Support NeoGAF

[ChainedMaster]

Incredible how people don't have a problem with Asians who resell these products in Asia for a steep markup, but scalpers who simply want to make a quick buck are "scum of the earth". The double standards of gamers is astounding.

 

[radios shipping overview]

Someone else asked this- who cares? I still don't understand.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_market

The parties most opposed to the grey market are usually the authorised agents or importers, or the retailers of the item in the target market. Often this is the national subsidiary of the manufacturer, or a related company. In response to the resultant damage to their profits and reputation, manufacturers and their official distribution chain will often seek to restrict the grey market.

Presumably, since the authorized sales outlets in the destination country will be competing with grey-market sales, the manufacturer has to try to stop these sales in order to make it worthwhile for the authorized outlets to keep selling their goods and dealing with import taxes.

Macy's is in no position to turn away business

If big-name manufacturers of luxury goods put pressure on Macy's, then they have good reason to play ball.

 

[Pepboy]

Presumably they're either worried about knockoffs being manufactured or want more control over regional pricing.

Likely the latter. Same brands or products in Asia can sell for 30-50% more. High end consumers in Asia want American and European goods and have a lot of extra cash to spend. Same thing with fashion items.

 

[Master Of Illusion]

Is this really a thing, Asian women buying up all the clothes at Macy's and sending them oversees?

I don't know about this, but I worked at a Bose store where half the customers were Asian tourists. The Japanese and the Koreans were some of the nicest people I encountered, but we've had cases of reselling (according to my manager at the time) and showroom vandalism when it came to the Chinese.

 

[Slayven]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_market



Presumably, since the authorized sales outlets in the destination country will be competing with grey-market sales, the manufacturer has to try to stop these sales in order to make it worthwhile for the authorized outlets to keep selling their goods and dealing with import taxes.



If big-name manufacturers of luxury goods put pressure on Macy's, then they have good reason to play ball.

Having stock means shit if you ain't got no costumers

 

[Lil'DigiOp]

How the fuck are you flipping shit buying stock at American prices?

 

[MikeHattsu]

Incredible how people don't have a problem with Asians who resell these products in Asia for a steep markup, but scalpers who simply want to make a quick buck are "scum of the earth". The double standards of gamers is astounding.

Heh... Did you get juniored for those scalper defence threads you made or something else?

 

[ChainedMaster]

Heh... Did you get juniored for those scalper defence threads you made or something else?

Yeah dude. Not cool. They weren't malicious threads. That's unfair censorship. But it is what it is.

 

[Tagyhag]

Incredible how people don't have a problem with Asians who resell these products in Asia for a steep markup, but scalpers who simply want to make a quick buck are "scum of the earth". The double standards of gamers is astounding.

The difference is that scalping is about buying enough of a product to actively deny others said product so you can sell them at a high price to them. You WANT people to not be able to buy the product, so they can buy from you. If they're happy, you're angry that they're happy.

These sellers are buying them to sell at a higher price in a different country. They're not trying to deny the product to anyone, they just want to sell it to those who would rather not have to come all the way to the US to buy one, or go through the risks (and higher prices) of online shopping. Hell, opposite of scalpers, they might get a better deal buying these items from these sellers than importing them.

Note, scalpers SUCK, but I would still defend your right to do whatever they want with the product you buy. It is after all, YOUR product.

 

[Brawly Likes to Brawl]

Incredible how people don't have a problem with Asians who resell these products in Asia for a steep markup, but scalpers who simply want to make a quick buck are "scum of the earth". The double standards of gamers is astounding.

Yeah dude. Not cool. They weren't malicious threads. That's unfair censorship. But it is what it is.

Are you seriously coming to a thread about racial profiling to sulk about an unrelated thread backlash?

 

[ChainedMaster]

The difference is that scalping is about buying enough of a product to actively deny others said product so you can sell them at a high price to them. You WANT people to not be able to buy the product, so they can buy from you. If they're happy, you're angry that they're happy.

These sellers are buying them to sell at a higher price in a different country. They're not trying to deny the product to anyone, they just want to sell it to those who would rather not have to come all the way to the US to buy one, or go through the risks (and higher prices) of online shopping. Hell, opposite of scalpers, they might get a better deal buying these items from these sellers than importing them.

Note, scalpers SUCK, but I would still defend your right to do whatever they want with the product you buy. It is after all, YOUR product.

If scalpers were the reason for the shortage, you'd find scalpers in every product ever made. Truth is the low supply and high demand is the fault of the manufacturer and the gamers that are hyping it, but you guys like to make a scapegoat out of normal civilians.

 

[FlutterPuffs]

Is this really a thing, Asian women buying up all the clothes at Macy's and sending them oversees?

