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That has always happened. If you go to a flea market, do you think the seller isn't going to bump up the price if you look prosperous or desperate? Do you think the roof replacement company isn't going to make a bid based on how wealthy or poor your neighborhood looks? Or you need a new water heater? Do you think grocery stores in wealthy neighborhoods charge more?

We live in a market economy. If you don't like the price, us apes have learned to say "no".

BTW, if prices are set by the wealth of the customer, then the poor ought to be getting a better deal. Isn't that a good thing?

by antiframe8 hours ago|

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At the flea market you can haggle. Are you saying we should all have to haggle with the harried checkout person over the price of milk ever time we shop? Or everything is self checkout and you don't haggle but then choose whether you accept the price or not?

As with many things in technology, it's not about the raw concept, it's about the automation of it and inability to appeal to a human. Haggling face to face is human. Having a bot decide what you are paying (take it or leave it) is asymmetric with the benefit going to the corpo.

by WalterBright7 hours ago|

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I've never encountered or heard of a grocery store that didn't mark the prices on the shelves.

> asymmetric with the benefit going to the corpo

You have the power to say "no". The only transactions you are forced into are the ones dealing with the government or the mob.

> inability to appeal to a human

I was stonewalled by a gigantic corporation the other day over a substantial sum of money. I googled the name and address of the CEO, and sent him a hand written polite letter. My issue was promptly resolved.

I know the CEO didn't read the letter. But he has staff that does, and hand writing a letter will get their attention, as well as reminding them that I was a loyal customer.