A sudden run on special protective glasses ahead of last night’s solar eclipse led to widespread shortages in brick-and-mortar stores, driving buyers to online classifieds where prices are soaring.
Standard eclipse glasses normally sell for a few euros, but scarcity has transformed them into a hot commodity on reselling platforms like Marktplaats.
Sellers mark up prices across the province
Across North Holland, listings show viewers offered for anywhere between 20 and 50 euros, drawing dozens of immediate bids. One local seller in Amsterdam reported receiving around ten messages per minute from prospective buyers eager to secure protection before the event.
Another local seller listed glasses for 75 euros each after acquiring them for seven euros, though early bids hovered closer to 35 euros. Elsewhere in the region, individual pairs have been listed for as much as 150 euros.
Safety standards remain essential
The spike in secondary market activity comes alongside repeated warnings from eye doctors about the risks of looking directly at the sun. Experts emphasize that observing a solar eclipse without verified protection can cause severe, permanent eye damage.
Buyers turning to second-hand listings are urged to ensure any glasses meet official safety standards. Ordinary sunglasses and makeshift filters do not provide adequate protection against direct solar radiation.
