Of course, the prices are higher. Especially from customer perspective they have to be. The difference is finally the price for a bundle of valuable services.

Of course, the prices are higher. Especially from customer perspective they have to be. The difference is finally the price for a bundle of valuable services. Boosting egos by making them think they're are smarter than they really are. Entertainment.Price hunting as a game. Without a gaming console! See, they even saved you money on this! Shopping as a social experience. Everybody does it, and so do you. You want to belong, don't ya? Boast about it. Your social environment will celebrate you. Except the odd bastard, that spoils the mood, of course. And since evereybody wants the candy now, the prices must be higher now. Higher demand, higher prices. They just look lower, because that is what you're buying. The look. They look good to let you let you look good.