First off, I'm not a reseller. Don't know why I need to mention that to state my opinion, but now you know.
Anti-bot implementation, much like anti-piracy before it, and many other systems such as DRM only do 1 thing...impede honest customers from attempting purchases. Bots can read most captchas now, including the ones that require the user to select images of crosswalks and the likes. You've probably even seen where they attempt to distort these making them harder for machine-learning to bypass. They use deep-fried photo filters or add static and noise to the images, but this doesn't prevent it. Also, you do realize that human boys exist too, right? There is no way to stop that, and unfortunately some big resellers employee such tactics to ensure they get the products they want. This includes (insert other retailer that supposedly has no bot problem) as resellers target and get the products they want no matter where they are available.
The others have touched on in, but as an insider I'll just say it: the demand far exceeds the available product. This is obvious to anyone keeping tabs and is honestly not a confidential tidbit of information. Here's another bit of info: just like the console manufacturers stated, this year is going to be especially tough due to supply constraints from component manufacturers. This, coupled with the fact that every console launch since the PS2 has been met with a fury of customers desperate to purchase, ensures that your success during these launches will continue to be a combination of luck and perseverance. I have seen the lines in my stores, these systems are being successfully bought by end users.
As mentioned above, to end the world of resellers there has to be no secondary market where they can flip it for a quick buck. Unfortunately I look at all the markets and I see these resellers more than doubling their money. This problem will never go away as long as people continue to shell out that kind of cash for something that will just be on the shelf in a few months.
I am a Best Buy Employee, but the views that I post are my own and not that of Best Buy.
***Know that I am not able to issue official responses and that my posts are only here to help before an official response is offered by a Best Buy Social Media Specialist***
hockeycanuckjc
