How to tell how much someone makes based on their appearance?

[Ron]

Without talking to someone, is it possible to determine (with fairly high accuracy), whether they make more or less than $200,000/year?

Since location makes a big difference, I would like to answer for a neutral one, such as on the street, near the big office buildings, in downtown Toronto.

The following has crossed my mind:
Look at their watch - this is a decent strategy, although it fails when someone is wearing fake, or no watch at all, or wearing something cheap to not attract attention.
Their suit (assuming this is a man) – this one fails when dealing with someone who wears an expensive suit not because they can easily afford it, but because it’s a job requirement. It also fails when dealing with someone in a field where suits are disliked, like IT.


Your turn.

[john widow]

Yes, appearance can tell how much someone makes.
But those people care about their appearance.
There could be rich fat slobs who are rich.

[deep]

Yes, my brother in law is balding and makes $225K per year, while I have a full head of hair and make a mere $190K. Clear differentiator.

This thread is going nowhere. Do you honestly think some making $200K per year wears a nicer watch than someone who makes $150K? Some things are more about priorities than cash.

There could be rich fat slobs who are rich.

As always John, you've managed to spell out that which we feel to be true but are never able to express.

[Wulf]

When it comes to guys it can be better to look at the way their wife or girlfriend is dressed and what she looks like. If looks or age are disproportionate then the guys probably doing OK

[HighFlyer]

No. I know of an MD that drives an Echo.

[Sajjad]

What if the person was a trillionaire and dressed like a thousandairre.

[Shojin]

I second what Ron says.

Mostly though it's hard to tell, depends on people's personal lifestyles. On the top floor of my building downtown it's very obvious the guys there are rolling in it - expensive suits & watches, always on the go financial types.

It's much harder to tell when they aren't rolling in it though - I have a friend who pulls in well over $200K/yr but looking at him on the street, you'll NEVER have guessed. He dresses like a poor college student - that's just the way he chooses not to spend his money.

[deep]

It's much harder to tell when they aren't rolling in it though - I have a friend who pulls in well over $200K/yr but looking at him on the street, you'll NEVER have guessed. He dresses like a poor college student - that's just the way he chooses not to spend his money.

Over $200K/yr sounds like "rolling in it" to me....you seem to be contradicting yourself here.

[CodecX81]

There's a pharmacy in my neighbourhood, the pharmasist is a rough looking old man, When I see him in the street in regular clothes, he just dresses normally, but it kinda makes him look like a low-life. No offense to him, he just looks like a bum that would preach outside of Union stn.

But he's a pharmasist, so I know he makes a tonne.

[Shojin]

Over $200K/yr sounds like "rolling in it" to me....you seem to be contradicting yourself here.

Not really... my point was that this guy is rolling in it, but looking at him you couldn't tell.

A passerby would look at him and say "He ain't rolling in it!" but that would be wrong... hence it's hard to tell just by looking. I guess I could have said "it's hard to tell when they ARE rolling in it" and it would be equally applicable.

Point is you can't assume anything about a person's income based on their appearance alone.

[Nyte]

My experience has been that there are a lot of people who make a lot of money, but dress very poorly, or just average. On the other hand, there are also some people who are quite poor, but dress like that make quite a bit.

So can you tell just by looking at them (with good accuracy)? I would say no. If you were to talk to them though, it might be a different story.

[moebius]

There are a few ways to tell. Nothing is prefect and there are rich people who do not dress/behave like rich people. I am always reminded that I read somewhere that experienced bouncers never ask for id or very rarely and they know immediately when someone is underage. You would imagine that they look at the face etc, but they actually determine this by looking in the eyes. They say that the eyes betray an underage person even if they look older. It's not without some thought that eyes are called window to the soul. Do you not feel when someone is looking in your eyes that they are entering your space, do you not feel uncomfortable. So I think there's some truth in this.

There is a certain thing about people that make lots. While obviously they can dress like college kids most of them don't. And it's not only about expensive clothes. It's about the feeling they give you like they own the place, the sense that they are very important (at least to themselves). There are bunch of newly minted rich people who may be deceiving. Now when was the last time you saw some of these people walking on the street or shopping or in a coffiee shop? That's right - most of them do not migle with the rest of us slaves.

