Post by: UncleBob on October 31, 2006, 03:35:33 PM
As some of you know, I have the misfortune of working at Wal*Mart. I know many of you have a love-hate relationship with Wal*Mart, but, hey, be kind to us Wal*Mart workers. You may have to deal with the occasional sales clerk who knows nothing about video games, but we have to deal with stupid people all the time (Question I was asked today "Does XBox Live play Nintendo games?").
Anywhoo, keep in mind that all the infomation I'm about to post doesn't necessarly apply to every store - each store will have their own plans and policies regarding Wii stuff.
Okay, according to paperwork I've been looking over, my store is getting 20 units in for the launch (For reference, we got 4 $400 360's and 2 $300 360's). However, these systems are not showing up in the system as being on order, so this could change. Now, you can call your Wal*Mart to see how many they are getting in, but be warned - most employees won't know what you're talking about. If, per chance, they do, they probably won't know how many the store is getting (I know because I did the right amount of digging). If they do know how many they're getting, they probably won't tell you since, typically, we're not supposed to give out inventory information.
As far as games and accessories go, the only things I can find in the system at this time is the Nunchuck ($20), Classic Controller ($20) and Controller ($40). I have not found quantites for these items yet.
What's odd is that I cannot seem to find much PS3 info. I have what is supposed to be the item numbers for both the 20 and 60 Gig PS3, but when I punch the the item number for the 20 Gig in, the 60 Gig comes up... and looking by supplier, the 60 Gig is all it shows.
Today, launch guides dropped on our internal network ("The Wire") for both Wii and PS3. It's interesting, these guides reveal both a "Wii Buyer's Guide" and a PS3 "Ultimate Launch Guide". We're supposed to get the Wii guides by the 6th - when they should be set out for anyone to pick up. Each store is supposed to get 250 of these guides. Now, on the 17th, we're supposed to pull and throw away Wii guides and replace them with the PS3 guides (which we're also supposed to get 250 of). Strange.
From the Playbook:
- You must not sell before 12:01 AM on 11/19/06
- You will have crowds waiting, and you will NOT have enough products for everyone.
- Our goal is to sell 3 additional items for every hardware piece.
- Software and Accessories are not street dated, you can put those out upon receipt.
Now, although the Playbook says that everything but the system can be sold before the 19th, do not count on your store selling this stuff early. Many Department Managers won't see the sense in taking up already limited floor space for products that people "can't use". Do not try to argue with a Wal*Mart employee that they can sell the stuff early - if they say they can't, then they can't.
A picture that comes with the guide seems to show that Wii Sports will be coming in a cardboard sleeve.
Wal*Mart EveryDay Low Price: $249.24
The guide also says when product should arrive in stores. I'm not going to post that, since y'all don't need to know but to anyone who thinks their Wal*Mart will be hoarding pallets of Wiis in their backroom for a month before launch, No. The arrival date is measured in days before the launch.
And, slightly related, because I know y'all will love this:
Quote
From: Sony PS 3 Playbook
What if the Blu-ray format doesn't take off in Hollywood?
Blu-Ray has already been adopted by seven of the top studies in Hollywood, not to mention more than 208 companies developing games for the PS3. The launch of the PS3 will efectively place more than 2 million Blu-ray players in the hands of consumers, with that number increasing to 6 million by the end of March 2007. An installed base such as that is something no entertainment company could logically ignore.
So... what's the installed base for UMD?
Post by: Kairon on October 31, 2006, 03:50:17 PM
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: UncleBob on October 31, 2006, 03:54:36 PM
Post by: Spak-Spang on October 31, 2006, 04:02:05 PM
Post by: UncleBob on October 31, 2006, 04:03:12 PM
Post by: UncleBob on October 31, 2006, 04:05:00 PM
We're a tiny town....
As I was telling Pale eariler, 20 may not seem like a lot of units to some of you, but it really is for our tiny store. Again, compare this to the 4/2 360's we got in. (I wish I had PS2/XBox/GCN launch numbers...)
Post by: Rhoq on October 31, 2006, 04:23:01 PM
Post by: UncleBob on October 31, 2006, 04:39:49 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Rhoq
UncleBob have you seen THIS?
It's useless. Like I said in the OP, the systems aren't actually showing up in the system - and probably won't until they arrive at the back door - mere days before they go on sale.
Ah, read the Digg. You'll see many other Wal*Mart employees saying that they've tried this and it's showing all zeros...
Post by: Nick DiMola on October 31, 2006, 05:38:32 PM
Post by: Nile Boogie on October 31, 2006, 06:08:22 PM
Post by: Bill Aurion on October 31, 2006, 06:46:29 PM
Post by: UncleBob on October 31, 2006, 06:53:03 PM
Post by: Bill Aurion on October 31, 2006, 07:00:36 PM
Post by: Pale on October 31, 2006, 07:23:37 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Mr. Jack
Yup, I went to Walmart tonite and no dice on the number of Wiis or PS3s so anybody out there considering trying this, don't bother. Every clerk told me they won't know until they show up at the door that day.
