[Mr. Jeeves]

Yes the economy is bad, costs to produce and deliver are up 50%, but that does not equal a 150% increase at retail, the extra 100% is tacked on as pure opportunistic greed through the supply chain.

In a free market, this cannot happen - competition will quickly crush the collaborating opportunists.

Under our fascist system, with government privilege extended to favored operators, such behavior is not uncommon. But only certain key players get to take advantage of it.

[Openurmind]

” In a free market, this cannot happen - competition will quickly crush the collaborating opportunists.

Under our fascist system, with government privilege extended to favored operators, such behavior is not uncommon. But only certain key players get to take advantage of it.”

Absolutely! I actually remember when we had a free market system. Long before all the extremely expensive regulations cut out the small guys.

[Openurmind]

Here is something else most don’t know or remember. Back when we had that free market economy vendors had no problems with sharing their real costs with the customers. They didn’t hide them because customers actually appreciated knowing that the prices charged were fair and competitive prices after considering the cost and quality of the product.

Honesty about “Mark up” over cost was where the real competition was in pricing. It was impossible to price gouge because the customer knew what ALL vendors were paying for the same product wholesale. “Shopping” was a search for the lowest mark up over cost, not the lowest price after hidden mutual gouging or fixing.