Makers Market Prices Under Scrutiny: Convenience or Exploitation?
Submitted & Photographed by Lcu
The Klages Center buzzes with activity as students study, socialize, and grab quick snacks between classes. However, a recurring topic of frustration echoes through its halls: the high prices at George Fox University’s Makers Market. For many, the convenience of an on-campus store is overshadowed by concerns about affordability, sparking debates over whether these markups are excessive.
But are these concerns justified? Could the Makers Market simply be one of many businesses affected by grocery inflation across Oregon?
George Fox University’s Makers Market is one of two convenient on-campus locations where students can purchase snacks, meals, and other essentials. Intentional or not, the store effectively holds a monopoly on basic grocery items at GFU.
“I think that it has a lot of variety, and you can get food right away without needing to go to the cafeteria, but the pricing is whack,” said commuter Daisy Porras.
The market is frequently used by commuters, who lack access to storage for food during the school day. While resident students also shop there, they often rely on Flex Points—a preloaded currency in their meal plans. On the other hand, commuters must pay with their own money, making them more directly affected by the rumored price gouging.
Porras admitted to occasionally skipping lunch to avoid what she perceives as inflated prices. “I go to classes or the library and try to work, but then I get really distracted because I want to eat. But I don’t want to do that [purchase food at the Makers Market]. What should I do?” she said.
This issue is not unique to GFU. From the University of Rochester to Ohio University and the University of Maryland, students across the country have expressed frustration with campus store pricing.
One GFU student, Megan Kenyon, shared her experience purchasing lactose-free ice cream. She noted that a pint of non-dairy sorbet costs about $6 at Fred Meyer but $12 at the Makers Market.
“My other option is the Makers Market, and there is a non-dairy sorbet,” Kenyon said. “It is $12 for a single pint—it’s bad.”
A broader comparison reveals similar markups on various items:
The data demonstrates that students’ concerns are valid. On average, items at the Makers Market are marked up by 79.5%.
The most significant premiums are on items classified as “fresh” or “meal options,” typically purchased by commuters.
“I feel like I’m being cheated. This sucks. The prices are crazy on items you would want to eat for class,” Porras said.
Freshman April Seiler echoed these sentiments. “I feel like I’m not really shocked, because it makes sense to have a system where they can make a profit, but it is a bummer,” Seiler said. “I’m still gonna spend my Flex Points.”
Many students recognize that convenience often comes with a cost. However, they feel the price hikes at the Makers Market go beyond necessity.
“I feel like it shouldn’t be that hard to not overcharge people,” Kenyon said. “I could understand a markup of maybe one dollar.”
Flex Points play a significant role in residents’ indifference to the pricing. Students are more willing to pay higher prices since the money is not coming directly out of their wallets. However, when asked about paying with her own money, Seiler said, “It’s a big enough markup I would drive somewhere else. 100%.”
Raising awareness about the average 80% upcharge at the Makers Market is the first step toward addressing the issue. In the meantime, students can save money by purchasing snacks and meals at local stores like Fred Meyer or gas stations instead of relying solely on on-campus options.