And the PS3 Scalpers are Off....
The system hasn't even been released, but the PlayStation 3 is going for two grand on ebay
There are still weeks to go before the PlayStation 3 hits store shelves, but the scalpers are already selling them for well over the $599 retail price on ebay.
Clearly Sony fans are willing to do whatever it takes to get their hands on a PlayStation 3 for the holidays.
Many camped out to get their pre-orders in on time. Now others are willing to pay well over the $599 list price to get someone else's pre-order.
With weeks to go before the PS3 hits stores, ebay is already flooded with scalpers selling their pre-ordered systems. And gamers are willing to pay top dollar for them.
The price being paid for the pre-ordered units is ranging from $1500 to $2100 U.S., more than double and triple the retail price.
While some of the auctions were taken down, and some users banned for the violation of ebay terms, others have gone ahead, complying with ebay's pre-sale item policy.
The policy only states that the seller must guarantee the items shipment within 30 days of the auction closing and must state this in the default listing font size.
Sellers could still get into trouble, though. Most PS3 pre-sale locations stated that there was no guarantee of receiving a unit on the launch day, due to possible delays from Sony (and there have already been plenty with the PS3.)
While the PlayStation 2, also released in a limited quantity for the holidays, was also heavily scalped, the prices never reached those levels.
The PS3 is set to be in stores Nov. 17, with 400,000 units heading for North America.
