Are gamestop and EB hoarding Wii?

[Xellos2099]

Because I find this really wierd that a lot of store got like Target and Circuit City got additional Wii shipment after launch but the guys at gamestop and eb seems to have no clue at all if or when they are getting more in, which I find quite hard to believe. When I call them one day the lady had the guts to tell me that they will not get any more Wii until after christmas. Come on it is a game specity store, and they expect me to believe that bull crap?

[cochesecochese]

whit?

[lilboo]

whit?

QFT

[jollydwarf]

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a170/manicv/NeoWhoa.jpg

[Kuros]

Why would we wanna hoard them?

Most people seriously don't know when we will get Wiis in stock. The other day when I was working, we had a surprise shipment of 2 20gb PS3s.

They were sold quickly.

[slvrdrgn123]

Why would we wanna hoard them?

Most people seriously don't know when we will get Wiis in stock. The other day when I was working, we had a surprise shipment of 2 20gb PS3s.

They were sold quickly.Lol, 2 is considered a shipment?

[sying]

Yeah, they are definately hoarding them, I mean who likes making money now a days.

[asianxcore]

Believe it or not, there are some retailers that don't know when exact shipments of a said item come in. That's just how it is.

Work gaming retail (as a lot of us on CAG do), see how it really is, then stop bitching.

[Zen Davis]

Gamestop and EB are not getting nearly as much as probably more mainstream stores like Target, Wal-mart, etc.

[Kuros]

Lol, 2 is considered a shipment?

Better than none.

[blandstalker]

Gamestop and EB are not getting nearly as much as probably more mainstream stores like Target, Wal-mart, etc.

This was a rumor going round the local EB.

I stopped in my local EB several days last week, as did a bunch of other people. The UPS truck comes during a pretty consistent window of about two hours.

Last week, the EB received no Wii. They did receive 8 PS3 (4 60GB, 4 20 GB) and sold four of them on the spot. The other 4 went to outstanding preorders. I was there and saw this personally.

Nintendo is shipping crap out -- this EB received three shipments of Donkey Kong Jungle Beat. Woohoo! Not.

Another nearby EB located in a mall received 3 Wii Friday morning and sold them right then. They also received some PS3s.

Some EB employees are being somewhat misleading, although it does depend on how you look at it. At the EB in the Irvine Spectrum, someone asked when he could get a Wii and the employee replied that it would be after Christmas.

This is not quite accurate, as EBs are getting shipments. Just not many of them and not every day. So, for someone just dropping in and expecting to find one, January is probably when that guy could find one.

[CouRageouS]

Lol, 2 is considered a shipment?
Wiis come in 3 to a box so considering how big a PS3 is, theres nothing to be LOLing about. Feel free to :rofl: at the size of a PS3 though.

[GizmoGC]

Who gives a damn.
The reason why they tell you after Christmas is because they get asked 20 times an hour. They can't give an exact date/time out as they don't even know.

[b3b0p]

It's pretty obvious why EB and Gamestop don't get nearly as many Wii as say Wal-Mart and Target. They both suck, big time.

How many Gamestop and EB bitch threads have popped up on this forum compared to to other stores, not for having bad deals, but for having just bad service and policies?

What about the preorders and promises from EB and Gamestop last year for the Xbox 360? Do you think people forget about that after 9-12 months? Surely Nintendo's marketing research shows this and thus allocates stock accordingly. At least I would hope so, because, like I said EB and Gamestop suck and I won't shop there.

[Kuros]

It's pretty obvious why EB and Gamestop don't get nearly as many Wii as say Wal-Mart and Target. They both suck, big time.

How many Gamestop and EB bitch threads have popped up on this forum compared to to other stores, not for having bad deals, but for having just bad service and policies?

What about the preorders and promises from EB and Gamestop last year for the Xbox 360? Do you think people forget about that after 9-12 months? Surely Nintendo's marketing research shows this and thus allocates stock accordingly. At least I would hope so, because, like I said EB and Gamestop suck and I won't shop there.

That's right! Fight the man!

...

[Mr. Anderson]

Wii

Singular and plural. I like it.

[GizmoGC]

It's pretty obvious why EB and Gamestop don't get nearly as many Wii as say Wal-Mart and Target. They both suck, big time.

