Why I Love Capitalism

My intent is to start with specifics as they relate to me and my business, Designs by Eileen LLC, then go on to generalities that could apply to anyone.

I started Designs by Eileen in 2017, although it was not until 2018 that I made any sales. Capitalism gives me my best chance to make a success of my company. I have the same opportunities as any other company, although there is no guarantee that I will have the same results. I control everything about Designs by Eileen. Its success or failure is dependent only on me and my efforts.

Capitalism gives me the chance to use my creative talents to try to make a living. I do not have to sacrifice my principles or be a drone. I have opened a store on Café Press, which allows me to have my designs on more merchandise than would be economically possible for me to do on my own. Capitalism at work! Right now, the money from sales is put back into the company to use to buy materials to make more items to sell at conventions.

I probably will not see a profit in the first couple of years. I will keep track of what items are my best sellers and which are not so good. I will make more of what sells and less of what does not. It is 100% my choice – nobody tells me what I should or should not make. My success or failure is based on my own efforts, not on what the collective tells me I should do. I set my own prices. I have had no problems with people not willing to pay the price I set. In socialism, I would not have that option. I would have to charge whatever the collective told me to charge.

When it comes to a job outside of Designs by Eileen, I have the freedom to choose whatever field interests me. I used to work in accounting. But in the last year, I have found more fulfillment in working in education. If the collective needs more accountants than educational professionals, I would not have the freedom to make a career change. (I am glad there are people who find accounting a fulfilling career choice – especially when tax time rolls around!)

Moving to more general terms, it is because of capitalism that our store shelves are full. Buying day-old bread is a conscious choice, not because day-old bread is our only choice. Competition between brands keeps prices lower than they would be in a system like socialism. Prices are determined by what customers are willing to pay.

I can go on Amazon or Superhero Stuff or eBay (or any other similar sites) and buy whatever I like as long as it is offered at what is to me a reasonable price. If I am looking for something specific at a convention, I can shop around and see who has the best price and buy it from that seller. Without capitalism/free market, my choices are limited and everyone would have to charge the same price.

Looking for craft supplies? Both Hobby Lobby and Michaels offer a wide variety of choices. And within walking distance of a shopping mall in St. Paul, MN (Maplewood Mall) there is a Hobby Lobby on one side of the street and a Michaels on the other side of the street. Even more choices and practically right next door to each other! Capitalism at its finest.

Hard work is no guarantee of success, but without it you are guaranteed not to succeed.  Working hard in capitalism means you reap the rewards of your work. In socialism, working hard means handing everything over to the state and a good portion is handed over to those who do not want to work hard – or work at all – to give them what they want for free.

Capitalism gives me the freedom to do what I love and to have a wide variety of choices when it comes to how I spend the money I have earned. That is why I love capitalism.