I went into a supermarket the other day and saw an item. I wasn't sure if I was going to buy any and decided to get some the following day.

Anyway when I returned the price went up by a few dollars. I was appalled and disgusted. I mean I don't have a lot of choice with supermarkets as a few people dominate the marketplace and you are forced to pay whatever they set.

Don't get me going about chemists/pharmacies either. They are nothing more than a bunch of rip-off merchants cashing in on the sick. I can't believe I've had to pay hundreds of dollars for a few boxes of medicines. It's so appalling.

I have no choice here and I am sick and tired of the retail industry taking advantage of people. It's nothing more than a retail rip-off.

On the other hand, costs of running a business are going up. Do we need say a freeze on wages and other costs just to keep some costs down on businesses so increased costs aren't simply passed on to the consumer? I do think we need to make some tough decisions here if we want real outcomes.

Why can't I buy directly from the producer - why am I forced to go through a retailer? The whole system is a crooked one and needs a big shake up.

Am I alone here or do others feel the same?

What was the item that went up “several dollars” the next day? What sort of foodstuff in a supermarket suddenly goes up by “several dollars” overnight?

And, “hundreds of dollars for a few boxes of medicines”.

His much medicine? Over what period?

I think this is another one of your fairy tales.

Dear Nathan,

«Why can't I buy directly from the producer - why am I forced to go through a retailer?»

Yes, you ought to be able to buy directly from the producer.

Is there any legal prohibition against it?

Of course you can buy from the producer. errrr, I wonder how nuch it
would cost for petrol to drive to his farm ?
Or it might be a product from a factory in Rockhampton, hmmmm.
You asked a really silly question.

Nathan, I bet you complain about your electricity bill ?
Next time you are in that supermarket go around and count the number
of refrigerated cabinets, then count the lights.
How would you like their power bill ?

Maybe we need a good old no frills option.
Bring back Franklins?