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[darknemus]

So, last night me and the darling Mrs. DarkNemus were out doing our usual running errands thing. (Trust me, real life sucks). Anyway, we went to Target (for those local in Broward county, FL - its the one in Plantation). So i'm standing at the 360 shelf looking for a play & charge kit.. (which by the way seem as hard to find as the damn system), and the clerk there and I strike up a little conversation.. basically goes like this:

Me: Hi, do you know if you happen to have any P&C kits? maybe in the back that they're holding or something?

Her: No, I'm pretty sure we're out of those.

Me: Oh, bummer - bet you guys had a huge crowd for the 360 release, huh?

Her: (seeming to be a bit more comfortable in the conversation now): Yeah (then she kind of looks around and says this lower) but you know what, its stupid.. we have more in the back!

Me: Huh??

Her: Yes, seriously - be here at 8AM in the morning when the doors open and head to Electronics, you'll be able to get a 360.. trust me.

Me: Wow, umm, thanks.

Her: No problem..

Now, normally I'd think this is just general retail BS - but she seemed like she knew what she was talking about - plus the fact that she was very concerned about saying it when management types were around. So, I told a couple local friends who are looking for one. I momentarily considered going myself this morning and picking up one to eBay, but the profit isn't worth the possibility of me disappointing some kid this Holiday because he didn't get his new toy.

Now, there's a second part to this story. Armed with this information, I made a phone call to a friend of mine. He happens to work stock at Best Buy. He revealed basically the same thing to me - that they have more in the back, they're just trickling them out for now (that was the exact phrase he used)

I have NO CLUE if it is this way where you are - but, if it is, then your chances of getting a 360 are alot higher than previously thought. Anyway, just thought I'd share the info. Have a great day.

 

[Zaptruder]

If this is true, Ebay prices = har har.

 

[Juice]

You sir. I'm pretty sure you just beat Microsoft.

 

[Lo-Volt]

If that's true, that's still too bad. Many of those absurd auctions must have ended by now, or will very shortly. The suckers who bought into that insanity are locked in to the terms of the transaction.

 

[Straightballin]

Every place I called said they were out. If they where going to have more the today I think they wouldve told me. And what about all the others in line im sure if they had more they would give it to them.

 

[darknemus]

You sir. I'm pretty sure you just beat Microsoft.

lol, the whole thing was weird. I felt like I was in some sort of really cheesy spy movie, with her lowering her voice and like looking around before talking to me. But the information seemed valuable, so I thought I'd share.

 

[darknemus]

Just to add a bit to this. One of the two people I told to go to the store just called me on my cel to tell me he picked up a premium. Still no damn P&C kits, though. So it looks like she was being honest. The phone call was a quick 20 second thing "Hey, got a premium - negative on the P&C kits, I'll call you back", so I didn't get a count or anything like that.

 

[Lo-Volt]

lol, the whole thing was weird. I felt like I was in some sort of really cheesy spy movie, with her lowering her voice and like looking around before talking to me. But the information seemed valuable, so I thought I'd share.

If it were true and she was not supposed to reveal their secret stash, she'd obviously be drawn and quartered by the manager, if not just outright fired.

 

[Bartman3010]

When I went to Best Buy to pick up Sonic Rush, I asked how many units they got in.

Only 10 units were shipped.

 

[itsinmyveins]

I'm sure the shortage of XB360's just a ruse created by Microsoft to make people run to the store like scavangers in search of the "few ones availbe at release". MS just wants to make sure they can say they're all sould out.

 

[darknemus]

Like I said, it could just be the policy at this specific Target, I have no clue. I just found it interesting that my friend who works Best Buy stock said essentially the same thing. Not to mention I now have confirmation that at least one of the two people I sent to the store at opening actually picked up a Premium.

 

[itsinmyveins]

What I'm gonna say now is just rumors, but I've heard that MS also have given a lot of stores big "SOLD OUT"-signs concerning the XB360, along with the consoles. Wouldn't come as a surprise if they did so, though.

