There's nothing evil about wanting to make a profit. If a person has $100,000, he could choose to open a small business, work hard, and take a risk OR invest it in the stock market, relax at home, and earn almost 12% annually on his investment. A 20% profit for a business is not unreasonable. If wages or other costs increase, expenses have to be cut or prices will have to increase to maintain the profit margin. Customers may WANT to pay for quality, and may WISH a living wage for everyone, but if they can't afford it, then they don't buy your goods or service. Only the government gets to print money.