Price gouging

[queasy27]

As a senior with an autoimmune disease, I'm kind of a COVID-19 sitting duck. I fully recognize that price gouging is wrong and my actions are contributing to the problem, but I was still okay with paying $17 for two bottles of disinfectant cleaning spray on eBay.

Then eBay removed that listing for gouging. I ordered something from a different seller whose listing was also deleted but that person got my order in the mail quickly and it's on the way.

I feel like a collaborator in Vichy France, but all the experts are telling us to disinfect up to three times a day and I can't use my diluted bleach solution on all surfaces.

Have you experienced similar dilemmas or lines you're not willing to cross?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I think if I had an autoimmune disease, I would already have a modest stockpile (a few bottles at least) of sanitizer for hands, some for surfaces, and some for the air, in a cabinet. That way if something did happen and I needed to prepare for a serious medical event, I'd have plenty of time to get what I need from reliable sources at the going rates.

[starflyte1]

Oh, come on. The op asked a question about price gouging, not expecting a lecture. Hindsite is always better. The op needs kind replies.

I noticed price gouging on Amazon . I bought Tylenol for $10. Four weeks later, the same bottle was $30. On amazon!


QUOTE=OrangeBlossomBaby;1741014]I think if I had an autoimmune disease, I would already have a modest stockpile (a few bottles at least) of sanitizer for hands, some for surfaces, and some for the air, in a cabinet. That way if something did happen and I needed to prepare for a serious medical event, I'd have plenty of time to get what I need from reliable sources at the going rates.[/QUOTE]

[CFrance]

The "thank"button seems not to be working. But thank you, Starflyte1. Who's to know what anyone's particular circumstances are at any point in time.

The weirdest thing I saw was Grizzly Salmon Oil for my dog. It's normally $28-32 for a pint on amazon prime, but today it was $47. Not much to do with covid-19, but gouging, to say the least.

[Koapaka]

Unfortunately, there will ALWAYS be those ready to take advantage of a situation to profit. I have found asking and lending between friends to be a VERY reliable source of "needs" so far. Did you ask or try sourcing within your circles? Just a thought

[DianeM]

Oh, come on. The op asked a question about price gouging, not expecting a lecture. Hindsite is always better. The op needs kind replies.

I noticed price gouging on Amazon . I bought Tylenol for $10. Four weeks later, the same bottle was $30. On amazon!


QUOTE=OrangeBlossomBaby;1741014]I think if I had an autoimmune disease, I would already have a modest stockpile (a few bottles at least) of sanitizer for hands, some for surfaces, and some for the air, in a cabinet. That way if something did happen and I needed to prepare for a serious medical event, I'd have plenty of time to get what I need from reliable sources at the going rates.[/QUOTE]


Nailed it !!

[Northwoods]

I think if I had an autoimmune disease, I would already have a modest stockpile (a few bottles at least) of sanitizer for hands, some for surfaces, and some for the air, in a cabinet. That way if something did happen and I needed to prepare for a serious medical event, I'd have plenty of time to get what I need from reliable sources at the going rates.

Wow... I'm guessing the OP is a little worried about his vulnerability in this pandemic. The LAST thing he needed was a lecture...

[Velvet]

Amazon regularly allows price gauging. If an item is scarce the price that various suppliers offer it at it gets higher the scarcer the item is. They can also charge shipping costs which can be unbelievably high.

[CFrance]

Amazon regularly allows price gauging. If an item is scarce the price that various suppliers offer it at it gets higher the scarcer the item is. They can also charge shipping costs which can be unbelievably high.
Maybe they're wising up, velvet. Hopefully.

