Just saw a scalper return 12 iPads

[meechy]

Good to see this scalper lose about £50-60. Thats if he posted the iPad after it sold for less than what he bought it for LOL

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Confirmed...=UK_iPad_Tablets_eReaders&hash=item3373011107

 

[saud0488]

I don't understand...what these people are doing is completely legit. It's not like what they're doing is completely new or going to take anyone by surprise. I'm no economist but it's supply and demand in it's simplest form. Don't be upset just because someone wants to make a quick buck off these. I find it ironic that people go haywire blaming scalpers for not being able to get a product and their habit of selling at "ridiculous: prices yet don't mind Apple exploiting cheap labor to mark products up 40-60%.

They aren't pointing a gun to anyone's head

----------

i don't think anyone could have predicted that.

I think it's a mix of apple having made enough but moreso people just not upgrading. This was a relatively minor upgrade for most people. You won't hear most people saying that they are buying for the quad core graphics or the camera that will be used twice in the lifespan of the device. I'm extremely underwhelmed with my white one. I went to the Apple store in Akron today to see if the black one made for a more dynamic viewing experience and even though it helped somewhat, what I kept hearing was that people weren't that impressed with the retina display. I can't blame them and I'm glad I'm not the only one that feels it's a VERY minor upgrade.

With that said, I'll keep it cause I miss having an iPad and 100 bucks is relatively cheap to have the latest one I suppose.

 

[iSayuSay]

When you see all the tickets to your favorite concert being snapped up online within 10 minutes of launch, followed by those very tickets going on sale, with those very scalpers advertising in the forums you frequent, I see no reason to empathize with them whatsoever.

They want some cash, go and get a legitimate part time job or something, which doesn't deprive other honest folks who genuinely want said product. I deliberately held off buying a ticket even though I wanted to go the concert. Would rather see that fellow choke on his tickets!

The screwed up case may be true for a concert ticket. People just want a ticket, and scalpers are buying large and resell them at insane rate. But concert have a deadline. You don't get it before day X, you'd simply miss it. You're simply out of options.

But iPad is not something that would fade away or can be obsolete. You can buy and get it anytime, it doesn't have an expiration date like a ticket. So I see no reason of blaming scalpers. In fact I dont like scalpers too. But instead of blaming those scalpers, I'd blame people who buy from them at unreasonable price. They create more demands, thus more scalping in upcoming years.

You don't want scalpers? I say don't create the demands. Once again, iPad is not going anywhere, dont be a fool and buy from them! Not that hard, huh. If you can't get it at normal price, wait! and make those scalpers take a hit in the face.

 

[Spink10]

I don't understand...what these people are doing is completely legit. It's not like what they're doing is completely new or going to take anyone by surprise. I'm no economist but it's supply and demand in it's simplest form. Don't be upset just because someone wants to make a quick buck off these. I find it ironic that people go haywire blaming scalpers for not being able to get a product and their habit of selling at "ridiculous: prices yet don't mind Apple exploiting cheap labor to mark products up 40-60%.

They aren't pointing a gun to anyone's head

Most people cant find fault with themselves only others - so they bash them

BTW - I have a hard time finding fault with myself - if I am honest

 

[KPOM]

I think it's a mix of apple having made enough but moreso people just not upgrading. This was a relatively minor upgrade for most people. You won't hear most people saying that they are buying for the quad core graphics or the camera that will be used twice in the lifespan of the device. I'm extremely underwhelmed with my white one. I went to the Apple store in Akron today to see if the black one made for a more dynamic viewing experience and even though it helped somewhat, what I kept hearing was that people weren't that impressed with the retina display. I can't blame them and I'm glad I'm not the only one that feels it's a VERY minor upgrade.

Once we see more "Retina Display" apps that will change. The new screen is incredible, and the color saturation is another significant improvement. This was more than a minor update. Perhaps people are used to the iPhone 4/4S Retina Display and it isn't as stunning as before, but put the iPad 2 next to the new iPad and there is no comparison.

I think the reasons there is still stock in the stores are that Apple correctly predicted demand, plus there were pre-orders, so there were fewer people at the stores yesterday.

 

[Rennir]

I don't understand...what these people are doing is completely legit. It's not like what they're doing is completely new or going to take anyone by surprise. I'm no economist but it's supply and demand in it's simplest form. Don't be upset just because someone wants to make a quick buck off these. I find it ironic that people go haywire blaming scalpers for not being able to get a product and their habit of selling at "ridiculous: prices yet don't mind Apple exploiting cheap labor to mark products up 40-60%.

They aren't pointing a gun to anyone's head

I wouldn't be so quick to label it completely legit. Supply and demand only applies here because the scalpers exist. Think of it like this: scalpers buy up a bunch of iPads to sell for a profit. As a result, many individuals who wanted to buy one for personal consumption were deprived of that opportunity. I wouldn't call that legit. Then the demand comes in. People who weren't able to obtain one via an Apple store (due to scalpers) will pay the price markup if the value they perceive in getting one now vs. later is worth the additional money.

