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For companies to grow, they have to sell you more
Jun 11, 2013
The constant pressure from investors for companies to grow their profits means they have to grow their sales to you. Plus, it's cheaper to try to sell more to you than find new customers.
The problem with focusing on shareholder value
Jun 11, 2013
It's standard practice in today's business world that the focus should be on increasing value to shareholders. But it hasn't always been that way.
Unilever CEO: For sustainable business, go against 'mindless consumption'
by
Kai Ryssdal
Jun 11, 2013
Many companies focus on short-term results. The CEO of consumer-products giant Unilever, Paul Polman, says long-term strategic planning builds better businesses.
Tell us: What's the craziest thing you've been upsold?
by
Mary Dooe
Jun 10, 2013
This is a Marketplace.org Reader
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Worth It or Not? Create a poll and find out
by
Mary Dooe
Jun 10, 2013
From cameras to houses to children, it can be hard to know if we are making the best choices with our money when we buy things. Our new poll game helps you decide: is it worth it? Find out how to use it.
How Adam Smith's economic philosophies apply in today's world
Jun 10, 2013
Most people remember the idea of the free market's "invisible hand," but it turns out, Adam Smith had a lot to say about consumers, too.
For public good, not for profit.
For middle-class parents, raising children becomes a consumer arms race
by
Scott Tong
Jun 10, 2013
Trying to give your children an advantage in growing up makes consuming a competition. When everyone has a tutor, a trainer or a special baseball bat, you can't help but keep up.
A Saturday shopping trip leads to some big questions
by
Kai Ryssdal
Jun 10, 2013
A Saturday shopping trip started out fairly innocently... and ended with some big questions about our consumer economy and whether it is sustainable long-term.
Parents hire personal trainers to give kids a leg up
by
Scott Tong
Jun 10, 2013
We all want our kids to get into the best colleges they can. Some families take extra measures and spend extra money in pursuit of an edge.