Is it really surprising to learn you can manipulate how people perceive you by doing such silly things as wearing an expensive suit and/or watch, driving an exp

Is it really surprising to learn you can manipulate how people perceive you by doing such silly things as wearing an expensive suit and/or watch, driving an expensive car, taking them to an expensive restaurant, etc? How is any of this new information? It's so well-known we've even got a silly name for the "power suit".