Delco Businesses Struggling With Price Gouged Supplies: Officials

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — Businesses in Delaware County are struggling to get supplies due to price gouging, according to officials.

Officials said Thursday that local businesses are having trouble buying needed supplies due to drastic price gouging.

While items such as disinfectants, wipes, and masks have been a common source of complaints for businesses and residents, other less known supplies have reportedly become problematic.

"Our salon owners have been hit particularly hard, as they were one of the last industries allowed to reopen their doors," said Trish McFarland, President of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and member of the Bringing Back Delco Task Force. "After speaking with local salon owners about their efforts to keep their customers safe, we have learned that they are having to overcome yet another obstacle: locating and obtaining reasonably priced barbicide—the disinfectant solution used by barbers and cosmetologists for disinfecting grooming tools such as combs and hair-cutting shears."

Under the Price Gouging Act, a price increase of more than 20 percent during a declared State of Emergency is considered price gouging.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro has been active in pursuing businesses that are engaging in price gouging. According to the Attorney General’s website, their office follows up on every tip received and will take legal action, when necessary, to make sure the illegal practice of price gouging does not continue.

As of July 30, 122 complaint forms have been submitted by residents and business owners in Delaware County, resulting in 15 formal investigations and multiple settlements with Delaware County businesses.

Businesses owners are urged to report price gouging through the Attorney General’s website here or by emailing pricegouging@attorneygeneral.gov.

Business owners may also be eligible for restitution. Individuals who purchased select products from the businesses listed on the site may be eligible if they overpaid.

In order to be considered for restitution, individuals should file a price gouging complaint form and attach a copy of their receipt showing they purchased the product within the “Date of Eligibility” window.

More information and the form can be found on the Attorney General’s website here.