Just to be clear, Veblen goods don't actually create a status signal. They make the customer feel like they increased in status. You mentioned the financing, a

Just to be clear, Veblen goods don't actually create a status signal. They make the customer feel like they increased in status. You mentioned the financing, and yes, its why every teen and low income person has an iphone. It doesnt matter who buys it to Apple, its money to them all the same. The important part is to keep the marketing consistent. "If you buy expensive products, your status will go up". Showing that it is affordable to get an iPhone is bad for business.