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Why is everything in Ireland a f*%king ripoff?

  • 01-02-2016 04:36PM
    #1
    Tony EH
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,970 ✭✭✭✭


    I needed a USB stick to move a large file that a client wants pronto. So I headed off down to a place that I knew sold USB keys. I ended up paying €28 for a 32gig USB, which I knew was overpriced, but I needed it anyway and there was no choice.

    Just out of interest, I looked on Amazon to check the prices there and find out the UK price in around £12 and Amazon are hocking it for a tenner. The US price is around $18.

    Seriously, what is it about this country that makes us a bunch of price gounging C U Next TuesdayS?


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Comments

  • #2
    Timberrrrrrrr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,295 ✭✭✭✭Timberrrrrrrr


    Because people like you will pay for it instead of choosing to go elsewhere.


  • #3
    Boom_Bap
    Moderators, Music Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 25,740 Mod ✭✭✭✭Boom_Bap


    My velcro stripper trousers are a rip off.


  • #4
    TrustedApple
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,678 ✭✭✭TrustedApple


    http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/2459422/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7COffice%2C+PCs+and+phones%7C14418968/c_2/3%7C19780850%7CHard+drives%2C+USBs+and+data+storage%7C14419053/c_3/4%7Ccat_14419053%7CUSB+memory+sticks%7C14419060.htm

    Could have went to argos for 15.50 ........


  • #5
    Ruu
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,622 ✭✭✭Ruu


    You are paying for all the bells and whistles and the friendly customer service if you go into a shop.


  • #6
    TallGlass
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,906 ✭✭✭TallGlass


    It pisses me off when I have to go to the UK to buy things as the price difference is night and day. Much rather by local, but you've got to shop around at the sametime, if the difference is only 4/5€ I would get it here first, save the hassle.


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  • #7
    JackieBauer
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 277 ✭✭JackieBauer


    I'm from Ethiopia. I am dying of starvation. My parents were shot dead.

    Stop being so ****ing entitled


  • #8
    The Moldy Gowl
    Closed Accounts Posts: 19,889 ✭✭✭✭The Moldy Gowl


    You needed it there and then that's why. Same as every other country.

    You could have found it cheaper by searching online but you didn't so will always have to pay more. It's simple really.


  • #9
    intheclouds
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,175 ✭✭✭intheclouds


    They had one in LIDL last week for 9.99.


  • #10
    Tony EH
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,970 ✭✭✭✭Tony EH


    Timberrrrrrrr wrote: »
    Because people like you will pay for it instead of choosing to go elsewhere.

    Sometimes the "choice to go elsewhere" is not there. But hey, don't bother your hole reading the post, whatever you do.

    If waiting was an option, I would have gone into town or got it on Amazon.


  • #11
    Tony EH
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,970 ✭✭✭✭Tony EH


    TrustedApple wrote: »
    http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/2459422/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7COffice%2C+PCs+and+phones%7C14418968/c_2/3%7C19780850%7CHard+drives%2C+USBs+and+data+storage%7C14419053/c_3/4%7Ccat_14419053%7CUSB+memory+sticks%7C14419060.htm

    Could have went to argos for 15.50 ........

    No I couldn't.

    There was no time.

    Client wanted the file ASAP.


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  • #12
    Atlantic Dawn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 86,596 ✭✭✭✭Atlantic Dawn
    GDY151


    Most bricks and mortar shops will rip off on items like this, pretty much is the case in any country in the world. LIDL/ALDI specials always a good place to keep an eye. Argos can have deals too.


  • #13
    Timberrrrrrrr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,295 ✭✭✭✭Timberrrrrrrr


    Tony EH wrote: »
    Sometimes the "choice to go elsewhere" is not there. But hey, don't bother your hole reading the post, whatever you do.

    If waiting was an option, I would have gone into town or got it on Amazon.

    Exactly, Go onto Ryanair now and book a flight for next month and it will cost you next to nothing, Go to the Ryanair desk in the airport and buya flight for this afternoon and it will cost you a fortune. Things only seem a ripoff when we HAVE to pay the ridiculous cost due to necessity.


  • #14
    LeinsterDub
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,229 ✭✭✭LeinsterDub


    Tony EH wrote: »
    No I couldn't.

    There was no time.

    Client wanted the file ASAP.

    Much like food in a stadium , they've you over a barrel and know it . You're paying for it's intimidate availability


  • #15
    ytpe2r5bxkn0c1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 32,688 ✭✭✭✭ytpe2r5bxkn0c1


    Tony EH wrote: »
    No I couldn't.

    There was no time.

    Client wanted the file ASAP.

    Such is the price of expediency. I'm sure you'll pay more in a hurry in the UK as well.


  • #16
    keane2097
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 17,905 ✭✭✭✭keane2097


    Tony EH wrote: »
    Sometimes the "choice to go elsewhere" is not there. But hey, don't bother your hole reading the post, whatever you do.

    If waiting was an option, I would have gone into town or got it on Amazon.

    I don't see how your personal inability to buy a particular item in one of the many, many places they are available cheaply makes everything in Ireland a f*%king ripoff.


  • #17
    eamonnq
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,014 ✭✭✭eamonnq


    Sure they are so cheap now you should have a few spare ones lying around just in case you need them.


