Price Gouging Overkill

[bellechemical]

We have seen several seasonal listings removed because we normally increase the price in the spring and decrease the price in winter. We were also the lowest price per fl. oz. of 99% isopropyl alcohol on the market and our listing was flagged as price gouging so it was removed. We typically utilize Amazon multi-channel fulfillment to reduce our shipping costs, but with the issues with Amazon we have had to change back to shipping many of these items ourselves. This has resulted in an average increase of $6.00 in shipping charges per item. These items normally sell for $18.99 and $29.99, and we have increased their prices to $23.99 and $34.99 which resulted in the listings being removed for price gouging. Ebay's system does not seem to account for changes in shipping practices, but Ebay expects sellers to maintain our pricing regardless of shipping price increases. My question to the community: Is it fair for Ebay to remove listings for price gouging without actually investigating why the price was increased? Their system is simply blanketing listings and not putting into the equation whether or not the item is seasonal or if the coronavirus impact has resulted in additional shipping fees. We were selling isopropyl alcohol, 99% at the lowest price per fl. oz. on Ebay and now we do a search and we see higher priced listings remaining active, but Ebay removed the lowest priced listing? This actually contradicts their price gouging system and results in the consumer paying more for the same item. 

[andypa_81]

ALL listings for these products are being removed.

[bellechemical]

The same popular products are still available. 

Here is one priced at $1.29 per fl. oz. and ours was priced at $1.09 per fl. oz. That's 18% higher than our listing and our listing was the one removed. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Isopropyl-Alcohol-99-13-5-oz/283832398901?hash=item4215bab435:g:53oAAOSwIuN...

[terrycece62]

Sellers continue to list despite being advised not to do so
So yes u will see listings 4 products

listings will be taken down if reported
Stay safe

[sandrar2345]

I'm frustrated with this as a customer. It is being recommended that everyone wear masks when out and about in my area. It's not mandatory at this point, but that could be coming soon. There is nowhere in my area that has any masks in stock. Plus I am supposed to be at home as much as possible, not visiting every store looking for something that no one has in stock, anyway. 

Amazon is not allowing individuals to order masks, only hospitals. Ebay is taking down any listing as soon as it comes up. A few days ago, before I realized this policy was in place on ebay, I was luckily able to order a homemade mask for each person in my family before the seller's listing was removed. This is an individual making them in their home and selling them for a fair price. Not everyone has the skills, materials and a sewing machine to make their own. I am very thankful for this person making and selling the masks and selling them at a fair price, but it looks like their listings have been removed. I feel very lucky this seller shipped them right away and they should arrive here today.

I also wanted some disposable masks. My purchase for some of these went through before ebay removed the listing but so far this particular seller is unresponsive and has not shipped them. If this seller is not reputable I would love to be able to buy some from someone who is, but no luck as selling them is not allowed.

Anyway, sorry to go on and on. I guess I just need to vent because it is frustrating to want to comply with safety recommendations but not be able to find masks for sale anywhere. I think this could really get tricky in places where masks are required rather than only recommended because masks are just not available. I realize it is difficult for ebay to police so many listings, I understand the position they are in, but from my position it is frustrating not being able to buy safety products at all.

To anyone actually read this whole thing, thanks for listening!

[andypa_81]

A bandana will work

[mam98031]

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@andypa_81 wrote:
A bandana will work

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For the general population it will HELP.  A bandana or scarf is helpful for those that already have the virus from transmitting to others.  It helps to prevent the droplets from escaping.  For those that do not have the virus it doesn't help a whole lot because the virus can get to them through the bandana or scarf.

[mam98031]

When  you increased the pricing that much, that is what attracted the violation of the price gouging rule.  

I'm not so sure it would have done that if you had raised your shipping rate [separately stated] and not the price of the item.  I am of course assuming you were doing free shipping.  That may or may not be a correct assumption on my part.

[go-bad-chicken]

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@mam98031 wrote:

When  you increased the pricing that much, that is what attracted the violation of the price gouging rule.  

I'm not so sure it would have done that if you had raised your shipping rate [separately stated] and not the price of the item.  I am of course assuming you were doing free shipping.  That may or may not be a correct assumption on my part.

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This was my thought as well. The OP does offer free shipping on all of their products sold here and it appears that they always have.

Its very possible that when they altered their listings from  $18.99 and $29.99, to $23.99 and $34.99 respectively with shipping included; that this is what triggered eBay's system. I can see where it may have looked like they were inflating their established historical prices by 26% for the 1st and roughly 17% for the 2nd.

I am mildly curious to know if the outcome might have been different had they just added their shipping cost increase of $6.00 separately, or would it have simply produced the same results?

[inhawaii]

I recently bought this:

NEW Pack of 6 Bottles Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol 91% 8oz Antiseptic US seller

It's bought and paid for and a i have a tracking number.  I'm not sure if isoprophyl alcohol is banned or was banned at the time i purchased this but so far there has been no ebay intervention that i am aware of.