In the midst of a coronavirus epidemic, a product is particularly popular with confined French people: printers. Since March 17, and the establishment of strict confinement, a certificate is required to justify any trip. This must be printed or copied by hand. Many consumers have therefore decided to invest in this tool, which is also useful for printing the homework of children forced to study at home.
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According to the consumer observatory of UFC-Que Choisir, the price of inkjet printers and lasers for the general public has increased by 13% in the last two weeks. This figure of 13% " corresponds to the average of the increases, and not to that of the prices ", specifies the association. A rise all the more surprising since usually printer prices are rather stable. " From the start of the year and until the eve of containment, the average price development had never exceeded 2% or 3% in a week, " notes UFC-Que Choisir.
Evolution of the price of printers from January to March 2020 UFC-Que Choisir
Decrease in the number of models
In addition to this price increase, UFC-Que Choisir also noted a significant drop " in the number of printer references available on commercial sites ", -42% compared to the day before confinement. “ Obviously, some merchants seek to take advantage of the fact that the supply is shrinking and that the needs of the French are more and more pressing to increase their prices. And too bad if the purchase of a printer has become an almost compulsory passage for many homes, "denounces the association, which recalls that - although not very bright - these practices are not illegal, the prices being free.
The consumer association gives some examples such as an Epson Ecotank ET-4750 printer which cost 388.30 euros on March 1 against 539.99 euros on March 26, an increase of 39%. " Our study also shows that the sellers offering their products through marketplaces are those who, overall, have applied the largest and most numerous increases, " said UFC-Que Choisir. This is the case, for example, of the Canon MG-3050 printer sold on Rue du commerce, yet an entry-level product, the price of which increased by 40%, from 46.54 euros per March 4 at 65 euros on March 26.
Faced with these abuses, the association advises consumers to " postpone the purchase of a printer ", as far as possible. " And if you need it urgently, take the time to compare the prices charged by the different sites, " concludes UFC-Que Choisir.
