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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.
Sponsored message
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."
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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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
