That's the main point I'm having trouble understanding. Minimum wage goes up, so all the prices go up, too? Why?
So does that mean if we lower the minimum wage, prices will fall?
Can someone please explain this for me in the simplest terms possible?
no. prices rarely go down unless competition drives prices lower.
if you own the only gas station in a 500 mile radius, you can charge whatever you want, until people start going for alternatives like making their own Methyl alcohol, or switching to propane or some other alternative (your only competition)
if another gas station opens up across the street and charges 1/2 what you charge, you will either lower your prices to compete, or go out of business.
if you simply cannot cut your price in half and still maintain a profit, then you close, and the new guy is the only gas staion in 500 miles, and HE can charge whatever he wants.
if your costs go up, whether for the gasoline from your supplier, or your property taxes on the land, or regulatory costs (double walled underground tanks, regular soil testing, whatever), or the cost of labour for your gas station attendants, you MUST charge more for your gas, or narrow your profit margin, and lowering your profit margin is the last choice you would make.
it's the same way Wal Mart forces out their competition.
they come to town, and get a sweetheart deal (usually no city fees or taxes for 5-12 years) and then they sell for less, so much less that the competition (who faces these costs wal-mart is dodging) go under, then wal-mart can charge whatever they like.
their competitors cannot beat wal-mart's low low prices (since wal mart already has the edge by dodging local taxes and fees) so they cannot remain profitable.