Not sure about Macy's, but a few Malaysians who became expats do moonlight as personal shoppers. Basically buy clothes, perfumes, make up set that arent available here and send them back to Malaysia with a small fee.

Personally though, when I was in Paris there were a couple of chinese men who came up to me and asked if I could buy them something from LV. I went to the shop, and the staff explained to me that they would rather not to because there's a high chance those men were buying the bags to try and counterfeit them back in China.

I think they were right too to be honest.

 

[itwasTuesday]

*crssh*
security, security to boys dress wear
.over.
*crssh*

*crssh is the sound of the walkie-talkies. I wasn't sure how to spell it out.

 

[PInk Tape]

Racially profile a group of people because money. Sounds about what I'd expect from a dying retail store.

 

[airborn]

This story makes no sense. Profiling customers who buy too much stuff? What does Macy's sell that would make this rational? Half price yeezys? iPhone xs?

Luxury handbags (Chanel, Louis Vuitton)

Those limited editions have ridiculous resale values and are only sold in physical stores (from what I was told).

 

[dpunk3]

Shitty thing to do considering it's their property when they buy it and it's none of Macy's concern, but when I worked retail it was fairly obvious when customers came in to resell things. Most of the resellers were Asian, and made no attempt to cover up that they were buying to resell the items.

 

[ChainedMaster]

Are you seriously coming to a thread about racial profiling to sulk about an unrelated thread backlash?

It's the same concept. Macy's doesn't like people buying their products to resell it for a ridiculous profit. People on this board can't grasp that concept. So I made it easy for them and reminded them of scalpers.

 

[neoanarch]

It's the same concept. Macy's doesn't like people buying their products to resell it for a ridiculous profit. People on this board can't grasp that concept. So I made it easy for them and reminded them of scalpers.

Yeah...
What?
This is about Macy's singling out people of Asian decent specifically. For no reason at all than Macy's thinks all Asian people are criminals in this instance. Scalpers are actually doing something maybe not criminal but definitely ethically shady. This is in no way comparable. GTFO with that bs

 

[ChainedMaster]

Yeah...
What?
This is about Macy's singling out people of Asian decent specifically. For no reason at all than Macy's thinks all Asian people are criminals in this instance. Scalpers are actually doing something maybe not criminal but definitely ethically shady. This is in no way comparable. GTFO with that bs

All I'm saying is the reason Macy's is singling out Asians is the same. They detest the idea of people buying out their stock of some limited edition purse to sell for a high markup. I don't see how this is any less "ethically shady" as you say if they are emptying out the stock for people who want to buy it at the legitimate price. I'm not justifying anything here. Just helping people understand why Macy's doesn't want those "businessmen" buying their products.

Hell, I'd argue it's more immoral because those purses are limited edition and once they're out, "legitimate customers" won't have a chance to buy them. Whereas gamers can just wait a few weeks. Unless you think "gamers gotta game now" or something.

 

[Rmagnus]

All I'm saying is the reason Macy's is singling out Asians is the same. They detest the idea of people buying out their stock of some limited edition purse to sell for a high markup. I don't see how this is any less "ethically shady" as you say if they are emptying out the stock for people who want to buy it at the legitimate price. I'm not justifying anything here. Just helping people understand why Macy's doesn't want those "businessmen" buying their products.

Hell, I'd argue it's more immoral because those purses are limited edition and once they're out, "legitimate customers" won't have a chance to buy them. Whereas gamers can just wait a few weeks. Unless you think "gamers gotta game now" or something.

So only Asian do such a thing is that what you are implying?

 

[ChainedMaster]

So only Asian do such a thing is that what you are implying?

Not even close. For the record, I am not defending Macy's racial profiling. I noticed many posters did not understand why Macy's even cared about people buying their products in bulk, since Macy's is getting all their money. I gave an example of scalpers to make it easy for people to understand why a company does not like that practice.

 

[geestack]

interesting how these fashion brands and department stores exploit cheap asian labor yet racially profile asians and asian-americans, it's almost as if capitalism is racist and classist 🤔

 

[Ishan]

How would that business model even work.
Wouldn't similar items be significantly cheaper in Asia? And then the cost of transportation and everything, how would they profit?

no they're marked up on American prices . An American brand in India can cost twice as much and if you take purchasing parity into account you're looking at 4-5 times ... Things may have changed now dunno. My experience is 7 years old

 

[Rmagnus]

Not even close. For the record, I am not defending Macy's racial profiling. I noticed many posters did not understand why Macy's even cared about people buying their products in bulk, since Macy's is getting all their money. I gave an example of scalpers to make it easy for people to understand why a company does not like that practice.

