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[ultrazilla]

Beware Gamestop pre-ordering.

Got fucked by them when I pre-ordered my Xbox 360. The system launched in November. I walked in the store back in early July, went ahead and paid in FULL for the system and games I wanted and I was told I was number 8 on the list.

They call me the night before launch to tell me that they are only getting 4 systems and would not be receiving any more until early the NEXT YEAR.

A friend of mine worked there, and about a year after he quit he told me the story of how the managers got heads up on the shortage ahead of time. They actually got 12 systems, and the managers and anyone else who worked there got first dibs, and then the manager bought what was left over by proxy, he had his wife and friends come in the store and use their own credit cards, then he took the whole lot and flipped it on ebay.

Just when I was feeling good.

That's really rotten man. And you know what? I can absolutely see this happening all over again with the WiiU. It's gonna be red hot again, sold out everywhere and the flippers on Ebay are going to be all over the place.

 

[radcliff]

Beware Gamestop pre-ordering.

Got fucked by them when I pre-ordered my Xbox 360. The system launched in November. I walked in the store back in early July, went ahead and paid in FULL for the system and games I wanted and I was told I was number 8 on the list.

They call me the night before launch to tell me that they are only getting 4 systems and would not be receiving any more until early the NEXT YEAR.

A friend of mine worked there, and about a year after he quit he told me the story of how the managers got heads up on the shortage ahead of time. They actually got 12 systems, and the managers and anyone else who worked there got first dibs, and then the manager bought what was left over by proxy, he had his wife and friends come in the store and use their own credit cards, then he took the whole lot and flipped it on ebay.

That is one person's unethical behavior, you can't assume everyone working at all GameStops is going to do this (or that people working at other retail stores won't). Although, I definately wouldn't pre-order at that particular GS.

 

[Krakatoa]

Beware Gamestop pre-ordering.

Got fucked by them when I pre-ordered my Xbox 360. The system launched in November. I walked in the store back in early July, went ahead and paid in FULL for the system and games I wanted and I was told I was number 8 on the list.

They call me the night before launch to tell me that they are only getting 4 systems and would not be receiving any more until early the NEXT YEAR.

A friend of mine worked there, and about a year after he quit he told me the story of how the managers got heads up on the shortage ahead of time. They actually got 12 systems, and the managers and anyone else who worked there got first dibs, and then the manager bought what was left over by proxy, he had his wife and friends come in the store and use their own credit cards, then he took the whole lot and flipped it on ebay.

I agree they did screw up on the 360 preordering. It was crazy they kept taking orders even though they knew they had no way of filling them.

Lets hope they learned from lesson.

 

[bill0527]

Just when I was feeling good.

That's really rotten man. And you know what? I can absolutely see this happening all over again with the WiiU. It's gonna be red hot again, sold out everywhere and the flippers on Ebay are going to be all over the place.

I would highly advise pre-ordering at more than one place.

 

[GringoJB]

As already mentioned, the Gamestop employee(a really cool guy btw) said corporate was watching the preorder levels on the premium systems and that they are getting close to cutting off preorders as soon as this early afternoon.

If it helps, I can tell you that the guy at my GameStop also gave me a similar story when I preordered yesterday: He basically said that the company has hard allocations of how much they're going to get/send to stores, and are directly tieing that info to the SKU cutoffs, just to make sure everyone who preorders does indeed get one on launch day. Good to hear!

 

[bill0527]

That is one person's unethical behavior, you can't assume everyone working at all GameStops is going to do this (or that people working at other retail stores won't). Although, I definately wouldn't pre-order at that particular GS.

No you can't assume that this is going to happen everywhere, but trust me, it WILL be happening. Just hope it doesn't happen to you.

 

[fernoca]

That "situation" is not exclusive to Gamestop. The same can happen at any retailer, so either people preorder or wait in line for hours to see if they can get one. Or preorder online and wait for their shipment.

So, good luck.

 

[Letep]

Called the local Gamestop. Clerk said corporate is likely to end preorders this evening.

 

[Downhome]

I just preordered in store and I was #10 at this store. They said only 30% of their allotment was available at open today, and it will be cut off before close tonight.

 

[Grampa Simpson]

#7 in the store last night. Probably will trade in my PS3 Slim.

 

[J.W.Crazy]

Let us know how you make out. I'm curious as to what they say. This item number thing is still kinda freaking me out. I've never pre-ordered a console from a physical GameStop before.

I just got off the phone with them and they say my pre-order in the computer system IS for the Deluxe set but that the number on my receipt is for the Basic. They said if I went to they store they'd look at the receipt, I don't know what that's going to do but I might go down anyway just to make sure it's correct.

If what they're telling me is true it's pretty ridiculous. Why would it print out a receipt for a different product? I hope it's not happening the other way and people don't show up launch day only to be told they'd been marked down for a Basic set.

