50% rip OFF Britain

We have all gone mad, it is like we have all lost our marbles and sense of knowing what is a 'true bargain' and what is just a total con.

We have come to accept as normal big red 50% off sale banners across the whole of Britain, like we cannot buy anything any more that is not discounted because we are 'not getting a bargain'.

We are all guilty of it not only as consumers taken in by it but as retailers promoting it.

It has become a social acceptance to not only be taken in by the 'at least 50%' off ads but to be disgusted and not even entertain going to a shop that has not got one.

When I worked in B&Q in the eighties ( arghh the good old eighties ) They tried the 'lets not have a sale approach' with EDLP (every day low pricing). It did not really work they soon had EDLP with 20% off, why because they had to compete with their rivals as we do. Is it about time that the Government stepped in and said enough is enough, because nobody actually sells these goods at their previous prices, when I say sell I do not mean have them in a price list and advertise them at full price and tell all the customers to wait a couple of weeks because it will be cheaper, I mean sell them at full price you know hand over cash and take delivery. Or are the government turning a blind eye knowing that if they step in and stop this crazy practice, then nobody would buy anything at all because there would be no enticement for customers to go into a shop,
thus creating mass unemployment, not VAT coming in, no income tax or National insurance paid, and even worse more people on benefits, result Bankrupt Britain.

I know this is true becuase there are 'shed' kitchen companies out there and others in a whole range of goods that have vastly inflated prices just so they can offer "at least 50% off". I know of at least one of these companies who increased their base price by approx 25 / 30% in November 2010 so they could offer the 'said' discounts in the 'January Sale'

I own a kitchen studio we have 50% off on some kitchens. I can assure you that even without the 50% off our kitchens some of them are cheaper than 'said' shed with 50% off. The companies I use will in a short time possibly after 1st of April will change their promotion around and different kitchens will be on 50% off. But we still sell kitchens that have not been discounted, due to good honest advice and service. I am not trying to plug my company I am merely trying to make a point because there are a lot of other companies offering good honest advice and service, the consumer is being taken for a ride and it seems they are happy to get in to the fast moving vehicle that takes them there.

Russell