Thieves

Shop around people. Every retailer wants to fuck you in the ass. While wishing you a merry christmas.

Firms 'ramping up online prices'

Leading electronics companies have been accused of ramping up prices for online shoppers in the run-up to Christmas. The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) said it was examining a complaint from the Independent Media in Retailing Group. The IMRG says manufacturers have been raising wholesale prices for online retailers - leaving them unable to undercut High Street prices.

The OFT declined to say which firms were being probed. Sony is reported to be one, and has denied the accusation.

It said it offered a basic price to all resellers, which was then affected by the various discounts on offer. Analysts say manufacturers prefer traditional retail outlets as they allow their products to be put on display. However, the practice of "dual pricing" means that High Street stores and e-tailers face different wholesale charges. The IMRG says the practise stifles competition and the higher costs are forcing online sellers out of business as well as leading to higher prices for consumers. So far the group has refrained from naming the manufacturer it claims began "dual pricing", but it has threatened to name the company in question if the practice continues. According to IMRG, 20% of electrical goods, worth an estimated £5bn, will be sold online in the run-up to Christmas.

A public service posting.