like this -
* Give me a price for 10K of ____
* Now Give me a price for 1M of this ____
Wal-Mart then haggles them down to the lowest margin possible before manufacturer says "no mas"

Wal-Mart orders - Manufacturer may discover his current capacity isn't enough to keep up
Maybe he expands / hires a second shift / orders more raw materials beacuse Wal-Mart requires delivery after PO of 45 days or less
Maybe he's had to take additional loans to do any / all of this

So he's ramped up / order are rolling in and now Wal-Mart represents 40-70% of his business.
They then comeback the next year and say "We want __% discount off your price or you're out"

Manufacturer is now faced with making almost no margin on his product or worse; laying people off / defaulting on loan / closing up shop

That is exactly the game they play - and play it very well.

I speak from first hand knowledge of what they have done to vendors

I've heard of this and seen a former Wal*Mart exec talk about this a few years back. It's interesting how their business IS set for the lowest income customers.

Costco does business differently. They have a brand name called "Kirkland" that from what I know is regular manufactures, producers, suppliers, that sell to Costco in bulk at a lower rate. For example, Costco just recently stopped selling "Foster Farms" products and now sells the same product cheaper under the name "Kirkland." In fact, a few months ago the magazine they send out had the whole Foster family story and the next month FF products are the same but with the Kirkland name. That way FF can still sell at a high price to other markets. So FF can still be FF if they pull out of their business relationship with Costco.

With Wal*Mart, a manufacturer, etc. better have an alternate product to market that isn't contracted with WM or they are done due to what Scott said. As a consumer, I like buying cheap consumables I don't need a lot of from WM. If I need a lot of something and/or higher quality products then I'm going to Costco.

Very interesting thread... as this one never stays on track like any GOOD one ever does.

R-Jack · Post by **R-Jack** » Sun Sep 05, 2010 5:33 pm

Another neat little trick that large retailers (probably Wal-Mart too) is get the vendors to guarantee a specific margin on apparel they buy from vendors. This gives the retailer to basically price the product however they choose, knowing they can go back to the vendor for the difference. When you go to department stores where they load of on savings for a day and mark it back to regular price the next, or you get %20 off before noon, that is the game that is being played. Great for the consumers if you can strike at the right time, but lack of price stability really calls into question if you are being ripped off when you pay regular price at places like this.

Macys is a huge offender of this and I can only assume Wal-Mart does this too with their Rollback pricing. At least AP isn't getting yo-yo'd on prices for goods at Cotsco.

Atomic Punk · Post by **Atomic Punk** » Sun Sep 05, 2010 9:51 pm

R-Jack, I understand you're in the retail business and I can assume you weren't a floor jockey like I was when I worked @ HD. Recently Gottschalks (it was a Fresno-based corp) and Mervyns went out of business and they always have had good deals on apparel. They would have big discounts at what seemed to be random times other than "Back-to-School."

I always go into my local Sears store to pay my credit card in person as it seems when I mail it in it doesn't get processed for weeks. I'm guessing it is designed to collect more interest? In a few months I'll be at a point to where I pay off balances monthly and not pay interest.

My question is that they seem to be playing the discounts game on apparel at random times now also. I asked the cashier what and why they are doing this and she said the gimmick is like HD where prices are rolled back permanently on certain products. Is that an accounting or a marketing thing? OSH plays the "We pay the sales tax this weekend only" every other weekend. Yes, it's designed to get people in the stores, but how does that relate to the vendors as Scott has described? I know the managers alway look at the numbers, and every manager other than the dykes are balding.

(edit) I get the profit margin thing, but if you do it permanently, is that a squeeze on a vendor?

R-Jack · Post by **R-Jack** » Sun Sep 05, 2010 10:24 pm

Oh, it is a 100% squeeze on the vendor. Some choose not to do business that way. Some do. Like Scott said, the vendor is still making their margins on the most part. If not, they cut bait.

The problem with that is the consumer (i.e.......you) is left unsure if they are getting the right price for their product.

Now I don't talk about my employer online (you understand). I will say this is not a practice the folks I work for employ. We work to get the best price from vendors, but we don't get them to guarantee on a specific margin for us to achieve.

R-Jack · Post by **R-Jack** » Sun Sep 05, 2010 10:44 pm

Oh yeah

Atomic Punk wrote:I always go into my local Sears store to pay my credit card in person as it seems when I mail it in it doesn't get processed for weeks. I'm guessing it is designed to collect more interest? In a few months I'll be at a point to where I pay off balances monthly and not pay interest.

