Karon, Yes, they probably hurt themselves by continuing to make higher quality, but (very slightly) more expensive to make the initial purchase. More than once, I've had Tupperware knockoffs break the *first time I went to use them*; and at best, they last for a few uses. Also, we could throw real Tupperware in a backpack or bag, and never have to worry about it spilling. Now, I have to be careful taking it out of the fridge because I've had them pop open in my hand when all I did was pick it up.

The irony: because of Tupperware's durability, it is/was actually much, much less expensive in the long run.