PS3 Buying Strategy?

[pelly]

Hey guys,

I was just curious what sort of straegies the creative thinkers here have come up with to find a Playstation 3 in retail? Obviously, there are a TON of consoles on Ebay...though the thought of paying upwards of $200-$250 above an already high MSRP doesn't do much for me.

There's certainly a race to get ahold of the few consoles which are trickling into retail here and there...Has anyone come up with a creative tactic for finding these rare "gems"?

Have a good one guys...

-Sean

 

[digitalwanderer]

Yes.

 

[blakjedi]

Best buy. Even EB games sales people are saying that going to best buy is your best bet at getting one... but you have to be quick.

 

[SugarCoat]

buy one after christmas

 

[mrboo]

Check out this PS3 on EBAY, read the comments

 

[NERO]

There was another thread a few weeks ago with the same question and interchange. I will give the same answer - The shot in the dark method. Go to a Best Buy or Circuit city early on a weekday and see if they have restocked. On holidays these stores open earlier, so as in my case working a 9-5 job, I can go there at 8am on cross my fingers. If it's there I'm happy, if not I haven't wasted too much of my day. Give it a shot Pelly.

 

[AntShaw]

For what it's worth I retrieved my 360 and PS3 the same way.

Best Buy.

There is a Best Buy on my way to work, and I would stop in every other day, ask if they have them and that was it. Going into the store, I always felt like they would give me more info. They would tell me when they were getting a shipment in, and I would try specifically those days. Some of them I would be to late, but the others I was succesful. I tried the calling method but found that to be woefully unsuccesful. I never felt like I was getting the real deal with whomever I was talking to.

It took me a month to get a 360, and I got my PS3 last thurs.

Both instances I picked up the machines on a Thursday, AM, as soon as they opened (at least within the hour.)

I never like dealing with EB/Gamestop because again, I never felt like they were giving me the real shake. Just my perception.

Good Luck!

 

[patsu]

I agree. I finally found my own PS3 in Best Buy this morning.

It seems that BestBuy is getting shipment every week (or every 4-5 days). Today is one of the largest. I saw around 15-20 20Gb and 20 60Gb in their inventory system in all the BestBuys around Bay Area and Contra Costa county.

Although the BestBuy folks told me there is no pattern to the arrivals, I find that the best time to go is before the store open (10:00am). That said, I have missed shipments coming in at noon or 6:30pm before.

Good luck from me too !

EDIT: You might want to search the shelves more carefully. I found my PS3 hidden behind other boxes.
I think the sales guy hid it for himself (or his friend), so he didn't look too happy when I pulled that box out.

 

[hey69]

i could help you around if you where from europe..

 

[patsu]

Here're some more tips:

If you don't mind paying more... go to retailers with bundles.
e.g., The Toys R Us in my area still have 2 60Gb PS3s in stock this morning. Many people thought they are out because the PS3s are locked up in the manager's room. (The PS3 area only has an empty display box). You have to ask the cashier but they are selling them only with 3 games (any 3 PS3 games of your pick).

If you have a Japanese USER SIDE store near you (e.g., Saratoga Ave in Santa Clara, CA), you can also order from them. The Japanese PS3 price has dropped by 100 USD, you "only" pay a USD50 premium (i.e., USD599 becomes USD649). Not sure how long it will take though.

 

[22psi]

Here're some more tips:

If you don't mind paying more... go to retailers with bundles.
e.g., The Toys R Us in my area still have 2 60Gb PS3s in stock this morning. Many people thought they are out because the PS3s are locked up in the manager's room. (The PS3 area only has an empty display box). You have to ask the cashier but they are selling them only with 3 games (any 3 PS3 games of your pick).

If you have a Japanese USER SIDE store near you (e.g., Saratoga Ave in Santa Clara, CA), you can also order from them. The Japanese PS3 price has dropped by 100 USD, you "only" pay a USD50 premium (i.e., USD599 because USD649). Not sure how long it will take though.

Hey I am from the bay area too, PS3s avail at BB...hmmm... decisions decisions.

 

[patsu]

Hey I am from the bay area too, PS3s avail at BB...hmmm... decisions decisions.

Bay Area BestBuys ? I think they should be all out by now. There are usually about 4-5 people looking for PS3 at the same time as me. Best Buy also does not limit number of purchases. One woman left with 5 20Gbs the same day I bought mine.

 

[Rangers]

They dont seem to be fetching much premium on ebay anymore. A couple hundred over retail, maybe less could probably get you one now

http://search.ebay.com/playstation-3_W0QQfromZR41
________
Headshop

 

[thatdude90210]

They dont seem to be fetching much premium on ebay anymore. A couple hundred over retail, maybe less could probably get you one now

http://search.ebay.com/playstation-3_W0QQfromZR41

Just noticed a 20gb one go for $650 + $3.95 shipping. After accounting for tax paid, ebay + paypal fees, and actual shipping fee, that's about $100 profit (& about $200 for 60GB ones)? Not much considering what it was at launch, but still more than what most ebayers get for other crap they sell. At least it takes away the old "buy 2 to sell one & get the other one for free" play.

 

[ban25]

Bay Area BestBuys ? I think they should be all out by now. There are usually about 4-5 people looking for PS3 at the same time as me. Best Buy also does not limit number of purchases. One woman left with 5 20Gbs the same day I bought mine.

I haven't been able to get anyone at the SF BestBuy to even pick up the phone. I suppose they are being flooded with calls.

 

[RobertR1]

Your best bet is honestly ebay. The market is very saturated right now. You can find some killer deals if you keep a look out. Your best bet is to search by newly listed and "buy it now." For every person who wants to maximize their dollar there's a small minority which just want it gone without much hassle.

I personally hate calling and driving around place to place. I rather spend $50 extra than retail to save myself all that hassle. The gas and time spent searching easily cover that. I was lucky that I found a killer deal in between missing out on a few great others. You can also wait for auctions with less than 1min left and not a lot of bidders. That worked great for the one I purchased for someone else. May the same luck be with you!

 

[Rocco Siffredi]

Hey guys,

I was just curious what sort of straegies the creative thinkers here have come up with to find a Playstation 3 in retail? Obviously, there are a TON of consoles on Ebay...though the thought of paying upwards of $200-$250 above an already high MSRP doesn't do much for me.

There's certainly a race to get ahold of the few consoles which are trickling into retail here and there...Has anyone come up with a creative tactic for finding these rare "gems"?

Have a good one guys...

-Sean

Just wait or rob the truck.

 

[pelly]

I knew you guys would have some great responses! I stopped into my local Best Buy this morning right as they opened....and although no PS3's waiting to come home with me....they guy there did verify that they got some in last Thursday. So....I'll do the whole daily check at BB and see if I can't get lucky one of these days...

If all else fails, Ebay might be the only way...

Thanks guys! Much appreciated...

-Sean

 

[patsu]

I am helping a friend to look for Wii now. The Best Buy guy told me that they are getting PS3 shipment *every day* this week. Best time to show up is before store open. So far they received 10 60Gb on Monday and Tuesday, and 18 this morning. All sold out within 30 minutes.

 

[ban25]

Walmart.com just had bundles in stock. I made it about halfway through the order process before they ran out...