Letter: Penny-wise

Sir: Is there any sensible reason for goods being priced for sale at, for example, pounds 19.99 rather than pounds 20? Do the marketing men really imagine that buyers are so moronic as to be misled into buying goods they would not otherwise?

They certainly have no consideration for the complexities of invoicing, giving change and writing out cheques for odd amounts, and most definitely not for the intense irritation such pricing occasions to potentially choleric purchasers like myself.

I am thinking of forming a society to oppose such practices called, perhaps, "Spend a Penny" (SAP) or "Round Up and Down" (RUAD). Anyone wishing to join can do so by sending pounds 49.99.

Meanwhile, supporters can do as I do and reject any goods so priced as obviously not worth the extra penny. As an example, I have already resigned from a wine club which attempted to sell me wine priced in 99ps, especially as this was certainly a case for rounding down.

PETER ASHLEY

Hertford