scalpers

Scalpers are individuals who resell goods or services at prices above their original sales price, aiming to profit from temporary imbalances between supply and demand. The practice occurs in a variety of markets, most notably event tickets, limited-edition sneakers, electronics, and other high-demand items sold through resale platforms or informal channels. Scalpers may buy large quantities quickly, sometimes using automated tools or multiple accounts to secure scarce inventory for resale.

Ticket scalping draws particular attention because it directly affects consumer access to events. In many jurisdictions, resale of tickets above face value is regulated or prohibited, and venues or platforms may employ anti-scalping measures such as price caps, verification systems, or official resale marketplaces. Some regions permit controlled secondary sales with safeguards, while others ban certain resale practices altogether. Critics argue that scalping reduces accessibility for casual buyers and can distort the fair market for entertainment, whereas proponents contend that it creates liquidity and enables price discovery for scarce items.

In financial markets, scalping refers to a short-term trading strategy that seeks small profits on a high volume of trades. Scalpers typically hold positions for minutes or seconds and rely on rapid execution, low transaction costs, and tight spreads. Common participants include day traders and some market makers or high-frequency traders. Risks include rapid adverse price movements and fees that can erase small gains, and some exchanges or regulators impose rules that limit or prohibit certain scalping practices to maintain market stability.

Regulation and enforcement of scalping practices vary by jurisdiction and market. Ticket resale rules, bot restrictions, and platform transparency requirements are common, while financial markets rely on exchange and regulator rules to govern order activity and trading behavior. See also: scalping (finance), ticket resale, market regulation.