Amazon has kicked 3,900 sellers off its platform for price gouging during the coronavirus crisis



Amazon kicked 3,900 sellers off its platform for price gouging - Business Insider (https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-kicked-3900-sellers-off-its-platform-coronavirus-price-gouging-2020-3)

[Boomer]

I think if I had an autoimmune disease, I would already have a modest stockpile (a few bottles at least) of sanitizer for hands, some for surfaces, and some for the air, in a cabinet. That way if something did happen and I needed to prepare for a serious medical event, I'd have plenty of time to get what I need from reliable sources at the going rates.


wow

OBB, your post surprised and disappointed me. I have thought of you as an articulate, straight shooter, willing to take on opposing topics under discussion. But your post here was completely out of left field and uncalled for. I have never thought of you as unkind. That post was pure mean. Get down off your high horse, please.

[CFrance]

Some people have all the answers but without all the circumstances, I fear.

[Velvet]

These are unprecedented times... how many of us have discussed where to have our decontamination room in the house before? How many have practiced hospital workers’ level of hygiene at home before?

[queasy27]

The weirdest thing I saw was Grizzly Salmon Oil for my dog. It's normally $28-32 for a pint on amazon prime, but today it was $47. Not much to do with covid-19, but gouging, to say the least.

Was it something you could wait on, or did you end up buying it anyway? It was going against my principles for self interest that bothered me ... I could have justified it more easily for a pet!

eBay of course has auctions for sanitizing products and I saw a canister of Clorox wipes bid up to at $89 yesterday. But then, it's an auction and nobody was forcing people to bid. Kind of a gray area as long as the starting price was reasonable.

[Two Bills]

Just bought hand sanitiser on ebay UK at a reasonable price, and had it sent to the kids, and some for ourselves.
50ml bottles, 70% alcohol (allegedly!) $5 each including postage.
Never purchased before, so I would not know markup, but does not seem excessive for the present times.
Lots around that price range. Think the message is getting across to the gougers.

[Professor]

I know the feeling. When trying to protect someone with an autoimmune disease (I know firsthand) you do what you have to do to keep that person alive as long as it is not putting someone else's life in danger. The gougers will have to live with themselves and God will sort it all out in the end...

[juscause]

On the hand sanitizer issue, you can easily make your own. Take two parts rubbing alcohol, one part aloe gel, add 10 drops of lemon juice. You have made hand sanitizer for fractions of what they want on the open market.

[J1ceasar]

3900 thrown off out of millions. Remember some may have bought at hi wholesale also . I don't see certain supermarkets selling meat cheap either though.

[bonrich]

On the hand sanitizer issue, you can easily make your own. Take two parts rubbing alcohol, one part aloe gel, add 10 drops of lemon juice. You have made hand sanitizer for fractions of what they want on the open market.

Easy recipe to make your own, but a slight problem, cannot find the the aloe and the alcohol to do it, ergo, HOARDING.

[Hayek1957]

Let’s discuss price gouging for a minute.

The price a private seller establishes includes the price of the raw components, processing, packaging and shipping, taxes, overhead and profit. While we already know the reasonable price for many typical products in the event of an emergency, the demand for these products or services often increase due to a variety of reasons that are often beyond the control of a private seller.

Example is of a factory worker that is compelled to work overtime to keep producing components for the product. That worker must be paid extra for their labor and the expense for that additional labor is reflected in the final price of the product.

When EBay retracts a listing, they are only expressing their opinion as to what constitutes a fair price. This is only their opinion and may not reflect current market conditions.

I am not arguing that some sellers are exploiting this crisis for profit maximization, but the product is available and no individual is being forced to purchase that product.

Disclosure: I do not sell anything on EBay or any other marketing platform.

