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submitted 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) by Beep@lemmus.org to c/technology@lemmy.world

California Attorney General Rob Bonta last night filed a request for a preliminary injunction in California’s existing case against Amazon for price fixing. Attorney General Bonta’s 2022 lawsuit alleged that the company stifled competition and caused increased prices across California through its anticompetitive policies in order to avoid competing on price with other retailers. New evidence paints a clearer and more shocking picture. The motion for a preliminary injunction comes after a robust discovery process where California uncovered evidence of countless interactions in which Amazon, vendors, and Amazon’s competitors agree to increase and fix the prices of products on other retail websites to bolster Amazon’s profits. Time and again, across years and product categories, Amazon has reached out to its vendors and instructed them to increase retail prices on competitors’ websites, threatening dire consequences if vendors do not comply. Vendors, bullied by Amazon’s overwhelming bargaining leverage and fearing punishment, comply — agreeing to raise prices on competitors’ websites (often with the awareness and cooperation of the competing retailer), or to remove products from competing websites altogether. Amazon’s goal is to insulate itself from price competition by preventing lower retail prices in the market at the expense of American consumers who are already struggling with a crisis of affordability.

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[-] LoafedBurrito@lemmy.world 36 points 3 months ago

I've been telling people to stop supporting amazon for years, but everyone seems to have their reason to keep supporting them. This hopefully will be a good enough reason for people to finally stop shopping on amazon.

I haven't bought anything from amazon in over 12 years. I find everything on the manufacturer's website or eBay. No need to ever use amazon for anything.

[-] Alpha71@lemmy.world 9 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

Okay. Here's my story. I have been looking for a 4K 32 to 43 inch monitor for my PC. TV or monitor, I just wanted 4k 120hz minimum. Didn't really care about IPS or VA panels. Both have their pro's and con's.

So I ended up getting a Philips Google TV 43" 4K Gaming TV with native 144Hz refresh rate. The asking price from Amazon was 450 CAD. everywhere I looked online It was 50 bucks more OR they were the same price, but charged 50 bucks in shipping.

THAT'S why I use Amazon. IF I can find it cheaper elsewhere, I'll buy it somewhere else. For me price is everything since I'm on a fixed income.

[-] UnderpantsWeevil@lemmy.world 18 points 3 months ago

Okay, but have you considered that Amazon is the reason prices are high?

Obviously, none of these other retailers had a hand in it.

[-] Dr0l3aN@lemmy.world 3 points 3 months ago

Exactly what they got "busted" for

[-] Ruxias@lemmy.world 14 points 3 months ago

You're not alone in that. A lot of people's care for ethics ends where a good deal begins.

What you should know is that these companies offer these good deals for a variety of reasons, but usually involving shady or borderline illegal business practices in one way or another.

I understand you're on a fixed income - I sympathize with that and I don't want to be rude to a stranger - but is the deal on a particular item you want worth the cost of endorsing what these companies do and stand for?

[-] Alpha71@lemmy.world 4 points 3 months ago

That 50 bucks means I only eat rice for a week. I've done it before, but I do not enjoy it.

[-] No_Bark@lemmy.dbzer0.com 13 points 3 months ago

$50 is the difference between having to eat only rice for a week, but you absolutely NEED a gaming monitor thats 32-43 inches with 4K resolution and 120hz refresh rate?

The only person your justifying your continued use of amazon to is yourself, and you're doing a poor job.

[-] Alpha71@lemmy.world 1 points 3 months ago
[-] No_Bark@lemmy.dbzer0.com 8 points 3 months ago

More power to you I guess. Hogs love rolling in shit.

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[-] Ruxias@lemmy.world 11 points 3 months ago

I don't think I'm expressing myself clearly. I understand the fixed income part and what 50 bucks can do to a person's living situation. No issue there.

On the front end of your decision, you're starting with "I need X with Y and Z". None of these variables are negotiable? The "need" isn't negotiable? Or are they not as negotiable as the care for the company's awful business practices?

The systemic issues are the primary concern, but it is worth thinking about and examining within ourselves. We are ill-equipped to make informed decisions prior to every purchase. However, once we know how a particular purchase supports degrading the world around us, where is the line we won't cross for a good deal?

[-] Alpha71@lemmy.world 2 points 3 months ago

I"m sorry my horse apparently doesn't go as high as yours... 🙄

[-] Ruxias@lemmy.world 10 points 3 months ago

That's needlessly insulting after I've been nothing but cordial with you. Me bringing up things that bring you discomfort to think about doesn't mean I'm the bad guy here. Have a nice day, and enjoy your TV.

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[-] 0x0@lemmy.zip 10 points 3 months ago

Aren't most people on a fixed income?
Is such a TV... necessary?
Have you considered saving some for a few months and then buy the TV?

[-] Alpha71@lemmy.world 10 points 3 months ago

What do you think I've been doing? That took me four months.

[-] nickiwest@lemmy.world 7 points 3 months ago

There are a lot of people online who think that 100% abstinence from The Bad is the only way to be good.

But if you can shift 10% of your former Amazon spending, do it. And keep looking for a way to get to 15%, then 20%, and so on.

Like, I'm probably never going to be a strict vegetarian. I love a good burger, or a nicely-cooked steak, or a big bowl of chicken and dumplings. But I eat vegetarian for more than 75% of my meals. And that's good enough for me.

[-] Alpha71@lemmy.world 7 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

It was also the implied "Poor people shouldn't have nice things" That ticked me off.

[-] ChickenLadyLovesLife@lemmy.world 5 points 3 months ago

Aren’t most people on a fixed income?

No, most people are on broken incomes.

[-] holy_scroller@lemmy.zip 7 points 3 months ago

I've found the Shop App to be a good alternative along with eBay. Shop App is basically a search engine for retailers who use Shopify, which is a ton of them. From my research it seems to be generally better for retailers.

[-] null@lemmy.org 5 points 3 months ago

I was going on buy some jack stands for my car and saw the exact same models from harbor freight or auto zone on Amazon. Even if you're not trying to support Amazon, you can't escape the slop products.

[-] bridgeenjoyer@sh.itjust.works 4 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

Hey pal, do not use shit stores for car work. You are endangering your life. Please get a proper jack from Napa or at least northern tool or something. Harbor freight is for pry bars and shit, not life saving equipment.

Get a carlyle Jack as well. Affordable and lasts a lifetime. Dont skimp.on anything holding a car or an engine. I don't care how poor you are. You will get hurt.

[-] Nebraska_Huskers@lemmy.world 5 points 3 months ago

Same boat, I cancelled prime 5 years ago. My wife will activate for the holidays but I refuse to use it

[-] cheat700000007@lemmy.world 2 points 3 months ago

I find the Amazon experience and prices to often be worse than elsewhere

this post was submitted on 25 Feb 2026
1693 points (100.0% liked)

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