Also, WTF are people who earn more than 100k doing on this forum?

[BobW]

If you could tell who has money from who doesn't, the whole luxury retail industry will beat a path to your door.


Seriously, a lot of the luxury retail stores have studied the question thoroughly so that they can focus on who will/can buy vs the tirekickers. In the end, they concluded that the "old" standards (suits, car, etc) no longer applied. In the days of limited wealth, people that grew up rich fell into easily classifiable traits. With all the nouveau rich, who show up in torn jeans and unshaven, they had to give up. The general feeling was to treat everyone like they could afford to buy rather than turning away a person that had the money.

[phd1969]

What a stupid question. I work in the software industry surrounded by millionaires and no, they look nothing like your typical millionaire. When I went to go interview for my job my boss was wearing a faded black tshirt and cargos but just a few years ago he sold his company for 20 million to Sun in mostly Sun shares which subsequently raise 500% in value during the dot com boom.

It probably depends what industry you're in, in the banking industry the millionaires would most likely be wearing expensive suits and watches. But then you have the 'wannabes' who live way beyond their means and buy expensive stuff to look like a baller when in fact they are living with a mountain of debt.

Or how about the guy that owns Ikea, one of the top 10 riches man in the world and still drives an old beat up Volvo.

So basically, it's impossible.

[nano]

you cant judge someone's income by their apperance. my friends boss is worth about 20 mill. he owns a lot of property in downtown toronto. the guy looks like a hippy and drives a beat up buick.

[sparkplug]

In the blue collar industry, you can't tell who is and who isn't a millionaire based on their appearance. Yet, many of these people have a lot of self-made wealth. I'm not talking about the guy on the GM assembly line making $30/hr, but the $80/hr plumber who has four other guys working for his small business that grosses $400k/year.

The book The Millionaire Next Door reveals what a typical millionaire (someone with $1 million net worth, excluding primary residence) looks like, age, gender and how that person lives his/her daily life.

As it turns out, quite often a plumber making $100k/year puts away more money than a $100k/yr lawyer or even a $150k/yr lawyer.

Wealth isn't necessarily how much money you earn, but also how much of it you can save at the end of the day.

[Hymac]

You could have some guy making 20k a year, but who racks up a 20k debt on their credit card and looks great. Conversely, someone could be loaded but wears levis and a t-shirt. There are a lot of people that fit either group, in which case appearance means jack...

[fly]

Also, WTF are people who earn more than 100k doing on this forum?

Simply,
Savings = Income - Expenses

As important as it is to make more money, it's also how much money you manage to save...

[Mr.Universe]

Also, WTF are people who earn more than 100k doing on this forum?

Seriously :)

[Spiderpal93]

Without talking to someone, is it possible to determine (with fairly high accuracy), whether they make more or less than $200,000/year?

Since location makes a big difference, I would like to answer for a neutral one, such as on the street, near the big office buildings, in downtown Toronto.

The following has crossed my mind:
Look at their watch - this is a decent strategy, although it fails when someone is wearing fake, or no watch at all, or wearing something cheap to not attract attention.
Their suit (assuming this is a man) – this one fails when dealing with someone who wears an expensive suit not because they can easily afford it, but because it’s a job requirement. It also fails when dealing with someone in a field where suits are disliked, like IT.


Your turn.

Easy, without even looking at their appearance you can safely assume that most are making less than $200, 000/year near one of those big office buildings. The chances you will meet someone who is making > 200k/year is much lower than someone who is making < 200k/year!

It works and I can assure that you will get a fairly high accuracy rate! :cheesygri

[Audiogenic]

Bill Gates always looks like he has had a $10 dollar hair cut and often wears a walmart/target shirt that doesn't look like it's over $25. Not everyone who is rich wants attention. Often times, it's the other way around. The most important accessory a man wears is in fact his watch and can tell alot about them yes.

[sparkplug]

Also, WTF are people who earn more than 100k doing on this forum?

Giving tips to you guys to get up to that level yourselves. We could leave if you wish.

[danfromwaterloo]

Look at Bill Gates, and tell me that, if you didn't know him, you'd think he was making several million a year?

