As an outsider this is my theory: The reason is to quote as low as a number as possible to make people feel this is cheap. And one place can't start "doing the

As an outsider this is my theory: The reason is to quote as low as a number as possible to make people feel this is cheap. And one place can't start "doing the right thing" and paying a decent salary because they would be perceived more expensive and they would also upset people who are used to the status quo. I also find it ridiculous that the sales tax is not included in the price written on the sticker in the stores in the US. But again, I guess quoting a lower price and charging more when the customer has already made up their mind is better for the business.