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Want To Buy Purell? Get Ready For A 1,000% Markup
A small amount of in-demand hand sanitizer (Megan Garvey / LAist)
99.99 percent of germs supposedly can’t survive a splash of Purell, but that doesn’t really matter because 99.99 percent of people can’t afford it now anyway.
There’ve been outrageous markups online as demand has outstripped supply, and many retail locations nationwide have run dry.
LAist saw a 6-pack of 8 oz bottles being sold for more than 10 times what is normally charged at retail, by third-party sellers on Amazon.
A fact that enraged California’s Governor Gavin Newsom earlier today.
Keeping your hands clean will help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) March 3, 2020
Seriously, @amazon? These prices are absurd. pic.twitter.com/S10EcBMzWn
Listings have been popping up and disappearing throughout the day.
"There is no place for price gouging on Amazon," said an Amazon spokesperson, when asked if they were removing the postings. "We are disappointed that bad actors are attempting to artificially raise prices on basic need products during a global health crisis and, in line with our long-standing policy, have recently blocked or removed tens of thousands of offers. We continue to actively monitor our store and remove offers that violate our policies."
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The company that makes Purell is ramping up its production, but in the meantime if you can’t afford a $20 bottle of hand sanitizer, you could just wash your hands with soap and water – scrubbing for at least 20 seconds – which the CDC says is even more effective.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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