The theoretical flip-side is that scalpers may create an artificial demand, which is what causes high prices. Obviously it's more complicated than that because price is also driven by demand & if the show isn't sold out then the scalper inventory is not worth more than face value. But when you do hear about scalpers in cahoots with ticket vendors or even the promoters - showing up getting escorted to the front of the line and buying up all of the front row seats - it's questionable whether they are doing a service or disservice.