A recent Amazon class action lawsuit accuses the online retailer of charging excessive prices for basic goods such as toilet paper and hand sanitizer in the wake of the coronavirus.
Plaintiff Stephanie Armas, a Florida resident, says she took to Amazon in an attempt to stock up on supplies in the face of the spreading novel coronavirus, COVID-19.
As a mother of five, Armas says she wanted to purchase toilet paper and hand sanitizer for her family, but was charged “grossly unconscionable” prices for these goods.
Amazon allegedly charged Armas $99 for a 36-pack of toilet paper and $199 for a two-pack of 1 liter hand sanitizer bottles.
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Armas argues these prices are far more what is usually charged, with toilet paper typically selling for around $1 a roll and hand sanitizer selling for between $7 and $8 per liter.
“COVID-19’s rapid spread and the very real threat of a widespread quarantine, have caused a run on various personal hygiene products, such as disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer and toilet paper,” the Amazon class action lawsuit notes.
“Unfortunately, retailers, such as [Amazon], are preying upon the public’s fear of a surging epidemic and using COVID-19 as an opportunity to pad profits by way of unlawful price increases.”
COVID-19 originated in Wuhan, China and has quickly grown to be a global pandemic due to its virulence. At the time of Armas’ complaint, the coronavirus had spread to 104 countries around the world – resulting in more than 109,000 confirmed cases and over 3,800 deaths. By Feb. 28, the CDC confirmed the virus reached the United States.
Armas argues that Amazon’s exorbitant prices are not only unreasonable but are also illegal under Florida law, considering the state of emergency.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis reportedly declared a state of emergency on March 9 in the face of the outbreak. The declaration aimed “to create a unified command structure […] and allows, if need be, out of state medical personnel to operate in Florida.”
Armas argues this state of emergency declaration also added protections from consumers based on Florida law. Under the state’s laws, retailers are not allowed to charge unconscionable prices for goods or services in the wake of a declared state of emergency.
The plaintiff says Amazon has violated these laws by charging unreasonable prices for hygienic products such as toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Armas seeks to represent a Class of Florida consumers who purchased hygienic products from Amazon after a state of emergency was declared in Florida on March 9. On behalf of herself and the proposed Class, Armas seeks actual damages, statutory damages, court costs, and attorneys’ fees.
Plaintiff and the proposed Class are represented by J. Alfredo Armas, Francesco A. Zincone and Eduardo E. Bertran of Armas Bertran Pieri.
The Amazon Coronavirus Class Action Lawsuit is Armas v. Amazon.com Inc., Case No. 104631782, in the Eleventh Circuit Court in and for Miami-Dade County, Florida.
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493 thoughts onAmazon Class Action Alleges Coronavirus Price Gouging
Add me. It was everything on amazon that was jacked up in price- mouthwash, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine products, toilet paper, food, Kleenex, paper towel, medical supplies etc. I’ve never been so disgusted.
This is so dumb. Let me start off by saying price gouging is wrong. But she seen the price beforehand and she still purchased. Waited for her items that she needed. Then instead of deciding that was too high and returning to amazon. She kept items and started a class action. It is a choice when anyone buys anything. She new the price and paid it. Was there no other place to purchase from. So next everything that goes up is going to be price gouging. As intellegent adults we have knowledge to not price gouge. But also buyer has the knowledge to make a purchase as a legal adult. Upon making purchase we have 2 options keep product or return items if not satisfied. Like i said in the beginning price gouging is wrong but 1/2 of blame should go to buyer. They was aware of price and still purchased.
Exactly what I was thinking! I purchased bulk tissue 3x a yr. 96 rolls/500 double play sheets for $38.44. The same case is now $99!! No, I didn’t buy it!!
A shame that it happens, the price gouging.
Please add me
Major price gouging. I work retail and have constant contact with the public. It is impossible to purchase face masks, gloves, Purell, toilet paper, disinfectant, etc. I have severe asthma and am over 60. The gouging is terrible. What used to cost a few dollars for 50-100 ex: masks, now costs near or over 100 for a 10 pack.
I usually buy my toilet paper by the case from amazon. I wanted to buy another case and good lord the prices were high. And forget about hand sanitizer. Please add me
Add me!! Even the masks were an arm and leg!
Amazon is majorly corrupt. I am an at risk disabled individual now on medical lock down. I can not safely leave my apt. I paid over $50 for a 10 pack of mask and when they arrived they were a completely different brand and style of masks that were useless for what needed for. Now I try to order food from Amazon Fresh & can”t even place an order. They are delivering to individuals who are capable of going to the stores and leaving the 5% who can’t without any food deliveries because they have no way of prioritizing deliveries as needed at this time. I’ve spoken with a supervisor who basically told me that they don’t care. It’s all about how much $$$ they can make. Even if people die trapped alone inside their residents from starvation, it’s not their problem. They just care about getting all the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
yes checked to purchase items
but the prices were to high
Add me, and we should also go after Ebay, their worse, I’ve reported numerous sellers and they do nothing about it