In Quebec, welfare checks are issued on the first day of the month.

That same week, virtually every grocery store has almost no important sales or specials, aside from a few loss-leaders. Regular items, which are used to measure the cost of living (basics/essentials, like milk, bread, meat and vegetables) and items regularly purchased by low income families are usually full-priced during the first week of every month.

But nobody really talks about that.

I had a car accident 3 weeks ago, and the insurance company had a list of recommended garages. In fact, they had only one – and they offered additional guarantees on that garage’s work, which is great. Interestingly, someone explained to me that this particular  body-shop franchise sends a commission check to the insurer.

But nobody really talks about that.

What is YOUR industry’s dirty little secret?  Is it vital to your business’ prosperity?

What would happen if your business decided to stand out by going against the flow? By saying  “we promise to LOWER prices the first week of the month, instead of raising them!” -calling out the competition at the same time . Would you be able to survive? Would you prosper? Would the competition/market allow it? Do you care?

We must always question the status quo. Always.

These are all questions you need to think about – and make decisions. Maybe you can’t or shouldn’t. Maybe you can. As long as it is, in fact, YOUR decision.