The story is often told that Tom Monaghan, the Founder of Domino’s Pizza, once quipped, “We don’t sell pizza. We sell delivery. We offer time to families who are looking for it.”
To be fair, I can find only anecdotal evidence supporting that assertion. However, given the fact that Domino’s Pizza famously worked to shave seconds off its delivery times, the spirit of the quote probably rings true.
Domino’s Pizza, founded in 1960, became perfectly poised to sell a product to the American consumer they were willing to buy: convenience. With the sudden increase of dual-income families, people became more and more willing to pay for the easy dinner solution of a 30-minute pizza delivery. Indeed, within the first 15 years of franchising, the Domino’s Pizza chain had opened over 200 stores nationwide.
Of course, as the speed of our lives has continued to increase, so has the appeal of convenience.
Today, we can purchase household goods from any room in our home with the press of a button, receive shopping deliveries within 30 minutes, and pay for goods with just a tap on our watch.
From food and coffee to auto-care and healthcare, convenience is becoming increasingly, well, convenient. Convenience is no longer merely appreciated among the average consumer, it is demanded in almost every corner of our economy.
But at what expense have we pursued convenience? Consider some of these hidden costs:
Money. At the grocery store, the drive-thru, or the coffee counter, we pay a premium for convenience. In some cases, it costs just a little, but in other cases, convenience can be quite expensive. But convenience costs us in more places than the pocketbook.
Health. Not always, but often times, the purchase of convenience negatively impacts our health. Prepackaged foods are among the fastest-growing segments in grocery sales, with sales growing more than 60 percent in the past year. Unfortunately, many of these meals contain preservatives and contain as much as 57 percent of the recommended daily allowance for salt.
Quality. There are times, of course, when purchases made out of convenience result in a higher quality good or service. But this is not always the case. Starbuck’s coffee may be as good an example as any. Even among those who frequent Starbuck’s regularly, very few would argue they could not make better coffee at home. But what Starbuck’s does offer is convenience (and social status, but that’s for another conversation).
The Environment. From home electronics and kitchen appliances to pre-packaged foods and single-serve coffee pods, our quest for convenience has resulted in increased energy use in packaging and transportation and preparation. It has also resulted in increased waste at an almost alarming rate.
Intentionality. Many times, our mindless pursuit and consumption of all-things convenient robs us of opportunities for mindfulness and intentionality. For example, when I used to load the dishwasher merely out of convenience sake, I missed the opportunity for mindfulness in doing the dishes.
Perseverance. Often times, the greatest lessons we learn in life are born from inconvenience (or pain and suffering). In fact, numerous scientific studies have proven the same thing. But among a society where convenience and comfort are pursued above everything else, the opportunity to develop perseverance becomes less and less frequent.
Overconsumption. One of the reasons for the high levels of consumption in our society today is that goods have become increasingly cheaper to produce and purchase. But another reason for the high level of consumerism in our world is the ease of availability for these same items. When shopping becomes convenient, so does consumption. And with strip malls, convenience stores, and fast food restaurants on the corner of every major thoroughfare (not to mention, the availability of online shopping), we are constantly presented with convenient opportunities to buy more than we need.
I should be very clear on this: There are times when convenience is absolutely worth the price. One might even argue our entire system based on the division of labor was born out of convenience—it is easier for me to pay somebody to grow the food and sew the clothing and build the shelter than for me to do it all by myself.
However, if your lifestyle is being compromised in any of the areas above (i.e. finances, health, intentionality, or overconsumption), you might want to reevaluate what purchases you are making purely for the sake of convenience. Because maybe the cost has become too great.
Taylr says
This put a lot of things in to perspective for me, thanks for sharing!
Ziko Rajabali says
>> “But what Starbuck’s does offer is convenience (and social status, but that’s for another conversation).”
I postulate instead that they offer the perception of social status.
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Thank you for the continued inspiration.
Shari says
I love Starbucks coffee and having coffee with people. People are more likely to meet at a Starbucks for coffee than meet at my house for coffee. Starbucks offers much more than convenience. It offers a meeting place where everyone can meet, order what they want, and leave when they are ready, and no one gets stuck doing the dishes! Also, the taste of the coffee at Starbucks is MUCH better than what I make at my house.
Judy says
Not a fan. I find it way too strong.
Actually the flavored one I brew at home tastes much better (to me)—it comes in hazelnut, vanilla and mocha. A bonus…the cost for a whole pound which makes many pots of coffee…costs as much as one drink from Starbucks.
swedesand says
I have a little Black and Decker Brew ‘n Go that does not take pods. I have been using Costo fine roast decaff and it as good as the coffee shop. Really. And I LOVE good coffee.
Adrienne says
I brew my own coffee at home using Starbucks coffee. When I meet people for coffee at Starbucks, I take my own coffee. I do buy A fancy drink I can’t make at home time to time. The sugar in that fancy drinks is dangerous to my health and I refrain from drinking a lot of the fancy drinks.
Jordan says
Great article! These are thoughts I have often, but have never been able to put them into words like you have. I was sure to share this post to my friends and family on Facebook!
Thanks for posting!
