Because there is always some dipshit who would pay for it.
this post was submitted on 02 Mar 2024
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Where are these dumbasses located? I got a 500 pack of zip ties and a mortgage to pay off.
I tend to assume stuff like this is just money laundry using the same schemes as collectible paintings, SMB3 new-in-box, and NFCs.
Keep in mind the bracelets aren't actually zip ties, they are bracelets (which can be easily removed and clip) that look like a zip tie.
They also are likely thicker and made of higher grade plastic suitable for skin contact, and likely have less sharp edges.
Still not worth $800 but there's definitely more nuance to it than just a zip tie you'd buy at home depot.
It isn't plastic, it's made from brass or other metals. So instead of being 100x the acceptable price, it's closer to 10x the acceptable price.
I did a quick search and the ones I saw weren't plastic, but metals, such as sterling silver or brass.
Ah yeah sterling silver will also just inherently bump up the cost, forming metal to look like plastic material flexed is non trivial.
It's a pretty clever bit of jewellery, but it 100% sits in that "first to think of it" zone, where it's only cool the first time around.
I actually like the art aspect of it. I'd never buy it, but it's honestly a genuinely clever bit of art trickery and makes you double take. "Is that a zip tie? It looks like one but not quite, is that silver? Wait a minute..."
I can appreciate the work that wouldve went into carefully replicating the look but in cast and polished metal.
It's like trying to compare a zip tie to a very realistic painting of a zip tie. The latter takes a lot of work to create a convincing replica but out of a different medium.
If you can establish with a large enough amount of people that you will charge $800 for each zip tie such that when they buy one and wear it, everyone around them can surmise that they must have bought and can therefore afford, an $800 zip tie then I'm sure they'll be happy to fork over the dough to you. If you just turn up, in your utter oscurity with your 500 pack, where buying one from you signifies only that they bought a zip tie and nothing else, they'll just release the hounds.
Dang they're sold out, but now you can get 6 safety pins for $500.
I thought you were taking the piss but no the safety pin bracelet is real. It is not even made out of silver or gold but cheaper brass. I used to make this type of thing as a kid.
It’s really quite simple. It’s called conspicuous consumption. “Got your rent on my wrist” sums it up nicely.
Hostage chic?
Does it work like a standard zip tie? Is it single use only or can it be loosened to remove and reuse. Have I wasted all my money if I over tighten it and never get an opportunity to wear it.
Life hack: normal zip ties can be loosened if you use a pin as a shim.