Price gouging question.

[inhawaii]

If i were to buy some of those "overpriced" N95 masks to re-sell, and marked them up using the SAME calculations i use to mark up any of my other items, no more no less, would that be considered price gouging?

[lightlily_arts]

I got this eBay announcement on another website but I still wonder if they will follow through

eBay announcement follows:

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Important reminder about our listing policies
Considering the global developments associated with Covid-19 (Coronavirus) and our dedication to delivering a safe and trusted marketplace, we would like to remind you of eBay’s Listing Policies:

Health claims and misuse of keywords: titles and item descriptions containing health claims and misusing terms such as “Coronavirus”, “Covid-19”, ‘Virus”, “epidemic” are prohibited.

Inflated prices over market value: listings that attempt to profit from tragedies and disasters (such as the Coronavirus outbreak) are prohibited.

eBay requests that all sellers who have live listings offering items such as face masks, hand sanitizer gel or wipes, etc., review their listings and make sure that they comply with eBay listing policies.

Activity that doesn’t follow eBay listing policies could result in a range of actions, such as eBay ending or canceling your relevant listings, hiding or demoting all listings from search results, lowering your seller rating, enforcing buying or selling restrictions, or suspending your account.

To learn more about the policies and make sure your listings are compliant, we invite you to read our three most relevant policies on this topic: Prescription and over-the-counter drugs policy, Disaster and Tragedy policy, Search manipulation policy.

Our thoughts are with all those affected by Coronavirus.

As always, thank you for selling on eBay.

[eunster1313]

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - Important reminder about our listing policies

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Announcements/COVID-19-Coronavirus-Important-reminder-about-our-listin... 

[terrycece62]

Although I am not convinced that eBay will actually enforce this statement, I certainly hope that they will for everyone who is need of these masks. - my two cents

[emerald_door]

The Surgeon General has asked Americans to stop buying masks.  

"They are NOT effective in preventing general public from catching #Coronavirus, but if healthcare providers can't get them to care for sick patients, it puts them and our communities at risk!" he continued.

[vintagecraze50]

Yes, that’s correct. He masks should be used by medical professionals to help a bit for them but generally they are not very effective. They said wash wash wash your hands frequently as the best measure and limit too much social activity.

[inhawaii]

Nobody really answered the question.

Let's say a box masks used to cost $20.

If i buy a box of masks now for $200 and sell it for $201, am i price gouging? 

[luckythewinner]

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@inhawaii wrote:

If i were to buy some of those "overpriced" N95 masks to re-sell, and marked them up using the SAME calculations i use to mark up any of my other items, no more no less, would that be considered price gouging?

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Opinions vary, based on the previous discussion on this board:
https://community.ebay.com/t5/eBay-Cafe/Should-Ebay-put-a-stop-to-price-gouging-on-N95-masks/td-p/30...

That was a discussion in which you were an active participant, so it would be pointless for anyone to re-articulate the various positions on the subject that were expressed there. 

[loveyourimagination49]

Yes

[dk0]

Would you do that and mark them up 10x if it weren't for the current coronavirus outbreak? I'm guessing not, in which case I would say yes, that would be price gouging.

You would be taking advantage of a crisis to line your pockets, which is pretty much the definition of price gouging.

[tapi-szem]

These masks are used in many places (clinics, labs, clean rooms) that need you to not contaminate whatever it is you are doing. While they can keep those infected from spreading the virus, they will not protect you from catching it because they do not cover your eyes. Also, they may not be effective in blocking this virus anyway.

[byrd69er]

Probably ought to stick to selling pineapple candies. You may end up with a glut of masks once the hype fades.

[coolections]

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@inhawaii wrote:  Let's say a box masks used to cost $20. If I sell it for $201, am i price gouging? 

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Yes you are. Ebay will most likely remove them and if you relist them they will ban you. They have already put out the warning so do as you wish.

[therogue-trader]

I like how you conveniently deleted part of the quote...

[luckythewinner]

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@inhawaii wrote:

Nobody really answered the question.

Let's say a box masks used to cost $20.

If i buy a box of masks now for $200 and sell it for $201, am i price gouging? 

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No one answered the question because there is no mathematical answer to the question.

Price gouging is a measure of circumstance and intent, not just a matter of price.