The point I'm trying to make is that SG tobacco went up 36% in less than a year. Is this due to inflationary pressures or something else?
If I am going to guess, I would say that SG probably has little to do with prices at the retail level. The demand for this product greatly outweighs the supply, therefore they can raise prices knowing that it will still fly off the shelves. Isn't it the goal of capitalism to make as much money off a product as possible? Sure, a handful of people will bawk, and maybe not buy it, but regardless of your feelings, it could probably go up to $20+ and still sell out. And, it will eventually.
The real regulator is competition with other retailers. But, as long as they are going up in price also, they can manage being just a dollar or two more and still sell out. And, since this place is going up, it is safe to say that the other retailers can also go up in prices. Competition works both ways, especially in a niche market like this. Pricing defies the laws of capitalism. Your feelings about this are not of their concern. Sorry.
This was why I was surprised that the company said something on another thread about their lids... why even defend that shit, when people are going to buy it all out as soon as it comes in, regardless of whether the lids are sealed, or if they just sell it with any lids at all.