Originally posted by Paul the Sunman I've never understood British prices. They just don't seem to make any sense! Who's skimming the cream?
Prices here are influenced by a number of factors... including, but not limited to, foreign exchange rates, import duties (based on trade and customs agreements - but let's not go there
), VAT (usually 20%), and - frankly - what the manufacturer thinks folks here will pay based on sales of earlier products.
We're particularly expensive on electronic goods. Cars too... also public transport, fuel and energy. But it's a swings and roundabouts thing... Food and drink can be competitively priced, so too clothes etc... and, outside of London and the other bigger cities, cost of living isn't bad for someone on average income. I'd like to think we're more-or-less comparable to other civilised countries...