Israelis selling gas masks on eBay

Asking prices range from $25 to $50.

The long lines outside gas mask distribution centers as Israelis prepare for a possible conflict with Syria, has prompted some Israelis to try their luck and sell gas masks on eBay.

The asking prices of the gas masks, some of which are old models, range from $25 to $50, and go as high as $100-165 for a family set of four masks. In the past, the IDF Home Front Command had considered selling gas masks for NIS 200 (about $50), which makes some of the current asking prices on eBay relatively cheap. However, there is a real risk, since some of the gas masks are old and not up to standard, and it is doubtful if anyone would want such goods.

Various people are behind the gas mask sales, some of whom are not necessarily trying to make a quick buck, but are long-term eBay traders. One trader makes his living selling surplus military equipment, such as jackets, mostly from the US Army.

Although offers of gas masks on eBay has surged in the past few days, there were postings for gas masks as far back as May and even December 2012. Online sales of gas masks is nothing new: there was a similar trend during the run-up to the Iraq War in 2003, although some asking prices were lower.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on August 29, 2013

© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2013

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