Pricing of Products… and how it affects diffusion

I was at the gym the other day and I saw this girl working out in those special foot gloves. The technical name is called “Five Fingers”. I have seen these around a few times now – and to be honest, I’m still a little weirded out by the whole concept…. but I’d be willing to try it….. but for free.

 Actually, I’d love to try it … but the going rate for these suckers starts at $75. I can’t afford to “try” things at that rate. If you find yourselves swimming in cash money, here is a link to a pair on Amazon:Vibram Five Fingers Women’s KSO 

Another product that I think I would really enjoy, but again have been held back by the investment, is the Kindle. I think at this point, we all know what a Kindle is … and I think I would really like one, especially given the potential travel that will come with a post-MBA job.

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In my Technology and Innovation class, one of my classmates mentioned an article from CNN Money referencing a study by the Yankee Group regarding the optimum price point for an e-reader. The sweet spot? $150. Which is a pretty big difference from where the Kindle is priced. Personally, I think my price point would max out at $175 (pre iPad announcement). Given the introduction of the iPad to the marketplace, I think that would still be about right …. Although personally, I’m still hoping this comes true: Amazon wants to give a free kindle to all Amazon Prime Subscribers

So while there are many products I’d love to try, these are two on my list right now 🙂 Perhaps, some day the price point will be a bit lower and more people (myself included) will be willing to buy into the hype.