The interest on your balance should not be calculated beyond the date your mail was postmarked (don't quote me). I will guess it is not designed to collect interest, but a sheer lack of manpower in the credit offices. It is far cheaper to accept payment at the store level or process it online as opposed to having a human open a letter and input it individually. If you get points or some type of incentive for using your in-store card, it is in your favor to make a payment for that purchace on your account the same day.

Atomic Punk · Post by **Atomic Punk** » Sun Sep 05, 2010 11:10 pm

R-Jack wrote:
Now I don't talk about my employer online (you understand).

Oh yes, and then some... Trust me, I know. This is one of the more educational threads I've ever read from a consumer point of view.

So TJMaxx and Marshalls is a Mexican-type swap meet w/o the parking lot feel and homemade tamales. That makes sense as the one time I went into Marshal's they had good gear at low prices, but random sizes for short people.

I will say that I'm very hesitant paying online with my debit card for obvious fraud concerns. Using a credit card doesn't trip me out as much since Citi has a good fraud department. That also makes sense on manpower opening payment envelopes.

Very interesting thread here...

Screw_Michigan · Post by **Screw_Michigan** » Mon Sep 06, 2010 5:12 am

Isn't there a two or three day window with online bill pay through banks coming out of your checking?

Snake · Post by **Snake** » Mon Sep 06, 2010 10:19 pm

Dammit man, what happened to the freakin' coons???

indyfrisco · Post by **indyfrisco** » Wed Sep 08, 2010 7:35 pm

BSmack wrote:
IndyFrisco wrote:If you were in my shoes, would that not piss you off?
95% of Americans would trade bank accounts with you in a heartbeat. And you expect me to feel sorry for you? If I ever make as much as you do, and can afford that great McMansion in the sky, I swear to you I will never, EVER be as bitter about paying for the amenities that living in the greatest country in the world provides as you apparently are.

If you made my dough, you'd be pissed about paying for the amenities of fat fucking welfare whores sitting on their ass not doing a damn thing but spend other people's money. 40% man. Take 40% of what you earn (or used to) and that would be a burden. Sure, I still get most of what I want (read: earned), but I'd rather take that cash I pay to Cletus, Paco and JaRayshon and leave it to my kids because you know why? I should have the say to who benefits from my work. Not the government.

BSmack · Post by **BSmack** » Wed Sep 08, 2010 7:38 pm

IndyFrisco wrote:
BSmack wrote:
IndyFrisco wrote:If you were in my shoes, would that not piss you off?
95% of Americans would trade bank accounts with you in a heartbeat. And you expect me to feel sorry for you? If I ever make as much as you do, and can afford that great McMansion in the sky, I swear to you I will never, EVER be as bitter about paying for the amenities that living in the greatest country in the world provides as you apparently are.
If you made my dough, you'd be pissed about paying for the amenities of fat fucking welfare whores sitting on their ass not doing a damn thing but spend other people's money. 40% man. Take 40% of what you earn (or used to) and that would be a burden. Sure, I still get most of what I want (read: earned), but I'd rather take that cash I pay to Cletus, Paco and JaRayshon and leave it to my kids because you know why? I should have the say to who benefits from my work. Not the government.

You seriously think welfare recipients are getting even 1% of that 40%?

indyfrisco · Post by **indyfrisco** » Wed Sep 08, 2010 8:02 pm

There's a pantload of unnecessary government programs getting that 40%, welfare being one of them. Besides national security and law enforcement, the rest can be left to the states or can go.

ucantdoitdoggieSTyle2 · Wed Sep 08, 2010 8:09 pm

Atomic Punk wrote:I always go into my local Sears store to pay my credit card in person as it seems when I mail it in it doesn't get processed for weeks. I'm guessing it is designed to collect more interest? In a few months I'll be at a point to where I pay off balances monthly and not pay interest.

Aren't their interest rates around 30%?

Wow, you are one dumb motherfucker.

Atomic Punk · Post by **Atomic Punk** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 1:38 am

Ucant = a

wannabe

Dins = a hella lot smarter BTW. When Dins types something U&L-ish, I listen. Good material from that angry man. With you, you bring nothing other than looking stupid. You are a complete fool.

BSmack · Post by **BSmack** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 1:46 am

IndyFrisco wrote:There's a pantload of unnecessary government programs getting that 40%, welfare being one of them. Besides national security and law enforcement, the rest can be left to the states or can go.

