Yes, zero sum means a gain for one is a loss for another. But you’re not gaining or losing when you buy something. The seller isn’t gaining or losing either. You’re both trading like for like.
Again, zero sum does not imply like for like trades are impossible.
You are arguing purely on price but not considering other factors. To the person who bought the beer, the deemed value is probably more than they paid for it, and to the seller the beer was a liability due to having a limited shelf life and occupying shelf space. Thus there was a gain for both parties.
The basis of the capitalist system is that price is set based off of worth to the sellers and buyers. Yes, I am arguing purely on price, because the price takes into account many different factors like the liability of holding stock and the utility of drinking with friends.
>>> The basis of the capitalist system is that price is set based off of worth to the sellers and buyers. Yes, I am arguing purely on price, because the price takes into account many different factors like the liability of holding stock and the utility of drinking with friends.
Pricing isn’t perfect. It is typically the same for all. If I hadn’t been drinking water for a whole day, I would probably buy it anywhere I could and pay whatever the price. If I really need a medicine to live, I would probably pay whatever the price as long as I can afford it. And there are more examples of this
So, if something prices at 5 dollars, it can be worth more than 5 dollars to the seller and / or the buyer
Again, zero sum does not imply like for like trades are impossible.