I'm On A Soda Strike!

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... and I am not alone! Last week I stopped at the vending machine to treat myself to an ice cold beverage after going to physical therapy. Low and behold, after inserting my coins I was met with a rather grating series of beeps after I pressed E9 (Diet Dr. Pepper). The 16 ounce plastic bottles were $1.15 for as long as I'd been going to this particular physical therapy location - but when I looked at the electronic screen it said my selection was $1.50 and if I wanted it I needed to add .35 cents to the machine. What? I had no idea that they raised the price and I wasn't the only person that seemed befuddled. Nothing was posted on or near the machine so people found out when they tried to buy a bottle at the machine. I see this as a guilty pleasure that I indulge in once a week so paying a little more isn't a big deal BUT it's the principal of it AND that there IS a sticker on the machine saying that the prices are 10% less than what grocery stores charge. Since the machine accepts cash or debit / credit cards some people were oblivious to the price hike until they got their bank statement. For $1.50 you can (in most cases and places) get a two liter at a store for the same price. You are paying for convenience because the machine is available 24 hours a day. Sorry, to me it's price gouging - not so much for me but for the people who are stuck at the physical therapy center. They are stuck with paying the price or having family or friends bring them a couple of six packs (of soda of course)