"Snowduck Maker" Craze... Some Unscrupulous Sellers' Price Hike "Trick"

Effect of BTS Amid Heavy Snow... SNS Hit Item
Snowball Maker Sales Up 3180%
Popular Among Parents with Young Children
Some Unscrupulous Sellers Face Backlash

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] #Snowduck #Snowduck Maker #Rubberduck

Following consecutive heavy snowfall reports, the snow duck created by BTS has become a hot topic on social networking services (SNS), leading to a shortage of related products. However, some individual sellers have shown unscrupulous behavior by raising product prices two to three times or encouraging cash payments, causing public disapproval.

With elementary school children... Stimulating childhood innocence amid heavy snow

According to the related industry on the 8th, various snowball makers in shapes such as ducks, hearts, penguins, and snowmen are being sold at prices ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 KRW on platforms like Coupang, Naver Shopping, Gmarket, 11st, and Auction. Many posts have also been made on secondhand trading platforms such as Danggeun Market and Junggonara.

The popularity online is also proven by numbers. According to Gmarket, from January 1 to 7 this year, sales of snowball makers surged by 3,180% compared to the same period last year. Even when extended to the recent two weeks, it reaches 2,120%. Sales of sled products also increased by more than 150%.

On online communities, the number of people searching for the product has surged. On an online community in area A, comments such as "I was looking to make it with my baby over the weekend but couldn't find it," "The delivery hasn't arrived yet, and I'm worried the snow will melt," and "It was out of stock twice, but I finally received the delivery" were posted. It especially became a must-have item among parents with elementary school and young children, helping to soothe the frustration caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Price comparison essential... Some unscrupulous sellers induce order cancellations

However, taking advantage of the surge in demand, some sellers have raised prices by two to three times, making price comparison essential before purchase. Many deliberately mark items as 'out of stock' and then raise prices. Some increase the normal product price to 30,000 KRW, more than twice the original price, then make it appear as if it is discounted by nearly 80%, placing their listings at the top of discount rankings.

Some unscrupulous sellers have even demanded order cancellations from customers who have already paid, drawing criticism. On one online community, a review stated, "The seller claimed a system error caused the price to be displayed incorrectly and requested cancellations due to customer change of mind," adding, "They said they would send the product only if payment was made via bank transfer, reminiscent of the mask shortage when cash payments were encouraged." According to general open market regulations, inducing cash payments is prohibited as it can cause consumer harm.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.