The Villa - Half The Food At Triple The Price

[uwe_rayong]

I can understand you Calzo. I think the taxes are mostly just an excuse. In today's market it is more important what a customer is willing to pay for the item, instead of making a calculation and take a fixed percentage to gain a profit.

For example a Levis Jeans 501 In USA is around 40,- USD, that is about 30.- EURO.

Now if you shop around in Germany the same Jeans is about 70,- EURO. Don't dream about import Levis Jeans from USA to Germany, that is not allowed.

It is a violation of parallel import law. Levis don't like that.

Big C imports frozen Pizza from the old Carrefour brand, they sell it for 109 BAHT something. Fair price.

Foodland has imported Pizza, from USA I think, for a whopping 380 THB. The tax rate should be the same. Is frozen Pizza so expensive in USA?

The butcher in Foodland must also be a multi millionaire ( in EUR !) already by now. He charges the same or higher prices for its products then in Germany.

Only difference is, a worker in Germany has a slightly higher salary then the girls in Foodland.

How long has one of the nice service girls behind the counter in Foodland to work for 1kg "homemade - in Thailand- Parma" ? Maybe a day or more...

The customer base for this products is small. These things are mostly niche produts

in the Thai market and the customer base is willing and often able to pay for it.

I remember a few years ago Garmin Navigation Systems.. Prices were double or triple compared to Europe. I always brought over 2-3 pieces for friends.

If you asked in the shops why so expensive, answer was always sorry Sir, Import tax.

Now Navigation is a mass market product in Thailand, Garmin started to sell the smaller units cheaper. The tax rate is the same as before.

Two month ago I bought a Nespresso machine from Krups in Germany. They had a promo where you get a free Aerolatte machine with every machine they sold.

I bought it for 109 Euro including the Aerolatte and 16 capsules.

You can buy the same machine in Central Pattaya Beach. It sells for 18900 THB, of course the Aerolatte is not included.

It will cost you again something like 3600 THB.

Thats about 22500 THB for a Krups Pixie with Aerolatte or 4400 THB for the same product in Germany.

Edited September 20, 2012 by uwe_rayong

[JSixpack]

Crikey! Mysupermarket.co.uk has Seriously Strong White Cheddar 200g on offer for 13s 7d! One should ne'ah have left!

Edited September 20, 2012 by JSixpack

[Jayman]

vlassic dill 1/4 spears 650!!!

i will grind my teeth and buy some. haven't tasted them since we left Florida 8 years ago.

Vlassic Dill = heavenly delight!

I will say that the pickles being sold by mjsmokehouse are very tasty as well and they deliver. Price for a jar is reasonable. I too like a good dill pickle and feel the mjsmokehouse ones fit the bill.

are they real kosher dills or those awful sweet pickles every brand i have tried in thailand has ended up being?

They are not sweet.. yuk.. I always feel cheated when I bite into a sweet pickle. They are dill 100%.

And even though I am jewish I really don't know what makes a pickle "kosher". I couldn't find any hints in Deuteronomy. Maybe I should google it.

Edited September 20, 2012 by Jayman

[norrona]

I agree with the above about imported food always carrying a premium in Thailand....at the same time back here in the UK in the asian supermarkets if you want the unripened pappaya to make som tum and things like that they are quite pricey in comparisson....always freaks me out as this is the fruit that you see growing pretty much everywhere out there...next to toilet blocks and the like...

still back here in the UK if you want to go really cheap theres always Iceland or Lidl to do your shopping in....I think i'd rather pay the premium though than shop in them places

[Jayman]

"In order for a pickle to be classified as kosher in terms of flavor, it must be made with brine and garlic."

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-makes-a-pickle-kosher.htm

and yes.. these are made in brine and garlic.

[vickersvc10]

JSixpack: eh, cheese at 13s7d on the net! The net was but a glimmer in Tim's eye when decimal currency was introduced into the UK. Or are you being funny?

By the way cheese lovers, have you tried the locally produced cheeses which are usually on sale in Friendship and Best. The Lancashire is especially good, and it is only 110 baht for 200 grms.

[Rajab Al Zarahni]

JSixpack: eh, cheese at 13s7d on the net! The net was but a glimmer in Tim's eye when decimal currency was introduced into the UK. Or are you being funny?

By the way cheese lovers, have you tried the locally produced cheeses which are usually on sale in Friendship and Best. The Lancashire is especially good, and it is only 110 baht for 200 grms.

thanks for the tip.

[bobobo]

Villa is a too expensive food market for me, but with quality and many options to find whatever You like. I go there when I want something special and when I think I earned it. Have exercised well or done something else that makes me in feel good..

I live in South Pattaya so I go to Friendship, which have improved a lot actually..

