Retailer Fires Back At Next-Gen Resellers

The next-generation video game console platforms were incredibly hyped. We knew well before 2020 that this would be the year that both Sony and Microsoft would bring out their next-generation video game console platforms. Of course, what we didn’t expect to happen was a worldwide health pandemic outbreak. This coronavirus was, and still is, a problem throughout the entire world. However, that didn’t stop either company from bringing out their latest console platforms.

Both the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X/S are available for purchase. However, it’s about impossible to find a unit. Every new console comes with a bit of trouble finding a unit to purchase. This is usually something that is quickly fixed in the coming months, but this launch, in particular, has been troublesome. As mentioned, the health pandemic outbreak is something we’re all dealing with. Consumers are seeking entertainment since being forced to stay at home or refrain from socially gathering.

During this pandemic, we saw a rise in console and software purchases as well. There was a period where consumers couldn’t purchase consoles such as the Nintendo Switch which would have allowed themselves a break from the real world or give their kids some entertainment while on break from school. Of course, that eventually settled down, but we’re seeing this happen once again with the latest video game console releases.

Players are wanting to dive into the latest generation of video games but they are up against not only other consumers but resellers. Reselling has been a problem in a lot of product launches. Companies will purchase up all the units available and flip them for profit online. This is what we’re seeing with the next-generation video game console platforms which are being flipped for over double of what the console goes for. In fact, one reseller group is boasting its purchase tactics online.

Crep Chief Notify is a group that hires in resellers to purchase stock through various means such as bots. With the help of bots, the resellers are able to flip the product on third-party websites such as eBay for a massive profit. In the past, this group has to boast their bots have secured thousands of units right away, but it looks like they finally took a hit. A new report has emerged online that suggests the UK retailer, Very, has canceled 1,000 orders from the reseller group along with some legitimate orders by consumers. From what we gather it’s a means to give consumers a chance at purchasing a unit which may be done through a new means of limiting a console purchase to a specific shipping address. Although it could only be an attempt to slowdown resellers as they try to find a means to bypass any new measures placed for their online shopping.

Source: Sky