  • #18
    chops018
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,458 ✭✭✭chops018


    I got a 128gb one online a while back for around 30 quid including delivery. I can't remember the exact site but I think I googled cheap USB's and the site came up. It's a 3.0 USB stick too. Very good value and plenty of storage in what can go on a key ring. I don't know why you would spend that much tbh.

    A couple of years ago I got two 16gb sticks in Eason's for 7.99 each on sale, so some shops there is value.

    Not a chance I would have paid that for a 32gb USB.

    Look around, there is much better deals to be had.


  • #19
    eamonnq
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,014 ✭✭✭eamonnq


    chops018 wrote: »
    I got a 128gb one online a while back for around 30 quid including delivery. I can't remember the exact site but I think I googled cheap USB's and the site came up. It's a 3.0 USB stick too. Very good value and plenty of storage in what can go on a key ring. I don't know why you would spend that much tbh.

    A couple of years ago I got two 16gb sticks in Eason's for 7.99 each on sale, so some shops there is value.

    Not a chance I would have paid that for a 32gb USB.

    Look around, there is much better deals to be had.
    Tony EH wrote: »
    No I couldn't.

    There was no time.

    Client wanted the file ASAP.

    There was no time


  • #20
    Del2005
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,162 ✭✭✭✭Del2005


    Tony EH wrote: »
    No I couldn't.

    There was no time.

    Client wanted the file ASAP.

    Everything bought in panic at the last minute will be a rip off. I was recently looking for a USB stick and was amazed at how cheap they are now in shops, but I had the advantage of having time to research instead of panic buying.


  • #21
    smash
    Closed Accounts Posts: 34,808 ✭✭✭✭smash


    Tony EH wrote: »
    No I couldn't.

    There was no time.

    Client wanted the file ASAP.
    Ever heard of dropbox?


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  • #22
    chops018
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,458 ✭✭✭chops018


    eamonnq wrote: »
    There was no time

    Didn't see that.

    Ah well, I'm still happy with my 128gb USB for under 30 quid including delivery.


  • #23
    kyeev
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 209 ✭✭kyeev


    If you ever tried to fit out a house with a new: bed, mattress, fridge, sofa, table and chairs and a TV, you'd know Ireland was a rip off.
    I agree with you OP.


  • #24
    B.A._Baracus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,309 ✭✭✭✭B.A._Baracus


    I say give TonyEH a break.
    He is right because Ireland can be, and let's be honest alot of times is, a rip off.

    There are some great alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, Dealz etc out there. So you do have to shop around for things. But when it comes to a service especially do expect to be ripped off.

    For example, my hot water tap in the bath is currently air-locked. Should I be lazy and not do it myself i'll be expected to pay anywhere around 60-80. For 5-10 minutes work and that will even be a price from a local plumber.


  • #25
    eamonnq
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,014 ✭✭✭eamonnq


    B.A._Baracus wrote: »
    Should I be lazy and not do it myself i'll be expected to pay anywhere around 60-80. For 5-10 minutes work and that will even be a price from a local plumber.


    Ah, but you have to allow for the 'overheads' involved in getting someone to do it for you, the call-out fee has to cover the time it takes him to get to you and make it worth his while.

    Insurance, diesel, tools, workwear, expertise all cost money.


  • #26
    Gyalist
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,537 ✭✭✭Gyalist


    If small traders were in a position to employ high-priced tax advisers to enable them to take advantage of the tax avoidance schemes available to the large multiples, there would be lower high street prices.


  • #27
    traprunner
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,887 ✭✭✭traprunner


    Tony EH wrote: »
    No I couldn't.

    There was no time.

    Client wanted the file ASAP.

    What's the problem? Can't you claim it against tax or something businessy then?


  • #28
    Arbiter of Good Taste
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,200 ✭✭✭Arbiter of Good Taste


    Everything is Ireland is more expensive, because the costs of doing business is so high.

    It always amazes me that people don't get that increasing the minimum wage has a knock on effect on prices for everything.


  • #29
    Effects
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,741 ✭✭✭Effects


    Tony EH wrote: »
    I looked on Amazon to check the prices there and find out the UK price in around £12 and Amazon are hocking it for a tenner. The US price is around $18.

    Seriously, what is it about this country that makes us a bunch of price gounging C U Next TuesdayS?

    Amazon treat their staff badly. There's your savings.


  • #30
    AndyBoBandy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,574 ✭✭✭✭AndyBoBandy


    I bought a Sandisk 32GB flash drive for £8.15 today on Amazon,

    I guess if we need something urgently, we'll pay more for it, but if I have time, I will always shop around for the best deal.

    If however, it is Valentines day, and she'll be home from work in 10 minutes, and Tesco want €20 for some flowers, I guess Tesco will win!


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  • #31
    the groutch
    Closed Accounts Posts: 16,096 ✭✭✭✭the groutch


    Economies of scale.

    Example:

    Small Irish retailer buys in a few hundred for X price, larger retailer a thousand for a bit cheaper.

    UK retailer has a target market ten times the size of Ireland, so buys in twenty thousand, cutting a deal direct with a manufacturer to get them for half the price the Irish retailers paid.


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