 

[pesos]

I changed my mind and ordered a Verizon model 24 hours after initially ordering wifi only when preorders first opened. Luckily I still got it on Friday, but it was already too late to cancel the wifi order - so now I have to make my way to a store to return. I couldn't imagine walking in with 12 though lol

 

[iSayuSay]

..
With that said, I'll keep it cause I miss having an iPad and 100 bucks is relatively cheap to have the latest one I suppose.

I assume you mean it's worth to pay extra $100 or so for scalpers to have the latest and greatest? Well I've been there and thinking back to those moments make me feel ashamed of myself.

In 2 3 months you'll end up being one of millions & millions of people that own the new iPad. You're just the next regular guy who happens to own 3rd gen iPad. What's so special about owning it 1 2 months earlier? And you bought it for some meaningless extra $$ for the scalpers? In fact your iPad is "older" and could get scratches and less fresh since you owned it earlier before most people do, simply a dish served cold. And the worst and most embarrasing fact is that it cost you a lot more than it should.

 

[liquid85]

I don't understand all this scalper hate. A scalper gets in line just like everybody else. He can buy as many as he wants just like everyone else. Once he buys them he can do whatever he wants with them. If there are people out there who can't wait a week or two to buy one at regular price, he can make a profit. And thats his right.
Buying an iPad on launch day isn't a right that a scalper is taking away from you. He's just making money off fanaticism. Scalpers aren't stealing anything from you. If you have to have one on launch day pre-order or get in line earlier. Simple as that.

 

[Jasmynp]

I can understanding trying to make a profit where you can but 12 is excessive.

 

[MR1324]

I can understanding trying to make a profit where you can but 12 is excessive.

uhhh if you can understand that making a profit is ok, then why does the quantity matter? if he sold 11, would that be reasonable then?

 

[Built]

I don't understand all this scalper hate. A scalper gets in line just like everybody else. He can buy as many as he wants just like everyone else. Once he buys them he can do whatever he wants with them. If there are people out there who can't wait a week or two to buy one at regular price, he can make a profit. And thats his right.
Buying an iPad on launch day isn't a right that a scalper is taking away from you. He's just making money off fanaticism. Scalpers aren't stealing anything from you. If you have to have one on launch day pre-order or get in line earlier. Simple as that.

Some of these scalpers (especially last year) operated in HIGHLY organized rings which employed every trick in the book to ensure that they bought up most of the available stock.

 

[liquid85]

I can understanding trying to make a profit where you can but 12 is excessive.

I agree with you there. I don't think the first person in line should be able to buy out the whole store. But if someone wants to buy five or six I don't see a problem.

 

[Viper2005]

He probably switched the ipads with clay inside

 

[Built]

I loved it when the Best Buy personnel announced to the line on launch day that we would all be limited to one iPad a person.

If a couple was in line and they shared a Best Buy card, they would only be permitted to buy one, unless they used a different credit card for a second one.

 

[Rennir]

I don't understand all this scalper hate. A scalper gets in line just like everybody else. He can buy as many as he wants just like everyone else. Once he buys them he can do whatever he wants with them. If there are people out there who can't wait a week or two to buy one at regular price, he can make a profit. And thats his right.
Buying an iPad on launch day isn't a right that a scalper is taking away from you. He's just making money off fanaticism. Scalpers aren't stealing anything from you. If you have to have one on launch day pre-order or get in line earlier. Simple as that.

Sure they have a right to buy as many as the Apple store allows them to buy. But most people would buy a reasonable amount. Scalpers don't. It isn't stealing. It's exploitation of the hype around apple products. Scalpers exploit those who aren't willing to wait to buy on later since all stock was bought by the scalpers by charging a higher price for it. Sure, those who buy know what they're getting themselves into and are fine with it. It's still exploitation though.

 

[liquid85]

Sure they have a right to buy as many as the Apple store allows them to buy. But most people would buy a reasonable amount. Scalpers don't. It isn't stealing. It's exploitation of the hype around apple products. Scalpers exploit those who aren't willing to wait to buy on later since all stock was bought by the scalpers by charging a higher price for it. Sure, those who buy know what they're getting themselves into and are fine with it. It's still exploitation though.

But the people being exploited as you say, do so willingly. No one puts a gun to their head and says you have to buy this. They could simply wait a few weeks but they willingly pay the up charge. If someone wants to make money off of that, good for them.

 

[Rennir]

But the people being exploited as you say, do so willingly. No one puts a gun to their head and says you have to buy this. They could simply wait a few weeks but they willingly pay the up charge. If someone wants to make money off of that, good for them.

But just because the people being exploited are doing so willingly does not make the act of exploitation justifiable to me. Hence, my dislike of scalpers. I don't dislike them because they are breaking the law (dont know if there are laws against scalping but I'm assuming not), but rather because I view their business practices as unethical and immoral. There's also the point that these people wouldn't have had to pay a higher price if the scalpers hadn't bought them all. And yes they could wait. But my point is that they wouldn't have to if it weren't for the scalpers.

