It’s because we don’t use a VAT, so taxes are not consistent rates by item or by locality. So for small shops with irregular supply chains, you price the thing however matches your bottom line, then let the register do the work on the final price.
For large chains, it’s about consistency. The McDonals 99 cent menu might vary state by state and city by city from the $1.25 menu to still $0.99. An advert for a TV at Walmart would have to list dozens of different prices applicable across the, many within a nominal price of each other.
There’s practical reasons, and Americans seem to think a VAT is essential communism (why, I have no clue), so its not likely to change any time soon.
Have you tried what civilized countries do? Like putting prices including all taxes on the price tags?
No, that’s crazy talk. We like to be surprised when we pay for taxes and tips.
It’s because we don’t use a VAT, so taxes are not consistent rates by item or by locality. So for small shops with irregular supply chains, you price the thing however matches your bottom line, then let the register do the work on the final price.
For large chains, it’s about consistency. The McDonals 99 cent menu might vary state by state and city by city from the $1.25 menu to still $0.99. An advert for a TV at Walmart would have to list dozens of different prices applicable across the, many within a nominal price of each other.
There’s practical reasons, and Americans seem to think a VAT is essential communism (why, I have no clue), so its not likely to change any time soon.