[theruizs]

Hope these links come through ok. Hand sanitizer from PulseTV and FineTwo, if not try googling them:

2-Pack of Purifize 8 oz Hand Cleaner - Exceeds CDC Recommendations for Cleaning and Sanitizing - PulseTV (https://www.pulsetv.com/prodinfo.asp?ss=ac&number=9106A)

50ML Portable Instant Hand Sanitizer - Finetwo (https://www.finetwo.com/50ml-portable-instant-hand-sanitizer-g-190)

[davem4616]

my wife had an autoimmune reaction to meds that knocked her out before a surgical procedure that lasted well over a year....this is one of the most frustrating things that we'd ever had to deal with....there's no apparent fix or treatment

no question that there are folks out there taking advantage of the situation by selfishly jacking up prices because they can....it'll turn around eventually

to the OP, I would suggest that you try to cover those areas with something (plastic table cloth??) that the disinfectants you have might not be appropriate for

It sounds like you're already diligent about keeping things clean inside your home....so the biggest risk is someone carrying covid-19 into the house

when I bring groceries into the house now I'm leaving the can goods, things in boxes, non-perishables in plastic on a table in the garage for a few days....just in case any covid-19 virus were on them

the fresh veggies I wash with soap and water and put away

the meats I immediately repackage and vacuum seal

then I thoroughly disinfect the counter area and wash my hands

Another thought might be to have whomever is going out of the house to shop for food to go through a makeshift "clean room" in the garage or laundry room before entering the home itself....leaving all shoes and clothing that was worn while outside and changing into 'clean' garments before entering the home.

sounds like a lot to do, but it may give you additional peace of mind

good luck

[sipops]

As of a week ago they blocked and banned 3400 sellers for price gouging. They also rely on the buyers to report these sellers.

[Bethwill]

Maybe they're wising up, velvet. Hopefully.

Amazon has kicked 3,900 sellers off its platform for price gouging during the coronavirus crisis



Amazon kicked 3,900 sellers off its platform for price gouging - Business Insider (https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-kicked-3900-sellers-off-its-platform-coronavirus-price-gouging-2020-3)
I've seen Amazon allow sellers to charge $45 for a $15 lipstick that has been discontinued, which is ridiculous. BUT, supply and demand on that, NOT for essential items in a pandemic!

[MOMOH]

I am also immune suppressed and wanted to purchase masks (about three weeks before it started to get bad here) for a plane trip to NYC to see my new granddaughter. I managed to get a box of masks for $39.99. Most prices were comparable so I didn't think that was bad. It took two weeks for them to get here, and by that time it was starting to get bad so I decided to send a box to my kids in NY. Back on Amazon, the same box was listed for $759.00 with a shipping fee of $290.00. THAT is price gouging!

[Kerry Azz]

Easy recipe to make your own, but a slight problem, cannot find the the aloe and the alcohol to do it, ergo, HOARDING.
I’ve been drinking a lot of alcohol to battle this from the inside, it seems to be working just fine. The side effects are amazing and I’m sleeping a lot better. :coolsmiley:

[Spalumbos62]

I think if I had an autoimmune disease, I would already have a modest stockpile (a few bottles at least) of sanitizer for hands, some for surfaces, and some for the air, in a cabinet. That way if something did happen and I needed to prepare for a serious medical event, I'd have plenty of time to get what I need from reliable sources at the going rates.

I think people have been quarantined too long because they sure are getting nasty. If I had a friend with an autoimmune going thru this with low supplies...I would share.

[Shetzy]

What do you need? Next time I go to Walmart, I would be happy to look and get off possible.

[Mumbles]

The "thank"button seems not to be working. But thank you, Starflyte1. Who's to know what anyone's particular circumstances are at any point in time.

The weirdest thing I saw was Grizzly Salmon Oil for my dog. It's normally $28-32 for a pint on amazon prime, but today it was $47. Not much to do with covid-19, but gouging, to say the least.

Actually, a local FL channel reported that, in a zoo, a wild cat keeper infected one of his/her cats! I had just finished asking my nurse wife if animals could catch the virus.
Eager to see what becomes of it if the news story is correct and has been researched.

[Mumbles]

Amazon regularly allows price gauging. If an item is scarce the price that various suppliers offer it at it gets higher the scarcer the item is. They can also charge shipping costs which can be unbelievably high.

. . . nobody in the usa, at least, is guaranteed a fair price due to the fact that scarcity of a product often makes the retailer raise the price. It's, unfortunately maybe, the way business can work sometimes. Fair Trade items, however, do not follow that dictum. An example is coffee. If Jose Beano grows Arabica coffee beans the same as Andy Merchant, the price OUGHT to be the same for both under FT.

