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The store where the price is low also needs it shipped and stored, and is also close to my home. So that's definitely not a reason.

Did you mean "convenience makes the price higher"? No quarrel there! The issue is how much higher. 8x more expensive (as an example) is in the "ripping me off" territory, if you ask me :)

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Real estate prices for a big box store and small convenience store are totally different.

Wait until you find out the cost of producing most non-alcoholic beverages...

A bit more than water but not much, may I guess? Transporting and storage and the waiter/ress is the real cost?

The subsidies from high-fructose corn syrup etc, may even make the production of fizzy drinks less than water.

Fountain drinks are produced on-site using tap water and concentrated syrup. Transport and shipping cost is low since the syrup doesn't take up much space. A typical fast food soda (any size) costs about 15-20 cents for the cup and soda, and is sold for $1 on the low end. Larger chains can optimize the price down to 5-10 cents on the most popular sodas. Labor costs are insignificant if the customer self-serves from the fountain.

Ok, thanks. I previously assume the drinks were in coke cans, but now when you mention cups instead, and self serving, it's more obvious to me how the drinks can be that inexpensive.

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