Typically the donation arrangement has dropped to about 50% of what it once was when contributions for literature was mandatory. Are they losing money? Doubtful. As you will note the literature available has substantially been reduced to just a few publications now-as opposed to several books years ago. The door to door work now primarily consists magazines and brochures with an occasional knowledge book (paperback) for those who want to study. The cost of these publications is very low. Figure the magazines and brochures to run about 4-5 cents with the knowledge book under 50 cents. When you compare this to the way it used to be offering several hard bound books and several campaigns each year, it basically means they have downsized to such an extent they are still making a good profit margin.
A congregation of 50 publishers typically will send around $400-$500 now days for the WWW. How much is profit? Figure 300 magazines @ 5 cents each, WT investment is $15. If they move 50 brochures @ 5 cents, WT investment is $2.50. Then bring in about 30 knowledge books at 50 cents each, $15. Throw in an additional $20 for miscellaneous stuff and what is the total WT investment?
$52.50 and the congregation is sending in $400-$500 a month? How would you like to have a publishing company with that type of profit margin? So while WT moans the blues about the shortage of funds for subscriptions they are making 300-400% markup on the literature they move. It is interesting to note that in order for WT to save the 15-20 cents in bulk postage for subscriptions they move the cost to the publishers to deliver the magazines instead. How much do you think it will cost the typical publisher to put gas in their car and drive to the homes of each person to make delivery? WT economics just loaded more money out of the publisher’s pocket book to save a few cents for WT. Isn’t theocracy wonderful?
What do you think the next "new light" for the flock will be?
1. The congregation will all have to makes copies of the KM's?
2. Copies of the magazines with one copy provided for each congregation?
3. Pay per view public talks?
4. Coin operated bathroom stalls?
5. Charge per hour for elder consultation?
6. Fines for Public Reproof that get more expensive if you are DF?
All in the name of theocratic order and a way to bust a buck from the poor suckers who finance their stupidity.
