More demand for household products could be leading to more “black market” sales.Continuing Coverage: Coronavirus in WisconsinSince the coronavirus pandemic began, products like Lysol wipes and hand sanitizer have been almost impossible to find on store shelves.Now there seems to be a shortage of rubbing alcohol.Some people have been buying it up to make their own hand sanitizer.Prices in stores are usually around $3.But on eBay and Amazon, it’s selling for up to $10 a bottle.Marquette University Professor Abdur Chowdhury said there was no federal law against price gouging online.”When something is not available, openly, but you can get it through informal sources, that it’s not available in the open market, but it’s available to you if you pay an extra price or go through an underground economy,” Chowdhury said.There are state laws against it, with penalties of up to $10,000.”If a store sells a product at a higher price, a consumer can complain to the consumer department of trade, consumer protection, and then they can start an investigation,” Chowdhury said.Grocery store workers said they haven’t been able to keep products on shelves for the past several weeks.”Until we have a vaccine available, this uncertainty will continue,” Chowdhury said.While some stores may be sold out of certain items, they are still available but customers may have to shop around to find them.Amazon said the rubbing alcohol in question was sold by a third-party seller and they are reviewing the matter. “We work hard every day to provide customers with low prices, vast selection, and fast delivery. Sellers set their own product prices in our store and we have policies to help ensure sellers are pricing their products competitively. We actively monitor our store and remove offers that violate our policies,” a spokesperson said.Sign up for coronavirus email alerts from WISNGet breaking news alerts with the WISN 12 app.Follow us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
More demand for household products could be leading to more “black market” sales.
Continuing Coverage: Coronavirus in Wisconsin
Since the coronavirus pandemic began, products like Lysol wipes and hand sanitizer have been almost impossible to find on store shelves.
Now there seems to be a shortage of rubbing alcohol.
Some people have been buying it up to make their own hand sanitizer.
Prices in stores are usually around $3.
But on eBay and Amazon, it’s selling for up to $10 a bottle.
Marquette University Professor Abdur Chowdhury said there was no federal law against price gouging online.
“When something is not available, openly, but you can get it through informal sources, that it’s not available in the open market, but it’s available to you if you pay an extra price or go through an underground economy,” Chowdhury said.
There are state laws against it, with penalties of up to $10,000.
“If a store sells a product at a higher price, a consumer can complain to the consumer department of trade, consumer protection, and then they can start an investigation,” Chowdhury said.
Grocery store workers said they haven’t been able to keep products on shelves for the past several weeks.
“Until we have a vaccine available, this uncertainty will continue,” Chowdhury said.
While some stores may be sold out of certain items, they are still available but customers may have to shop around to find them.
Amazon said the rubbing alcohol in question was sold by a third-party seller and they are reviewing the matter.
“We work hard every day to provide customers with low prices, vast selection, and fast delivery. Sellers set their own product prices in our store and we have policies to help ensure sellers are pricing their products competitively. We actively monitor our store and remove offers that violate our policies,” a spokesperson said.
Sign up for coronavirus email alerts from WISN
Get breaking news alerts with the WISN 12 app.
Follow us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
