Lindsay Owens's book 'Gouged' challenges economist defenses of corporate price hikes, arguing that dynamic pricing and personalized pricing schemes represent deliberate profit-seeking rather than market forces. Her research, including viral work on Instacart's variable pricing practices, prompted FTC scrutiny and sparked broader debate about price discrimination and corporate pricing manipulation during the inflationary period following COVID.
Companies use sophisticated pricing tactics like personalized pricing, geo-location targeting, and browsing data analysis to overcharge customers. Lindsay Owens, head of Groundwork Collaborative, recommends avoiding retailer apps, comparison shopping across multiple devices and networks, clearing browsing data, and shopping in person to protect yourself from these pricing schemes.