$902.81
Added 2021-05-27 15:52:58 +0000 UTCAn obscure CD is listed for over $900 on Amazon. What's the scam?
Show notes:
- Dubious Ranger on Bandcamp
- Uneasy Truce at the Watering Hole on Amazon
- The Devil's Dating Service on Amazon, currently for $970
- Used CDs on Amazon for $902.81 (Film Score message board)
Comments
I had two other theories, but the Fallon/Gorman theory (where the super-high price results from the iterative interaction of two sellers' algorithms) seems at least as good as either of mine. I will however share the benchmark gaming theory which is this: A seller has an Amazon account AND an eBay account (with a different name of course). They offer the CD on Amazon for a hugely inflated price. Then they offer it on eBay for a LESS inflated price, saying "This is a rare collector's item which is being sold by Amazon sellers for $902.81! You are lucky to get it from me for only $125." Since the eBay buyer has no other benchmark for the "real value" of the CD than the Amazon offer, they may fall for it.
Ted Delphos
2023-12-23 23:07:36 +0000 UTCDefinite possibility.
Underunderstood
2021-07-03 17:53:53 +0000 UTCOhhhh interesting. Another good theory! Thank you! 🙃
Underunderstood
2021-07-03 17:53:39 +0000 UTCHmm good call!
Underunderstood
2021-07-03 17:51:38 +0000 UTCI work for a bank where we have to take a lot of anti money laundering training and this threw up all kinds of red flags. Seems like it could be a way to layer money through a legitimate business. A few high priced items wouldn’t seem out of place if you are a seller of rare media.
Brooke Bailey
2021-05-28 11:03:00 +0000 UTCOkay I heard something similar on a podcast ages and ages ago. RHLSTP 164 with Dave Gorman, if you listen from 22:30. It's just 2 minutes of explanation. https://open.spotify.com/episode/6LV33TBazrHOXNcFnlASMo?si=hz6AF8y8SyKWjtH8KlW6rQ&utm_source=copy-link
Muireann Fallon
2021-05-27 20:39:14 +0000 UTCThe fact that the same unusually high price shows up elsewhere makes me think that the error is in the upload of inventory data to Amazon; perhaps a missing or incorrect line in a bulk listings Excel spreadsheet. I suppose you could just ask the seller.....
James Allenspach
2021-05-27 17:13:52 +0000 UTC
