Why were there so many stories about Abraham Lincoln being a good horse trader in 19th century?
• part of the identity management system of candidates in the 19th century ‘West’ was to be a good haggler. • So, if in the marketplace bargaining area, the identity management needs of the buyer are met by the seller offering a win in bargaining. How in the one price, mass consumption world is the buyer offered identity management by the seller? • Syms stores: advertising is “At Syms, an educated consumer is our best customer.” Because the more knowledgeable you are, the more you will appreciate the discounts on men’s suiting. • This is identity management. You’re an informed consumer if you shop at Syms. A smart person buys their suits at Syms because they get a good deal. • Q: How do you explain situation where the more expensive the good is, the more demand goes up for that good? • These are goods with an upward-sloping demand curve. These are special goods, an exception. Is Eben referring to Giffen good? Luxury goods like perfume may depict this property. People can chemically sig
