Two Brothers Stuck With 17,000 Bottles Of Hand Sanitiser

Two brothers have been left with 17,700 bottles of hand sanitiser after stocking up in hope they could flog the $1 (approx. 80p) bottles for a huge $70 (£56) during the coronavirus outbreak.

Matt and Noah Colvin from Tennessee spent between $10-15,000 stocking up on the bottles and drove thousands of miles after they came up with the idea following the first recorded coronavirus death in the US.

But the brothers didn't *quite* think the venture through, after Amazon put a block on people trying to make a profit from the coronavirus crisis, meaning they have no idea where to sell them.

Explaining how they managed to purchase over 17,000 bottles, Matt explained to TV channel WRCB: "The bulk of it was purchased just driving around to retail stores in the Chattanooga area. The pricing on Amazon was definitely higher than retail."

But when asked if he would apologise, given the fact people around the globe are struggling to buy just one bottle of sanitiser, he said: "No, I don't think I would [...] With business, there's wins and there's losses, and this is a situation where cutting my losses is the right thing to do."

He previously told The New York Times that he had charged up to $70 per bottle, explaining that delivery and other associated costs were eating into his profit.

"Just because it cost me $2 in the store doesn't mean it's not going to cost me $16 to get it to your door," he said.

However, this weekend, both Matt and Noah have pledged to donate the bottles of sanitiser, after receiving hate mail and death threats over their failed venture.

"It was never my intention to keep necessary medical supplies out of the hands of people who needed them," Matt added to The New York Times in a second interview, adding that he didn't know stores would struggle to replenish their stock.

"That's not who I am as a person. And all I've been told for the last 48 hours is how much of that person I am."

Here's to hoping they go to those who need them.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Life News, News, Coronavirus, Life News, News, Coronavirus

Lucy Devine

Lucy is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, she has worked in both print and online and is particularly interested in fashion, food, health and women's issues. Northerner, coffee addict, says hun a lot. Get in touch at [email protected].

@lucedevine