@luvwrc wrote:
I just wanted to find out what equates to scalping, and can it be applied to coin sales.
There are people on Ebay selling the 2022 Remembrance $2 Poppy Coin for $100 to $200 over retail price. Most of us at time of writing this are still waiting in queue with the Australian Mint, due to high demand not helped by these scalpers. Legit collectors chasing just a single coin are taking the hit as Ebay supports this practice, long made illegal on ticket sales but no different to this situation.
Lift your game Ebay!!
I don't know that ebay will do anything about it because it is not classed as an 'essential' item. Back when toilet paper and hand sanitiser were keenly sought items, ebay did step in to stop price gouging, but only because I think there was public pressure or maybe government pressure, not sure.
I agree with you that sellers asking up to $200 over retail price is the equivalent of scalping.
But if you recall the 'little things' craze of a few years back, I saw the $4 carry case for them rise to $20, $50 then a dizzy $130 or so on ebay. Whether the bidders ever came to their senses before paying, I have no idea, but they were basically buying a piece of cheap plastic junk that will deteriorate over time.
At least if people overpay for the coin, they have a collector item forever.
The best way to dampen down scalper prices is not to buy from them.
Mind you, it is a never ending mystery to me how your normal person has to sign up to be on a list to get one, if they are lucky, while some people seem to be able to lay their hands on dozens. I'd like to know how and why because they are not genuine collectors, not if they immediately turn around to sell them.
