Lawsuit Accuses Amazon of Price Gouging

An Amazon class action lawsuit accuses the online retailer of charging excessive prices for basic goods during the coronavirus pandemic. In the last few weeks we have seen outrageous prices for items such as toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

The plaintiff in this case is Stephanie Armas, a Florida resident. She went on Amazon in an attempt to stock up on supplies in the face of the spreading novel coronavirus, COVID-19. 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. These prices are more than 10 times the normal price tag. These are not even the highest prices I have seen on Amazon. Here’s one I posted on Twitter:

Only 2 left in stock for $900 – order soon @amazon #coronavirus #toiletpapershortage pic.twitter.com/BMpv1zr9nB

— Danny the Deal Guru (@dannydealguru) March 19, 2020

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 declared a state of emergency on March 9th due to the outbreak. 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.

Lawsuit Info

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.

HT: topcalssactions