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Is there a reason that retailers for certain hot commodities don't just require a unique credit card coupled with a unique shipping address to effectively limit

Is there a reason that retailers for certain hot commodities don't just require a unique credit card coupled with a unique shipping address to effectively limit a customer to one item? Have this restriction automatically lift after two weeks from the last purchase for that particular customer so that they can buy another one if sufficient time has elapsed. I'm baffled because it feels like this would instantaneously fix the scalping problem and it's not particularly difficult to implement.

sapienwastey 4y ago
There are services which give you a one time CC number such as privacy.com. I'm unsure how shipping address might also get similarly obsfucated (po boxes?).
- dghlsakjg 4y ago
  If you’ve ever dealt with e-commerce or checkout you know that there are a lot of ways to write the same address, and it isn’t easy to know when it is the same address. As an example I lived in a building that had boxes for mail and unit numbers that differed (I think it was for privacy or something, but you could put both or just one and the mail would get there). So a package going to Unit 1A or Box 28 were going to the same place. Add in the fact that there are multiple ways to write this out: #1A, Apt. 1A, Apartment 1A, 1A, Suite 1A Then you can game the box: PMB 28, #28, bx28. Then you can start gaming the names: F Middle Last, First Middle, Last First. Make up a name, or use someone else’s. Anything you assume about addresses probably has an exception. And then, yes, there are private mailbox services that will just receive packages on your behalf.
pg_bot 4y ago
This is likely a losing strategy, while it would likely work for a little while people will find a way to circumvent the restriction. The simpler way to get around scalping/arbitrage is to raise prices so that those who are producing the product are the beneficiaries of the higher price. They can then turn around and tell customers that they are taking that revenue and putting it back into producing more widgets. However, there are certain industries where a lack of supply and rewarding middlemen is actually part of the business strategy. In fashion, entertainment, and luxury goods there is a certain cachet in obtaining items that other people cannot.
grepfru_it 4y ago
You can provide whatever info you want on the second mailing line (e.g. Apartment A, Suite 100, Floor 2) and you have a unique shipping address. I have 4 credit cards. My dad has 23. I had a friend who had over 100 when he was loading up airline miles. Let's not forget anyone can go to walmart and pickup a visa/amex gift card for a unique identifier. And I thought of this within 30 seconds of reading your post. Imagine a dedicated scalper..

sapienwastey 4y ago

There are services which give you a one time CC number such as privacy.com. I'm unsure how shipping address might also get similarly obsfucated (po boxes?).

dghlsakjg 4y ago
If you’ve ever dealt with e-commerce or checkout you know that there are a lot of ways to write the same address, and it isn’t easy to know when it is the same address. As an example I lived in a building that had boxes for mail and unit numbers that differed (I think it was for privacy or something, but you could put both or just one and the mail would get there). So a package going to Unit 1A or Box 28 were going to the same place. Add in the fact that there are multiple ways to write this out: #1A, Apt. 1A, Apartment 1A, 1A, Suite 1A Then you can game the box: PMB 28, #28, bx28. Then you can start gaming the names: F Middle Last, First Middle, Last First. Make up a name, or use someone else’s. Anything you assume about addresses probably has an exception. And then, yes, there are private mailbox services that will just receive packages on your behalf.

pg_bot 4y ago

This is likely a losing strategy, while it would likely work for a little while people will find a way to circumvent the restriction. The simpler way to get around scalping/arbitrage is to raise prices so that those who are producing the product are the beneficiaries of the higher price. They can then turn around and tell customers that they are taking that revenue and putting it back into producing more widgets. However, there are certain industries where a lack of supply and rewarding middlemen is actually part of the business strategy. In fashion, entertainment, and luxury goods there is a certain cachet in obtaining items that other people cannot.

grepfru_it 4y ago

You can provide whatever info you want on the second mailing line (e.g. Apartment A, Suite 100, Floor 2) and you have a unique shipping address. I have 4 credit cards. My dad has 23. I had a friend who had over 100 when he was loading up airline miles. Let's not forget anyone can go to walmart and pickup a visa/amex gift card for a unique identifier. And I thought of this within 30 seconds of reading your post. Imagine a dedicated scalper..