How many Gamestop and EB bitch threads have popped up on this forum compared to to other stores, not for having bad deals, but for having just bad service and policies?

What about the preorders and promises from EB and Gamestop last year for the Xbox 360? Do you think people forget about that after 9-12 months? Surely Nintendo's marketing research shows this and thus allocates stock accordingly. At least I would hope so, because, like I said EB and Gamestop suck and I won't shop there.

There are so many 'bitch' threads because Wal-Mart, Target, etc. don't sell USED games. Or sell 'opened' new games. Wal-Mart, Target etc. don't cater to videogamers while EB/GS do. People, apparently, expect Superb customer service at EB/GS because they pay .25 cents more then minium wage then Wal-Mart/Target.

Thank you for also not shopping there. Err, well I'm sure you will when their is a deal to exploit, but never for anything else, right? How dare they give such low trade-in values and rip people off! But hey, Max Payne 2 sells there for $1.99 and trades in for $2.25....LETS EXPLOIT!!!!!!!

[lilboo]

Max Payne 2 sells there for $1.99 and trades in for $2.25....LETS EXPLOIT!!!!!!!


Ooh, does it? :) LOL

[thorbahn3]

I think they're just filling pre-orders at the moment I bet.

[b3b0p]

As expected, it's the Gamestop fairy.

[jkam]

I just wish I could get my pre-ordered classic controller.

[Ikohn4ever]

i still am bitter that they did the preorder for it on a Fri. I got a shit load of credit there and am unable to spend it on the Wii because they arent there.

[Kuros]

As expected, it's the Gamestop fairy.

Well, turning a topic into "OMG I HATE GS/EB THOSE NOOBS!" is pretty lame.

[GizmoGC]

As expected, it's the Gamestop fairy.

As expected its the normal 'EB/GS SUCKS!!!!111!!!! THEY SELL NEW GAMES THAT ARE USED AND OPENED. OMGWTFBBQZOOL!!!!" :roll:

[js1]

Well, does anyone have any idea the best time/day is to check EB/GS for systems?

[GizmoGC]

Well, does anyone have any idea the best time/day is to check EB/GS for systems?

11am. Thats when they typically get shipments in. Not to hard to spot the PS3s as they come in a box the size of VW Beetle.

[MrSneis]

This thread PWNz

[js1]

11am. Thats when they typically get shipments in. Not to hard to spot the PS3s as they come in a box the size of VW Beetle.

Thank you.

[gdrx]

The whole Wii and PS3 situation at my EB is pretty crazy. We get our shippments between 11:30 and 12:30 (usually), and people camp out in our parking lot. As soon as the UPS truck pulls up in front of our store, 15 or 20 people get out of their cars and run in. The systems are spoken for before we can even finish unpacking them.

[Vtec_Inspired]

lol thats some crazy stuff

[DeathDealer]

I was at GS the other day and a guy was trying to buy like 2 or 3 Wiimotes, and I guess through talking to the employee he mentioned that he didnt have a Wii and was gonna sell them or something. Then the GS employee looks at him all serious and says I cant sell them to you. The employee totally kept his cool and just stared him down, it was awesome. So after about a minute of back and forth "are you serious?!?!" "Yeah man". So as the guys walking off all pissed the dude that works there says "you would be doing a disservice to the community" It was so awesome, seriously, made me love GS all over again. (except for 5 dollars extra DS games).

[rsigley]

I dunno some shady stuff was going on at the EB Games by my house (Union NJ Route 22)

My friend has been looking for a Wii so everytime I go into a store I ask for him to help him out. I walk into EBGames on Friday ask for a Wii they got none at all. Saw something I wanted but I left my Edge Card in my glove compartment so I went to get it. Come back in a couple minutes later and this guy comes out of the back with a PS3 and a Wii in his hand for some girl (who came in while I was getting my card).

Maybe she pre ordered it which is cool, but then she's like "I have to buy all of this?? You didn't tell me that, I don't got that kind of money" to the cashier. Anyway he takes her to the side says some things, she leaves with the Wii and PS3. I get my game and go on with my life.

Clearly she was girlfriend/friend/relative of the employee who was buying it either to resell or play, but what can you do.

[Xellos2099]

you can surely as hell complain to regional office.

