PHOENIX — If 90s virtual pets actually came alive, they’d probably look like hatchimals. Though slightly creepy-looking, these interactive stuffed animals are every kid’s must-have for Christmas 2016.
Hatchimals come in a giant egg and, like the Tamagotchi before them, must be cared for through holding, rubbing and tapping before they can hatch.
CNN Money reports that Arizona resident Mike Zappa got wind of the toy after his daughter claimed she wanted one for Christmas. The single father of two saw how much buzz the toys were garnering online and realized there might be potential to make some cash.
Mike and his brother Stan bought about 100 hatchimals in early October. The investment cost them $5,000, which they put on a credit card.
When stores began selling out in November, the brothers put up their stockpiled toys online. Their list price on eBay starts at $60, which is the toy’s actual store price. From there, the brothers let the market dictate how high the price will go up.
With hatchimals so in demand and Christmas just a month away, people are bidding up to $200 for the $60 toy. The Zappas have been getting flak from frustrated parents, but they say they’re merely taking advantage of capitalism.
The pair has so far sold about 30 hatchimals on eBay, and have gotten back their investment, though they claim they aren’t likely to do a scheme like this again soon.
