Well Hangler I will take the bait, I agree with you to a certain degree as Neil said you order it and it arrives. We have no control of the condition or the price. Supermarkets and gas stations get a far better deal than the tackle shops. As for the cost have you looked at your power bill lately, insurance wages etc. If your shop has a constant high turnover of bait I would lower my prices, but our weather seems to control that side of things. As for the guys in Auckland you are spoilt for choice your are way better off than you realise.
Hangler you mention FCO leaving town and what is its reason for leaving, NOT ENOUGH PROFIT down by 45% and they have clever bastards running there deal, not dumb ass passionate people like me.
We live and work in a different world of high costs and overheads and backyard dealers.
If you cutout your local retailers and shop on Trademe dont exspect special treatment from any retailer. If you support them they normally respond in kind.