[StealthGear]

Gamestop and EBgames is the worst place if you're trying to score a Wii. My advice is go some place where they are getting a lot. Gamestop will never have more than 5-9 Wii's at a time, and they'll only be getting shipments once a week. Places like Target, CC, Best Buy are getting 30-50 and if you line up just a little earlier in the line you're pretty much guaranteed a system, where Gamestop and EB will pull some shit about not knowing how many systems they have when there are really 5 in the back. Think of your chances, where you do want to spend your time? I got mine at Target yesterday morning, they got nearly 40.

[Shield71]

Don't ever believe what EB tells you over the phone. I tried calling Friday 2 seperate times at the EB in Aberdeen, NC ( Bunch of Punk Asses that work there) to check if they received their shipment of Wii's. The guy told me the same thing both times, that the UPS guy made the delivery but no Wii's were in the shipment and that the truck was done for deliveries that day. I went in the next day to see if maybe they would receive em' and come to find out, they received 3 the day before and didn't even say "Well, we did get some in after all but we are sold out.", wasted trip that made me want to beat the hell out of the dude that BS'ed me on the phone. I agree that EB is pretty shady, I'm almost positive one of the jerks who works there bought a Playstation 3 and Wii off of the first shipment. Watch out for EB in general, always some high school dropout looking out for his buddy or looking to turn around and sell a system for profit.

[dastly75]

they save them for their friends, seriously, tons of people have witnessed this firsthand, me included similar to rsigleys story

[gkrykewy]

Gamestop on South Street in Center City Philly was selling Wiis this afternoon. They had a bunch, maybe still do? FWIW

[jza1218]

Gamestops suck. I went in today, and they tell me maybe 2 weeks for the next shipment. Gimme a break, like thats believable.

[GizmoGC]

Gamestops suck. I went in today, and they tell me maybe 2 weeks for the next shipment. Gimme a break, like thats believable.

Then, like, don't shop there. Its been posted WAY too many times here on weekly shipments from big stores like Target, Wal-Mart, Best Buy etc. that get systems in and when. Use that information and GET one. Don't get pissed because you limit yourself to 1 store.

[jza1218]

Then, like, don't shop there. Its been posted WAY too many times here on weekly shipments from big stores like Target, Wal-Mart, Best Buy etc. that get systems in and when. Use that information and GET one. Don't get pissed because you limit yourself to 1 store.

God you're annoying. Do you own stock in Gamestop or something?

And I'm trying to get it there because I have over $100 in store credit there, not that its any of you're business. I'm pissed because of the overall lack of information. 3 times last week I was told to call back later in the week. Then on Friday I was told to check back Monday(today). I went there twice, and the second time they told me two weeks.

[GizmoGC]

God you're annoying. Do you own stock in Gamestop or something?

And I'm trying to get it there because I have over $100 in store credit there, not that its any of you're business. I'm pissed because of the overall lack of information. 3 times last week I was told to call back later in the week. Then on Friday I was told to check back Monday(today). I went there twice, and the second time they told me two weeks.

No, I would never own stock in such a shitty company. Do they even have stock options? Anyone?

$100 in credit means you can buy 2 games. Why not buy 2 games there and by the Wii at a place that actually sells it?

Why do they keep on giving you random dates? Because they DON'T KNOW. There are many employees that work for EB/GS that are frequent CAGers...there is no real good idea of when new stock comes in. They don't know. How about I come into you're place of work and ask you the same question 40-70 times over and over all day. THATS exactly what happens at EB/GS. Customers, Phone Calls etc. all asking the same damn question. They will tell you a date just to shut you up and hope you don't come in the next day and ask the same question again.

[bordjon]

well a lot of the times they just don't know when or how many they are getting plain and simple. Sure some employees may hold some for friends, family etc or even take bribes or who knows what but for the most part I think they just don't know and get tired of getting millions of people every day asking the same question. One friendly employee suggested that I go out sunday early and bundle up to stay warm and get in line at a target or circuit city out in the middle of nowhere - said that was probably my best bet. So he was sorta saying his store wasn't the best place to be looking.

[dmaul1114]

I've worked retail and getting questions like that does suck. But it's no excuse for lying, making up dates etc. to just get people to go away.

It's your job. If you don't like it and can't do it at the level one should be expected to, then quit and find another job. Their are plenty out there.

