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To: reformedliberal

I agree that there is no longer any market here when nobody has any discretionary dollars; the effect will be the end of manufacturing for high-end goods in any quantities, and cheap, lead-poisoned, Red Chinese-made junk replacing the goods we used to use.


14 posted on 05/16/2012 6:14:56 AM PDT by kearnyirish2
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To: kearnyirish2

I am questioning if there is even much market left for the cheap inferior stuff.

In researching surplus distribution, look at how there are small level entrepreneurs who make a business out of buying what is left at the end of an estate sale. This used stuff is often superior to new junk. Even the smallest economically stressed area has more than one local liquidator of this sort. They are usually called flea markets. Tons of hard goods, still functioning, some of it 30 years or more old, mostly housewares, which are one of the most shoddily produced sectors we have today.

I am convinced that much of the Asian Miracle is already collapsing. Electronics perhaps are the exception and look how the prices of those items keeps falling, despite the use of rare earths and the need for high tech manufacturing processes.

At some point, more people will just keep their old model phone, tablet, book reader, etc, instead of rushing to be a first adapter of the next new thing, barring quantum improvements and totally new technologies, of course. Even the high tech areas are vulnerable in a consumer model.

Most of us own clothing that is really old and still in good, wearable condition. The same with most textiles that were well made: they last. The only impetus to buying something new is the need for novelty, some peer-pressure social force or other psychologically perceived need, like *fashion*.

Some things do wear out and many are designed to do so. The newer models can offer energy efficiency to counter the increased price and often have new, vastly improved functions. There is little of this available as surplus and while there is some reconditioned machinery/appliances available, there is less than there once was. However, the skills are there in nearly every community to recondition or salvage these items, were the demand for such services increase.

JMO, but I think we are drowning in a sea of stuff and some natural limit will soon occur.


15 posted on 05/16/2012 7:43:59 AM PDT by reformedliberal
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