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It would be relatively easy to solve this problem if the original supplier wanted the problem to be solved. Instead of releasing a batch of inventory at a certain time, run a raffle over a week or two and then randomly select folks to allow to purchase the item.

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Wouldn’t a queuing system be more fair?

By queuing, do you mean first come first serve?

No, that causes the problem. That encourages people to use bots to be the first one to purchase the moment the inventory is released.

I don't understand how a random raffle would ever not be fair (with the assumption that one person gets only one entry)

That assumption doesn't seem like it'd hold. You'd just replace bot services with package forwarding services that can generate unique PO Box numbers or whatever.

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