Holiday

[amyb]

Was playing David's Big Christmas, from last night, on Facebook, in the background while doing some house chores...I need nothing, (thankfully!) just curious what's being sold anyway, and cheerful background chatter.

10" Harry Slatkin 5 wick Ceramic tree candle...regularly $122.00, plus shipping & handling, "sale price" $99.98 with s&h, would be about $110.00. For, basically, a candle....in a ceramic tree.

Not even high end ingredients like soy. Not meaning to be "bah humbug" if you are not with me on this...have at it and, truthfully, hope you enjoy it in your home. And I'll say it's a pretty tree. But, I'm sorry (not sorry)...I guess I'm just so over what seems to be more and more price gouging for things that are ok, but mfrs/vendors/namebrands have gotten overblown in what they think their products merit in terms of pricing. In my humble opinion.

I know people say this ad nauseum, so sorry if I'm repeating, but it's true...I've found so many nice things, including a Mr. Christmas, lit tree at my HomeGoods, last year for $30.00, (there were several), when on QVC similar was twice that or more. As one example.

No thank you Harry.  To me it's buyer beware...so much out there, just as nice or nicer for less than that. As my mom used to say, I don't mind spending money, especially on things I love or "have to have", but...don't rip me off.

[LindaSal]

@amyb  ITA!

[Etoile308]

Actually it's a five wick candle in the tree which is unusual in itself. It's beautiful and certainly something that can became a family heirloom. 

It's the type of item I see for hardcore Slatkin collectors. Or for those looking for unique corporate gifts or even office gifts. Or a special "door prize" at a holiday events. 

There is no gouging. The definition doesn't fit. A manufacturer sets a price. It's up to the consumer if they want to purchase at that price. These candles seem to be selling well.

[Trix]

I can't speak for the tree being offered this year, but I have some of Harry's ceramic houses that were designed to hold his 3-wick candles (QVC used to sell them as did Bath & Body Works when Slatkin was their candlemaker). My houses have held up to extensive use over the years and there isn't a scratch, chip, or any quality issue with any of them.  They are a year-round item in my home.  

[We rescue cats]

That is huge! I'm not a huge fan, we don't burn candles, but I would buy it as a gift. I think it's lovely.

[amyb]

@Etoile308 I actually thought it was 5 wick too, but looked online and it said 4 wick in the description, so I changed it. Either way, no big difference. 

Anyway, of course, as I already said, there are some for whom this will be worth it, just not me. I was surprised by the price. And I've bought many of Harry's items over the years.

For me real heirlooms are something of more real value, but again that is in the eyes of the beholder. If someone gets this passed down and they remember it being in Grandma's home, and it brings them joy, it's an heirloom. And certainly it's the way they've marketed it.

Gouging just means overpriced, by whoever sets the price to the consumer. Of course there is a market, and David said many sold...he has a good following and is a great salesman.

[We rescue cats]

I think it is a 5 wick candle.

[Kmac444]

Price gouging refers to sellers trying to take unfair advantage of consumers during an emergency or disaster by greatly increasing prices for essential consumer goods and services.

[rms1954]

Its a very substantial piece.