You want price controls on 380 ammo? I hope you don't vote. That's straight up communist thinking. Price controls on true life necessities are questionable but to use "gouging" on any ammo pricing is commie thinking.
Here's a quick refresher from high school:
Price is established by the intersection of supply and demand curves. Very low supply and very high demand...maybe record low and record high even...is record high prices. Very basic econ 101.
When you have many multiple sellers, then price collusion is almost impossible. That means that "gougers" can't exist. If I have 380 on my shelf for $88, the guy down the street will sell his for $70. Then I'll be at $65. Etc. If I can't sell ANY boxes at $88, then that's not a good price. It doesn't reflect supply and demand.
As another example, if I only get 380 once in two months (probably less than that now) and I put it on the shelf for the OUTRAGEOUS price of $50, and I sell out in a week, that means I don't have any more ammo for 7 more weeks. The reality is that I sold it TOO CHEAP. I should sell my last box right as my new supply comes in.
The reason you got used to $9/box 9mm is because of the Trump Slump. Massive production capability. Relatively low demand (no panic). So massive supply, low demand, curves shift, price drops. Again, basic FREE MARKET CAPITALISM.
Frankly, when people are selling water for $3/bottle and they call it gouging, that's not gouging either. Demand skyrockets and the water trucks can't make it in town during the hurricane. Almost no supply, high demand, price SHOULD go up.
Where it's bullshit is when there are cartels. Microsoft price fixing. 3 airlines collude to fix prices. Phone companies price fixing. Oil production. Diamonds. Mexico/Venezuela price fixing cocaine at $100/ounce (been the same price forever regardless of drug czars, interdictions, etc) (I watched a show on this recently).
Finally, I bet you don't have a problem with gouging when you ask your employer for a raise. Is that gouging? If you're the best criminal defense lawyer, you get $2500/hr. If you suck, you get $100/hr. If you're the best athlete you get $50mm/yr. If you suck, you sit the bench in high school. Best actor: $20mm/movie. Worst actor: $1.50 tip waitressing at Denny's. If you have what people want, those people have to pay you more.
What you really meant to say is "I saw 380 ammo for $88. I didn't think it was worth that much so I passed on it. I hope he can get that from someone to stay in business." His rent is due on the 1st every month and I bet it's not related to how much ammo he sells. $3000/mo due on the 1st. His employees want their $15/hr regardless of sales. But if he doesn't have anything to sell, he has to make the most out of each sale. Again, basic free market capitalism.
"Price gouging" is an offensive term to capitalists. I doubt you're really a commie so I hope you just rethink the situation. Vote Trump in 2020. Save our country from the real communists.
As a final funny note, I read that a guy gave a gunbroker seller a A rating (instead of A+). His comment was "great communication. price was a little high though." WTF?? YOU bid on it. The price was high because YOU bid higher than the last guy!! Auctions are perfect free market capitalism. (insert smack my forehead emoji here)