I think not. He looks like your typical computer geek. I'd have pegged him at maybe 100K a year.

[Tiberius]

There is no link.

People who are middle class at best will spend tons of money and tons of time getting all dolled up and you would "think" they are wealthy - when they are really deep in credit card debt because they choose to live beyond their means.

Meanwhile, people who are truly "rich" often live frugal lives and don't splurge - so they would appear... normal...

I remember hearing from friends who worked at Rogers in downtown Toronto about how shabby Ted Rogers would look whenever they'd see him. If you took the suit off of him, he could pass for a borderline bum/street person (or so I was told... )

Looks are never an accurate way to judge people - or their wealth. You may get it right some of the time, but you'll get it wrong a lot of the time.

[grant]

Look at their watch - this is a decent strategy, although it fails when someone is wearing fake, or no watch at all, or wearing something cheap to not attract attention.

No way. I know 3 people with ridiculously expensive watches ($10,000) and they make under $70,000.

[CHINAdeals]

Giving tips to you guys to get up to that level yourselves. We could leave if you wish.

ahhaaa..

aren't we 'pious'...mabbe you should leave..lol jk

i'm sure no MATTEr how much money you make, for some ppl, finding a deal is just as exciting as finding a deal

man..when i get a f/t job and work the 9-5..if i see something unexpedectly on sale/discount/clearance and its something i was gonna buy neways..i'll stil have a smile on my face.. :cheesygri

[CheapScotsman]

In the blue collar industry, you can't tell who is and who isn't a millionaire based on their appearance. Yet, many of these people have a lot of self-made wealth. I'm not talking about the guy on the GM assembly line making $30/hr, but the $80/hr plumber who has four other guys working for his small business that grosses $400k/year.

The book The Millionaire Next Door reveals what a typical millionaire (someone with $1 million net worth, excluding primary residence) looks like, age, gender and how that person lives his/her daily life.

As it turns out, quite often a plumber making $100k/year puts away more money than a $100k/yr lawyer or even a $150k/yr lawyer.

Wealth isn't necessarily how much money you earn, but also how much of it you can save at the end of the day. I just have to read this book again

[divx]

There are a few ways to tell. Nothing is prefect and there are rich people who do not dress/behave like rich people. I am always reminded that I read somewhere that experienced bouncers never ask for id or very rarely and they know immediately when someone is underage. You would imagine that they look at the face etc, but they actually determine this by looking in the eyes. They say that the eyes betray an underage person even if they look older. It's not without some thought that eyes are called window to the soul. Do you not feel when someone is looking in your eyes that they are entering your space, do you not feel uncomfortable. So I think there's some truth in this.

There is a certain thing about people that make lots. While obviously they can dress like college kids most of them don't. And it's not only about expensive clothes. It's about the feeling they give you like they own the place, the sense that they are very important (at least to themselves). There are bunch of newly minted rich people who may be deceiving. Now when was the last time you saw some of these people walking on the street or shopping or in a coffiee shop? That's right - most of them do not migle with the rest of us slaves.

Also, WTF are people who earn more than 100k doing on this forum?
LOL slaves. It's not hard to make 6 figures without starting your own business. Lots money making professions pay very well. Just pick any one of them and you will make 6 digits easily.

By the time I make 100k, I won't be coming here anymore. :)

[CheapScotsman]

Look at Bill Gates, and tell me that, if you didn't know him, you'd think he was making several million a year?

I think not. He looks like your typical computer geek. I'd have pegged him at maybe 100K a year.
Actually he makes around a million a year (http://money.cnn.com/2004/09/21/technology/gates_pay/index.htm?cnn=yes)... but his net worth is 50 billion or so.

I've known a number of guys who have made >100K a year with their expenses running over 100k per year ... and their net worth is pretty close to zero. Its not what you earn, its what you keep.

[CheapScotsman]

LOL slaves. It's not hard to make 6 figures without starting your own business. Lots money making professions pay very well. Just pick any one of them and you will make 6 digits easily.

By the time I make 100k, I won't be coming here anymore. :)For most people, expenses rise to match salary increases. When that civic won't do and you just have to have the lexus ... people will always be looking for a great deal.