[vickersvc10]

Further to my posting yesterday about cheese, in Villa they are selling 125 grms of a very nice French (natch!) Camembert for B.190 which I think if pretty reasonable. I wish they stocked the locally-produced cheeses I mentioned earlier.

[jbrain]

Further to my posting yesterday about cheese, in Villa they are selling 125 grms of a very nice French (natch!) Camembert for B.190 which I think if pretty reasonable. I wish they stocked the locally-produced cheeses I mentioned earlier.

At Big C you can purchase 250 grms of tasty French produced Camembert for 40 Baht less.So what is the attraction of paying 3 fold at Villa?

[Tolley]

I have never known so many men to know supermarket prices so well.

You guys must lead really exciting lives!

Retire to Pattaya and spend your time running around the supermarket shelves comparing prices.

I give my gal the shopping money and she buys whatever.

[yoslim]

I have never known so many men to know supermarket prices so well.

You guys must lead really exciting lives!

Retire to Pattaya and spend your time running around the supermarket shelves comparing prices.

I give my gal the shopping money and she buys whatever.

Good for you, I'm single so I have to do the shopping alone and when you compare prices between supermarkets it can be double for the same item so it's really worth it

[Tolley]

I have never known so many men to know supermarket prices so well.

You guys must lead really exciting lives!

Retire to Pattaya and spend your time running around the supermarket shelves comparing prices.

I give my gal the shopping money and she buys whatever.

Good for you, I'm single so I have to do the shopping alone and when you compare prices between supermarkets it can be double for the same item so it's really worth it

You said you were thirty or something before i recall?

Mate you really need to do something with your life before it is too late.

There is much more to life believe me.

[PattayaPhom]

I can understand you Calzo. I think the taxes are mostly just an excuse. In today's market it is more important what a customer is willing to pay for the item, instead of making a calculation and take a fixed percentage to gain a profit.

For example a Levis Jeans 501 In USA is around 40,- USD, that is about 30.- EURO.

Now if you shop around in Germany the same Jeans is about 70,- EURO. Don't dream about import Levis Jeans from USA to Germany, that is not allowed.

It is a violation of parallel import law. Levis don't like that.

Big C imports frozen Pizza from the old Carrefour brand, they sell it for 109 BAHT something. Fair price.

Foodland has imported Pizza, from USA I think, for a whopping 380 THB. The tax rate should be the same. Is frozen Pizza so expensive in USA?

The butcher in Foodland must also be a multi millionaire ( in EUR !) already by now. He charges the same or higher prices for its products then in Germany.

Only difference is, a worker in Germany has a slightly higher salary then the girls in Foodland.

How long has one of the nice service girls behind the counter in Foodland to work for 1kg "homemade - in Thailand- Parma" ? Maybe a day or more...

The customer base for this products is small. These things are mostly niche produts

in the Thai market and the customer base is willing and often able to pay for it.

I remember a few years ago Garmin Navigation Systems.. Prices were double or triple compared to Europe. I always brought over 2-3 pieces for friends.

If you asked in the shops why so expensive, answer was always sorry Sir, Import tax.

Now Navigation is a mass market product in Thailand, Garmin started to sell the smaller units cheaper. The tax rate is the same as before.

Two month ago I bought a Nespresso machine from Krups in Germany. They had a promo where you get a free Aerolatte machine with every machine they sold.

I bought it for 109 Euro including the Aerolatte and 16 capsules.

You can buy the same machine in Central Pattaya Beach. It sells for 18900 THB, of course the Aerolatte is not included.

It will cost you again something like 3600 THB.

Thats about 22500 THB for a Krups Pixie with Aerolatte or 4400 THB for the same product in Germany.

Again due to Taxes, I can buy a Mitsu Lancer GT here for just over a million Baht, thats about 20,000 Sterling, same car in uk is 50% more....

[colinneil]

Boring or what!!! who the hell cares about supermarket prices, give the wife money ..bye dear see you later ,go get a beer or3.

[luckyluke]

^

I like to compare prices in the different supermarkets and

like to drink a beer, even more than 3, after my shopping is done,

[Thailaw]

