Swimcmp posed the question, why not help pool stores do better? Which made me think.
After reflecting, I think this a problem created by consumers, similar to convenience stores. So the question is the same, why would one pay $2.00 for a drink they could get across the street, at a grocery store for $0.80 or pay $20 for baking soda they could buy at a grocery store for $4.00. The consumer finds it convenient.
Many find it abhorrent that the store loads up the consumer with large quantities of “unneeded†supplies, but consumers don’t want to deal with the “dirty†side of pool ownership. I wish I could count the times I’ve heard “I let the pool service….†Or “I go to {pool store} and {name} fixes me up". So the industry has created and consumers have bought into a system of a “one stop fixâ€. Since most of the workers have a checklist or some model to follow, they go by the “bookâ€, because the consumer does not have a clue and the worker cannot see a pool five miles away, (to support this, think about the nubie threads “Help, my pool is a swamp/green†etc. and how difficult it is to get decent information out of the OP). The worker then recommends a “complete†package of stuff to “fix†the problem, and up-sells what will “make the pool betterâ€, provides a written list of instructions and the consumer goes home and (contrary to instructions) dumps it in at one time, in one place and pops a cold one.
The consumer wants a one stop fix. The industry provides it, and attempts to ensure the customer does not return with the same problem, the next day. Don’t believe me? Read the instructions on a bag of shock, telling the consumer to shock, according to directions, weekly. It, of course, sells more product, but it satisfies a consumer need, less frequent algae blooms.
So far as pricing of common chemicals, caveat emptor. Would the convenience store owner send people to the grocery store to save a buck? Would an electrician show you how to wire your pump, for no charge? Have you ever seen a sign at a gas station “gas is cheaper up the street� Don’t people pay $50 for food at a restaurant, they could fix at home for $5? In all cases, it is matter of convenience and/or service.
If consumers wanted something else, wouldn’t the industry change to accommodate their customers?