[divx]

For most people, expenses rise to match salary increases. When that civic won't do and you just have to have the lexus ... people will always be looking for a great deal.
But finding a deal on bmw, lexus, viper, ferrari won't have anything to do with rfd anymore.

[fly]

No way. I know 3 people with ridiculously expensive watches ($10,000) and they make under $70,000.

Heh.. I don't even wear a watch in the summer since I don't want an ugly sun tan. I must be broke! :D

[CheapScotsman]

But finding a deal on bmw, lexus, viper, ferrari won't have anything to do with rfd anymore.
Nope ... but on big screen TVs, computer equipment, etc, travel deals to wherever ...

When you are making >100k a year, you don't loose it by dropping $50k per year on a lexus, you loose it $100 at a time (which used to be $50 at a time when you were only making 50k.

Most people, if they can't save at 70k, won't be saving much at 100k either.

[divx]

Heh.. I don't even wear a watch in the summer since I don't want an ugly sun tan. I must be broke! :D
How else do you tell time? Is time not important to you anymore?

[divx]

Nope ... but on big screen TVs, computer equipment, etc, travel deals to wherever ...

When you are making >100k a year, you don't loose it by dropping $50k per year on a lexus, you loose it $100 at a time (which used to be $50 at a time when you were only making 50k.

Most people, if they can't save at 70k, won't be saving much at 100k either.
Yeah, money is such a great thing, I feel I can do anything with enough money. Sadly, I will never acquire enough. 100k is pretty decent still.

[pacman]

You can't really tell.

If you were to see me on the street, you would think I was rich because:
I wear $1,500 - $2,200 Zegna, Hugo Boss and Pal Zileri suits.
I have 4 or 5 high end swiss watches (Omega/Rolex)
I drive a brand new car.

The reality is.....My uncle owns a high end clothing store, and I get all of my suits from him at dead cost. Sometimes, the Hugo Boss and Zegna reps give me 25% off cost as I've known them for many years and they may have old stock to clear out.

I have inherited my swiss watches or they have been gifts.

My new car is a company vehicle...I don't even own a car!

You can't tell anybodys financial status by their personal appearance.........

[divx]

I hate suits, they look so formal, no way I will ever wear them unless I absolutely have to. The semi-formal dress shirts and pants are pretty good.

[McKinley]

lol, you think you're gonna make money in engineering? you're sadly mistaken.

[divx]

lol, you think you're gonna make money in engineering? you're sadly mistaken.
i know doc and lawyers make more, but hey, not everyone can be a doctor.

[Spray]

haha if anyone saw me on the street they'd think i was a bum..I dress very casually for my job (private Investigator) I drive an older model saab for work and wear a $150 Swiss army watch. Doesnt mean I'm not making 6 figures. Like everyone has said here, just by looking at someone you cant tell..a lot of people have the "If you cant make it, fake it" mentality by spending all their money on worthless crap to make them look more succesful than they really are.

[fly]

How else do you tell time? Is time not important to you anymore?

Cell phone.

[fly]

The book The Millionaire Next Door reveals what a typical millionaire (someone with $1 million net worth, excluding primary residence) looks like, age, gender and how that person lives his/her daily life.

As it turns out, quite often a plumber making $100k/year puts away more money than a $100k/yr lawyer or even a $150k/yr lawyer.

Wealth isn't necessarily how much money you earn, but also how much of it you can save at the end of the day.

Yup, read "The Wealthy Barber". A penny saved is 2 pennies earned! After taxes and your personal after-tax costs to make that penny (transportation, food, etc), it really makes a difference! So, if you don't buy that $100 item, it's like getting a $200 raise. :)

[NoahVail]

Shoes.

Dressing down is commonplace, but you always seem to stick with your most comfortable shoes, whether dress or casual. So, if you're rich, you're closet is likely full of good shoes, even if they're casual.

[sparkplug]

Shoes.

Dressing down is commonplace, but you always seem to stick with your most comfortable shoes, whether dress or casual. So, if you're rich, you're closet is likely full of good shoes, even if they're casual.

