Can't find hand sanitizer? Matt Colvin has 17,700 bottles of it.
He emptied stores across Tennessee, hoping to profit. Then Amazon pulled his listings for price gouging.
Now he's one of likely thousands of Amazon sellers sitting on stockpiles. My story:
nytimes.com
He emptied stores across Tennessee, hoping to profit. Then Amazon pulled his listings for price gouging.
Now he's one of likely thousands of Amazon sellers sitting on stockpiles. My story:
nytimes.com
I've seen the many tweets referencing the wild last line on this story, and let me say, I'm pleased people still read to the end.
But if you haven't yet, give it a click:
nytimes.com
But if you haven't yet, give it a click:
nytimes.com
Update: I spoke with Matt Colvin just now and he said he is exploring ways to donate all the supplies.
We've updated our story. nytimes.com
We've updated our story. nytimes.com
Something that shouldn't be lost in this story:
Both Amazon and third-party sellers increased prices for sanitizer and masks as the coronavirus spread, according to our analysis of @junglescout data. The prices mostly dropped when Amazon took action.
Graphic by @ellawinthrop:
Both Amazon and third-party sellers increased prices for sanitizer and masks as the coronavirus spread, according to our analysis of @junglescout data. The prices mostly dropped when Amazon took action.
Graphic by @ellawinthrop:
Amazon itself is currently selling four rolls of toilet paper for $72.43.
I've reached out to Amazon for an explanation.
The listing is here but I've also attached a screenshot presuming it will soon be taken down after my inquiry: amazon.com
h/t @michaelhood
I've reached out to Amazon for an explanation.
The listing is here but I've also attached a screenshot presuming it will soon be taken down after my inquiry: amazon.com
h/t @michaelhood
New: The Tennessee AG's office served Matt and Noah Colvin with a cease-and-desist letter today and is now investigating their case.
Authorities asked the brothers to hold the supplies for several days while they investigate. They may still be able to donate them after that.
Authorities asked the brothers to hold the supplies for several days while they investigate. They may still be able to donate them after that.
Matt told me he was working with his local church to donate the supplies. The AG's office said investigators looked into the church and it's legitimate.
But it now seems those plans are on hold.
We've updated our story:
nytimes.com
But it now seems those plans are on hold.
We've updated our story:
nytimes.com
This story hit a nerve today. Let's all remember it throughout this ordeal. Don't hoard. Think of your neighbor. We're all in this together.
Update: Matt Colvin donated all 17,700 bottles of hand sanitizer.
He gave two-thirds to a local church, which will distribute to people in need across Tennessee.
The other third went to Kentucky officials to distribute. (Some bottles were bought there.)
nytimes.com
He gave two-thirds to a local church, which will distribute to people in need across Tennessee.
The other third went to Kentucky officials to distribute. (Some bottles were bought there.)
nytimes.com
Since we published our article, Amazon and eBay suspended him as a seller, which is how he made his living. The company where he rented a storage unit kicked him out. And the Tennessee AG's office began investigating him and his brother for price gouging.
Matt has also been flooded with hate mail and death threats. He shared some truly awful ones with me that threatened his wife and children. And a man showed up banging at his door late last night.
Regardless of what people think of his actions, this stuff is disgraceful.
Regardless of what people think of his actions, this stuff is disgraceful.
Matt is reeling and said he regrets what he did. He said he didn't understand the gravity of the coronavirus outbreak or the sanitizer shortage when he hoarded it.
"It was not my intent to clean a shelf that was not going to be refilled," he said. βThatβs not who I am."
"It was not my intent to clean a shelf that was not going to be refilled," he said. βThatβs not who I am."
Read the rest of our update on Matt Colvin here: nytimes.com
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