GameStop and EB Games With Crazy Pre-Order Offer?

CheapAssGamer member “hack” found an interesting flyer at his local GameStop. He asked an employee about it and was told that Wii (same applies to PS3 if the flyer is true, but he didn’t ask about it specifically) pre-orders would only be taken for one week. The pre-orders start on Monday, September 18th. Any store can stop pre-orders at any time. This isn’t what annoys me though, this part makes sense after all.

Pre-order deposits of $50 have to be made through trade-in credit. That’s right, you have to trade in $50 worth of games or accessories to get your pre-order. This is by their trade-in values, which are notoriously low. Any promotions going on can be taken advantage, such as the “Trade 3 get $10 bonus” offer going on right now.

On top of that, even though you’re guaranteed to get a Wii, you aren’t guaranteed to get it on launch day. The ones who reserve first will be the ones to receive the console as they get it. Only one reservation per console per household.

A few Q/As he provides:

Q: Why is the pre-order process being done this way?
A: GameStop/EB is trying to be more cautious and is trying to plan out the pre-order process better. This is an attempt at a different way of handling pre-orders. They say that they take in a large amount of pre-order money and when products launch, many people don’t actually pick up their pre-order. That means GameStop/EB has to continually keep track of these unclaimed pre-orders, and that incurs costs. Its a way to keep down costs, and at the same time, its a way for you to actually keep your money in case you do not pick up your system (because your pre-order money is converted basically into store credit).

Q: Will you have lots of Wii accessories (controllers, etc.) on hand for launch.
A: Yes.

Q: Will you open at midnight?
A: It depends. Some stores may, and others might not. My particular store is trying to open at midnight, but its slightly more difficult since its located in a closed mall.

Remember, this is not confirmed. I wouldn’t say it’s a 100% false, but it isn’t confirmed. I actually think they might go this route. If they do, I’ll be most likely be pre-ordering at Future Shop or some other store.

Via CheapAssGamer

CheapAssGamer member “hack” found an interesting flyer at his local GameStop. He asked an employee about it and was told that Wii (same applies to PS3 if the flyer is true, but he didn’t ask about it specifically) pre-orders would only be taken for one week. The pre-orders start on Monday, September 18th. Any store can stop pre-orders at any time. This isn’t what annoys me though, this part makes sense after all.

Pre-order deposits of $50 have to be made through trade-in credit. That’s right, you have to trade in $50 worth of games or accessories to get your pre-order. This is by their trade-in values, which are notoriously low. Any promotions going on can be taken advantage, such as the “Trade 3 get $10 bonus” offer going on right now.

On top of that, even though you’re guaranteed to get a Wii, you aren’t guaranteed to get it on launch day. The ones who reserve first will be the ones to receive the console as they get it. Only one reservation per console per household.

A few Q/As he provides:

Q: Why is the pre-order process being done this way?
A: GameStop/EB is trying to be more cautious and is trying to plan out the pre-order process better. This is an attempt at a different way of handling pre-orders. They say that they take in a large amount of pre-order money and when products launch, many people don’t actually pick up their pre-order. That means GameStop/EB has to continually keep track of these unclaimed pre-orders, and that incurs costs. Its a way to keep down costs, and at the same time, its a way for you to actually keep your money in case you do not pick up your system (because your pre-order money is converted basically into store credit).

Q: Will you have lots of Wii accessories (controllers, etc.) on hand for launch.
A: Yes.

Q: Will you open at midnight?
A: It depends. Some stores may, and others might not. My particular store is trying to open at midnight, but its slightly more difficult since its located in a closed mall.

Remember, this is not confirmed. I wouldn’t say it’s a 100% false, but it isn’t confirmed. I actually think they might go this route. If they do, I’ll be most likely be pre-ordering at Future Shop or some other store.

Via CheapAssGamer