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Vancouver Craigslist users selling Compass Wristbands at a whopping $80 each

On Monday, Dec. 3, TransLink made the first wearable payment option available to Lower Mainland riders, the Compass Wristband. Now, people are trying to resell the coveted wristbands for a profit.

 TransLinkTransLink

On Monday, Dec. 3, TransLink made the first wearable payment option available to Lower Mainland riders -  the Compass Wristband.

With that in mind, not everyone who wanted one of the wristbands got to purchase one. In fact, the majority of riders did not.

The transit authority only sold 1,000 blue adult wristbands and 1,000 orange concession wristbands in order to gauge public interest in the product. As a result, the product was completely sold out by 9:30 am.

Now, some people are trying to make a profit off the coveted payment option by reselling the product on Craigslist. While the bands sold for $6 each directly from TransLink, some CraigsList ads are asking over $50 for each one.

As of Tuesday, Dec.4, a CraigsList add near Metrotown offered a "New compass wristband" for a whopping $80. They seller notes that they have one regular and one concession "adjustable size" wristband in stock.

 Vancouver / Craigslist / Vancouver

Similarly, another local user offers the product for the same price. However, this seller highlights that, "These wristbands were sold out in 2 hours! Don't wait for stock until February 2019." They also remark that they would also make a great Christmas gift.

The ad displays two photos: one shows the bands laying lengthwise, while the other shows three people "modelling" blue bands on their wrists.

 Craigslist / Craigslist / Vancouver

 Craigslist / Craigslist / Vancouver

TransLink also introduced a Tap-to-Pay system earlier this year, which allows riders to tap their Visa, Mastercard or mobile wallet at the fare gates or on buses rather than loading a Compass Card.