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All across the country, the theft of Tide brand detergent has puzzled retailers and law enforcement alike. It's being used as "a form of currency on the streets" and there's a "black market" for the stuff, according to news articles:
It looks like few of us here were aware that Tide, of all things, would have such a barter appeal! We think along lines of food, toilet paper, alcohol, smokes, matches, and other "prep" stuff...but Tide???
Just goes to show you -- alternate currencies are already springing up and are alive on the streets, whether the authorities like it or not!
I don't get the whole "Tide" dilemma - soap is soap and can be made if necessary. And I don't even use Tide - too many additives, higher priced, and not as efficient as some others.
It does make lots of bubbles, though, so it is pretty good for making fountains, etc become bubbling masses of street-blocking foam - or so I've heard. Of course, a little fabric softener will deplete that very quickly - again, so I've heard.
It is not currency. It is an item that is easy to steal, can't be traced and is easy to sell on the second hand market, just as DVDs, cosmetics, razors, and other items are. People are selling a stolen product for cash--they are not using it as a substitute for money.
This is true. However, there are alternative currencies in use today, here in the US. As of Feb. 2012, twelve different states are considering the use of gold and silver in their respective states. Merchants in localized markets accept gold, silver, copper, and many other commodities, as they see fit. They make the decisions.
Quote:
Originally Posted by joe from dayton
It is an item that is easy to steal, can't be traced and is easy to sell on the second hand market, just as DVDs, cosmetics, razors, and other items are. People are selling a stolen product for cash--they are not using it as a substitute for money.
Also true, to an extent. This Tide detergent is not being sold as second-hand. DVDs, cosmetics, etc may or may not be second-hand, and are almost always stolen. They have been traded for cash for a very long time now. The Tide phenomenon is new, nationwide, and no other brand will do. I also have little doubt that it passes hands at a certain value ($5-6) only to pass hands again by the first recipient, before the product is ever used. In that sense, it would be acting as a currency.
Hmmm... I suspect that there is an ingredient in Tide that some street chemist has figured out is necessary in the manufacture of an illicit substance. That would explain why it's the only brand that's getting stolen, and why it's getting stolen when the price cuts into the profit margin.
Hmmm... I suspect that there is an ingredient in Tide that some street chemist has figured out is necessary in the manufacture of an illicit substance.
Yaaah! No wonder our washing machine has been acting so crazy lately!
This is true. However, there are alternative currencies in use today, here in the US. As of Feb. 2012, twelve different states are considering the use of gold and silver in their respective states. Merchants in localized markets accept gold, silver, copper, and many other commodities, as they see fit. They make the decisions.
My current "home state" (Utah) recently passed a law legalizing gold and silver as a currency. I've yet to see any real difference at places of business, but I have heard of a few businesses that are accepting gold and silver for purchases. It will be interesting to see what happens with it. Just to be safe, I've been trading some of my "promise paper" (paper US dollars) for silver. The dollar is only of value because we all agree it is and have confidence in it. It has no intrinsic value. If that confidence wavers, I think hard gold and silver will garner a bit more confidence. Of course, I am of the opinion that food, tools, skills, and other such useful items will be a more secure bet. Everyone needs to eat, right? You can't eat gold or silver. But it is kind of fun to hear a few troy ounce silver bullion coins jingle in a coin bag.
Maybe you could wash it down with a bottle of Tide!
I don't think that's the recommended method for money laundering
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