This was an email newsletter I sent before “Black Friday” last year.  It’s a bit controversial, but it’s important to us.  Be sure to leave a comment with your thoughts!

Logic Lesson: What is a False Dichotomy?

A False Dichotomy (or “false dilemma”) is when someone pits 2 opposing thoughts, requiring you to choose one of the 2 extremes (ignoring the possibility of alternatives).
  This is a major ploy of retailers.  How do I know?  I am one.

I read all of the retailing literature.  “Create a crisis,” they say.  “Create a sense of urgency,” they say.  The problem for me is that it isn’t about the bottom line.  If you saw the business books, you’d probably tell me that I’m doing this all wrong.

Our family prizes our integrity, which in turn, values honesty and compassion.  I cannot create a false dichotomy for you, stating that if you don’t buy all of your gifts today, you’ll be helplessly overpaying the rest of the season.

While it’s true that many of those same retailers will be overcharging you for the rest of the season, the third option is this: don’t shop them.  Buy from Mom & Pop retailers (like Pantry Paratus), from the craftsmen at your local fair, from your local stores, and even pull out your own hobbies for a homemade gift or two!

See what I mean? I’m a terrible business person…an online retailer probably shouldn’t tell you to hand-make gifts this season.  But at the heart of it, you need to do what is right for your family.  And what is right for your family is to stay financially healthy.  I hope you consider shopping at PantryParatus.com this year.  But if you don’t so that you can do what’s best for your family, that’s okay too.  It’s how we sleep at night.

In the meantime, we will be sure to run some wonderful deals to give you ideas for great gifts, and to help you stock your pantry for the holidays.  Drop by if you get a chance–only after you take time to play a board game with the kids, that is. 

Interested in receiving our newsletter? You’ll receive a few free gifts (like our 30 minute bread baking tutorial, our annual pantry checklist, and more).  We also hope you’ll be encouraged.