Scalping disappears if supply matched demand (with perfect geographic efficiency). Buying from a scalper is strictly riskier than buying from a retailer (might

Scalping disappears if supply matched demand (with perfect geographic efficiency). Buying from a scalper is strictly riskier than buying from a retailer (might not be able to return faulty equipment, etc). There might be exceptions for rare / limited edition items because then scalpers can potentially control the whole market and extract monopolistic profits (assuming the demand curve allows it). Scalpers only exist when the true market price of something doesn't match the list price (Demand >> Supply). Graphics cards worldwide, microphones, at-home lifting equipment, USD in Venezuela... it's basically Uber's surge pricing but for products :)