[Mumbles]

On the hand sanitizer issue, you can easily make your own. Take two parts rubbing alcohol, one part aloe gel, add 10 drops of lemon juice. You have made hand sanitizer for fractions of what they want on the open market.

except that it is very close to being impossible to FIND any rubbing alcohol at this time.

[stan the man]

The "thank"button seems not to be working. But thank you, Starflyte1. Who's to know what anyone's particular circumstances are at any point in time.

The weirdest thing I saw was Grizzly Salmon Oil for my dog. It's normally $28-32 for a pint on amazon prime, but today it was $47. Not much to do with covid-19, but gouging, to say the least.

Grizzly Salmon Oil (https://www.cherrybrook.com/grizzly-salmon-oil/)

[guitarguy]

Basic economics teaches us that as prices go up due to increased demand, more manufacturers will enter production as they see the opportunity to make money. If we limit pricing too much as demand increases we will have empty shelves. There will be no incentive for new producers to enter the marker. There have been many stories of new and different companies entering the hand sanitizer market. But it does take time for the increased supply to reach our stores.
I do appreciate retailers that limit purchasing to prevent hoarding during unusual times. The shelves may empty quickly but at least many people have the opportunity to buy a highly desired item such as hand sanitizer.

[shirleyjerez]

I love that saying

[Carla B]

Actually, a local FL channel reported that, in a zoo, a wild cat keeper infected one of his/her cats! I had just finished asking my nurse wife if animals could catch the virus.
Eager to see what becomes of it if the news story is correct and has been researched.

I also saw that story on ABC News on my iPad. It was a tiger at the Bronx Zoo infected by its caretaker.

[retiredguy123]

Price gouging is like pornography. You can't define it, but you know it when you see it.

[rmd2]

Price gouging in other areas - fast food. Who would have thought? I was just a little hungry so I went to a drive thru fast food for junior fries which are $1.20. When I went to the window she said it was $2.50. I said that is over double what they are normally. She said That's what it is now. I said keep them (of course I could pay it but it's the principle of gouging). Also there was a tip jar on the ledge. I wonder if there is even a manager there or the few people inside are just doubling the prices to make more money. It will be interesting to see if they keep the tip jar out after this is over.

[tomhinz]

Cannot find Rubbing alcohol anywhere, so how do you make sanitizer?

[tomhinz]

Publix has raised prices on their meats a lot.

[fdpaq0580]

I think if I had an autoimmune disease, I would already have a modest stockpile (a few bottles at least) of sanitizer for hands, some for surfaces, and some for the air, in a cabinet. That way if something did happen and I needed to prepare for a serious medical event, I'd have plenty of time to get what I need from reliable sources at the going rates.

I took this a little different than some other folks. Rather than an attack or lecture, I took it as advice or " food for thought " for going forward into an uncertain future. While I believe this could have been phrased differently, the basic message is (IMO ) to always try to have a LITTLE extra on hand of things you really need. I try to do this already, thus our self isolation hasn't been as stressful as it has been for many. Stay safe and well and try to be a little more understanding of others who may not express themselves the same as you.

[DonnaNi4os]

I also have autoimmune disease, systemic lupus. My fear is that when it comes time to renew my prescription for hydroxychloroquine I won’t be able to get my hands on it or afford it. To the originator of this thread, I hear you. Stay safe everyone and above all, in a world where you can be anything, choose to be kind.

[Carlsondm]

You must use a storage locker some place. Stockpile is not a word I would expect in The Villages. My home has very little space to “stockpile”.
As you may have guessed, I was ticked by mention that someone with autoimmune problems had not prepared properly for this virus attack. How crude. Some people are seriously facing death. Some also may not be internet comfortable for ordering supplies.

If you have ideas that would help folks survive, that would be far more appreciated.

