How Amazon raised prices to profit from the pandemic

 by Alex Harman

Part 10 - Examples of Price Gouging on Products Sold by Third-Party Sellers

  

The essential items sold by third-party sellers identified in this section differ from those sold directly by Amazon detailed in the previous section due to the variance in availability, and the instances of actual price gouging in product categories.

 

Hand Sanitizer: 407% Price Increase

 

Amazon has recently listed “Germ-x Hand Sanitizer, Flavor may vary ( Original / fresh citrus ), 8 Fl Oz, Pack of 12” sold by third-parties for as much as $109.98. This represents a 407% price increase over the $27.01 price at which other third-party sellers on Amazon have recently listed the item. 

Disinfectant Spray: 416% Price Increase

Amazon has recently listed “Spic And Span Antibacterial Spray Cleaner, 22 oz (2 Bottle Multipack)” sold by third-party sellers for $24.89. This reflects a 416% price increase over the lowest recent price listed by other third-party sellers on Amazon.com of $5.99.

Antibacterial Soap: 274% Price Increase

Amazon recently listed “Dial Liquid Soap Anti-Bacterial White Tea 7.5 Ounce Pump (221ml) (Pack of 6)” sold by third-party sellers for $50. This is a 274% price increase over the $18.24 price listed by third-party sellers before the COVID-19 emergency declarations. It is notable that this item typically sells for less than $1.29 per unit at other retail stores and even the previous lower price of $18.24 is a significant mark-up.

Toilet Paper: 381% Price Increase

Amazon recently listed “Charmin Ultra Soft Cushiony Touch Toilet Paper, 18 Family Mega Rolls = 90 Regular Rolls” sold by third-party sellers for $100. This reflects a 381% price increase over the recent lowest third-party seller price of $26.24.

Amazon recently listed “Charmin Ultra Strong Clean Touch Toilet Paper, 18 Family Mega Rolls = 90 Regular Rolls” sold by third-party sellers for $59. This reflects a 225% price increase over the recent lowest third-party price of $26.24.

Amazon recently listed “Quilted Northern Bathroom Tissue, 18 Count (Pack of 1), White” sold by third-party sellers for $55. This amounts to a 315% price increase over the recent lowest third-party seller price of $17.48.

Paper Towels: 450% Price Increase

Amazon recently listed “Bounty 74795 Select-A-Size Paper Towels, 20 Fluid Ounce” sold by third-party sellers for $53.99. This reflected a 450% price increase over the $12 price listed by third-party sellers in the days leading up to the COVID-19 emergency declarations.

Flour: 941% Price Increase

Amazon recently listed “King Arthur Flour All-Purpose Flour, 10 Pound” sold by third-party sellers for $59. This reflects a 941% price increase over the lowest recent third-party seller price of $6.27.

Rice: 641% Price Increase

Amazon recently listed “Goya Canilla Enriched Extra Long Grain Rice, 48oz, Arroz Enriquecido de Grano Extra Largo” sold by third-party sellers for $19.99. This is a 641% price increase over the $3.12 price that other retailers charge for this item and a 155% increase over the $12.93 price that was listed on the online platform by third-party sellers before the COVID-19 pandemic stay-at-home orders took effect.

Pasta Sauce: 312% Price Increase

Amazon recently listed “Rao’s Homemade Arrabbiata Pasta Sauce 24oz” sold by third-party sellers for $24.95. This is a 312% price increase over the $7.99 price other retailers charge for this product and a 240% increase over the lowest price of $10.39 recently listed by third-party sellers on Amazon.

Source, links, references:

https://www.citizen.org/article/prime-gouging/

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