If there are acute shortages, yes lives can be at stake because of major disruptions in the food supply.
Several weeks ago, nobody assumed that 'Purell' or 'toilet paper' was going to fully sell out everywhere, rather, simply that there would be increased demand for it.
All retailers who sell Purell have their buyers clamoring to buy as much as possible because they know their customers want it, and there's no reason to think that the price won't be increased somewhat.
In fact, given the excessive demand and challenges in production, Purell will probably be increasing its wholesale price ... and then some.
So are retailers - buying up as much Purell as possible and probably selling for a little bit of a markup considered 'hoarders'? So long as they have the intention of selling it for not-some-crazy-price, then it's just normal business.
There's no reason individuals can't do the same.
As long as this guy was not price gauging, and he was in fact selling, then what are they going to charge him with exactly?
It's reasonable that the government put restrictions on certain goods during a crisis, such as margin limits, the requirement to not hold inventory etc. but the same would have to apply to this guy.
If he bought his inventory before any emergency crisis or calamity ... then again, what's the legal crime? Buying Purell 2 months ago was normal, but 'having Purell inventory' now is illegal?
I have no lost love for this guy, but that he gave his inventory away is punishment enough.
Several weeks ago, nobody assumed that 'Purell' or 'toilet paper' was going to fully sell out everywhere, rather, simply that there would be increased demand for it.
All retailers who sell Purell have their buyers clamoring to buy as much as possible because they know their customers want it, and there's no reason to think that the price won't be increased somewhat.
In fact, given the excessive demand and challenges in production, Purell will probably be increasing its wholesale price ... and then some.
So are retailers - buying up as much Purell as possible and probably selling for a little bit of a markup considered 'hoarders'? So long as they have the intention of selling it for not-some-crazy-price, then it's just normal business.
There's no reason individuals can't do the same.
As long as this guy was not price gauging, and he was in fact selling, then what are they going to charge him with exactly?
It's reasonable that the government put restrictions on certain goods during a crisis, such as margin limits, the requirement to not hold inventory etc. but the same would have to apply to this guy.
If he bought his inventory before any emergency crisis or calamity ... then again, what's the legal crime? Buying Purell 2 months ago was normal, but 'having Purell inventory' now is illegal?
I have no lost love for this guy, but that he gave his inventory away is punishment enough.