[Removed by moderator] in charging Eighteen dollars over the cost new directly from Manufactuer

Question

Apparently, there are no actual customer service humans at eBay. So I will bring it to the community. I have noticed sellers price-gouging, and here is one example: [Removed by moderator] is selling CYKLAR body wash, which is $35 directly from the manufacturer, for $53. Not cool!

sumur-5537 · Answer

I think it's dishonest. And you are right, that is how Capitalism works. But it only works if you have enough people who are willing to pay too much for a product. The item I am referring to is a luxury item; it's not essential. This theft is small- time, compared to the full-on Capitalism health insurance conglomerates benefit from. Here's the thing, though: I am confident that this particular free marketer is not authorized by the manufacturer to sell this product. So, in addition to price gouging, this seller is selling something they shouldn't be selling. Again, you are right, that's capitalism.

jacbarcollectibles · Answer

Anytime you purchase and item from other than the manufacturer the middleman will always charge you more. This is how capitalism works. When you purchase an item from Best Buy or Home Depot they have added profit above what they paid the manufacturer for the item. Some manufacturers will have a maximum retail price and many do not so the seller is allowed to charge what they want.

sumur-5537 · Answer

You are right, I will definitely buy it somewhere else. But it is still price gouging, and if the free market means sellers can charge whatever they want, eventually buyers will stop buying from them.

wooden_flower · Answer

@sumur-5537

Sellers are free to set their prices at any level they choose. If it is too high, don’t buy it. This is how free markets work.

Price gouging only applies to items deemed critical during declared emergencies.