[Anne17]

If you are adding to the problem or not, you have to do what is necessary for your own health. I think you did the right thing.

[Anne17]

Have you tried to get rubbing alcohol lately? I think it eloped with the toilet paper.

[Carlsondm]

Vodka looks pretty good when you can’t find rubbing alcohol.

[Marvic 1]

Easy recipe to make your own, but a slight problem, cannot find the the aloe and the alcohol to do it, ergo, HOARDING.

Whats up with these companies that make these products (Sanitizers, Toilet paper etc. etc..) did they layoff heir workers that we can't fine these products in supermarkets?

[Griff3542]

I needed Kleenex desperately so I turned to Ebay and paid $14 for 2 boxes, call me stupid but I have no one to blame but myself.

[ladyarwen3]

As a senior with an autoimmune disease, I'm kind of a COVID-19 sitting duck. I fully recognize that price gouging is wrong and my actions are contributing to the problem, but I was still okay with paying $17 for two bottles of disinfectant cleaning spray on eBay.

Then eBay removed that listing for gouging. I ordered something from a different seller whose listing was also deleted but that person got my order in the mail quickly and it's on the way.

I feel like a collaborator in Vichy France, but all the experts are telling us to disinfect up to three times a day and I can't use my diluted bleach solution on all surfaces.

Have you experienced similar dilemmas or lines you're not willing to cross?

I do not understand why you need to disinfect 3 times a day if no one or nothing is coming into your home or you are not going out. Do you live with a spouse or another person? Pets? You can disinfect once a day and wash your hands before eating and cooking.

[MandoMan]

On the hand sanitizer issue, you can easily make your own. Take two parts rubbing alcohol, one part aloe gel, add 10 drops of lemon juice. You have made hand sanitizer for fractions of what they want on the open market.

I haven’t seen aloe gel in stores in weeks. And the rubbing alcohol should be 91%, not 70%. I accidentally mixed a mineral oil aloe gel with alcohol, and that turned into a very nasty glop. Yech! I keep rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle and just spritz my hands and rub them together. I carry the spray bottle right into the store with me and spray the cart handle before I touch it. Works great.

[MandoMan]

I needed Kleenex desperately so I turned to Ebay and paid $14 for 2 boxes, call me stupid but I have no one to blame but myself.

Doubled up toilet paper is a pretty good substitute for Kleenex. That’s what I always used in my poor college days.

[MandoMan]

As a senior with an autoimmune disease, I'm kind of a COVID-19 sitting duck. I fully recognize that price gouging is wrong and my actions are contributing to the problem, but I was still okay with paying $17 for two bottles of disinfectant cleaning spray on eBay.

Then eBay removed that listing for gouging. I ordered something from a different seller whose listing was also deleted but that person got my order in the mail quickly and it's on the way.

I feel like a collaborator in Vichy France, but all the experts are telling us to disinfect up to three times a day and I can't use my diluted bleach solution on all surfaces.

Have you experienced similar dilemmas or lines you're not willing to cross?

I hear your fear and worry. Let me put your mind at ease. Yes, you need to be very careful. BUT! I’m assuming that you live alone or with a partner, and no one in the household has the virus. I’m also assuming that you are staying in the house or only going outside for walks, say, and not coming near other persons. If that is the case, once you have wiped down your counters and doorknobs and switches, etc., THERE IS NO WAY YOU CAN CATCH IT UNLESS YOU BREAK THAT CIRCLE. There is NO need to wipe things down three times a day, or any other number of times. None of the virus can get in. That’s not how it works. So you can relax. You’re safe!

If you invite friends over—and you should not—or go shopping, then you risk bringing in something with you, but if you have no contact with surfaces where the virus can exist for a few days, outside of your circle of cleanliness, you are safe. If your partner goes shopping. He or she can do the same. If someone delivers groceries for you, then if you like, you can put on disposable gloves and wipe things down with a bleach solution. If you are concerned about a fabric, put it out in the sun for a few hours and the sun will kill the virus.

