You and I likely agree on a lot of things.
But we disagree on a few as well. The idea that manufacturing is only 4% of costs is laughable, as is the idea that marketing and sales only cost 5%.
When I look at what it would cost me to manufacture electricity at a personal level, electricity from the distribution net is an enormous bargain.
When I look at what it does cost me to procure water out of a well, compared to what city water costs, the city water is a tremendous bargain.
When I look at the time and energy it cost me to make a knife from a piece of steel; the manufactured item is better and a tremendous bargain.
The things that are out of wack are the highly regulated items where government has imposed enormous regulatory obstacles and impeded the market. These are mostly healthcare and housing.
I have a “premium” Verizon plan now, with two smartphones, two lines, and 12 GB of data a month, which acts as my internet access. The cost is $165 a month.
My cost for four lines previously was $104 a month, without the data plan. That was for FOUR lines.
I have had Verizon for close to two decades now, and I do not think I every had a bill that was $300 for a month. Usually it was in the $30 to $50 range, and the phone itself was paid for in those monthly costs.
Curious. How much does it cost you to access the Internet?
Interesting points.
The 4% figure is for the manufacture of consumer products. It applies to chainsaws, toasters, microwave ovens, white goods, pencils, and the like. How do I know? That is my profession.
I have absolutely no idea about the generation of power, as well as other similar industries.
That being stated, I honor your discourse, Sir.
As far as mobile phones are concerned... You are saying that you (assuming you are representative, if not typical, would pay around $500 + (24x$30) = $1220 for two years of your American cell phone. That’s really not too bad. That is pretty close to what I pay in China for mine.
I think that we have a lot of common ground. Best Regards.