 

[darknemus]

Just confirmed my second friend picked up a Premium. Said there were about 4-5 more on the shelf. He saw a couple of cores, but didn't know how many there were in total.

 

[brandonh83]

What I'm gonna say now is just rumors, but I've heard that MS also have given a lot of stores big "SOLD OUT"-signs concerning the XB360, along with the consoles. Wouldn't come as a surprise if they did so, though.

Yep, I tried K-Mart again this morning when they opened, and the clerk showed me a SOLD OUT paper they received. :lol

 

[Fowler]

Since there are 4-5 left, mind picking one up for me?

 

[BojTrek]

If this is true... I will be leaving work for 1 hour to go pick it up...

I will call the Target in a few minutes... it is only 7:50AM here in Chicago...

 

[darknemus]

Since there are 4-5 left, mind picking one up for me?

If I wasn't at work and had a reliable way to do it, I'd go pick up the other consoles and sell them to GAF'ers at cost. Like I said, real life sucks sometimes

 

[Fowler]

We need more GAF'ers like darknemus :-(

 

[brandonh83]

We need to start a "I don't have a 360, help me" thread.

Or not.

 

[chinch]

I'm sure the shortage of XB360's just a ruse created by Microsoft to make people run to the store like scavangers in search of the "few ones availbe at release". MS just wants to make sure they can say they're all sould out.

'cause we all know MS would be unable to sell the thousands being "held out". right?

wrong...

 

[hooo]

When I went to Best Buy to pick up Sonic Rush, I asked how many units they got in.

Only 10 units were shipped.

That's definitely bs then. In the bestbuy 360 allocation thread, it looked like most store got at least 50-60 units if not much more.

 

[BojTrek]

Called the Schaumburg, IL Target and guess what... I was so excited when they said...

NO!

 

[darknemus]

We need more GAF'ers like darknemus :-(

lol, thanks. I'm just doing my part to help the gaming community. I'm fairly certain that some of these retailers held back stock for "Black Friday" (or, alternatively, received new stock FOR Black Friday). MS plans to sell 3 Million consoles in 90 days - my guess is that they're thinking 60% of those would be pre-holiday sales. There's no way the numbers match up, currently - unless there are more units out in the channel, just waiting to be sold in stores.

If MS plans to sell 3 Mil in 90 days, then you damn well KNOW they plan on having more than 3 million in stores within that same time period. The math just doesn't add up, from where I'm sitting. I'm betting that finding these things will be easier than alot of people think within the next few days.

 

[BojTrek]

I think the 3 million is world-wide?

 

[brandonh83]

Well, here's hoping you're right.

 

[kitchenmotors]

Called the Schaumburg, IL Target and guess what... I was so excited when they said...

NO!

There was an Xbox Premium pack (a pre-order) sitting on the shelf behind the counter at the EB Games in Woodfield. I was so tempted to grab it and run!

 

[darknemus]

I think the 3 million is world-wide?

Probably. But realistically, how many can they expect to sell in Japan in 90 days? I'm pretty much eliminating them from the mix and figuring the breakdown is gonna be 70% U.S. / 30% Europe for their distribution.

Lets be nice and say they're selling 300,000 in Japan. That leaves us 2.7 Mil to spread around.

I'm figuring just under 2 Mil in the U.S. (1.8 Million or so) and just under a Million in Europe (.9 Million)

If Best Buy's initial allocation was (we'll be nice and round it up) 50,000 units. Lets use the same #s for every other 'large' retailer'.. watch:

Best Buy: 50,000
Wal-Mart: 100,000 (Being generous here)
Target: 50,000
Circuit City: 50,000
CompUSA: 50,000
All other 'not so major' retail chains:150,000?


So, if that rings true, that means there were 450,000 out on store shelves on November 22nd. Sorry, but when you hear stories like Best Buys who had 60 allocated but only sold 10.. that makes me think someone is being slightly less than truthful, somewhere.