Lol so it's understandable to you that Macy did such a thing cos of scalpers? Or what exactly is your point

 

[Veitsev]

Lol so it's understandable to you that Macy did such a thing cos of scalpers? Or what exactly is your point

His point is that GAF called him out for being a shitty scalper rather than patting him on the back and making him feel better about himself so now he mad.

 

[ChainedMaster]

Lol so it's understandable to you that Macy did such a thing cos of scalpers? Or what exactly is your point

No. I am explaining to people why a company would possibly not want to sell a product and make money. I literally just said I'm not justifying their racial profiling in the very post you quoted. Again, people couldn't grasp the concept of a company not wanting to sell a product to a scalper. I think they should have sold the product to anyone that was willing to purchase, regardless of their intention. I am completely against racial profiling.

His point is that GAF called him out for being a shitty scalper rather than patting him on the back and making him feel better about himself so now he mad.

Gee I don't see you attacking the "scalpers" at Macy's. I, for one, applaud these people for taking advantage of the capitalist system. And making some money for themselves. Since, you know, I'm not a hypocrite.

 

[neoanarch]

No. I am explaining to people why a company would possibly not want to sell a product and make money. I literally just said I'm not justifying their racial profiling in the very post you quoted. Again, people couldn't grasp the concept of a company not wanting to sell a product to a scalper. I think they should have sold the product to anyone that was willing to purchase, regardless of their intention. I am completely against racial profiling.

Why are you bringing it up at all? It wouldn't be a problem if Macy's simply had the policy of not selling multiples to anyone. But they aren't they are happy to sell to everyone else it seems. Do you see how this isn't the same thing at all?

 

[ChainedMaster]

Why are you bringing it up at all? It wouldn't be a problem if Macy's simply had the policy of not selling multiples to anyone. But they aren't they are happy to sell to everyone else it seems. Do you see how this isn't the same thing at all?

Again, I am not defending Macy's racial profiling. I am denouncing it. How hard is it to understand that?

I brought it up because of posts like this:

huh?

As long as they paid full price at Macy's why would you even care if they resold it in Asia?

I merely answered questions that were being asked in this very thread.

 

[Usobuko]

Hilarious they would reject sales in this dying retail era.

 

[Rmagnus]

All I'm saying is the reason Macy's is singling out Asians is the same. They detest the idea of people buying out their stock of some limited edition purse to sell for a high markup. I don't see how this is any less "ethically shady" as you say if they are emptying out the stock for people who want to buy it at the legitimate price. I'm not justifying anything here. Just helping people understand why Macy's doesn't want those "businessmen" buying their products.

Hell, I'd argue it's more immoral because those purses are limited edition and once they're out, "legitimate customers" won't have a chance to buy them. Whereas gamers can just wait a few weeks. Unless you think "gamers gotta game now" or something.

Lol yup not trying to justify it at all boo

 

[ChainedMaster]

Lol yup not trying to justify it at all boo

Well I literally stated multiple times I'm completely against the practice. But okay.

 

[Doominated]

I work for Macys (and in our flagship/herald square). This is by no means a "policy" or anything that gets enforced by the company. If it is happening it's just some random group of sales associates getting sick of telling customers they're out of stock of the "hot" items for the week due to scalpers.

The "LP was staring me down because I'm Asian!" claim is also ridiculous. LP stares everybody down. It's their fucking job. And if you start acting nervous they're just going to keep an even more intent eye on you, since nervousness is typically a side effect of doing something wrong/illegal.

That being said, I don't speak for Macys and I can't say that it "definitely didn't happen", but it's not direction coming "from Macys" on a corporate level if it is actually happening. And I can absolutely guarantee you that any associate or manager found racially profiling customers would get dropped without a second thought. Diversity/inclusiveness is a huge huge huge part of Macys leadership directive and the "customer bill of rights" is a pretty big deal at most locations too, especially HSQ.

 

[neoanarch]

Again, I am not defending Macy's racial profiling. I am denouncing it. How hard is it to understand that?

I brought it up because of posts like this:



I merely answered questions that were being asked in this very thread.

Because like said above. You are trying to justify scalping in a thread about Macy's racially discriminating its own customers.

 

[ChainedMaster]

Because like said above. You are trying to justify scalping in a thread about Macy's racially discriminating its own customers.

No i'm not. As I said in my previous post, people in this very thread were asking a question that my posts answered.

 

[dramatis]

Is this really a thing, Asian women buying up all the clothes at Macy's and sending them oversees?

Not sure about clothes, but certainly handbags.

People are probably not aware of this, but a designer item's price can differ depending on country. My mom knew someone who was visiting from China who bought dozens of Coach bags to bring back home, and that's Coach, which is like a low-end luxury brand. They can probably sell somewhere between the American price and the Chinese price and make a profit I suppose.