Nate says
I was surprised at what stood out to me in this article. Usually I think of convenience as one way to simplify – why do something myself if someone else can do it for me?
But I recently have taken up artisan bread baking. It takes a lot more time than buying bread but since I began baking, I enjoy the feel of the dough, the smell of the bread in the iron-cast dutch oven, and the taste is like no bread I’ve ever eaten.
Someone else might eat my bread and say, “yeah, it’s ok”. But because of what I have invested in each batch, it becomes amazing to me. I’m going to add mindfulness to my minimalism mindset.
Annie says
I bet your bread is fabulous! As someone who was lucky enough to have a mom who made her own bread I’ll take someones’ “okay” homemade bread over factory made bread every time! Full disclosure, she does use a bread machine now because she’s at an age where arthritis makes hand kneading difficult. Still, the recipes are always from scratch and so tasty. I was gifted a loaf of whole wheat bread with ricotta and walnuts for Christmas, it didn’t make it to the New Year!
Kris says
One word, kuerig. Strongly dislike.
Marissa says
I use mine for instant hot water in my teacup w loose leaf zero waste tea. Screw the plastic coffee kcups!
Judy says
I agree with you Joshua. We’ve all heard the saying, “time is money”…but convenience often comes at a high price…on so many levels.
Lori Alexander says
I just wrote a post that is similar to your post but that “fast food” has taken away hospitality and having others in our homes for nutritious food and conversation. The coziness of home is missing in many people’s lives today.
http://lorialexander.blogspot.com/2016/01/the-coziness-of-home.html
Nate says
Good point. These are all symptoms of our speed- and money-obsessed society. We drive home from work right into our garages and stay in our heated and air-conditioned homes; we never have to go outside and meet our neighbors.
There is nothing like a good evening with friends and food in the comfort of someone’s home.
Christina @ Martha, Martha says
So True! Our family is taking on a 100 Days of No Eating Out Challenge and we are really noticing some amazing things–like spending time together at home! http://www.marthamarthablog.com/100-days-of-no-eating-out-challenge/
Kim Thompsen says
It’s funny that you talk about losing the mindfulness of doing dishes by hand because of a dishwasher. Just this morning, I realized that often times, washing by hand is much quicker and easier than waiting for the dishwasher. My husband and I live in a one bedroom apartment and our dishwasher is soooo loud. Perhaps I should handwash more often and do it mindfully.
Shari says
I read that it saves water to use the dishwasher so in drought struck California, that is what we do.
Jacquelyn Hackett says
Years ago I quit using the dishwasher to see if I saved water. I did not. Someone else may but I would not automatically assume hand washing saves on you bill.
Susan Klinger says
Great article. My husband and I still believe in preparing meals from whole foods as much as possible. Prepackaged fare may be convenient, but just can’t compare in taste. When I am feeling weak (read: lazy!), one glance at the ingredients list of prepackaged food cures me instantly. But since I cook a lot, I am keeping my dishwasher! :-)
Fern says
Yes. The dishwasher stays in my house too. And so does my husband, who often loads it!
PATRICIA ENDRIUKAITIS says
True that!
Bill says
Very cogent. A previous boss of mine used to say “laziness wins out,” and it’s all too true, especially, ironically, when we’re constantly in a rush. But convenient doesn’t have to mean harmful! One of the most convenient inventions I’ve ever encountered allows me to prepare delicious and nutritious foods for my family with just a few minutes of work– the slow cooker.
It takes at most 20 minutes to wash and chop loads of fresh vegetables and throw them in with some pre-soaked beans or grains (with a couple of meaty bones for flavor and texture, if you’re so inclined) before starting work, and we have a hearty, healthy meal to warm is during winter.
Yes, it takes a bit more time in the supermarket to select and bag your own vegetables and look for budget cuts of meat than it does to just buy frozen meals, but even frozen vegetables will work and help keep you healthy at that. The slow cooker sees more use than any other article in my kitchen because it is so convenient.
CHRISTIAN says
Convenience packaging is usually what motivates me to walk away from a purchase. It’s 99 cents for 64 oz of soda or 1.89 for 20 oz. Or .99 for a 20 oz. water I can buy a case of (24) for $5.
I am reluctant to compromise intelligent budget choices for the sake of momentary convenience as it invariably leads to regret.
Peggy Behnke says
I love my dishwasher….did not have one the first 5 years of my adult life…won’t give it up….Busy mom’s have better things to do with their families than wash dishes, and the dishes are probably more sanitary,..(How many people used cloth diapers. That took time, but saved money, and I folded while listening to the radio…I listened to Christian radio while doing house work…I learned lessons that help me raise up great kids. Also, I love ordering necessities on line because it saves me from driving around searching for things, from one store to another…I know someone makes the delivery, but they use the best logistics. That means less cars and accidents on the roads. Also provides jobs.
Peggy Behnke says
I love my dishwasher….did not have one the first 5 years of my adult life…won’t give it up….Busy mom’s have better things to do with their families than wash dishes, and the dishes are probably more sanitary,..(How many people used cloth diapers. That took time, but saved money, and I folded while listening to the radio…I listened to Christian radio while doing house work…I learned lessons that help me raise up great kids.