May 6 2014

Dear Sir,

It is not uncommon in Bermuda for us to complain about retail prices sometimes justified but not always as we don’t always take into consideration the costs merchants have to incur to put their goods on to the shelves. Let you decide this one.

Last week I went into a Hamilton store to buy an O-ring for a chlorinator dispenser for a pool. As you know an O-ring is a rubber ring coming in many sizes, the one I was looking for about six inches in diameter with a cost, you would think, of about $6 or $7 (in Bermuda). The shop assistant had “just what you’re looking for.” $36.00!

I checked out the identical item at Amazon .....$5.95.

I called the store and told the shop assistant the discrepancy in prices and remarked I could probably get this item landed here for under $10. He suggested the item sold at Amazon was made in China and probably a piece of junk. I reminded him that the item I bought at his shop said ‘made in China’ on the package. The conversation came to a close.

I e-mailed the owner of the store but have yet to get a reply. Somebody got ripped out, guess it was me.

On the flip side went to Great Things on East Broadway to buy chlorine tablets to put in the chlorinator. The 25lb pail cost the same as in the USA ... go figga!

GAVIN WILSON