It's kind of bonkers considering that Coach does have manufacturing in China, so some of those bags are just taking a circle of travel lol

 

[Rmagnus]

Well I literally stated multiple times I'm completely against the practice. But okay.

Well you literally said it's more so call immoral in the post I quoted. So I have no idea when you are saying what you mean or when you are just sprouting bullshit cos by claiming it's more immoral suggest to me you are trying really hard to justify it

 

[Doominated]

huh?

As long as they paid full price at Macy's why would you even care if they resold it in Asia?

Because empty stock on highly sought after items is one of the major pitfalls of modern retail. Nobody wants to overstock on items for obvious reasons, so when they advertise a genuinely great deal, only for customers to show up on DAY ONE of the deal and not be able to buy the item because of it being out of stock, it reflects poorly on the business for those dozens/hundreds of customers that weren't able to get the item.

It's not all about pure dollar amounts with retail. There's a service balance that needs to be taken into account.

 

[ChainedMaster]

Well you literally said it's more so call immoral in the post I quoted. So I have no idea when you are saying what you mean or when you are just sprouting bullshit cos by claiming it's more immoral suggest to me you are trying really hard to justify it

If you read the post I was quoting, someone was calling video game scalpers immoral. I pointed out the only people that affected the scalpers (the extremely few really since scalpers make a small % of sales) would only have to wait a few weeks. Whereas in this Macy's case, people that missed out on limited edition purses due to scalpers would never get the chance again. I said if anything, that was more immoral. I don't consider the practice immoral at all, though.

 

[Apt101]

We made it Asians: once we were the profilers in our stores, now we are the profilees.

Seriously though, what a stupid thing to do by that Macy's management.

 

[Zoe]

Because empty stock on highly sought after items is one of the major pitfalls of modern retail. Nobody wants to overstock on items for obvious reasons, so when they advertise a genuinely great deal, only for customers to show up on DAY ONE of the deal and not be able to buy the item because of it being out of stock, it reflects poorly on the business for those dozens/hundreds of customers that weren't able to get the item.

It's not all about pure dollar amounts with retail. There's a service balance that needs to be taken into account.

Not just customer service but also the relationship with the brand.

 

[titiklabingapat]

It's funny reading this thread in contrast to the scalpers selling videogames. It's like night and day.

 

[Rmagnus]

It's funny reading this thread in contrast to the scalpers selling videogames. It's like night and day.

And the funny thing is there's no race attached to scalpers yet somehow some posters thinks it's cute to try to link them together when one is clearly racial profiling.

 

[ChainedMaster]

And the funny thing is there's no race attached to scalpers yet somehow some posters thinks it's cute to try to link them together when one is clearly racial profiling.

Except I've condemned racial profiling multiple times but you seem to have trouble comprehending that.

 

[Rmagnus]

Except I've condemned racial profiling multiple times but you seem to have trouble comprehending that.

No boo you are the one whom came into the thread said a who bunch of bullshit. I even quoted your exact words yet a throw away line oh I actually don't think it's immoral at all or I condemn racial profiling don't get you off the hook. Again what is your point in the context of this thread

 

[ChainedMaster]

No boo you are the one whom came into the thread said a who bunch of bullshit. I even quoted your exact words yet a throw away line oh I actually don't think it's immoral at all or I condemn racial profiling don't get you off the hook. Again what is your point in the context of this thread

To answer this poster's question:

As long as they paid full price at Macy's why would you even care if they resold it in Asia?

And why are you calling me boo..?

 

[commedieu]

unite us.

 

[Formless]

I know of several people who travel from the US to Asia to resell luxury items (They are are from Asia), sometimes it's how they make a significant part of their living. A Macbook or bag might be 1k here but cost even more over there. I'm guessing Macy's in this case is worried they're missing out on legitimate customers who'd buy stuff (at a higher price) officially in China etc instead of from a person that resells.

As another poster said, it's very strange considering most of the products are largely produced in Asia.

 

[Rmagnus]

To answer this poster's question:



And why are you calling me boo..?

That's the mildest word I can think of at this point of time. So poster ask why the hell would a store not want to sell things to a specific race of customers and the first thought that comes to you is scalpers? Really?
And you went on to claim since it's limited edition it's even more immoral and all that shit. You really don't see the problem here?

 

[privitsan02]

It's okay, they'd get better deals from Asia, where those items are likely made anyway.

Best wishes.

 

[ZackieChan]

It's okay, they'd get better deals from Asia, where those items are likely made anyway.

Best wishes.

No they wouldn't. That's the point.
Gaffers spouting off itt like they know what they're talking about.