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Ban On Price Floors Abandoned, Internet Prices May Rise
paro12 and i_like_spam informed us of a 5-4 decision by the US Supreme Court which abandons a 96-year-old ban on manufacturers and retailers setting price floors for products. The Slashdot community discussed the issue when the case was argued back in March. The ruling means that anti-competitive complaints based on price-fixing will have to be argued case-by-case and will be harder to prove. Discounts and discounters in all venues may be under pressure, with internet sales possibly the hardest hit. "Importantly, this case points a dagger at the heart of the most consumer-friendly aspects of the Internet. The Internet has shifted power to the consumer in two ways. First, it allows consumers to search for and gather information in a cost-effective, efficient manner. Second, it provides a low-cost means of retailing, making it easy for discounters to offer products to the public. This combination squeezes excess profits and inefficiencies out of product prices. Retail price maintenance seeks to short circuit this extremely consumer friendly process. By setting minimum prices, manufacturers can build in excess margins for themselves and for their favored retailers -- prices that consumers have no choice but to pay."
How did this get tagged slownewsday *before* there were any comments? Are Slashdot now selling tags to partisan groups? If so I wish to buy a large supply of 'thistagisnotatag' tags. Not for any real reason, I just like to confuse people.
Think of the Children; Sleep with your Sister
For the same reason this comment will be modded flame bait. The immature mind gets more satisfaction out of destruction than construction.
Okay, mods, don't let me down.
The supreme court removed the restriction of retailers from pointing firearms at your head to encourage you to buy.
Avoid Missing Ball for High Score
You should have written him a letter.
Lick them.
There's no link between health spending and life expectancy. Unfortunately, there is a link between beer bashes and life expectancy.
Spend the 15% on Glenlivet or Jameson instead.
Your ad here. Ask me how!