Quote:
Originally Posted by crich70
If a sizable portion of the public can't get something because of the price being too high isn't it on a parallel of not being able to go somewhere because of other things they can't change like ethnic origin or skin color? I don't know if it fits the legal definition of the term as most people think of it or not, but it seems that way to me as a layman. I mean it's illegal to not rent to someone based on their job for example if I understand right or based on their race, or if they have a physical handicap so is it that far a stretch to say that raising the price of a service which makes it impossible for someone to afford it (if they want it) or so they no longer can (if they had already had it) amounts to the same thing? I'm not a lawyer but it does sound that way to me. If anyone here at MR is a lawyer and can clarify what the difference is feel free.  |
Certain groups are designated "protected minorities" in certain jurisdictions. Thus, one may not be able to deny them jobs on that basis or deny them living quarters in certain areas.
So far as I know, no jurisdictions have designated the Underclass a protected minority. Every jurisdiction (nation) on the planet does discriminate against their Underclass. Even in communist nations there are special stores for the Oligarchy where the Underclass is not even permitted to shop. Even in Stalinist Russia dachas were only owned by the Oligarchy and many in the Underclass were kept in a life of forced labor at high danger to themselves.
Price discrimination is the way of the world and the poor are expected to suffer quietly and not complain. If they complain violently, they get sent to prison.
Amazon may end up with four classes of customers: no Prime with 3 to 5 day shipping; Prime Ground with 2 day shipping; Prime Special with 1 day shipping; and Prime Air (Drone) with same day shipping. Prices for all four classes will be sharply different.
I am getting 80% of my shipments in ONE DAY. Thus, the regular Prime membership is a bargain for me. I fully expect to get a price increase eventually if I expect to continue to get one day service.
Amazon has already reduced the features of the Prime service. Certain low price items are designated "Add On" and will NOT be delivered until the total price of the shipment is over $25.00.
By the way, I already received a special offer from UPS to pay an extra $ 40 per year to get all my deliveries in ONE DAY. Since I order almost everything from Amazon and get 80% in one day, I did not accept the UPS offer. I use the free UPS MY CHOICE service and now get emails from UPS when a delivery is coming to me showing the date and time of delivery allowing me to change the delivery date and / or time to my convenience. That service is free. If there are delays due to weather or other events, I get advance notice of the changes.
If UPS is selling a large quantity of their $ 40 per year Premium One Day shipping service, that may have given Amazon the idea of raising their fees for Prime by $ 40.