Are you surprised that Americans, after the battering of 2008 and 09, are insisting on deep discounts before they’ll purchase anything from organic coffee, donuts, homes or cars?  Folks won’t cross the food court for less than 30% off…

The Chicago-based coupon company, Groupon sends out daily e-mails to people offering big discounts on teeth-whitening, or pizza, or jeans from a specific vendor—but only if a certain number of your peers commit to buying at the low price.

Andrew Mason, founder and CEO of Groupon, says,

The demographic we attract is one businesses want to reach—21 to 35 years old, 70 percent female, making good money

According to an article in Slate,

If everybody low-balls and steadfastly refuses to pay existing prices as part of an effort to improve their financial standing, then everybody will suffer.

Low-balling is most dangerous when it comes to wages. For the past couple of years, employers—even those making solid profits—have been scrimping on wages and benefits. Now they express mystification as to why sales aren’t growing. If you low-ball your own workers, they’ll spend less, or shift to cheaper goods, or start low-balling their service providers.

It’s another example of  killing the golden goose…low-ball today and be low-balled tomorrow.