Would you pay to win a raffle?

The evolution of sneaker raffles: unveiling the impact of backdooring

In a world where sneaker culture thrives, the notion of paying to enter a raffle and potentially win a coveted pair seems like a straightforward decision. However, the landscape of sneaker releases has become increasingly complex, inviting scrutiny and controversy around the practices of backdooring and the emergence of solutions like EQL in the market.

Backdooring: A historic predicament

The issue of backdooring, where certain individuals secure pairs of highly anticipated sneakers ahead of the official release, has plagued sneaker collectors for years. This problem amplified notably in 2012 with the advent of bots capable of instantly checking out online drops, making the acquisition of limited-edition sneakers an difficult task for the average consumer.

A glaring example of this occurred on February 10th, 2021, during the release of the exclusive Trophy Room Air Jordan 1 High OG. Despite 12,000 pairs set for release, photos of multiple pairs in the possession of resellers surfaced months before the official launch date. Allegations pointed towards Marcus Jordan, sparking controversy over the unethical practice of backdooring. This incident shed light on the challenges regular consumers face when attempting to secure coveted sneaker releases.

EQL: A solution to sneaker release fairness
Amidst the chaos, a glimmer of hope emerged in 2021 with the introduction of EQL into the sneaker market. EQL aimed to tackle the issue of raffled bot entries and ensure a fair distribution of sneakers during online releases. Their mission statement emphasizes the importance of fair, reliable, and memorable launches, promising to eliminate bots and unethical behavior to provide an equal chance for all participants.
 

EQL's system aims to alleviate the stress-inducing frenzy often associated with release days, promising a more relaxed experience for both brands and consumers. Moreover, EQL utilizes an "EQLizer score" to offer participants a better chance in subsequent raffles if they've been unsuccessful in previous attempts.
 

The conundrum of EQL's Fair Fee

While EQL’s intervention appears promising, a notable development emerged for the A Ma Maniere Jordan 5 Dawn (W) release: a section on the raffle page stipulating a charge of $5.63 as an EQL fair fee for successful entries. This additional cost, although seemingly negligible, prompts the question of fairness and its actual worth.

However, a dilemma arises when a release doesn’t sell out instantly. Instances like the re-release of the AMM Nike Air Ship, where successful raffle winners were exempt from the EQL fair fee and the product didn’t sell out, raise questions about the necessity of paying an additional fee. In a market shifting towards sneaker availability and reduced resale values, the logic of paying extra for a potential chance seems counterintuitive. Cause honestly, everyone is trying to save money, and this issue would never have come to this if sneaker brands made large quantities for everyone to obtain.
 

The changing dynamics of sneaker culture

The sneaker landscape is witnessing a transformation. Once highly hyped releases like Jordan 1 Highs are now found sitting on shelves and even available at discounted prices. As the culture evolves and consumer behavior adapts, patience and strategic knowledge become imperative in securing desired sneakers.

The allure of paying an extra fee to increase chances in a raffle is compelling, but the evolving sneaker market challenges the necessity of such expenditures. In light of these shifts, the rationale behind entering raffles through the EQL system becomes a point of reconsideration.
 

Final thoughts: Rethinking raffles in a changing sneaker market

The question remains: would you pay the additional EQL fair fee for a chance to obtain an upcoming sneaker release like the AMM Air Jordan 5 Dawn? In a market where the once-excessive hype around sneaker releases is waning, the answer may not be as straightforward as it once seemed. The evolving landscape prompts a reevaluation of the necessity and relevance of paying extra for a raffle, particularly in a market where patience and strategic purchasing might yield the desired sneaker without additional costs.