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> seems like the only viable option is to force some companies to manufacture more masks This doesn't have to be complicated: We can subsidize masks.
by vb6sp6 6y ago
> seems like the only viable option is to force some companies to manufacture more masks
This doesn't have to be complicated: We can subsidize masks.
- nickff 6y agoThe manufacturer prices would be higher, thus triggering price gouging laws.
- sfteus 6y agoPrice gouging is based on a reasonable price and is subjective. If the present situation results in inflated prices due to lack of materials or needing to run at a higher capacity, that's still reasonable. California, for example, has this written into their penal code, limiting it to a 10% increase in price of the total cost of manufacturing, which includes the increased cost of production, transportation or storage. If those companies decided that they were going to stop selling their current stock of masks completely until they sold for a higher price, that would be price gouging.
- nickff 6y agoWould you take on the cost and risk of additional machines and employees for an ephemeral market and small margins?
- mynameisvlad 6y agoBut you wouldn't be taking on that cost and risk. That's the whole point of subsidizing manufacturing. To alleviate said cost and risk in desperate times. You know, like a global pandemic. That's a pretty desperate time, IMO.
- sfteus 6y agoFor the public good? Absolutely. Even more so if the government subsidized part of it to help ensure those goods were available to their citizens.