Sadly, customer service is pretty much dead. :(

[lilboo]

I've worked retail and getting questions like that does suck. But it's no excuse for lying, making up dates etc. to just get people to go away.

It's your job. If you don't like it and can't do it at the level one should be expected to, then quit and find another job. Their are plenty out there.

Sadly, customer service is pretty much dead. :(


I've worked retail many a years, and people are NOT happy when you give them an HONEST "I really don't know". They call you stupid or they will question YOU if you know anything about your job.

Put it this way, if you don't tell them what they want to hear you are gonna get bitched at.

And whoever is bugging the EB/GS people, just chill. You will get a Wii. Seriously. Check stores like Best Buy/WalMart/Target every week (especially for Sundays since thats when an ad comes out). I'm pretty positive we will get at least 1 more shipment before Christmas--if not, 2 :)

This is another thing: If you know your Wal-Mart is getting Wiis in on say "December 15th", and if you don't have school or work that day.. go camp. Go wait outside a few hours. Seriously.

I waited 12 for my Wii on launch. It was a bitch, but whatever. I still got it and I can leave retail employees alone =)

[GizmoGC]

I've worked retail and getting questions like that does suck. But it's no excuse for lying, making up dates etc. to just get people to go away.

It's your job. If you don't like it and can't do it at the level one should be expected to, then quit and find another job. Their are plenty out there.

Sadly, customer service is pretty much dead. :(

So they should say 'We don't know' and then have that customer go ABOVE your head and ask the manager. Then above his head and the DM? People WILL do that. They expect to get whatever they want because 'The Customer is always right' bullcrap line fed to them years ago. Be patient. I know, its tough. If you don't like it, pay the extra $200 and get it from ebay.

[thagoat]

they must be hoarding them. their online bundle has been up for days!

[dmaul1114]

So they should say 'We don't know' and then have that customer go ABOVE your head and ask the manager. Then above his head and the DM? People WILL do that. They expect to get whatever they want because 'The Customer is always right' bullcrap line fed to them years ago. Be patient. I know, its tough. If you don't like it, pay the extra $200 and get it from ebay.


That's what employees should do, yes. And customers shouldn't be so annoying, but that's the world today, and the employees are getting paid to provide customer service. Just tell them we don't know about our shipments until they arrive and tell them what time they can check back to have the best chance of getting one.

I don't have to be patient as I got mine at launch as I had a preorder at Gamestop. Now I'm done with EB/GS until the next hardware launch. :D

[Erillian]

My local regional manager created an email waiting list for the Wii. I put my name on it and I received a call about 2 weeks later that my Wii was ready for pick up. Now this list was about 100 long last time I checked somehow I was toward the front of it. If they are doing similar things in your area this may explain why it seems they are "hoarding" Wiis. I used to look down on Gamestop as a company but after this effort they made for me I have changed my opinion. What they did was secure a costumer base sure but they also allowed me to sit on my ass and not wait in lines and be a minute to late for the next few weeks. Getting the Wii was painless and I thank them for that.

[sneekpeaks]

yeah ive called 15 different stores in my town. only support i got was toys r us. They said they get packages everyday mon-friday and they have 0 idea whats in them until they get them. I think that sounds horrible for business but at least they told me to call back once a day.

[asianxcore]

Customers want to hear exact dates. I understand it, but I wish they understood our position as gaming retail associates.

People give me the evil eye or repeat themselves when they talk to me. Sort of as a reminder that I shouldn't be "lying" or that I didn't hear them the first time. Also it's annoying when people think just because a place like EB Games gave them a date for another shipment, then we obviously have the same shipment.

It's starting to get even nastier now where I work and it's annoying/depressing. People are starting to call in asking for me directly. Sort of hard not to miss the only asian guy working in an entire toy store. But they will call and tell my managers that I "promised" them that I would call them when we get in more _____. With what number? I've turned down so many people who are pathetic enough to offer me a whole lot of money just to hold them a system. I'm glad my managers have worked with me long enough and know me better than to tell a customer that. Lie all you want, but don't use my name.

Our Wii shipments (at TRU) have come on significant days, which I hope people open their eyes and notice.

1) Launch day
2) Day after Thanksgiving
3) This past Sunday (where it was pictured in an Ad/specific deal)

I realize I knew what I would be getting into years ago when I got into this job. What I wish for (which will never happen) is that customers give us the respect we give them. If I knew when stuff was coming in, I would tell you. If I don't, well I don't. I have nothing to gain from lying about when shipments come in.

