When eggs went through the roof and cost around $7 a dozen, every restaurant had a sign explaining why prices had to go up. We were told they had no choice. Most of us understood.

Now you can buy a dozen eggs for around 75 cents, but somehow an egg sandwich is still $8.99.

What happened?

I’m not saying an egg sandwich should cost a dollar. Everybody knows restaurants have payroll, rent, insurance, and plenty of other bills. But it’s hard not to notice that prices seem to go up overnight when costs increase, yet they never seem to come back down when those same costs drop.

That’s what bothers people.

It starts to feel like the excuse never went away even though the problem did.

This isn’t really about one egg sandwich. It’s about being fair with your customers. If you’re quick to explain why prices have to go up, you should be just as willing to explain why they never come back down.

People are struggling enough these days. We all expect businesses to make a profit, but we also expect some honesty. Customers have long memories, and when they feel like they’re only hearing one side of the story, trust starts to disappear.

Maybe it’s time for some of these places to take another look at their menus. Because $8.99 for an egg sandwich when eggs are cheaper than they’ve been in a long time just doesn’t sit right.

Maybe I’m the only one thinking this, but I doubt it.

A Frustrated Customer