Starbucks Limited Edition Speaker Resale Controversy: "Seller's Choice" vs "No Conscience"

Products priced around 270,000 won raised to 600,000 to 750,000 won
Netizens say "Prices will eventually drop if no one buys"

Starbucks' limited edition speaker, sold to commemorate the opening of the Daegu Jongno Gotaek store, has been listed on secondhand trading platforms at more than twice the original price, sparking controversy over reselling. The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. Photo by Pixabay

[Asia Economy Reporter Bang Je-il] As the Starbucks Daegu Jongno Gotaek store, utilizing a historic house with over 100 years of history, has opened, a limited edition speaker has appeared on secondhand trading platforms at more than double the original price, sparking controversy over reselling.

On the 20th, Starbucks held a promotion to commemorate the opening of the Daegu Jongno Gotaek store by selling 100 limited units (maximum purchase of 2 per person) of the Starbucks X Bang & Olufsen collaboration speaker, 'Beosound Explore - Starbucks Edition.'

Consumers eager to purchase the product formed 'open run' lines from early dawn the day before and on the day of the opening. The prepared quantity sold out quickly during the morning hours. Following the sellout, the resale market also became active. That afternoon, posts selling the Starbucks limited edition speaker began appearing on secondhand trading platforms. Searching 'Starbucks' on major portal secondhand trading cafes or apps like Danggeun Market reveals posts selling the product.

Sellers enticed consumers with phrases such as "Limited to 100 units" and "Pride in purchasing the limited edition after waiting in line for hours." On some secondhand trading platforms, the selling price is listed between a minimum of 600,000 KRW and a maximum of 750,000 KRW. The official selling price of the Bang & Olufsen speaker identical to the Starbucks limited edition is 279,000 KRW at official retailers, with the lowest internet price at 249,900 KRW.

Opinions among netizens are divided on this issue. Some netizens criticized resellers with comments like "This is just too much," "Really shameless," and "The Starbucks logo price is expensive." On the other hand, some responded, "Since it's Starbucks goods, someone will buy it even if it's expensive," "It's natural to add a premium price considering the wait the day before," and "Ultimately, it's the seller's choice."

Meanwhile, the Hanok where the Starbucks Daegu Jongno Gotaek store is located is a traditional high-end Hanok built in 1919, which was previously a space for experiencing Korean culture such as traditional weddings. Starbucks preserved the original Gotaek Hanok features such as the roof rafters, beams, pillars, floor, and exterior as much as possible, presenting a cozy yet modern experience store.

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