Why do people pay for clothing bearing brand names and logos, when they should be paid for advertising work?

Question

I was flabbergasted at the price of a T-shirt bearing the name of this restaurant I went to yesterday. twenty five euro for a t-shirt! When i mentioned it to my friend, he said that it's because of the logo.

My question is this... I'm not talking about brand names of clothing manufacturers. I'm talking about restaurants, shops and food chains that sell t-shirts with their logos on it. Surely, as the primary nature of their business is NOT clothing -related, they should be paying members of the public to wear clothing that bears the company logo, as it's free advertising for the businesses in question?

Think about it.

Yes, in the Western World we live in a brand name / marketing culture, but come on...

aren't things going a bit too far when restaurants are selling t-shirts at 25 euro with the restaurant logo on it???

Answer 1

I never understood that notion. So you buy a shirt that says "Got Crabs?" just to say you ate at Joe's Crabshack in Orlando, Florida? However, from a business perspective, it people are willing to spend their money on that, then that's more money for the company.

As for me, I don't even wear clothes with the brand all over or use a handbag (i.e., Coach signature series) with branding all over. I bought the product, so why am I giving you FREE advertisement without getting paid for it.

Answer 2

Well, it also depends on which restaurants, don't you think??

I mean, how would buy a Ronald Mac Donald T-shirt?? But, there are some places that actually have a history, they're a symbol, like for example the Hard Rock Café, they sell shirts and stuff like that, and people (like me) buy the stuff not because we liked the café but because of the music, get what I mean??

You're right though in pointing this out, this is a good question..

Answer 3

I quite agree with you that shops, food chains restaurants etc shouldn't sell and charge exorbitant prices for clothing bearing their logos.

I refuse to pay for carrier bags bearing any shop logo. I always take some from home. It not only saves me money, it also helps the environment.

Answer 4

no one is forcing you to buy one

Answer 5

People are SO eager to feel...important, that they are willing to pay money to feel like they are either superior, or so that others will see their clothes and say, Oohhhhh...ahhhhhhh, Shaniqua has on a Larrys Ice Cream Bars shirt!!!!  She must be important!!!