Fighting For the Pole
Business, ProtectionismIn the era of franchised unisex stylers like Supercuts and Great Clips it’s hard to imagine that barbers and cosmetologists are fighting over who can have a barber pole advertising their shops. The latest legislative fights over the swirling red, white, and blue poles are in the states of Minnesota, Michigan and North Carolina.
“The barber pole is the oldest sign in town besides the cross. It should not be displayed where there is not a licensed barber,” long time Arkansas barber Charles Kirkpatrick, told the Associated Press. Kirkpatrick keeps tabs on such legislation for the National Association of Barber Boards of America.
Notice Kirkpatrick said “licensed” barber. The implication is that the licensing signals to the customer that a certain level of quality can be assured by the government’s stamp of approval. Yet according to Morris Kleiner, “Occupational licensing has either no impact or even a negative impact on the quality of services provided to customers by members of the regulated occupation. Additionally, as occupations become licensed, members of regulated occupations see their earnings go up.”
…
Fighting For the Pole Read Post »
In the days following the gift-giving holidays, many millions of people stand in judgement over the quality of the gifts they gave and the gifts they receive. Did they arrive on time? Did the quality hold up? Did the reality match the advertising hype? The Internet ads an extra wrinkle. Anyone dissatisfied can post blistering attacks on any merchant and the product in questions. Anyone can vote up or vote down.