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Andrew Tobias

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Andrew Tobias
Andrew Tobias

Money and Other Subjects

Fire & Ice and My New Luggage

May 7, 1999February 12, 2017

Craig Daniger: “Hurry up with the next chapters!”

Thanks, Craig. Glad you’re enjoying it.

OK — Here’s Chapter 8. (You already have Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.) This is the chapter about the nuts and bolts of the cosmetics business, circa the 50s and 60s. For example:

“Note the dynamics of ‘economy sizes.’ In 1962 you could buy three times as much Revlon Velvety Nail Enamel Remover for sixty cents as you could for thirty-five cents. But you weren’t hurting Revlon; the extra two ounces, including the larger package, cost a mere 3.3 cents. The markup on the extra two ounces was even greater than on the first ounce.”

Buy in bulk. It’s better for everybody.

Speaking of which: Last month I went to the Sharper Image web site and saw they had auctions. I put in to buy the super deluxe roll-on airplane suitcases they sell for $289 or more. The bidding was up to $90 with several days to go, so I bid $130 — for 3 of them — never expecting to get even one. Got all three for $100 each. I now glide effortlessly through the airport and have half my Christmas shopping done.

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