I would have loved for Dubya to have granted your wish 9 years ago when he had the 90% approval ratings and the power to do whatever the fuck he wanted. Because I know the only real way to motivate people to fight these bastards is to give them a taste of the medicine they're selling. But of course Bush did nothing of the kind. And neither will the next Republican Administration.

Atomic Punk · Post by **Atomic Punk** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 3:17 am

Brian, I don't want to agree with you because you are BSmacked... but I think you are right. The Dems and Repubs have nothing to bring to the table except taking out our future earnings while they can live in bomb shelters with their families.

BSmack · Post by **BSmack** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 3:19 am

Atomic Punk wrote:Brian, I don't want to agree with you because you are BSmacked...

At least I'm not...

...well you know.

Atomic Punk · Post by **Atomic Punk** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 3:24 am

Brian, niggah please. That is like a weak response I wouldn't cred you with. Seriously. That is like ankles behind your head and you still aren't desirable in any way by any animal sniffing poon.

Screw_Michigan · Post by **Screw_Michigan** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 3:37 am

Atomic Punk wrote:Ucant = a wannabe

Dins = a hella lot smarter BTW. When Dins types something U&L-ish, I listen. Good material from that angry man. With you, you bring nothing other than looking stupid. You are a complete fool.

He's right. I hope you realize most department store credit cards are hovering around 25-30%. Basic financial literacy, dude.

indyfrisco · Post by **indyfrisco** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 4:44 pm

BSmack wrote:
IndyFrisco wrote:There's a pantload of unnecessary government programs getting that 40%, welfare being one of them. Besides national security and law enforcement, the rest can be left to the states or can go.
I would have loved for Dubya to have granted your wish 9 years ago when he had the 90% approval ratings and the power to do whatever the fuck he wanted. Because I know the only real way to motivate people to fight these bastards is to give them a taste of the medicine they're selling. But of course Bush did nothing of the kind. And neither will the next Republican Administration.

My take was bipartison. I really don't care who or what party is in office as long as they are shutting down government programs (read: spending), they will get my vote.

BSmack · Post by **BSmack** » Sat Sep 11, 2010 5:32 pm

IndyFrisco wrote:My take was bipartison. I really don't care who or what party is in office as long as they are shutting down government programs (read: spending), they will get my vote.

Then the only logical course for you to do would be to vote for Libertarian candidates. They are the only candidates out there who are even remotely believable on that issue. But I suspect this fall you will offer yourself up with nary the pretense of a reach around to the GOP.

ucantdoitdoggieSTyle2 · Sat Sep 11, 2010 7:35 pm

Atomic Punk wrote:With you, you bring nothing other than looking stupid. You are a complete fool.

Funny... I am not the one taking the bus to the local Sears making minimum payments on a card that is charging me outrageous interest.

Face it loser, you're taking it in the ass. I got a Sears card a couple of years ago when I bought a snowblower because they offered me an extra 15% off if I opened the account. I paid it off IN FULL after I got the first bill. I also immediately closed out the account and cut up the card. I know how much your interest rate is. You're 'making payments' on something where the interest rate is close to 30%. Aren't you 40something? What is wrong with you, dude?

Atomic Punk · Post by **Atomic Punk** » Sat Sep 11, 2010 11:05 pm

Ucant, I got them to lower the interest rate to 17.99% which is still too much. Back when I was in the USN and even a teacher I was able to pay off balances monthly. So essentially I was using their money for free. I've been putting myself in the hurt locker to knock down the balance on the only debt I owe.

You know the always funnay "At least I'm not AP" blasts? I have friends that owe fuckloads of credit card debt as their wives are sinking said bros. For example, one of my closest buddies has flown for American Airlines for nearly 20 years and he owes the man about $40K due to his lazy, but hottie wife spending him into serious debt. Then there are a few others that owe insane amounts likewise.

Very humbling that at least 2 buddies that fly for American and United are in serious debt and I am blasted for the always funny "At least I'm not him" references. It's scary but I'm getting it done. Plus, as a bonus it looks like I'm getting a 2nd nursing gig where Smackie didn't believe an LVN can make $90K/year. It looks like that is starting in 2 weeks.

BTW, why are you so angry?

ucantdoitdoggieSTyle2 · Sun Sep 12, 2010 11:57 am

Atomic Punk wrote:BTW, why are you so angry?

Ever notice how I get you to 'explain shit' while never responding to any of your questions? Perhaps I am just good at eliciting board fodder from flipping tards of your ilk... Hmmm.

