Christmas is a time of giving, but as far as retailers are concerned, it isn’t necessarily a time of giving away. Yet on Saturday, some UK-based retailers were horrified: their items were suddenly being sold on Amazon for one penny.
It was an alleged glitch that affected some of those on Amazon’s Marketplace who used the Repricer Express function. This happened between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday when a large amount of Christmas shopping was being done.
Repricer Express boasts on its site that it’s “trusted by more than 2,025 happy Amazon sellers across eight international markets.” The service automatically changes the price on items to ensure that retailers are competitive with similar wares online.
Though the prices were absurdly cheap, Amazon’s fees had reportedly not been altered. Amazon said that the majority of the orders had been canceled with no cost to retailers. I have, though, contacted the company to ask how those retailers who might have been affected would be compensated. I also asked about the nature of the third-party glitch. However, I have yet to receive a response back.
Amid all the rancor and rage, one imagines there might be one or two happy people — those who bought a coveted gift for a piffling pittance. At least they might have a merry Christmas.
(Image Source: iCLIPART)