Unless someone expects me to think MS cut their 450,000 # down to 1/6th of that (90,000 total available Country wide) on purpose.. then there's some shenanigans going on.

Now, lets factor in the current 30,000 (yes, THIRTY THOUSAND) eBay auctions for 360's. There's stock out there.. its just a matter of finding it. Like I said, the numbers just don't add up.

 

[Xellotah]

Probably. But realistically, how many can they expect to sell in Japan in 90 days? I'm pretty much eliminating them from the mix and figuring the breakdown is gonna be 70% U.S. / 30% Europe for their distribution.

Lets be nice and say they're selling 300,000 in Japan. That leaves us 2.7 Mil to spread around.

I'm figuring just under 2 Mil in the U.S. (1.8 Million or so) and just under a Million in Europe (.9 Million)

If Best Buy's initial allocation was (we'll be nice and round it up) 50,000 units. Lets use the same #s for every other 'large' retailer'.. watch:

Best Buy: 50,000
Wal-Mart: 100,000 (Being generous here)
Target: 50,000
Circuit City: 50,000
CompUSA: 50,000
All other 'not so major' retail chains:150,000?


So, if that rings true, that means there were 450,000 out on store shelves on November 22nd. Sorry, but when you hear stories like Best Buys who had 60 allocated but only sold 10.. that makes me think someone is being slightly less than truthful, somewhere.

Unless someone expects me to think MS cut their 450,000 # down to 1/6th of that (90,000 total available Country wide) on purpose.. then there's some shenanigans going on.

Now, lets factor in the current 30,000 (yes, THIRTY THOUSAND) eBay auctions for 360's. There's stock out there.. its just a matter of finding it. Like I said, the numbers just don't add up.

You seem to be forgetting those darn competitions and promotions, their marketing department must have given out sooo many.

 

[Outcast2004]

Probably. But realistically, how many can they expect to sell in Japan in 90 days? I'm pretty much eliminating them from the mix and figuring the breakdown is gonna be 70% U.S. / 30% Europe for their distribution.

Lets be nice and say they're selling 300,000 in Japan. That leaves us 2.7 Mil to spread around.

I'm figuring just under 2 Mil in the U.S. (1.8 Million or so) and just under a Million in Europe (.9 Million)

If Best Buy's initial allocation was (we'll be nice and round it up) 50,000 units. Lets use the same #s for every other 'large' retailer'.. watch:

Best Buy: 50,000
Wal-Mart: 100,000 (Being generous here)
Target: 50,000
Circuit City: 50,000
CompUSA: 50,000
All other 'not so major' retail chains:150,000?


So, if that rings true, that means there were 450,000 out on store shelves on November 22nd. Sorry, but when you hear stories like Best Buys who had 60 allocated but only sold 10.. that makes me think someone is being slightly less than truthful, somewhere.

Unless someone expects me to think MS cut their 450,000 # down to 1/6th of that (90,000 total available Country wide) on purpose.. then there's some shenanigans going on.

Now, lets factor in the current 30,000 (yes, THIRTY THOUSAND) eBay auctions for 360's. There's stock out there.. its just a matter of finding it. Like I said, the numbers just don't add up.

Yeah, funny thing about those Ebay auctions. Alot aren't for the system, they are scams.

Paying for a EMAIL ADDRESS with the words Xbox360 in it.

Paying for an EMPTY 360 SYSTEM BOX

Paying for a PICTURE of the system.

Basically, they are praying/preying (works either way) on those who don't read the fine print. It's sad really.

 

[BojTrek]

There was an Xbox Premium pack (a pre-order) sitting on the shelf behind the counter at the EB Games in Woodfield. I was so tempted to grab it and run!

I go to that store once a week to look around... I will go to Woodfield Mall maybe 1-2 times a week for lunch... but I stop going from now until after X-Mas... it is crazy this time of year and traffic is crazy in and out of the mall after Thanksgiving.

