San Gabriel Chamber of Commerce (Photo – Graphics Dept.)
The San Gabriel Chamber of Commerce is selling COVID test kits that are now offered for free elsewhere.
By Editorial Board
The SG Chamber is advertising on its website, Facebook page, and flyer, “Thanks to a very generous donation by a Chamber member, we are able to make these quality Rapid Tests available to our Chamber members at the special rate of $35 for two or $20 for one.”
If it is a donation, why is the Chamber selling the COVID tests?
On another flyer, the Chamber states, “Our Chamber chose to pay a slightly higher price for these quality tests in order to make them available to members and the community.”
Which is it? A donation to the Chamber or a purchase by the Chamber?
“For non-members the cost is $40. Payment is due at the time the tests are picked up. Payment must be made exact-cash, no change. Members and San Gabriel residents and businesses may pay by check.”
This might appear to be a real bargain, except that the Federal government is sending free home tests to every household in the United States. You can order your free, in-home test kit here: COVIDtest.gov. Also, CVS sells in-home test kits for $9.99, with a limit of six, much more of a bargain than one for $40.
In addition, First District Supervisor, Hilda Solis is sponsoring free, pop up testing sites in San Gabriel and Alhambra, this week and next.
The Los Angeles County Consumer & Business Affairs has a site to “Report price gouging on COVID-19 at- home tests.” They define price gouging this way, “When businesses raise their prices too much during and after an emergency, it may be considered price gouging, a crime in California.”
Sample of flyers. Click to enlarge. (Photos – Screengrab)
Their driving force is greed. That’s why!
To make money..?