chemgal
Price Gouging
Posted on: 06/22/2013 11:46
Should price gouging be allowed when there's an emergency. The mayor came out in Calgary as saying it's illegal, but places are doing it anyway. $20 for ice, $50 for 12 bottles of water, $60 for a fruit tray, etc.
It sounds horrible, but what are the alternatives?
- Sell as normal, even though costs may be higher for the business at the time and run out quickly. Individuals will then sell extras at outrageous prices.
- Limit the numbers purchased. This means 1 person won't be buying for multiple people though, increasing issues with traffic, crowding in the store, and length of lines. 1 large transaction takes less time than 10 small. What about those who can't get there and were relying on someone to make a purchase for them?
Should business that price gouge be boycotted later?
Search
Recently Active...
Comments
chemgal
Posted on: 06/22/2013 11:49
People also hoard. At regular prices, people are more likely to buy in excessive amounts rather than just what they need.
In some areas, grocery store shelves were emptied. Water was gone by 7am. Lineups were very long.
The city asked people to reduce water consumption. I heard of phone calls that went around saying the city would be turning the water off, so when people should be reducing their consumption they were filling pots, tubs, barrels, whatever they had.
Arminius
Posted on: 06/22/2013 11:55
Should business that price gouge be boycotted later?
Definitely!
Rationing, not price gouging, is to be practiced in emergencies.
chemgal
Posted on: 06/23/2013 00:16
How do you ensure that those who have difficulties getting to the stores are able to get what they need then?
Arminius
Posted on: 06/23/2013 01:37
Volunteers, the Red Cross, service clubs, etc., deliver to those in need.