Prices in Algarve

[CM]

and my losses! Unless you and Harry the horse come up trumps!

[SAM SPARKLE]

Paddypower are now doing non-runner no bet for Cheltenham, so maybe time to revisit our selections, so homework needed Col.

[Prices in Algarve]

Well,
I like eating out also - but when you see prices going up like they have and inputs have not - then someone is creaming it - if someone is making excessive profit then they can cut their prices and still make a good living even if times are tough.
The fundamental rules are you have two choices

1. You cut your costs and therefore you can lower your prices to the consumer whilst maintaining similar profit margin - this enables you to survive longer than your competitor who does not cut their costs and goes bust because they are being undercut by your lower prices . Your competitor cannot lower prices because they have not lowered their costs as a result the competitor goes out of business because the consumer moves to the lower cost provider who can ower prices for the same basic food/ambience etc due to lower inputs ( Ryanair strategy )
2. You can differentiate your product - provide some benefit to the customer which they perceive is worth the extra prices you charge and provided there are enough people willing to pay the extra for your food then great you are on a winner. ( Qatar Air Strategy) A good strategy in good times but in recessionary times I believe number 1 above is the best option.

Really I am only trying to help - take heed - no 1 is the way to go in a recession -

[Bruce Wallis]

For the first time in 6 years, I found myself looking at prices when I was in Carvoeiro last week, and I was a little surprised just how expensive some things were, even allowing for the euro fluctuations. Several everyday items appear more expensive than back in the UK. Milk, butter, bread and meat all appear more expensive, and that takes account of Intermarche's Carvoeiro pricing. We shopped locally in Lagoa, Contiente, Portimao and Guia.

Particularly, some of the restaurants have pushed their charges, obviously to protect their own profitability, and that is understandable. A couple of our favourites are now charging in excess of 40 euros a head for cover, maincourse, dessert and wine. That takes them out of the realm of midweek everyday eating.
There are still restaurants who provide excellent everyday food at really good prices, but one needs to be a little more discerning and checking before crossing the threshold.

I have always just shopped and eaten without really comparing and checking prices. The current sterling/euro balance has made me more critical and careful.

The local restaurants have definately seen less of us in the last week. Instead of eating out 6 out of 8 nights, we ate out 4. The last night we ate at A Gale for 20 euros a head rather than Elle&Ella at 40+ If that trend is a reflection of other regular off-season visitors, I quite understand the concerns of a couple of resturanteur friends I have been speaking with.

[Prices in Algarve]

Bruce,

yes, this is it exactly, it is great to eat out, love doing it, but when one can't afford it with all the financial issues that ones now faces then youhave to look for value.
So if the providers of services no matter what they are, no matter where they are in Algarve, USA, UK, Germany, Sweden, Japan dont reduce their prices to the users of those services then people just simply will not be able to afford them
These are not normal times - abnormal times need abnormal responses and cutting prices to the Tourist is critical to survival of Tourism
If I as a tourist see that prices in Algarve are reasonable and I can get value there then I will go there and have a nice holiday,
but if I see prices are out of line with reality - then I will stay home - no holiday - go to the pub - get to know my own country a little bit better
and maybe realise that with Global warming - the old home country ain't so bad at all - why bother going to Algarve

Happy days indeed

[blue]

Because a week in Cornwall will probably cost you double what a week in the Algarve will cost you. Plus the chances of picking the one sunny week in the year are not good.

[Bruce Wallis]

Because a week in Cornwall will probably cost you double what a week in the Algarve will cost you. Plus the chances of picking the one sunny week in the year are not good.

Especially as at the moment, it maybe raining in the Algarve....but they have 6 inches of snow in Cornwall!
AND...it takes longer to drive to Cornwall than it does to fly to Faro
AND...I prefer piri-piri to soggy oggies

[Prices in Algarve]

Soggy oggies are good for you - supposed to have good cholestrol in them

we are not actually in a recession we are in a Pre Boom
so the best is yet to come
happy days are here again

[tricky]

Love it Pre-Boom
I think that is how the recession should be refered to as from now,
Lets be positive