Consumers in the United Kingdom are expressing frustration as automated bots, often referred to as 'scalper bots,' are rapidly purchasing air conditioning units from retailers during intense heatwaves. These units quickly reappear on resale platforms like eBay at significantly higher prices, sometimes six times their original cost.
Customers attempting to purchase cooling devices from manufacturers such as Meaco have reported that highly anticipated restocks sell out in seconds. Many were unable to secure units, only to find them listed for resale at inflated prices shortly thereafter. Some scalpers allegedly share tips and direct links to products, allowing bots to bypass queues and secure inventory before the general public. These bots can automate the purchasing process, filling in payment and shipping details at speeds impossible for human buyers.
Reports indicate specific models, like the Cirro 12000 BTU Super Quiet Smart Portable Air Conditioner, which has a recommended retail price of £540, were being resold for over £3,000. Other models also saw substantial markups on the resale market.
Retailers and installers are experiencing unprecedented demand. Gary Woodward, managing director of The Air Conditioning Company in London, stated that his firm's email inquiries have increased by 1,748 percent and phone inquiries by 736 percent since the June heatwave. DeLonghi has reported being out of stock on all its air conditioning units, while Currys CEO Alex Baldock noted that supplies for these units were "pretty tight."
Across Europe, similar demand has led to extreme measures, with reports of shoppers resorting to violence in France for fans and air conditioning units at a Lidl store. Companies that sell climate control devices are implementing measures to combat bots, such as anti-bot software, purchase limits, and hiding direct buying links, though the effectiveness of these measures is contested by frustrated consumers.