 

[urk]

For all the conspiracy theorists out there:

Why would Microsoft want to hold back units at retail? This is their chance to sell as many units as possible during the single biggest North American shopping season while they have nothing in the way of next generation competition to hold them back.

Why in the world would they cripple their own sales? They need to get the hardware out to get accessory, Live, and software sales in full swing. The sooner they can do that, the faster the 360 platform becomes profitable, and the more solid their footing as they make ready to butt heads with big bad Sony and the PS3.

 

[Gio_CoD]

This is exactly why I transferred 1,100 bucks out of my checking account yesterday. I knew I'd run across one at retail one day and wouldn't have the willpower to resist buying it. Now I can't even afford it.

 

[Particle Physicist]

For all the conspiracy theorists out there:

Why would Microsoft want to hold back units at retail? This is their chance to sell as many units as possible during the single biggest North American shopping season while they have nothing in the way of next generation competition to hold them back.

Why in the world would they cripple their own sales? They need to get the hardware out to get accessory, Live, and software sales in full swing. The sooner they can do that, the faster the 360 platform becomes profitable, and the more solid their footing as they make ready to butt heads with big bad Sony and the PS3.

Black friday. they only allow a small amount to be sold earlier in the week.. they put out big sold out signs.. then on black friday they are magically restocked.. the crowed goes wild and they are more assured of a true sell out.

 

[mrmyth]

Super Target in Broadview, IL has jack, just ran to check. They didn't exactly say they wouldn't have any, though, they just said they can't be sure and trucks come in every evening.

 

[Dave Long]

If they're planning to sell 3 million in like three months or whatever, then there will have to be a lot more released before Christmas to retail. I just rolled through the Wal-Mart this morning and didn't see any more (still a handwritten SOLD OUT on their 1 per customer sign), but I'm guessing we'll see them in stores on Friday again.

 

[Oni Jazar]

Hmm... I live near Plantation. Too bad I'm working now :/

 

[Dr_Cogent]

Why would Microsoft want to hold back units at retail? This is their chance to sell as many units as possible during the single biggest North American shopping season while they have nothing in the way of next generation competition to hold them back.

To generate buzz and hype perhaps. I don't know if any of this is true, but that could be a reason.

 

[urk]

Black friday. they only allow a small amount to be sold earlier in the week.. they put out big sold out signs.. then on black friday they are magically restocked.. the crowed goes wild and they are more assured of a true sell out.

So your opinion is that they wouldn't sell out if they pushed the sparse number of units they have fabricated now into retail? That without creating a sense of urgency to rush out and nab the only next gen system on the market they would have units collecting dust on the shelves?

I don't think so. They are going to sell out at Christmas no matter what. They simply don't have enough retail units to meet the demand in three major territories. Not right away.

Even if they are intentionally holding back sales (which I believe would be monumentally stupid), there is no way retailers are going to agree to turn away a line of customers in order to meet Microsoft's weird design. If Best Buy or Target has 200 systems each, they wouldn't hold 150 in the store room to satiate some bizarro demand from Redmond. They would sell them.

 

[Sh0k]

The CompUSA I got my 360 from only sold 16 premiums on Tuesday morning, even though they received 31 premiums in total. They were saving the remaining 15 for their black friday sale. But my brother that works there told me yesterday night that all 15 remaining were sold already to walk-in customers and the employees.

 

[chinch]

they're all long gone around here.

yesterday CC answered the phone with a "360 is sold out, we don't know when we'll have more in stock".

any available units will be new shipments.

 

[Mejilan]

Thanks for the word. I don't know if this is a nationwide policy, or just a decision made locally, but I think I'll hit up a store to two after work today. I get out a bit early for the holiday, half day and all that, so I'll cross my fingers.

I don't expect anything to come of this in NY though.

