Market Forces ?

[Canary42]

We often read (as here below) about "outrageous" charges, but provided it's not for essential stuff (like food, transport, accommodation, warmth etc.) then if punters are prepared to pay then why not ?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-46526716

[bhg481]

Exactly, if people are stupid enough to pay it why not fleece them?

[Old_Geezer]

Because it's immoral.

[Old_Geezer]

That said, it's weird it's free at most clubs, how do they choose from the thousands of requests ? Never even knew it was available; always assumed the kids walking out at cup matches were relatives of those involved with the clubs. Hardly mascots anyway, mascots are regimental goats aren't they ? Are those in the silly costumes also called mascots ? But the kids ? No.

[Canary42]

The ones in "silly costumes" are Team Mascots, the kids are Players' Mascots.

[woofgang]

The bloke who is moaning says its pretty unknown but my neighbours bought their grandchildren mascot days around 35 years ago and it was a known thing then. Can't remember which team. I can't remember the price but can remember being gobsmacked by it.

[Ellipsis]

This sums up the issue that people have with this:

> Martyn James, of consumer website Resolver, said: "It's absolutely outrageous that some richer kids can effectively buy their way to the top of the mascot list.
> When I was younger, being a mascot was a reward for super loyalty or for having been through a great deal.
> Charging any money for these packages is unacceptable - and it's pretty unknown too.
> It makes a mockery of all the things that our national game is supposed to represent."

[Old_Geezer]

I suspect it's long since left representing anything other than maximising financial profits.