[zencat]

I realize that may infringe with some folks inalienable right to Hannah Montana tickets, but it really is the best way.

Not really the "best way" when we are talking extremely limited supply. The artist and promoter have agreed to what they perceive to be a fair price and set rules, such as a timeframe when tickets will be sold and limits on the amount of tickets purchased. So we're not really dealing with creating a more efficient market here with winners and losers. So it's not really a "better" method of distribution.

[TankerKC]

So it's not really a "better" method of distribution.

My comment was meant more as sarcasm than as a dissertation in economics.

[CharacterCounts]

So we're not really dealing with creating a more efficient market here with winners and losers. So it's not really a "better" method of distribution.

Since scalpers only deal with the price for the excess demand it actually is a good economic model.

Presumably, the promoter sets its price at a figure it determines will generate the most revenue and keep regular customers happy. If the promoter under prices its tickets, there is going to be excess demand. How this excess demand is treated is what scalping is all about. Even if the promoter was able to insure that say, no more than any individual could buy more than 2 tickets, some of those who did not get tickets will pay extra and some with tickets will decide the premium is worth it and will sell and pocket the profit.

Since there is a happy buyer and seller, why should this be illegal.

If some enterprising business person is willing to pay people to stand in line all night to purchase tickets for later resale, hasn't he performed a valuable service to those individuals who want tickets but do not want to stand in line all night?

Shouldn't he be entitled to a premium for his forsight, and risk?