 

[DCharlie]

"So your opinion is that they wouldn't sell out if they pushed the sparse number of units they have fabricated now into retail?"

well, people want what they can't have. If it's known that to get an X360 between now and Xmas is "impossible" then any fence sitters or um-ers and ah-ers will jump on the unit. If everyone gets their fill at launch, then the buzz will die down. What would be even worse is if it appears that there isn't demand. It's, IMO, shitty - i hate the tactic. It really is crap.

"That without creating a sense of urgency to rush out and nab the only next gen system on the market they would have units collecting dust on the shelves?"

Maybe so. PSP is hot, DS is getting a bit hotter, PS2 line up is always good and it's cheaper. Hard to tell - but the fact that basically EVERYONE (not just gamers) now thinks that X360 is as rare as rocking horse dung, means they have got into the wider audiences psyche.

"I don't think so. They are going to sell out at Christmas no matter what. They simply don't have enough retail units to meet the demand in three major territories. Not right away."

Might also be true. But the launches are staggered and there doesn't seem to be any severe shortage of units for japanese launch (although, they only need 14 units here so...)

"Even if they are intentionally holding back sales (which I believe would be monumentally stupid), there is no way retailers are going to agree to turn away a line of customers in order to meet Microsoft's weird design. If Best Buy or Target has 200 systems each, they wouldn't hold 150 in the store room to satiate some bizarro demand from Redmond. They would sell them."

You never know - stranger things have happened. Retailers know in the long run that if the item is "hot" they'll sell more units.

Again, to reiterate, i think it's a crappy tactic, but unfortunately it works - so companies will keep doing it over and over again (except nintendo - DS launch here was just ... wow... units EVERYWHERE)

 

[Mrbob]

This is probably a YMMV situation.

I wouldn't be surprised if some retailers held back some stock for Friday. It is one of the biggest shopping days of the year. A bunch of 400 dollar units sold helps boost the bottom line to boast.

 

[Shogun]

We need to start a "I don't have a 360, help me" thread.

Or not.

Done

 

[SyNapSe]

The CompUSA I got my 360 from only sold 16 premiums on Tuesday morning, even though they received 31 premiums in total. They were saving the remaining 15 for their black friday sale.

I would think a lot of stores held some back for their Black Friday sales (if they had the X360 in their ad).

 

[jobber]

everyone in this thread underestimated the threads of CAMP EARLY. That's what a "I'll walk in the store and pick one up with no problem" type of thinking will get you.

 

[urk]

360 Manufacturing Dates

This seems to show how late these systems were rolling out prior to the release date. Granted, it's nothing concrete, but a good indicator that MS wasn't abel to stockpile. Those are down to the wire dates.

 

[VictimOfGrief]

So.... if they are using a "Shock and Awe" campaign by "Making" hype for their system by causing stores to only allocate "X" amount per week, then Microsoft.... You have just BEATEN Sony's marketing group. :lol

 

[itsinmyveins]

Jeezus. Some people should really get a grip of how the market and PR works. Of course MS will do anything to be able to say "SOLD OUT" and "OVERWHELMING DEMAND". And when they've reached that point they just ship more XB360's. And now everybody gotta get one fast before THEY'RE ALL SOLD OUT AGAIN!!

And it looks good on the paper. Till you realize that the amount of shipped firstbatch XB360's in the UK for example, is 15K units less than what the Gamecube sold the first day. But who'll look at statistics? All you'll see is "HURRY! BEFORE THEY'RE ALL SOLD OUT!".

Get the picture I'm trying so hard to paint for ya?

 

[urk]

Get the picture I'm trying so hard to paint for ya?

Apparently you believe that Microsoft is more concerned with buzz than console sales. I'm sure they aer concerned with generating hype, but the bottom line has to be to leverae this window of time they have before the Playstation 3 hits shelves. Early hype won't do a thing to satve that off and they won't readily waste this small opportunity they have at a Christmas Season devoid of a Next Generation competitor.