Roses

Wholesale cost for a dozen roses: About $9.50

Price you pay: $20 to $60, depending if you buy them from a grocery store or florist

The US imports over 80% of its roses (primarily from Colombia and Ecuador), according to the Society of American Florists. They are only in demand a few times a year and need to be carefully transported with air-conditioning, which largely accounts for the high mark-up. For example, on Valentine's Day, the price of roses spike can anywhere from 30% to 50%.