I am not sure what the fuss about Villa Market in Pattaya is all about. Villa Market, like Walmart, is a non-entity in Pattaya. The only difference is that you can walk into Villa Market in Pattaya and you cannot walk into a Walmart in Pattaya, at least not yet. Villa Market has been in the Avenue Shopping Center for at least 3 years, so the market has had plenty of time to judge what it has to offer, and the market gives it a resounding "F". Go into Villa Market at any time of day or night and it is completely empty, except for the working staff. You will be the only patron in the store. Other comparable food stores, like Friendship and Foodland, are bustling. Villa Market has a bad location, a bad business plan and a bad pricing strategy, and the lack of customers in the store reflects that. What amazes me is that they have been in the Avenue for more than 3 years and have made no effort to change any of their obvious problems. There was a time when popular farang food items -- olive oil, balsamic vinegar, cheese, less sweet mayonnaise, olives, etc. were only available at the farang focused food stores, and stores offering these items could charge a "convenience premium" on the other readily available items that they sold. Not any more. Now, almost all of the large food stores, like Big C (as an aside, I absolutely hate Big C) offer most of the items that foreigners living in Pattaya want. And the number of food stores has increased signifcantly over the last few years, so it is pretty easy to do almost all of your shopping at Macro (as an aside, I love Macro), Tesco or Big C, and stop at Foodland or Frienship for those imported "specialty" items on your way home. So, the convenience premium has been driven to close to zero, everywhere but Villa. In Bangkok, where most shoppers must rely on public transport, and hauling large bags of groceries on the Sky Train is a real hastle, the convenience premium may still command a much higher price. I expect that Villa management has not yet realized that the farang food market in Pattaya is a different market than Bangkok -- on average, more mobile, more time, and less income. I would estimate (with no scientific research) that the prices at Foodland are 3 to 5% higher than at Big C or Tesco, which is an acceptable price to pay for "one stop shopping". It is also very easy to stop at Foodland on your way in or out of Pattaya. Shoppers obviously do both. I would estimate that the prices at Villa are on average 15 to 25% higher than Big C or Tesco, and even more when compared to prices at Macro. Perhaps quality differences explain some of this price difference, but obviously food shoppers don't see it -- they don't shop there. I would never make a special trip to Villa, and it appears that I am not alone. So, I suggest that the OP treats Villa like it does not exist, like everyone else in Pattaya (I do hope, however, that at some point in time it will see the light -- another "good" shopping option is always welcome; regrettably, Villa does not come close to offering one of those). Next.....

[TheShockMaster]

To the above poster... it's amazing what a couple of paragraph breaks can do to entice someone to read your post... but thanks, I agree, those who complain about the prices, should not visit Villa and that's exactly what I'm going to do... unless I need more Robinsons juice

Edited September 22, 2012 by CalzoHoudini

[TheShockMaster]

Boring or what!!! who the hell cares about supermarket prices, give the wife money ..bye dear see you later ,go get a beer or3.

But it makes a difference if you gave your wife the money to go and get the shopping and she went to Villa and then could only afford to buy you half the amount of beer that you would normally get.

[Thailaw]

Boring or what!!! who the hell cares about supermarket prices, give the wife money ..bye dear see you later ,go get a beer or3.

If your life consists entirely of going to "get a beer or 3", it is you that lead a life that is boring beyond imagination. I kind of feel sorry for you; well, not really......my sympathy goes to "the wife".....

"Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go."

- Oscar Wilde

[Michaelaway]

To the above poster... it's amazing what a couple of paragraph breaks can do to entice someone to read your post... but thanks, I agree, those who complain about the prices, should not visit Villa and that's exactly what I'm going to do... unless I need more Robinsons juice

Robinson's Squash is cheaper at Friendship...

[TheShockMaster]

To the above poster... it's amazing what a couple of paragraph breaks can do to entice someone to read your post... but thanks, I agree, those who complain about the prices, should not visit Villa and that's exactly what I'm going to do... unless I need more Robinsons juice

Robinson's Squash is cheaper at Friendship...

I imagine it would be but I couldn't find it a couple of days ago when I was in there. I'll keep looking.

[sotsira]

I am not sure what the fuss about Villa Market in Pattaya is all about. Villa Market, like Walmart, is a non-entity in Pattaya. The only difference is that you can walk into Villa Market in Pattaya and you cannot walk into a Walmart in Pattaya, at least not yet. Villa Market has been in the Avenue Shopping Center for at least 3 years, so the market has had plenty of time to judge what it has to offer, and the market gives it a resounding "F". Go into Villa Market at any time of day or night and it is completely empty, except for the working staff. You will be the only patron in the store. Other comparable food stores, like Friendship and Foodland, are bustling. Villa Market has a bad location, a bad business plan and a bad pricing strategy, and the lack of customers in the store reflects that. What amazes me is that they have been in the Avenue for more than 3 years and have made no effort to change any of their obvious problems. There was a time when popular farang food items -- olive oil, balsamic vinegar, cheese, less sweet mayonnaise, olives, etc. were only available at the farang focused food stores, and stores offering these items could charge a "convenience premium" on the other readily available items that they sold. Not any more. Now, almost all of the large food stores, like Big C (as an aside, I absolutely hate Big C) offer most of the items that foreigners living in Pattaya want. And the number of food stores has increased signifcantly over the last few years, so it is pretty easy to do almost all of your shopping at Macro (as an aside, I love Macro), Tesco or Big C, and stop at Foodland or Frienship for those imported "specialty" items on your way home. So, the convenience premium has been driven to close to zero, everywhere but Villa. In Bangkok, where most shoppers must rely on public transport, and hauling large bags of groceries on the Sky Train is a real hastle, the convenience premium may still command a much higher price. I expect that Villa management has not yet realized that the farang food market in Pattaya is a different market than Bangkok -- on average, more mobile, more time, and less income. I would estimate (with no scientific research) that the prices at Foodland are 3 to 5% higher than at Big C or Tesco, which is an acceptable price to pay for "one stop shopping". It is also very easy to stop at Foodland on your way in or out of Pattaya. Shoppers obviously do both. I would estimate that the prices at Villa are on average 15 to 25% higher than Big C or Tesco, and even more when compared to prices at Macro. Perhaps quality differences explain some of this price difference, but obviously food shoppers don't see it -- they don't shop there. I would never make a special trip to Villa, and it appears that I am not alone. So, I suggest that the OP treats Villa like it does not exist, like everyone else in Pattaya (I do hope, however, that at some point in time it will see the light -- another "good" shopping option is always welcome; regrettably, Villa does not come close to offering one of those). Next.....

