MANUFACTURERS

often package items as multiples to increase sales. This may be acceptable for often-used items, or small items such as screws, but generally leads to waste.

I recently needed a belt for a bench sander. The local hardware store only sold replacements in packs of two for around $16. As the previous belt had lasted more than 30 years, a second would never be used. So I purchased one over the internet from China for $3.98.

Given the explosion in online sales, when will manufacturers realise they can no longer force people to buy unwanted extras? IAN TIMMINS, MERMAID BEACH