Best Buy Xbox 360 Allocation info

[Hardknock]

But that goes the same way for Core too. Someone goes into a store with $300 wanting a Core system, and finds they've all sold out, and now MS are trying to force on him a Premium system for an extra $100 which the customer doesn't want. Curse that evil MS for cynically manipulating their stock amounts to force people into buying alternatives! So either th customer ponies up an extra $100 and feels fleeced and resentful, or doesn't buy the system and thinks about getting the Revolution instead. Or maybe, just maybe, comes back next week when the store has some more stock in.

If someone wants Premium, they can wait for a restock if the shop sells out. If someone wants Core and the shop's sold out, they can wait for a restock. Running out of stock can't be equated to MS forcing people to buy alternatives just because they're offering two SKUs for two different customer types. Unless MS can supply more stock than people want, there'll always be someone going without. Having to wait a week or two to get a new toy, or spending more/less then you intended to get a variation of the toy immediately, isn't in any way being forced into anything. It's a choice, clear and simple.

There is much to be said about simplicity. This is the first time we've had 'dual skus' in this industry. This is not something most consumers are going to expect or even appreciate. It'll be even more frustrating to find out the version you really want is sold out. Sure that person may go and buy the Core system instead, but there's an equal oppurtunity that they'll just pass on the whole thing entirely. I for one won't settle for anything but the best version of a product or nothing at all. That's just me.

I've been into shops plenty of times for things that aren't currently in stock. I don't get angry and don't buy alternatives if I've made a choice for that particular item. Every console that's ever launched has AFAIK sold out, and had people finding there was no stock and leaving empty handed. IF someone went for a PSP and the store had sold out, do you think they'd take the money they've been saving for a PSP and buy a DS instead, just because it's in stock even though it's not the system they wanted? Or when DS launched, would someone who wanted DS but not get one because stocks ran out decide to wait for PSP, or go back next week and buy the system they really want.

As for buying a different system, it has nothing to do with getting 'angry'. Plenty of people do all the time(especially during the christmas season.) For example I wanted a ipod, they were sold out so I bought a Samsung MP3 player instead(and love it.) I wanted an Xbox, but had to get a Gamecube instead because they were sold out(it was a gift.) Don't underestimate the importance of system availability. People in general are impatient. Why do you think prices for out-of-stock items go for so much on Ebay?? It's human nature, if I can't get what I want from you right now or if I feel like you're trying to screw me with a gimped version(core system), I'll take my money elsewhere.

 

[flick556]

Anyone know if bestbuy has a standardized way of selling these things across all stores? I heard walmart is giving out tickets at 10pm and wonder what BB plans are in this regard.

When I used to work at best buy they did not except any pre-orders and reserves where only for a couple of hours, basically you needed to get a hold of a salesmen who was feeling nice and their boss had to allow it or not know. People would sleep outside the night before. If you don't have a preorder this is likely your best option.

 

[Shifty Geezer]

As for buying a different system, it has nothing to do with getting 'angry'. Plenty of people do all the time(especially during the christmas season.) For example I wanted a ipod, they were sold out so I bought a Samsung MP3 player instead(and love it.) I wanted an Xbox, but had to get a Gamecube instead because they were sold out(it was a gift.) Don't underestimate the importance of system availability. People in general are impatient. Why do you think prices for out-of-stock items go for so much on Ebay?? It's human nature, if I can't get what I want from you right now or if I feel like you're trying to screw me with a gimped version(core system), I'll take my money elsewhere.

Yes, I s'pose for Chirstmas season and presents people won't be as happy to wait. Except that at the moent if you want an XB360 there is no alternative, so you either buy an alternative SKU or wait for a restock (there's 3+ weeks from launch to Christmas). I don't think anyone wanting an XB360 for Christmas is going to consider getting a PS3 instead if the SKU they want has run out of stock.

I appreciate it's not ideal, and some people might be disgruntled at buying an alternative. But ot's still wrong to say MS are forcing them to do anything like buy a Core and HDD upgrade instead of a sold out Premium SKU. For the upset the dual SKU causes, there's also the people happy that they can get the console for $100 less. It's a compromise and a fair one at that I feel. The only alternative would be to lose the Core SKU and launch at $400, which would upset people by pricing out of their range (though I'm with all the peeps who think this would have been the right the way for MS to go!)

 

[Hardknock]

For the upset the dual SKU causes, there's also the people happy that they can get the console for $100 less. It's a compromise and a fair one at that I feel.

I would agree with this statement if memoryy cards were more reasonable. But due to the overpriced memory cards(which MS has locked out 3rd party alternatives) it's really only $60 less. A HDD, Backwards compatibility, wireless controller, headset, HD cables and remote for only $60? Most conscious consumers are going to want that version, anybody that gets the core pack is getting ripped-off IMO. But hey to each his own.