 

[bobenhaus]

I was at the Apple Store today to pick up a smart cover and saw someone return 12 iPads. He used multiple credit cards to make those transactions. He said hes returning them because his "friends" didn't want to buy them after all.

Edit: Just incase anyone is wondering, it was a white guy. Looked like he was in his mid-30's.

I was at a Bestbuy and all the Ipads where being handled by the customers but none were being purchased. I asked why and they said the upgrade wasnt worth it. Some liked the new resolution but didnt see a big difference. Also one person had a 200 dollar gift card and was planning on purchasing a new ipad but left the store empty handed. I think apple needs to slow down. I like the ipad myself. Thanks.

 

[liquid85]

But just because the people being exploited are doing so willingly does not make the act of exploitation justifiable to me. Hence, my dislike of scalpers. I don't dislike them because they are breaking the law (dont know if there are laws against scalping but I'm assuming not), but rather because I view their business practices as unethical and immoral. There's also the point that these people wouldn't have had to pay a higher price if the scalpers hadn't bought them all. And yes they could wait. But my point is that they wouldn't have to if it weren't for the scalpers.

I respect your opinion. But I feel that scalpers or no, most times these things would sell out anyway. This year was different. I would like to see some statistics about how many iPads, scalpers have actually bought. This year there were tons of scalpers but iPads didn't sell out. Most years, frenzied fans being what they are, these things would have sold out, scalpers or no.

 

[siurpeeman]

I hope no-one find's this offensive but.. they were all asian that were doing this trick buying the most expensive models... I was in the line and we were relocated to a different part of the shopping centre so it would be easier for people who were shopping... guess what.. about 7/8 of these scalpers ran to the place and took my spot, I was going to tell them to move but then I just moved next to two nice, genuine guy's which were a pleasure too speak too.

yes, because asians are not genuine people.

 

[thewitt]

I was at a Bestbuy and all the Ipads where being handled by the customers but none were being purchased. I asked why and they said the upgrade wasnt worth it. Some liked the new resolution but didnt see a big difference. Also one person had a 200 dollar gift card and was planning on purchasing a new ipad but left the store empty handed. I think apple needs to slow down. I like the ipad myself. Thanks.

In Q4, Apple sold 170,000 iPad 2s a day. Registration and survey data showed that 94% of these were not replacement systems, but new purchases as either first time buyers or additional iPads added to a family.

There is very little need from Apple's perspective for anyone to upgrade from a prior model to make their 60,000,000 2012 unit sales numbers....

The new iPad simply replaces the old iPad in these sales. There is no need for Apple get get millions of people to throw out their old device, they are simply updating the product with additional features over time.

 

[Rennir]

I respect your opinion. But I feel that scalpers or no, most times these things would sell out anyway. This year was different. I would like to see some statistics about how many iPads, scalpers have actually bought. This year there were tons of scalpers but iPads didn't sell out. Most years, frenzied fans being what they are, these things would have sold out, scalpers or no.

And I thank you for that. I was trying to elucidate why a lot of people hate scalpers, which you stated you didn't understand in your original post.

And you're right. But I think the distinction between someone not being able to obtain one due to a limited supply in the Apple store vs. scalpers buying the majority of the stock should be made.

 

[Abazigal]

You are right in that what these scalpers are doing is completely 100% legit.

That does not mean that it is ethical. Sure, I could wait another 2-3 weeks for new stock to come in, or order online. The world isn't going to stop spinning on its axis simply because I don't have my shiny new ipad. However, the issue is that I shouldn't have to.

The whole point of Apple introducing all these new purchasing options/restrictions is exactly so that as many people who honestly want to buy an ipad for their own personal consumption is able to get one quickly and readily through legitimate channels, not for opportunists to spin them off for a quick buck.

For common folk not willing to pay that extra premium, you tell me, is it fair that they have to wait that much longer thanks to some person in front who cleared out all of the store's existing stock, and not because he has 20 family members each wanting their own ipad? How would you feel in such a situation?

 

[liquid85]

You are right in that what these scalpers are doing is completely 100% legit.

That does not mean that it is ethical. Sure, I could wait another 2-3 weeks for new stock to come in, or order online. The world isn't going to stop spinning on its axis simply because I don't have my shiny new ipad. However, the issue is that I shouldn't have to.

The whole point of Apple introducing all these new purchasing options/restrictions is exactly so that as many people who honestly want to buy an ipad for their own personal consumption is able to get one quickly and readily through legitimate channels, not for opportunists to spin them off for a quick buck.

For common folk not willing to pay that extra premium, you tell me, is it fair that they have to wait that much longer thanks to some person in front who cleared out all of the store's existing stock, and not because he has 20 family members each wanting their own ipad? How would you feel in such a situation?

I wouldn't like it of course but it's how it is. If he was in front of you in line he should be able to by as many as he wants, within reason of course. Possibly a limit of 10. I'm just throwing that number out there.
Back to my point though of how big a difference scalpers really make. Right now there are 4,363 iPads on ebay, many of which were preorders. That's hardly the majority of iPads sold. Especially when most best buys had hundreds this year on launch day.