I freelance, so I consider 30 min travel vs $50 saving differently, depending on how much work I have, when it ought to be done by, and what I'm billing at. If I were billing at less than $100/hr, and had enough slack, I'd of course make the trip. But if I were behind schedule on a $75/hr job, I'd probably pay the extra $50.
But damn, people working 15 hours per day at minimum wage might also pay the $50, if they can't readily get time off work.
It's not just about the $50 vs. time spent. If after the calculation you decided it was worth $50 to spend that extra 30 minute drive, it shouldn't matter if you're saving $50 on a $100 item or you are saving $50 on a $1000 item.
Agreed. Except to the extent that people who buy $1000 tablets care less about saving $50 than people who buy $100 tablets. And their time is more valuable as well. Unless they don't need to work, and enjoy driving.
But damn, people working 15 hours per day at minimum wage might also pay the $50, if they can't readily get time off work.