Price gouging - eclipse

madzonie · ‎03-10-2010

We originally had plans here at home in AZ at the time of the solar eclipse (Aug.21), but they suddenly changed.

Since hubby & I are celebrating our 40th anniversary on Aug. 20 I got this crazy idea of looking into making a quick trip to an "ideal" location to see the eclipse.

I decided to look around the area from Idaho Falls ID to the West Yellowstone area. I knew the chance of finding something might be iffy. Many places are completely booked, but I was shocked to find those hotels with vacancies were charging from $600-700 PER NIGHT! These are rooms that usually go for around $150/night.

I guess that's the American way - gouge gouge gouge. We've decided to do something else for our anniversary.

kaydee50 · ‎02-07-2011

I would call it supply and demand, not so much price gouging. If you want to be in NYC for Thanksgiving or Christmas, the cost will be significantly higher than other times. Same for beach resorts or ski resorts. I'm sure there will be people willing to spend $600/night for the eclipse. You're smart not to be one of them!!

WenGirl42 · ‎07-05-2012

I'm sorry you weren't able to make your anniversary plans work out. I don't think that's gouging though...it's supply and demand. Just like how Superbowl tickets are more expensive than tickets to regular football games. Similarly, if there isn't anyone willing to pay the $600-$700 a night the hotels are asking, those rates will go down, so you could keep an eye on it. They won't let those rooms go empty.

To me this is different from the story another poster had (sorry, I can't remember who!), where they already had reservations at a hotel for normal rates, and the hotel came in and cancelled those reservations to charge a higher rate for the room. That isn't right.

Edit to acknowledge @kaydee50 who, while I was typing, said what I wanted to say much more succicntly

millieshops · ‎03-09-2010

I like Atticus Finch's advice to his daughter Scout: You have to walk a mile in the other man's shoes to understand him.

So - if you owned that hotel, what would you charge on the night of the eclipse? Any partiular factors affecting that decision?

Laura14 · ‎06-09-2014

Don't make me put my home on AirBnB for the day. At those prices, I just might plus rent out the front and back lawns. Extra surcharge if you want to climb my tree for a better look and total premium for roof top.

brandiwine · ‎03-11-2010

LOL!

Susan Louise · ‎03-14-2010

@Laura14 wrote:
Don't make me put my home on AirBnB for the day. At those prices, I just might plus rent out the front and back lawns. Extra surcharge if you want to climb my tree for a better look and total premium for roof top.

@Laura14 Hmmmm...considering the idea...

We are here in eastern NE and only have to set up lawn chairs since we are in the direct path. It certainly would help pay for the QVC CIJ purchases I made this month...LOL

Plaid Pants2 · ‎03-14-2015

One thing to keep in mind is, just because the eclipse will be going overhead, doesn't mean that one will be able to see it if they sky is cloudy/overcast.

Laura14 · ‎06-09-2014

@Susan Louise wrote:
@Laura14 wrote:
Don't make me put my home on AirBnB for the day. At those prices, I just might plus rent out the front and back lawns. Extra surcharge if you want to climb my tree for a better look and total premium for roof top.

@Laura14 Hmmmm...considering the idea...
We are here in eastern NE and only have to set up lawn chairs since we are in the direct path. It certainly would help pay for the QVC CIJ purchases I made this month...LOL

@Susan Louise More incentive! It's like a yard sale for the UPS man courtesy of Mother Nature.

I think my prices just went up. Baby needs some new shoes, a handbag, and lots more she'll pick up later. Need to find something with a full moon print and some stars....

Laura14 · ‎06-09-2014

@Plaid Pants2 wrote:
One thing to keep in mind is, just because the eclipse will be going overhead, doesn't mean that one will be able to see it if they sky is cloudy/overcast.

@Plaid Pants2 Absolutely NO refunds! BYOB. And you better pick up all your trash when you leave my driveway.