well to the ordinary public, it makes no sense at all, but to the seasoned business person, it makes absolute perfect sense (not that im a seasoned business person).
on top of the % off sale prices that get people to think they're getting a good deal (Macy's does this all the time, I worked there so i know. lol) theres 2 other big points. so...
1) big % off sale fools purchasers, without seller actually taking a big hit, if one at all
2) fear of prices climbing yet higher, many consumers will bite the bullet and purchase now to avoid the later higher price. so you
buy, you buy now, and you pay more than you would have a short time ago.
3) everyone doesnt have the same price threshold, so there are still people who will buy up to a certain price point. the strategy is that the higher price point will offset fewer sales. and when high-price/low-sales revenue exceeds the would be low-price/high-sales revenue, then anything beyond that point is all profit. (in some cases this actually happens, but its very unpredictable. in most cases you do this to lessen the hit you wouldve taken with unsold inventory...you can always drop the price later)
and that concludes todays business class. be sure to read chapter 12 and prepare for next weeks quiz. lol (just kidding on the quiz. i know some people's heart just stopped. lol)