Could they possibly be worth paying that much?

It’s a good question, because that’s precisely what I did yesterday when I picked up a jar of Mean Beans, produced by a New York company called Rick’s Picks.

I had seen this particular item on the shelf several times before I bought it. Each time, I picked it up and admired both the packaging and the concept before thinking “man, I bet those are good…but I can’t justify paying eight bucks for green beans.”

So Rick’s didn’t make the sale right away, but they did manage to do two things: they made me remember their product and they made me immensely curious about it. I fought long and hard but deep down I knew that at some point I would have to take the plunge.

Rick’s scored this gold by absolutely nailing two critical aspects of putting a product or service on the market: their concept and their on-the-ground execution of it.

It starts with the packaging. Next time you’re at the grocery store, take a look at the pickle section. The labels are awash in dirty blues and greens, muddled typography, and generally blase´ design. Rick’s label, even at a glance, immediately says both “handmade” and “attention to detail” — exactly the qualities I need if I’m going to spend that much.

Upon further examination, the label includes a nice little story about the origins of the recipe, a list of ingredients (all stuff you’ve heard of), and the words “made in season with vegetables from local farmers.” It makes me feel pretty confident that I’m getting a quality product, while at the same time supporting a worthwhile endeavor.

When I got home and checked out the website I found more of the same: clean and inviting design, an interesting and informative origins story, and what appears to be an easy-to-use online ordering system (although the jars there are even more expensive than in the store).

Oh, and the green beans themselves? Fantastic.

Add it all up and I’m not only OK with paying $8, I kind of want to pay $8.

This is what we’re after.