For many gamers, the NES Classic Mini is a console that they missed out on and thought they would never get a chance to own. This was mainly due to scalpers that would purchase five or more units on release day, or restocking day, and then resell them for two to four times the initial cost. Nintendo has heard your cries, dear gamers.
On June 29th, the Nintendo NES Classic Mini will be re-released and made available for $59.95 at retail. There is no word from retailers on any measures they will be taking to stop scalpers though.
Why Stores Like Scalpers
Most retail stores like scalpers and resellers. I am a reseller, not a scalper. I will not buy every unit of something at a store - not even on clearance. I take what will give me a healthy profit return and go on my way.
Unlike scalpers, I also donate a portion of my profits to local charities and children's hospital.
Stores like scalpers because a sale is a sale. The job of a store is to move merchandise. Scalpers often take as much as is available - in effect reducing the work a store has to put in to clear that space for the next items.
How to Stop Scalpers
Unfortunately, there is no real way to stop them completely. The best we can do is not buy product at their inflated prices. We see this each year with the hot item at Christmas, and we see tons of parents give in and buy it.
If buyers are not paying what scalpers want for stuff they will often move on to something else, or leave reselling completely because they are not making the returns they wanted.
Either way is a win for fans.
Patience is key
It boils down to paitence. Just like the NES Classic Mini. If you just had to have one a year or so ago, then yeah, you probably paid a scalper $100 to $200 for one. The patient fans may be able to get one in June at a much more reasonable price.
Just be careful folks. Not all resellers are scalpers and not all scalpers are resellers. Have patience and bide your time. Odds are, you will be able to complete your wish list at reasonable prices if you just have patience.