Conscious Capitalism Conundrum

I've been reading Conscious Capitalism, a book co-written by John Mackey, founder and co-CEO of Whole Foods, so it is somewhat natural that I decided to walk over to the Redondo Beach branch to see about buying dinner.

My prior visits to Whole Foods resulted in buying nothing in what seemed like a pricy grocery store, but my son, who also gave me the book, said he walks to the one in Brentwood on a regular basis to pick up a few items.

I  will grant Whole Foods several advantages.  The open layout and relatively subdued lighting do make shopping feel like a more laid back experience than the typical Von's or Target, which strive for maximum utilization of floor space along with bright lights which, as I seem to recall from a marketing class long ago, energize the customers to shop more rapidly and buy more.

 

Swimming with Stingrays

There are tasty free samples around the store, like the excellent French cheese I tried, which I assume was made from the milk of grass-fed cows from the Loire Valley during a full moon or something, and it was truly excellent, although at $15.99 per pound seemed a bit steep for my purposes. 

I have no doubt the animals who give their lives to be displayed in the butcher's case have been treated more humanely, and the produce may indeed have a bit more flavor or have a trace less of some negative afterproduct of petroleum-based fertilizers or pesticides.

For me, however, the obstacle remained: price. 

It didn't deter the other unrushed shoppers, all of whom, whether wearing stylish equestrian gear (presumably having recently ridden her stallion in Rancho Palos Verdes), tennis togs worthy of Serena Williams or dapper business attire, were quite attractive and moved with ballet-like grace, regardless of age.

A shopping cart whooshed by me, ridden like a skateboard by someone with a foot propped on the bottom rack and pushed with her back foot, just as I used to do it when I was a boy.  I was surprised to note she was gray-haired woman smiling broadly.  No one bought all that much, but apparently focusing on quality rather than quantity was paying off.

Germany

Seeing the cheapest boneless, skinless chicken breast on sale was $8.99 a pound, and most produce triple the prices at my regular grocery stores like Sprouts and Ralph's, I couldn't force myself to buy anything.  However, I do respect those whose budgets allow them to comfortably indulge their tastes and elevated consciousness regarding nurition and animal rights. 

I walked out and headed for Albertson's, where I bought boneless, skinless chicken breasts for $2.99 a pound, no longer that worried about the fact that I couldn't find them for under $2 a pound in any of the weekly newspaper ads as I usually do.  They too have more expensive "organic" options priced between their entry level and Whole Foods prices, but I personally tend to opt for the more cost effective option, if I deem the quality good enough based on visual inspection combined with past experience.  Once it is seasoned and cooked, I couldn't tell you where it was raised. 

Getty Museum Garden Maze
 

I can't help but compare this to selling cruises.





I have always striven to uphold the principles of Conscious Capitalism, even before I heard of the concept.  Unlike Whole Foods, however, my prices are essentially the same as competitors, even for premium quality.  I will educate you of the possibilities and refine the selection to the areas of greatest interest into your own customized "store."

I was shocked to read that only 4% of Americans polled think that travel agents offer the best pricing, which is a definite perception problem for me personally, because I don't charge any additional fees like many travel agents do. 

Apples to apples, I have no doubt that I compare quite favorably with web sites like Expedia and Travelocity, which in that same poll 48% of Americans said they believe have the best prices. 



Azamara Quest

If you believe that, know that I too have a strong consumer booking engine.  Simply use my web site or app to book.  Prices should be as good as Expedia or Travelocity. 

 I am happy to do my best to improve the deal after it's booked and provide the same follow through whether you had place the reservation with me in person or online.  I will also prepare you for your trip by advising you of activities in each port.

The difference of contacting me directly, beyond the fact that I will do the work of finding the best values for you, is that I might see some special that will be available in the near future, and I can help you sort through the different promotions, which can be confusing. With American Express as well as Cruise Planners giving me top producer pricing with all cruise lines, I am also happy to recommend a different cruise you may not have considered but might be a better fit for your needs.

To me, that is customer service, but apparently 45% consider booking online more convenient.  If that is you, I again recommend using my web site or app to book for pricing and convenience like Travelocity and Expedia.  Check it our for yourself.  Get the online price at CruisePlanners1.com and then check it against the others.  If you really want nothing more, book where it's cheapest.

And lest there be any doubt, the best value for your vacation dollar is cruising. 



However, if you want a land trip, I am happy to book that for you too.  I represent all of the top tour companies and vacation packagers, including companies like Pleasant Holidays that will price match any legitimate offer.  Then again, most times I will initially recommend better trips, where the air arrangements are more direct and at times that stretch your vacation and minimize flight fatigue, and include items like transfers and cancel-for-any-reason insurance that includes price protection if the rates drop, which comes in very handy when booking several months in advance.

And know that if you demand only the best, I will respect that wish and focus on that area for you. 

My Conscious Capitalism Conundrum is why you would choose to book anywhere else, but my biggest concern is:

Where in the world would you like to go?