Disclaimer: I don't run an online store, and I know that AG is not set up for small order guys like me- usually try to stay under $75- but here's my logic:
Using DP auto bath here: I'm not going to pay $3.50/oz for a product if I can get a larger amount of a quality product at $0.38/oz on a 32 oz bottle, or even $0.24/oz (regular price, sale is even better: $0.14oz) in a gallon amount. There are hundreds of products that I would spend that same money on first. Even factoring in the extra labor, manufacturing costs, and lower net sale, AG is making a lot more in terms of ROI when selling small sized portions. Lets say I get a new foam cannon. Well, I'm going to want to see for myself which soap to use. AG has a great forum here, so the way things are now, I'm not going to pay $35 plus shipping for 5 bottles of soap to try, when I can just search and see what most of everyone uses. But, what if my something in my mix- either PW, water pressure, hardness in water, choice of foam cannon, etc. is not the same as most of everyone- and I don't get good results. Had a bundle of the most popular shampoos been available for $20-25 I would probably be more comfortable with that, and so would AG (still $2-2.50/oz). Plus, I don't end up with a chance at the forum/my setup being wrong-whatever, so likely I'm going to reorder the shampoo that I LOVE(because I'M the one who chose it). The worst thing for AG is if I pay $7 for a sample and it performs the same as megs deep crystal which is $5 for a 64oz- no shipping.
The original thought came from my wife. She wanted to spend $30 on some detailing supplies that I wouldn't normally buy myself. Looking at sealants that I haven't tried, I realized I was going to get one product from her. She wanted to fill my stocking up with small size items. She could spend $30 on 3 samples+shipping, but that wasn't the idea. I'd have been pumped that she thought of me and got me some different products to try. AG would be pumped because they sold items at a higher profit margin. Plus, I would probably have a new soap to buy at full price next time-getting to compare a fewof anything usually ends up in a new favorite. Instead, she ordered me a few buffing pads that I would have bought anyway. How does AG benefit from that in the long term?
And this time of the year it would be HUGE. Look at Bath and body works & Starbucks, the last two places I spent money on gifts for my wife. My wife loves a certain $16 bottle of lotion from B&BW. I went to get just that. I get to the store and they have a set that includes the lotion, body wash, and a wall plug in thingy for $35. Well, I got home and realized that the bottles were a little smaller than the $16 items, and the wall plug-ins were on sale for $5. Oh well, got a fancy cardboard box! She loves starbucks pike place roast. I could have gotten her the 1lb for $12, but instead I was drawn to the "artistry of coffee sampler" for $20-6 different coffees that she can try. But, they're 1.75oz each. So they got me for $8 more and sold 6oz less of coffee. This is mostly because she's versed in their products and I was the one spending money. I want to surprise her so I couldn't ask for advice. That's why those bundles exist.
Sorry for the essay. Also, I'm sure there's holes all in that- It's late friday night and my 6 pack disappeared somehow.