Make your own bleach solution with two ounces of bleach in a gallon of water. It will kill the virus faster than alcohol and just as effectively, and it costs maybe a nickel a gallon. Put it in a spray bottle or pour some on a cloth or paper towel. You can wipe down boxes and plastic bags of food if you like. You can even mix it at ONE ounce per gallon and dip fresh fruits and vegetables in it to kill germs. It works! This is standard practice for Americans working in Africa, Asia, and Mexico. Just rinse the food in fresh water in a minute. This even works with lettuce. You can’t drink the bleach solution, and drinking straight bleach will kill you, but in solution and on counters and such, it’s not poisonous. It’s chlorine atoms in water. If you put salt in water, it dissociates into chlorine atoms (or ions) and sodium ions. Remember, chlorine is put into swimming pools to kill viruses, and that is nowhere near as strong as one ounce per gallon.

The virus is NOT going to waft in your window or settle on your doorknob. That not how it works. If someone with the virus on his or her hands touches your doorknob, the virus will transfer. If someone with the virus in his or her lungs breathes on you, it can transfer. That’s why you stay away from people and wear gloves and a mask when you go shopping or touch anything outside your clean circle. But once clean, unless you let in something, your house stays clean.

[CFrance]

Was it something you could wait on, or did you end up buying it anyway? It was going against my principles for self interest that bothered me ... I could have justified it more easily for a pet!

eBay of course has auctions for sanitizing products and I saw a canister of Clorox wipes bid up to at $89 yesterday. But then, it's an auction and nobody was forcing people to bid. Kind of a gray area as long as the starting price was reasonable.
Although Grizzly is the brand we have always used, I googled salmon oil for dogs, and another brand was listed as top choice out of 5. So we're trying a pint of that.

[Diverdave]

As a senior with an autoimmune disease, I'm kind of a COVID-19 sitting duck. I fully recognize that price gouging is wrong and my actions are contributing to the problem, but I was still okay with paying $17 for two bottles of disinfectant cleaning spray on eBay.

Then eBay removed that listing for gouging. I ordered something from a different seller whose listing was also deleted but that person got my order in the mail quickly and it's on the way.

I feel like a collaborator in Vichy France, but all the experts are telling us to disinfect up to three times a day and I can't use my diluted bleach solution on all surfaces.

Have you experienced similar dilemmas or lines you're not willing to cross?
In a perfect world you can tilt at windmills, but if you were to experience a tragedy because you felt that the extra $3 per bottle was too much I dont think your loved ones would ever recover. I taught womens self defense and I always told my students that if anyone ever attempted to rob them with a weapon they should freely hand over whatever valuables they needed to so.as to get the crimi al to go.away. I also told them to.call me the next day a d I would personally replace any and all.items or cash that they lost. I didn't want any of them to even hesitate to hand over a purse or wallet at the risk of their safety. (NOTE:This policy does not apply to someone trying to assault or kidnap...) I feel that you are in the same position, pay the rotten scum sucking rat and have faith in karma...

[mollyb]

Be kind.

[mollyb]

I bought a box today ...publix

[mhonard]

Coronavirus is very fragile and all you need is to penetrate its outer layer and it dies. Soap and water will do the trick. Look it up on the web.

COVID-19 prevention: Why soap, sanitizer and warm water work against coronavirus - CNN (https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/24/health/soap-warm-water-hand-sanitizer-coronavirus-wellness-scn/index.html)

[DON10E]

I agree with you in general, Guitarguy, but this situation is different. The increased prices are not going to the manufacturer, they are going to a middleman. Therefore production is not affected. Any empty shelves would not necessarily be due to a lack of supply but because of the increase of demand. That demand is artificially increased by the new middlemen. Their increased demand Helps cause the shelves to be empty.

I’ve assumed the shortages will end when enough folks decide they’ve got more than enough, but the middlemen are making that worse artificially. So the shortages could last longer.

At least, I think so. But I could be wrong. 😄