The best business model in the world: Combine with government to force people to buy your product or service.
I knew an insurance agent who came up with an idea of a metal clip to help prevent plywood from flying off of roofs during a strong wind. Then he went to the legislature to convince them to make the clips part of building code. That is genius.
Seat belts are another example of a great invention that has been mandated by government.
Helmuts for riding bicycles and motorcycles are another example.
Car seats for infants are another example
Vaccines are another example.
The list could go on and on.
As a business model, it just never occurred to me. I have always been more of a free market thinker. I believe people should buy something because they want it. Having people buy something because the government requires it just never occurred to me.
I admit it is genius. Does it minimize harm? That is the question government should be asking. Perhaps they do. It could be argued that the clips minimize harm to a house. Seat belts minimize harm to occupants of a car. Helmuts minimize harm to riders. Car seats minimize harm to small children. Vaccines minimize harm if they prevent disease and do not cause disease.
The last one is a little trickier. H.R.5546 The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 was created to “establish in the Department of Health and Human Services a National Vaccine Program to: (1) direct vaccine research and development within the Federal Government; (2) ensure the production and procurement of safe and effective vaccines; (3) direct the distribution and use of vaccines; and (4) coordinate governmental and nongovernmental activities. Requires the Director of the Program to report to specified congressional committees.”
The Act also “Establishes the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program as an alternative remedy to judicial action for specified vaccine-related injuries.” In addition, the Act “Provides that no vaccine manufacturer shall be liable in a civil action for damages arising from a vaccine-related injury or death: (1) resulting from unavoidable side effects; or (2) solely due to the manufacturer's failure to provide direct warnings. Provides that a manufacturer may be held liable where: (1) such manufacturer engaged in the fraudulent or intentional withholding of information; or (2) such manufacturer failed to exercise due care. Permits punitive damages in such civil actions under certain circumstances.” Bold face is my edit.
Removing any potential liability for your products or services is another level of genius. The potential harm from the vaccine is determined by the same people who create the vaccine. Once again, it is a genius business idea, but is it in the best interest of the public?