Why would someone pay scalper prices for PS5 and Xbox Series X?

[kmo_9000]

With the limited supply, some people are buying multiple consoles and attempting to resell them to make a profit. In some places console scalpers are being robbed when they arrange a meetup to exchange the console for cash.

 

I don't get it though, do people just want to have one for a Christmas gift? There are barely any games out for the systems right now. If you can get one from the store, then fine. But it's going to be sitting around for most of the next few months for most people. I don't understand why people are paying substantial premiums just to get it first.

All of my current consoles are still perfectly fine. I even just pulled out my Wii recently to replay some games. My PC steam library still has games I've never played.

If I get a PS5 or Xbox Series, it won't be at least for a few months and likely when there is some sort of sale.

[NinJake]

Why? supply and demand. If you have the extra money and REALLLLY want something... spend it and get what you want. Not that I would.

[Hairless Monkey Boy]

More money than sense. 

[kmo_9000]

I understand they really want it and are willing to pay double retail or more for it. That doesn't mean it isn't a really dumb choice. 

I don't think anyone who reads these forums is buying from scalpers. It's most likely upper middle class parents who want one to give to their kid on Christmas morning.

[lieder1987]

9 minutes ago, kmo_9000 said:

I understand they really want it and are willing to pay double retail or more for it. That doesn't mean it isn't a really dumb choice. 

I don't think anyone who reads these forums is buying from scalpers. It's most likely upper middle class parents who want one to give to their kid on Christmas morning.

What is dumb to you, might not be to them. We have no right to tell someone what should or should not be done with their money.

 

I might not think it is a good idea to spend X dollars on an iPhone, but a good amount of people do. You can get higher spec android phones for cheaper, but people want what they want.

[kmo_9000]

10 minutes ago, lieder1987 said:

What is dumb to you, might not be to them. We have no right to tell someone what should or should not be done with their money.

 

I might not think it is a good idea to spend X dollars on an iPhone, but a good amount of people do. You can get higher spec android phones for cheaper, but people want what they want.

This isn't about buying one item over another, it's paying in some cases a grand premium on a system with two games because you can't wait a month or two. It's the equivalent of throwing stacks of money into a fire just because you like watching money burn.

 

[centurion_08]

Because they are fucking dumb.

[oldSock]

Simply put people can over charge because people are willing to overpay.