I agree, been here nine years and can find everything i need at all the other supermarkets.

I've never set foot in Villa since it opened.

[seasia]

JSixpack: eh, cheese at 13s7d on the net! The net was but a glimmer in Tim's eye when decimal currency was introduced into the UK. Or are you being funny?

By the way cheese lovers, have you tried the locally produced cheeses which are usually on sale in Friendship and Best. The Lancashire is especially good, and it is only 110 baht for 200 grms.

Hi

Yes, I`ve been buying some cheese recently in Best, seems quite reasonably priced to me and tastes OK..

[tropo]

I agree, been here nine years and can find everything i need at all the other supermarkets.

I've never set foot in Villa since it opened.

You could be missing out. You can find some good deals in there if you look. (Villa Market opened in October 2007 - it hasn't been here nine years)

Some examples - I've found the best deals on apple sauce, raisins, imported cottage cheese, mozzarella, milk, tissues, kiwifruit, cashews - compared to anywhere else in town. That's apart from the fact you can find good stuff in there you won't find anywhere else. Where else am I going to find low sodium oyster sauce.

[tropo]

Villa, and other specialist imported food markets, has a far wider selection of imported food than "average supermarkets". Sure, some items can be expensive but no one is forced to buy them. I'm just grateful that imported favourites are available and as I get paid in baht, I couldn't care less what the £ equivalent is!

Exactly. If I want something, the GBP, AUD or USD price has zero significance. I appreciate the choice in Villa Market and treat myself to many of these expensive imported luxuries from time to time.

[tropo]

I have never known so many men to know supermarket prices so well.

You guys must lead really exciting lives!

Retire to Pattaya and spend your time running around the supermarket shelves comparing prices.

I give my gal the shopping money and she buys whatever.

I do all my own shopping and cooking and enjoy it. My Filipino wife doesn't have a clue about Farang food. Each to their own. My food intake is about 98% Farang food.

What do you do that makes your life so much more exciting than us guys who browse supermarket shelves? What am I missing out on? (I don't enjoy talking to working girls in bars)

Edited September 22, 2012 by tropo

[Tolley]

So much time spent shopping and such an intimate knowledge of prices across supermarkets is a bit sad isn't it?

I wouldnt suggest talking to working girls in bars as a means of passing the time.

Their converstations tend to be very limited.

Anyway I dont think they are there for their conversational skills.

[brewsterbudgen]

Villa, and other specialist imported food markets, has a far wider selection of imported food than "average supermarkets". Sure, some items can be expensive but no one is forced to buy them. I'm just grateful that imported favourites are available and as I get paid in baht, I couldn't care less what the £ equivalent is!

Exactly. If I want something, the GBP, AUD or USD price has zero significance. I appreciate the choice in Villa Market and treat myself to many of these expensive imported luxuries from time to time.

I agree. Villa has by the far best selection of imported food - and I can afford it!

[tropo]

So much time spent shopping and such an intimate knowledge of prices across supermarkets is a bit sad isn't it?

I wouldnt suggest talking to working girls in bars as a means of passing the time.

Their converstations tend to be very limited.

Anyway I dont think they are there for their conversational skills.

For starters, I don't shop more than 2 or 3 times per week and it doesn't take long, because once you know where the best prices are you just head straight there.

Now why is this sad?

What am I missing out on by shopping for my own food? What is it that you do which is so stimulating and exciting that you can't spare a few hours per week for shopping? How about some constructive advice so that some of the more sad amongst us can learn.

This evening I'll be roasting NZ leg of lamb (605 baht/kg) and having that with mint sauce and jelly from Australia, and roast vegetables. How sad it that?

Edited September 22, 2012 by tropo