Okay Gaf, I notice that some of you are saying what number you were for preordering. My question is how do you know? Did you ask the person at Gamestop, count the number of people in front of you, or is it on the receipt somewhere?

Just got back from preordering the Deluxe version and I'm curious is all. I asked the employee at GameStop and he said I was guaranteed one either way though. He said once they hit they're allotted amount they cut preorders off.

I asked. The guy said I was the second person but he'd already had 10 more people on the call list saying they were on their way. I got there about noon, My receipt says 11:57, but apparently those can be deceptive.

 

[fernoca]

I just got off the phone with them and they say my pre-order in the computer system IS for the Deluxe set but that the number on my receipt is for the Basic. They said if I went to they store they'd look at the receipt, I don't know what that's going to do but I might go down anyway just to make sure it's correct.

If what they're telling me is true it's pretty ridiculous. Why would it print out a receipt for a different product? I hope it's not happening the other way and people don't show up launch day only to be told they'd been marked down for a Basic set.

At the same time, you don't need a receipt to pick up preorders at Gamestop.
Just the phone number you used to preorder it. So, in the case it is just a mistake on the receipt, but the system/code is for the Premium you'll be fine.

But go and ask them to check, just in case.

 

[J.W.Crazy]

I completely forgot. When they answered the phone as part of the thank you for calling spiel she said today would be the last day for Wii U pre-orders. If you plan on getting one on launch day today might be the last day to do it.

At the same time, you don't need a receipt to pick up preorders at Gamestop.
Just the phone number you used to preorder it. So, in the case it is just a mistake on the receipt, but the system/code is for the Premium you'll be fine.

But go and ask them to check, just in case.

Yeah, my concern was for other people though. If they have a receipt for the Deluxe set but the computer has them down for the Basic what happens on launch day?

 

[Andrew.]

Just preordered and was told me I was number 13 and that the whole "first 10 thing" was just a rumor (but who knows). Preordered Mario as well. Also gave the cute manager my number. HYPE.

 

[eudaemonic]

Went through GameStop first but put a backup order in at Best Buy as well. Considering how much some of the Wii systems went for at Christmas, I'm not risking employees snagging extras for profit.

 

[Ragingbegal]

Preordered at Gamestop yesterday and checked my Powerup Rewards account today. Wii U is not listed in there yet as an active reservation, even though I used my card. Anyone else notice this? Any reason to be concerned?

 

[Andrew.]

Preordered at Gamestop yesterday and checked my Powerup Rewards account today. Wii U is not listed in there yet as an active reservation, even though I used my card. Anyone else notice this? Any reason to be concerned?

dont sweat it. mine isnt there either. in fact, ive never had any of my GS reservations show up on the PowerUp site. Only ever my purchases and trade ins and returns.

 

[omgkitty]

Does Gamestop send a test charge to your account when you preorder from their website?

Can I get an answer on this please?

 

[Parallacs]

Can I get an answer on this please?

Preordered using Amex half an hour ago and I see nothing on my account.

BTW love the James Murphy avatar

 

[Effect]

Totally forgot to ask what number I was yesterday. Is there a way to tell on the receipt?

Anyone know how much you have to put down for the system at Best Buy?

 

[GringoJB]

Can I get an answer on this please?

Yeah, I think that they do. I had a little $1 charge "pending" on my CC from an online preorder yesterday (it's gone now).

 

[tkscz]

I just preordered in store and I was #10 at this store. They said only 30% of their allotment was available at open today, and it will be cut off before close tonight.

Alright, so I am not the only one who was told this. Pre-ordered mine today too, and was told if I knew someone who is going to do it as well (which I do) then I'd better tell them to do it before tomorrow. They already have 70% of their WiiU stock pre-ordered.

 

[omgkitty]

Preordered using Amex half an hour ago and I see nothing on my account.

BTW love the James Murphy avatar

Yeah, I think that they do. I had a little $1 charge "pending" on my CC from an online preorder yesterday (it's gone now).

Thanks guys! I just wanted to preorder, but I also ordered the iPhone last night so I couldn't afford to have a $400 test charge on my account.

 

[IceDoesntHelp]

The Gamestops in my area have really nice employees, and in fact I've pre-ordered from them many times. Never ever had any trouble. So I went ahead today and put all the money down on the Wii U today. ($412 in total) I believe I may have been the first, didn't check.

 

[AkuMifune]

No ship to store or pickup in store option is really lame. I just don't have time to get to one today. I think I could do the same at Best Buy, but looks like you have to pay the full amount, which I also think is lame.

In summary: LAME!

 

[Riddler]

Called the local Gamestop. Clerk said corporate is likely to end preorders this evening.

Was told this afternoon. So I just made the leap and pre-ordered.

 

[Starsunder]

Was told this afternoon. So I just made the leap and pre-ordered.

Same. Was told the deluxe model almost for sure would be gone this afternoon after "unexpected" demand for preorders. I jumped on it and preordered a deluxe and NSMB U.

