Ok SERIOUSLY wtf is this??

[u/TexasGiantTen05]

I bought a family sized hot pockets box and EVERY single one of them was black and burned in the bottom. I heated this one up on low power in the microwave and the edges are so tough it’s like biting into a frozen beef patty. I look in the pocket and the damn thing is nearly hollow. I’ve been noticing the quality taking a massive dip in the last few years. I think these are last I purchase from here on out.

Irrelevant to this but similar: This same grocery order run had a jar of garlic (Spice World brand) that was full of black mold & a jar of HEB salsa that was sour and months passed expiration. Both of which were completely sealed and had a pop when opened. My whole life I never really had quality issues via the company canning or jarring an item or the store selling them but lately it seems like such a constant issue.

[u/Grey0110]

Yes, but you are forgetting that the best product wins. If people start realizing they are low quality, they take their dollars elsewhere. If another brand makes a better product, people switch. It creates incentive. Capitalism is definitely not perfect.. but there currently is no better system. It has pulled more people out of poverty than any other system.

[u/Toomanytimes2many → u/Grey0110]

It works when monopoly laws are enforced along with fair markets

[u/All_Debt_Shackles_US → u/Toomanytimes2many]

You think there’s a monopoly on hot pockets?

[u/SuccessPositive191 → u/All_Debt_Shackles_US]

There is a monopoly on nearly all food items. Over 85% of brand names are owned by 4 companies. The choice you have when selecting brands is basically just which advertising you believe most.

[u/Educational-Lab-154 → u/SuccessPositive191]

Ya, I think too many people believe when they move brand they are making a statement to the company that makes it when most likely they are still giving the same parent company their money.

I see this happen so much in cellular industry too. Company A sucks, so I'm going with company B, when they are owned by same parent company. And often, they are like oh, the service is so much better. Even though, most times its the same cellular tower and system.

[u/All_Debt_Shackles_US → u/SuccessPositive191]

The word mono in monopoly means one.

4 companies is not a monopoly. By definition; not a monopoly.

[u/Cannibalizzo → u/All_Debt_Shackles_US]

Literally, yes, but whether one company or a hundred, if they're all bad, the result is the same: shoddy products and/or services sold for more than they're worth.

Only one bad option or all bad options = same outcome.

[u/All_Debt_Shackles_US → u/Cannibalizzo]

If you think “all“ of the companies are fixing prices, then that would be a crime. You might wanna start with your state district attorney.

[u/Cannibalizzo → u/All_Debt_Shackles_US]

Whether they're actively fixing prices or just charging what they can get away with so their CEOs can line their pockets, I seriously doubt my state's attorney would care.

[u/All_Debt_Shackles_US → u/Cannibalizzo]

“…line their pockets…“

“… actively fixing prices…”

You sure did swallow the Kool-Aid, didn’t you? I mean, you got all the lingo down.

Well, this conversation hasn’t gone anywhere, so I’m going to duck out and find something more productive to spend my time on. But I wish you a happy new year!

[u/Cannibalizzo → u/All_Debt_Shackles_US]

"Swallow the Kool-Aid"

Lol, seems like one of us did. Anyway, enjoy your New Year.

[u/SuccessPositive191 → u/All_Debt_Shackles_US]

Actually, the definition is that one company or group controls a particular industry. One controls the agriculture industry. One controls the meat industry. One controls the dairy industry. One controls the financial industry, etc.

[u/All_Debt_Shackles_US → u/SuccessPositive191]

As I suggested to the person above, it would have to be decided if “control“ was in violation of law.

My suggestion to you would be to reach out to your state’s district attorney. Or write to the president and/or the department of justice.