AIBU to think reselling Lidl air conditioners at huge mark-ups is wrong?

[JadeOP]

I realise I was (far) too late to consider buying a portable AC unit, and that's my fault. But this unit goes for ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY POUNDS from Lidl. I could probably justify £300 as there's then a very healthy profit on an in demand item, and that is simply how supply vs demand works. But am I the only one in thinking sellers should not be allowed to list this?

It's annoying but that's capitalism, right?

yes it’s atrocious. Also more fool the people who buy them as they are not only funding shitty behaviour, they are losing consumer protections and warranties.

I hate all the bloody charity shop sifters bragging about their eBay and Vinted hauls too.

Yes, agreed this is how capitalism works. But just thought a 5x markup is pretty poor ethically

Who on earth would be stupid enough to pay it?

I reckon a fair few unfortunately!!! There are quite literally none in stock nationwide unless your are willing to pay £900+ for an over the top unit

You can't fault someone for trying to make some money...

Its the people dumb enough to pay that I have the issue with.

People can charge whatever they like. Nobody has to buy it.

You do know that Lidl will have bought them far cheaper than they are selling don't you? That's how it works with all companies. Resellers are doing the exact same thing

When have people who dream to make money ever been ethical??

It is a stupidity tax on the person who must have it right now.

It’s hotter than usual this year but it does get hot every summer in the UK. Most sensible people have already made provision or else will wait until stock replenishes in regular outlets.

If Lidl bought them for £30 would it also be wrong for them to sell them for £150?

You can ask people to buy anything at any price. The real question, surely, is, “would it be foolish to buy this product at this price.”

Lidl are probably already selling them at a 5x mark-up!

People doing this think they are clever! But they will end up stuck with them

I see nothing wrong with that, personally. Retail is all about re-selling. You see something at a certain price, think you could sell it for more, so you buy some and test the market.

There's nothing to stop you stocking up on air conditioners this winter, when plenty are available and prices are lower, and waiting until the next heatwave before trying to resell them.

The person selling that A/C took a risk, they forked out £150 for it without knowing whether or not they'd be able to sell it. I expect they probably did sell it, at a profit. Good for them, I say. That's how businesses work. Just ask Alan Sugar!

They are capitalising on the stupid but so many organisations/people do this it seems odd to pick on this particular product. Companies use influencers to sell stuff as people are stupid enough to think that if someone off Love Island bought it, it must be good. There's a gazillion botox companies out there that have convinced the stupid end of the population that they look better with giant lips. Or beauticians convincing the stupid they need severe black eyebrows painting on their faces. Or fake designer goods companies convincing the stupid that buying clearly fake products is not tacky. It's life. Whilst ever there's a market, why not supply to it?