Why has there been no crackdown on corporate Price Fixing?
Here's one reason: "Collusion Laundering"
Companies are using 3rd party Pricing Algorithm software to hide coordinated price-fixing and judges (through ignorance or corruption) are shrugging and saying "Oh, gosh, if a computer is involved no wrongdoing is possible."
Give me a break. Collusion is collusion, whether done by carrier pigeon or computer algorithm.
Don't think it isn't relevant to you if you don't live there, because it probably is. It certainly reflects trends many people have posted about in the #USA and the #UK, and I would bet it applies elsewhere, as well.
The #supermarket store chains use #marketing tricks of on-site #discounts, #coupons, and frequent shopper reward schemes, making it nearly impossible to know the real prices of items over time, and allowing companies to creep prices upwards unchecked. But this #DataAnalysis method clarifies how so many corporate profits increased so much post-Covid.
Take the time to read the whole thread. It's fascinating-- and eye opening.
If you've been wondering about price-gouging by supermarkets over the last few years (in Australia, it's the Coles + Woolies duopoly), and thought it's descended into blatant profiteering since the start of the pandemic, this thread has some data you may find interesting and infuriating: https://mastodon.gamedev.place/@badlogic/111071396799790275
Serious question… why is buying a particular issue of a digital magazine or newspaper not a thing?
Like if I wanted to read just one particular article in paper form I could go to the store and buy only that one issue. But online I have to either deal with a paywall or sign up for a full subscription?
@mariyadelano Because most magazines are made by asshole media corporations and they would rather want to milk customers.
On top of that some places like #Germany literally allow publishers #PriceFixing so #digital costs usually the same if not more than paper because they legally can do it.
Also #Subscriptions are done as predatory models to extract more money with less effort.
The Competitions and Markets Authority finds supermarkets have ripped us off, over fuel prices, as there is limited competition. Recommendations made that would help us consumers, but will they happen?
Lots more matters discussed on the @motoringpodcast this week too!
Canada Bread Co. has been fined $50 million after pleading guilty to its role in a criminal price-fixing scheme that inflated the wholesale price of bread in Canada. The Competition Bureau of Canada says it's the highest price-fixing fine ever imposed by a Canadian court