The Problem With a 5-Star Review

Called “reputation inflation,” too many 5-star ratings for a good or a service or a restaurant become increasingly meaningless.

Why Starbucks Is Like Fortnite

Whether looking a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks or a LeBron James skin from Fortnite, we would see the impact of limited editions.

What Economists Say On Valentine’s Day

About so much more than money, economics can come in handy on Valentine’s Day. Let’s take a look. An Economic Valentine Economic Laws On Valentine’s Day, economic laws are broken. A production possibilities frontier is supposed to illustrate the maximum…

Why We Want the McRib…Again

More than a chef, an economist could explain to you why the return of McDonald’s McRib has been somewhat brief.

Why We Want the McRib

Much more than if the McDonald’s McRib were always available, its demand soars because of limited availability each year.

The Surprising Reason That We Love Our Pumpkin Spice Lattes

An economist can explain the surprising reason that we eagerly anticipate the yearly launch of Pumpkin Spice Latte from Dunkin’ and Starbucks.

The Secret Reason We Want Our Thin Mints

Totally ignoring their taste, an economist would have a surprising reason that explains why we love our Girl Scout Cookies.

Why We Want a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte

The reason that we cannot resist limited edition drinks like a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte is diminishing marginal utility.

Why a Starbucks Christmas Tree Frappuccino Has a Brief Life

The Christmas Tree Frappuccino had a short life. It was here Thursday and gone Monday. But Starbucks had a good reason. Frappuccino History The Christmas Tree Frappuccino was the latest in a limited edition frappuccino line-up. Starbucks tells us that…

Managing the McRib

Knowing that McRib supply is not predictable, the fans of the pork, barbecue sauce, onions and pickle sandwich are delighted whenever it resurfaces.