The truth of the matter is that if we are "hoarding" systems, we don't get further shipments. If we do not sell the ones on hand, we do not get further shipments because our inventory shows full. Believe it or not we run a business.

Just pay attention to weekly ads. You'd be surprised that 99% of the people who have been asking me about Wii's this week, did not know that EVERY retailer had it pictured in their ad. Put some extra effort into searching for one. If you have to call in, you are already too late.

[washed]

the reason the employees play stupid is because you assholes call the store 100 times a day. they are getting weekly shipments of both consoles. they are going to sell the units regardless, so thats why they tell you that they have no clue. i would do the same thing. all you muthafuckas do is bitch about gamestop

[blandstalker]

My local regional manager created an email waiting list for the Wii. I put my name on it and I received a call about 2 weeks later that my Wii was ready for pick up. Now this list was about 100 long last time I checked somehow I was toward the front of it. If they are doing similar things in your area this may explain why it seems they are "hoarding" Wiis. I used to look down on Gamestop as a company but after this effort they made for me I have changed my opinion. What they did was secure a costumer base sure but they also allowed me to sit on my ass and not wait in lines and be a minute to late for the next few weeks. Getting the Wii was painless and I thank them for that.

I wish my local stores had done something similiar. I know they didn't want a repeat of the 360 situation, but all they've really done is cover themselves and tell everyone it's not their fault or problem. That's not customer service -- it's the abandonment of customer service. And it's made getting the Wii at EB/GS something like winning the lottery.

I realize that much of it is beyond their control. They do not control shipments or quantaties, and since there's not enough to meet demand, it's going to be a little crazy. But I think that in trying to avoid last year's problems, they've gone too far in the other direction.

Honestly, I can't imagine that people calling for Wiis every five minutes and having anywhere from 5 to 20 people hanging around your store for hours every day is good for business. I haven't seen anyone trade anything in, and despite being in an EB for hours more than I ever have, I've only seen two people buy games. Two.

Were it not that I have enough store credit to pay off a Wii, I would have been at Wal-Mart or Target or, well, anywhere else. That also can't be good for business. I noticed this week that several people who were waiting last week are no longer around; they got their Wiis elsewhere.

See? If I were a true GS/EB hater, this would make me happy. Just think of all the business they're losing. But all it really does is make me tired. And I feel really sorry for the employees.

[theeipi]

I have within 1/4 of a mile of me 2 GS and 1 EB. If I expand that radius to 2 miles, I have two more GS available.

At each of these 5 stores, I routinely exploit trade in deals and B2G1's. I also clear out their cheap games when BlockBuster has trade in deals.

In many ways, I am a horrid customer for them. In other ways, I am a great customer.

Either way, every time lately I've gone there, I have been met with overwhelming customer service. They have answered questions about DVD's, VG's, accessories, and systems. Sure, they ALWAYS ask if I want to preorder, but sometimes I actually do. I usually look at their lists.

Although I started going to those stores to "make money" a year and a half ago, through their patience and service, (and this website), I've actually become a fan of video games and gaming myself and have spent probably over a grand (much to my chagrin) on personal gaming needs there - and <100 at other stores.

Some may not like the way they push the EDGE card or the PREORDERS, but it is the job, and it is fine to just say "No, thanks." Quite frankly, that doesn't piss me off as it does some people. What does piss me off is some of the rude responses their customers make back to them. Especially regarding when WII's or PS3's will come in. Literally, in about 10 minutes I'll head them have the same conversation 4 times - "We don't know!"

Now I often find myself stopping in just to browse around often. Last time I stopped in to buy an old NES game at 75% off. Sure they forgot to apply the discount (thereby overcharging me by $1.50), but when I asked about a PS3, they got so excited to tell me they had one and to go get it for me.

Sometimes I find myself complaining here as well, but lately, I've been truly impressed.

These stores are in the Poughkeepsie, NY area, by the way.

[theeipi]

As for "hoarding for their friends," think of how hard it would be if you were being asked fifty times a day when they were coming in. Think about what if several of those times were by friends or family members. I can imagine it would be hard to say no.

Who of us here wouldn't use our positions to help our friends and families if we could? Very few I would expect.