h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

"Hopefully he gains more money than he paid out originally. Otherwise what's the point?" - this entry

There are lots of times it makes sense to sell something for less money than you paid. In the apple case it might be they are on their way to getting mushy, at which point he won't be able to give them away. Or he could be expecting a new load of apples and needs somewhere to put them. (Although in that case it might make sense to throw them all away, so as to not get stuck with the new apples after satisfying his customers apple needs.) Or maybe he believes if he sells cheap apples now, he will gain customers who will come back when he starts selling expensive potatoes next week.
Then again, this entry is about double entry book-keeping and I'm just being a pedant.

With a discussion title like "Wrong, wrong, wrong", you had me worried for a moment there.

Of course, you are entirely correct that there are several reasons why selling at a loss might be desirable, although I seem to remember that some of those reasons are illegal.

And of course, you are entirely correct that you are a pedant!