Introducing Second Choice (Beta) – A New EQL+ Benefit

The TL;DR; EQL+ members now have access to Second Choice, a backup option if their first choice is out of stock. Second Choice only kicks in if your entry is successfully selected. Second choice does not change the order of selection.

EQL+ members now have access to Second Choice, a backup option if their first choice is out of stock when selected. This means:

• You still enter launches the same way.
• If you’re an EQL+ member, you’ll have the option to select a backup variant within that launch. Depending on the product type, the variants may include size, color, or style.
• If you’re selected and your first choice is unavailable, Second Choice automatically kicks in if you’ve opted into it for that launch.
  

Similar to how EQL’s Winsurance feature helps fans correct payment failures, Second Choice is meant to help fans who are fairly selected not miss out altogether if their first chosen variant is unavailable. 

This feature is currently in beta, and rolling out on select launches. If you’re an EQL+ member, you’ll start seeing as you enter launches. 

What is Second Choice?

At EQL, we believe access should be fair, thoughtful, and rewarding—not random. 

That’s why we built launches to be Run Fair®, ensuring more fans—not bad actors or bots—get a fair shot. But even with a level playing field, inventory remains the biggest variable in any launch. That’s where Second Choice comes in. Designed exclusively for EQL+ members, this new feature gives you more flexibility in trying to get products you love, which can be really handy when demand outweighs supply.

First, a refresher on how EQL works

Before diving into Second Choice, here’s a quick refresher on how our system works:

• Fairness first – In EQL launches, fans aren’t chosen first come, first-serve. Instead, entry quality is analyzed against all other entries in that launch and against trends we see over time.
• No bots, no bad actors – The system identifies fraudulent entries before processing transactions.
• The EQLizer Score – If you’ve entered fairly but haven’t won recently at a particular brand/retailer, your loyalty won’t go unnoticed and your likelihood of being selected may gradually improve over time. You can learn more about the EQLizer here. 
• Selection happens sequentially – The system assigns numbers to entries, starts at the lowest number, checks inventory, and processes payments until stock runs out. If your number is reached but your selected item is gone or you don’t have the funds, you’ll receive a ‘not selected’ email.

This is where Second Choice makes a difference.

How Second Choice Works

Another TL;DR: You get a backup variant if your first choice is out of stock—but only if you've been selected.

For select launches, while we roll this out, EQL+ members can now pick a backup variant (e.g., a different size, bottle edition, collectible style, etc.) for that specific launch. If your first choice is gone when you're selected, the system automatically checks your Second Choice instead of giving you an L.

The Step-by-Step

1. Enter as usual, selecting a primary choice and a backup option if available.
2. If selected, the system first checks your primary choice.
3. If your primary choice is available, you get it—your backup is ignored.
4. If your primary choice is out of stock, the system automatically checks your Second Choice.
5. If your Second Choice is available, you get it—if not, you miss out this time.

Key Details

• Second Choice gives you more flexibility in potentially securing something if your first choice sells out.
• This will soon be available across launch categories, including apparel, collectibles, trading cards, and wine—wherever variants exist.
• You’ll only receive one notification if you’re not selected—the platform will not double-break your heart.

How to Use Second Choice

1. Become an EQL+ Member

Second Choice is available exclusively to EQL+ subscribers, who also get waived Run Fair® Fees, Winsurance, and other perks. Click here to subscribe.

2. Select Your First and Second Choices

When entering a launch, EQL+ members will see an option to pick a backup size, style, or variant.

3. Fairness First, Always

Your entry is considered as usual—no priority is given. If you win, you either get your first choice or, if unavailable, your backup option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Isn’t this pay-to-win?

No. You are still selected in the order designated by the platform. If your first choice is out of stock, Second Choice gives you an opportunity to secure an alternative instead of taking an L.

When will this be on all launches?

We’re still in beta testing, so it will roll out gradually.

Why is this an EQL+ benefit?

Running launches at scale comes with infrastructure and operational costs. Features like Second Choice help ensure EQL can continue making launches fair for fans and valuable for brands.

What about non-EQL+ members?

Your chances of winning are not affected. Second Choice only applies if a selected EQL+ member's first choice is unavailable.

Is Second Choice like a waitlist?

Not quite. There’s no extra waiting. If you're selected and your first choice is gone, the system immediately moves to your Second Choice.

Is this just for sneakers?

No, Second Choice applies to launches across all categories and fandoms where variants exist, including collectibles, apparel, trading cards, wine, and more.

Can I pick a Second Choice product from another launch?

No, only another variable from that specific launch. E.g. a size up or down of the same sneaker, or another color of a collectible if it’s an option with that launch. You cannot pick a different product from a different launch page. 

Won’t this encourage people to pick variants they may not need?

Please note that while our system is designed to stop bots and bad actors, it can’t control what an individual does with a single product. It’s optimized to reward fandom and ensure more fans have better access to products they care about.

Is making a Second Choice optional?

Yes, Second Choice is completely optional—it’s not mandatory. We advise people to be thoughtful about selecting an alternative, as many retailers do not allow returns for certain variants once a sale is complete.

Unlock More with EQL+

EQL+ helps the most dedicated fans get more out of launches, offering a smoother experience with fewer hiccups. In the world’s most competitive drops, even the smallest advantage can make all the difference. Learn more here.