There are three main basics in economies of the past, let’s say 70 years ago (these are estimates scrawled on the back of an envelope).

1. Commodity (3%)
2. Goods (17%)
3. Services (80%)

Now there is a fourth.

4. Experience

Here’s how it plays out with Starbucks (again estimated on the back of an envelope).

1. Commodity - bean (pennies)
2. Goods - coffee ($.05 - $.20)
3. Services - paying employees ($.50 - $1.00)
4. Experience - sitting and reading, listening to music, comfy chair ($2.00 - $5.00)

Something to ponder the next time you sit down to the Venti double non-fat-soy-latte. Also are people buying art because they want to talk to the artist? This is what Damien Hirst is banking on.

Check out the book Experience Economy, or wikipedia