I do not sell or deliver: virtual “trading vacation” due to dollar volatility

The first was the hardening of the trap. After the resignation of Martín Guzmán. Between one thing and another, many companies, suppliers and businesses they paralyzed deliveries and sales due to the high uncertainty with the dollar. There were messages on the networks and Whatsapp apologizing, rationing deliveries and remarking on prices as hedge against a possible devaluation. “Sale suspended until further notice” or “closed for inventory” are some of the more common excuses.

This Monday, among the voices that have decreed a “working holiday” those of durable goods stand out, such as automobiles, electronics, motorcycles, bicycles and computers. But the shock wave understands clothing, computers, footwear and construction. “Nobody sells anything until the dollar stabilizes. We have stopped selling since Friday and are just trying to collect,” said a bicycle importer and distributor.

The option to operate is redial. “We are not selling, but if you are in urgent need of the material, I will charge you 30% more than Friday’s price.” These are typical crisis behaviors., such as when the dollar loses value or when the government restricts imports. Everything stops because the replacement value of the goods is unknown and whether it can be replaced.

A motorcycle armory executive acknowledges that up until last Friday (the week the Central Bank trampled on imports so as not to lose reserves) they were applying increases of between 20 and 25 percent based on higher costs. “From this Monday, we suspend everything because there is no price“He explained. They say similar things in dealerships, both for cars and for motorcycles.

An eyeglass frame manufacturer commented that sales, prior to Guzmán’s resignation, would start this Monday with new prices. Something that ultimately didn’t happen. “The sale is on hold until further notice,” they replied in a garbage can when asked. The phrase, traced, is repeated in electronics companies, clothing and even in materials yards.

Suppliers have no new pricing on products like concrete or iron. In these cases “they know that a new list is coming, but they have not yet defined the percentage”, they justified. A builder indicated Clarione That stopped receiving elevators, kitchens, motors, pumps, taps, sanitary accessories and some types of porcelain. He says that he is not surprised and that this will ultimately affect the prices.

In return, many people have taken advantage of uncertainty to purchase household appliances, as a way to anticipate price increases and also to “dollarize” their savings. Some data are revealing. For example, in Mercado Libre, mobile phone sales increased by 86% compared to a Sunday date and “everything electro has been sold and a lot has been consulted,” they point out.

Other specialty chains agree on this weekend’s sales also increased between 15 and 20% compared to the usual Sundays. There is good demand for refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, telephones or computers, and most of the durable goods made with imported components.

What’s happening in Mercado Libre has another meaning. The platform created by Marcos Galperin is the most representative by number of users, brands and chains and product offers. It also has the advantage of offering all payment methods, including your own (Mercado Pago) and card financing. Without going any further, some articles with a bonus of 40% and in 12 interest-free installments.

The cell phone category was an unwitting star this weekend, following the resignation of former Economy Minister Martín Guzmán and the appointment of Silvina Batakis in his place. The price range of the devices for sale on Mercado Libre starts at $ 28,000 and can reach $ 278,000. This is the value of the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, the top of the range equipment of the South Korean brand.