 

[Stormwatch]

Feel so much better now. I had them print me out a new receipt showing the new item description. The Deluxe shows as "Nintendo Wii U 32" and is item 020358:

 

[IceDoesntHelp]

Oh right, I pre-ordered ACIII and Zombi U for now. NSMBU wasn't on their computer for whatever reason :/

 

[Alrix]

Is there gonna be a deal where I'll get bonus credit for trading in my wii if it's towards the purchase of a wii u?

 

[ActStriker]

Oh right, I pre-ordered ACIII and Zombi U for now. NSMBU wasn't on their computer for whatever reason :/

It's in there. They screwed up by calling it "Super Mario Bros. New U" in the system.

 

[IceDoesntHelp]

It's in there. They screwed up by calling it "Super Mario Bros. New U" in the system.

I asked them, and they said it wasn't...I even asked for them to go through the list of Wii U games for pre-order. Canada is always behind America :/

 

[Baconsammy]

Why would you let someone else earn interest on your money for games that have no chance of being hard to get on release day? I can understand the console, but pre-ordering games when there's no pre-order incentive?

 

[Parallacs]

For anyone preordering games for their system:

Sign up for Newegg's email program. Wait until they have a preorder deal. It is very substantial. I think the last one was like $15 off games $50 or more. Some of the codes can be reused and you can preorder all the games by doing one game per order.

 

[IceDoesntHelp]

Why would you let someone else earn interest on your money for games that have no chance of being hard to get on release day? I can understand the console, but pre-ordering games when there's no pre-order incentive?

For me, its so I don't have to pay up front on the day of. I just want to pick it up, and go home.

 

[JaseC]

Feel so much better now. I had them print me out a new receipt showing the new item description. The Deluxe shows as "Nintendo Wii U 32" and is item 020358:

.

 

[Andrew.]

For me, its so I don't have to pay up front on the day of. I just want to pick it up, and go home.

Me too. In and out and back home with no bullshit.

Do the preorders really end today? Because that's crazy if so. Is this how it was for the Wii?

 

[Downhome]

.

Yeah, that made me laugh out loud as well.

 

[omgkitty]

Said screw it and went to the store to preorder. They said they had over 30 preorders for their store alone, but I was guaranteed to get one on release day. I guess we'll see now won't we?

 

[SmokedMeat]

Had to work all day yesterday, so the wife was awesome enough to run over and preorder a premium unit for me!
She was told I'm guaranteed a launch day unit, and I've had a pleasant experience preordering my Wii from Gamestop previously, which I also picked up at a midnight launch. The guy who rang her up also happens to be one of the best employees I've encountered at any store, so I feel good about it.

 

[Stormwatch]

Yeah, that made me laugh out loud as well.

Ha! I didn't realize what I typed there. LOL.

 

[Lambtron]

Anyone know how much you have to put down for the system at Best Buy?

$5. I put in my preorder there, and I'm considering doing a backup at GameStop. I should probably decide soon, eh?

 

[Marty Chinn]

$5. I put in my preorder there, and I'm considering doing a backup at GameStop. I should probably decide soon, eh?

What's to decide? Deposits are fully refundable. Do it now, decide later.

 

[JaseC]

Ha! I didn't realize what I typed there. LOL.

The more I look at it, the funnier it gets.

 

[bill0527]

Is there gonna be a deal where I'll get bonus credit for trading in my wii if it's towards the purchase of a wii u?

They've got a promotion right now where they're giving above what they normally give on game systems.

For the Wii, the max they're giving is $50.00.

They told me they would give me $90 for my limited edition Modern Warfare 2 Xbox 360 w/250GB hard drive, and I told them no thanks.

 

[Like the hat?]

glad I have the right SKU on my receipt. Luckily I was number one in my store. here's hoping that guarantees me one.

 

[Mihael Mello Keehl]

Wow so first I woke up late today and overslept, got there like 20 mins ago and preorder the black one. The recipt now says 32GB model or whatever now and not the numbers. Also my gamestop said there were over 10 preorders I think more people got the basic model and they are done with preorders tonight. So whoever thinking about it get over there just to be safe.

 

[Like the hat?]

Why would you let someone else earn interest on your money for games that have no chance of being hard to get on release day? I can understand the console, but pre-ordering games when there's no pre-order incentive?

because if I don't pay along the way, by the time the game comes out, I will have probably blown the money, and not be able to afford it

 

[J.W.Crazy]

I just got back from the store. Apparently the guy at the counter yesterday realized he put me down for the Basic set right after I left so he just switched it over. I'm still number two on the pre-order list and they printed out a new receipt that says Wii U 32 so I can relax now.

In the 5 minutes I was there they told multiple people today would be the last chance to pre-order.

 

[Marty Chinn]

Pre-ordering games is silly. Is everyone's memory so short that they've already forgotten the crazy sales at launch for the 3DS and Vita games? I think there's a good chance you'll see a sale on Wii U games at launch too.