Tapes are expensive in the states, too. As a matter of fact, I now own 3 labelers because it was cheaper to buy an introductory package containing a P-touch and 2 tapes at Costco than one TZ tape in an office supply store. So that's what I did, multiple times. It's the old "give 'em the razor, make your money on the blades" marketing technique, isn't it?