Nope. Fashion is based more on personality than wealth. Some people are overly superficial, some like to be presentable, some don't care and some are void of any fashion sense.

I think the only accurate way of figuring out people's wealth is by talking to them or examining their assets. Anything else is to assume or stereotype.

[NoahVail]

Nope. Fashion is based more on personality than wealth. Some people are overly superficial, some like to be presentable, some don't care and some are void of any fashion sense.

I think the only accurate way of figuring out people's wealth is by talking to them or examining their assets. Anything else is to assume or stereotype.

LOL, my apologies for making a suggestion.

[D-Sisive]

clearly u cant be serious....

judging wealth on appearances alone

i did taxes for someone who makes 50k in T5 slips alone...

they also own their own house and have a regular job too

they look like they just got off the boat...like from a 3rd world country...

theres also spiffy looking ppl that make 30k only

[gordholio]

Yes, appearance can tell how much someone makes.
But those people care about their appearance.
There could be rich fat slobs who are rich.
In other words, there is no way to tell how much someone makes based of their appearance. People assume that because someone dresses well, they make a lot of money. It can be true, but not always.

[gordholio]

What if the person was a trillionaire and dressed like a thousandairre.
I know what you are getting at. There are no trillionaires in existence by the way. :)

[SamInfinity]

If there's anything that elementary school should have taught you, it's that you should never judge a book by its cover.

[charger]

It really depends on what you call wealth. I know someone who drives a ferrari who has less net worth than I do. He just lives an incredibly expensive lifestyle, so he has about $700,000 in debt. He makes about $250,000 a year but he just gets by.

[NoahVail]

If there's anything that elementary school should have taught you, it's that you should never judge a book by its cover.

I totally agree with SamInfinity, however (and I may have misinterpreted) I thought the OP was putting forward the following challenge:

If you had to, and without speaking to the person, how would you determine whether they make more or less than $200,000/year?

[corrupt123]

i know someone who own's and wears several rolexes, and wears an omega day-to-day.

how much do you think he makes? come on. take a guess.






okay, ready for the real answer?

he's a teacher at my highschool. 70k-ish TOPS. great thread (y)

[SamInfinity]

Okay, I'm gonna contribute to this too. My high school chemistry teacher dresses like an average joe to school. Has 10 houses. Built all of them himself from the ground up. These houses aren't dinky little things either, they're over two thousand sq ft. all the way up to five thousand sq. ft.

[john widow]

Does any one have an example of a guy who dresses like he's in the ghetto and all gangsta rich, but in reality, he's ultra poor?
I keep hearing of poor looking people having good wealth, let's hear the opposite for once.

[jrnight]

Talking with a BMW salesperson, some of his customers come in wearing a pair of thongs (the flip flop sandal variety) and a shorts/shirts with their belly/chest hair for all to see. They buy a 5 series and get 2 when they see that there isn't a 100% to 200% Tax on cars like their old country.

[Hula]

I don't think you can tell at all.....a nice watch, car, home and other tangibles may only differentiate someone who has a few bucks, to the above folks that could also be in debt up to their ass! The richest looking of my friends has many things going for him from an appearance perspective, but he also owes more than I'll ever make so I'm not sure this is a valid determining factor to separate the rich from the poor.

As well.....200K....common! 200K is well more than enough money to put someone into a healthy financial position....especially in the states where you get taxed peanuts!

There are no ways to tell these days.....my neighbor is worth almost a million bucks and he's a plumber......crack and all. Drives a big old white van, isn't well educated, but good with his money and saw a need in his city that wasn't being filled properly by those trades-folks serving his community.

He's the man! By the way....his watch....Casio!!! His shoes...pay-less I'm sure, but he's got the cash!

[john widow]

the millionaire plumber.....lol

[Jacklad]

Does any one have an example of a guy who dresses like he's in the ghetto and all gangsta rich, but in reality, he's ultra poor?
I keep hearing of poor looking people having good wealth, let's hear the opposite for once.

Sure - check out the bankruptcy courts. Lots of people get there by living beyond their means. I know people with the big house, two cars, designer clothes who go to the food bank. Appearances mean nothing.

Jackie

[CSR]

My uni prof. buys clothes from walmart - nuff said.