Atomic Punk · Post by **Atomic Punk** » Sun Sep 12, 2010 4:39 pm

ucantdoitdoggieSTyle2 wrote:
Atomic Punk wrote:BTW, why are you so angry?
Ever notice how I...

No, because I don't pay attention to you. I never knew you were "workout guy" due to the fact I don't read anything you write other than you PM'ed me a few years back about mutual admiration for Sue Bird. The only female basketball player I've ever met was Cynthia Cooper at a party at USC. Nicest girl one can meet and she was shocked I knew who she was.

You on the other hand, are an unknown tedious nothing that apparently posts on this board and is also well-known for "fitness." There is a reason I don't click on any of your threads. You are a total bore and a "scroll wheel" killer.

Getting beat up on a smack board from funny people takes my mind off real life and checks me back to, "Well life's a piece of shit, when you think of it..." Silly Monty Python "Life of Brian" ending song thingy that cracks me up.

Trust me, you aren't funny even at your best. No idea what your best is either since you are a well-known ankle biter... that lifts weights and well, I don't read what you have to say unless you jump a thread.

ucantdoitdoggieSTyle2 · Wed Sep 15, 2010 7:08 pm

Atomic Punk wrote:I never knew you were "workout guy" due to the fact I don't read anything you write other than you PM'ed me a few years back about mutual admiration for Sue Bird.

I categorically did NOT PM you. I read your drunken PM and deleted it... that was the extent of our communication.

You're a total fucking mess if you 'remember' otherwise.

Screw_Michigan · Post by **Screw_Michigan** » Wed Sep 15, 2010 7:19 pm

Atomic Punk wrote:lazy, but hottie wife

What a surprise. But that makes it OK, right?

Derron · Post by **Derron** » Wed Sep 15, 2010 7:26 pm

BSmack wrote:
You seriously think welfare recipients are getting even 1% of that 40%?

What the fuck does it matter which gubmint program get's 1% ? What does it really matter.?

The point you so accurately miss is that the man earned the money, by skill and by taking risk, and the result of that should be reward. For a government of any kind to come in and FUCKING TAKE 40% of that income is obscene and criminal.

40% fucking percent :doh: :doh: ....now if dude had the option of just maybe investing 20% of that, or even if dude fucking blew 20% of it on toys and golf, at least the economy would benefit in some way, versus supporting government tit suckers who will always be on the system, and that includes not only the tit suckers, but all the government honks who administrate said tit sucking programs.

Got any figures on what government contributes to the GDP ?...I did not think so.

BSmack · Post by **BSmack** » Wed Sep 15, 2010 9:09 pm

Derron wrote:gubmint

English motherfucker. Do you speak it?

Derron · Post by **Derron** » Wed Sep 15, 2010 10:41 pm

BSmack wrote:
Derron wrote:gubmint
English motherfucker. Do you speak it?

Slang for government lib boy....glad that was the only thing you found wrong with my post was a simple misunderstanding on your perception of one word..since the rest cannot be disputed.

BSmack · Post by **BSmack** » Wed Sep 15, 2010 10:45 pm

Derron wrote:
BSmack wrote:
Derron wrote:gubmint
English motherfucker. Do you speak it?
Slang for government

Well it make you sound like a fucking retard.

Dinsdale · Post by **Dinsdale** » Wed Sep 15, 2010 10:52 pm

BSmack wrote:
Well it make you sound like a fucking retard.

And you supporting adding more gubmint makes you sound like a fucking retard.

War Wagon · Post by **War Wagon** » Wed Sep 15, 2010 11:14 pm

Atomic Punk wrote: You on the other hand, are an unknown tedious nothing

Funny then that 15 fellow Jackasses have entrusted their league fees and prize fund to this unknown nothing the past 2 years and will continue to do so until such time as we can't twist his arm into being treasurer anymore.

Just so's you know.

Goober McTuber · Post by **Goober McTuber** » Thu Sep 16, 2010 12:40 pm

War Wagon wrote:
Atomic Punk wrote: You on the other hand, are an unknown tedious nothing
Funny then that 15 fellow Jackasses have entrusted their league fees and prize fund to this unknown nothing the past 2 years and will continue to do so until such time as we can't twist his arm into being treasurer anymore.

Well, what was their other option? BSmack?

ucantdoitdoggieSTyle2 · Thu Sep 16, 2010 1:45 pm

Goober McTuber wrote:Well, what was their other option? BSmack?

He was actually the first dude to pay up this year...

R-Jack · Post by **R-Jack** » Thu Sep 16, 2010 1:59 pm

Of course he did.