The use of bots that can buy out scarce products from online retailers faster than any human is expanding to new categories, including collectibles, according to an in-depth report from Bloomberg.  Sneakers, TCGs, trading cards, Star Wars Lego sets, and other hot products are among those targeted, according to the report.

Software tools originally developed for ticket scalpers were largely banned for that use in the U.S. by the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act in 2016, but their use in other categories was not addressed.  Beginning in 2018, those tools began being made available as a subscription-based service, and became so popular that usage of services such as Cybersole and Kodai has now been capped, according to the report.  Workarounds are available through licensees who rent short-term access to the software for $70 to $150 per week on services like Tidal Market and Easy Rentals.

Until legislation addresses such tools or the defenses become less expensive and more effective, users of those tools will have a big advantage over independent retailers trying to supplement their inventory by buying additional inventory online, and over consumers, who are limited by their speed with a keyboard and mouse.