Jack, I'm assuming you checked Henrietta (you're still in the area right?). My buddies at work and I are trying to figure out which Wal-Mart we're hitting on launch night. I'm thinking I should go far away from Henrietta to avoid the RIT crowd...
Post by: WuTangTurtle on October 31, 2006, 08:22:06 PM
Post by: denjet78 on October 31, 2006, 10:55:14 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: UncleBob
Today, launch guides dropped on our internal network ("The Wire") for both Wii and PS3. It's interesting, these guides reveal both a "Wii Buyer's Guide" and a PS3 "Ultimate Launch Guide". We're supposed to get the Wii guides by the 6th - when they should be set out for anyone to pick up. Each store is supposed to get 250 of these guides. Now, on the 17th, we're supposed to pull and throw away Wii guides and replace them with the PS3 guides (which we're also supposed to get 250 of). Strange.
I picked up my Wal*Mart Wii Buyer's Guide today at a local Super Wal*Mart. I was actually very impressed by it. It's way bigger than I thought it would be, around 32 pages. And I'm also surprised by the total and complete lack of PS3 media anywhere. Even the GameStop in the same shopping center had Wii paraphernalia up but nothing for PS3...
I'm starting to get creeped out here people.
Post by: BlkPaladin on October 31, 2006, 11:36:29 PM
Post by: NWR_DrewMG on November 01, 2006, 02:25:15 AM
Someone posted somewhere (maybe you can confirm or deny this, UncleBob) that they're going to start handing out numbered tickets at 10 PM, and only those with tickets will get at Wii.
The employee at the local Gamestop told me that you would have had to get to the store at 6 AM the day they did pre-orders in order to get in line to get one.
If I can't get to Wal-Mart in time, I'll just go camp out at Target early the next morning.
Post by: Rhoq on November 01, 2006, 03:09:32 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Nile Boogie
Rhoq, where are you getting your Wii from? I was going to get mine from Got Game? on south street but they said they wont get them in until a few days after launch.
Nile - I was planning on going to The Game Store at Franklin Mills. I called them the other day and was told since they buy directly from Nintendo they have been led to believe that they will have "a ton" of Wii consoles available for sale on November 19th.
If you've never been there, they are right outside of Marshall's. The really cool thing about them is that all of the guys that work there are non-biased. They believe that every system is worth owning and will give you their honest opinion about a game. If it sucks they will tell you not to buy it. Most other stores will push anything and tell you it's great just to make a sale. Also, they will let you try any game in the store and play it for as long as you'd like, with no obligation to buy - even if they had to open a new copy for you.
I shop there whenever I can, unfortunately it's not as often as I should. GameStop & EB Games are everywhere and just more convenient to get to. What sucks is that Game Champ (15th & Chestnut) recently closed. They were 2 blocks from my office (15th & Walnut) and a really cool bunch of people.
Post by: UncleBob on November 01, 2006, 03:14:01 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: DrewMG
Someone posted somewhere (maybe you can confirm or deny this, UncleBob) that they're going to start handing out numbered tickets at 10 PM, and only those with tickets will get at Wii.
Part of the guide says to pass out tickets (which are included in the guide and say "This ticket does not guarantee purchase") at 10 PM. Most stores probably won't do this, so I didn't include it.
Post by: Nick DiMola on November 01, 2006, 03:27:47 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: PaleQuote
Originally posted by: Mr. Jack
Yup, I went to Walmart tonite and no dice on the number of Wiis or PS3s so anybody out there considering trying this, don't bother. Every clerk told me they won't know until they show up at the door that day.
Jack, I'm assuming you checked Henrietta (you're still in the area right?). My buddies at work and I are trying to figure out which Wal-Mart we're hitting on launch night. I'm thinking I should go far away from Henrietta to avoid the RIT crowd...
Yup I did check the Henrietta store, more out of curiosity than anything else. I am also still up in the air on where to camp, because the Henrietta one seems like a mistake for the exact reason you stated. I suppose there is the Chili one, but that area kind of sucks. I have a friend out in Hamlin who is camping out with me and my fiancee and he said there is a Walmart out there, but that is a little far and they may not get a ton of stock. Not sure where any of the other Super Walmarts are, maybe Greece? If you figure out a good Walmart to hit up let me know.
Post by: couchmonkey on November 01, 2006, 04:32:48 AM
I know my local Wal Mart was a zoo on GC launch day. Some people had some sort of ticket (or maybe a rain cheque?) yet once we got into the store it was just a mad dash to customer service, and they didn't care if you had the ticket or not.
Post by: Nile Boogie on November 01, 2006, 06:39:55 AM
Quote
What sucks is that Game Champ (15th & Chestnut) recently closed. They were 2 blocks from my office (15th & Walnut) and a really cool bunch of people.
That used to be my spot too, I bought all my DS and Cube games from them. Jane, Deion, Dennis all of them are really cool folks. Been going to them since "The Gameary" on walnut street closed a few years ago. Are they having a 12:00am sale at Franklin Mills? That's not "too" far from where I live (North Philly). I was going to that 24hour Walmart across the parking lot but either place will do. Thanks.
Post by: Rhoq on November 01, 2006, 07:07:16 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Nile BoogieQuote
Are they having a 12:00am sale at Franklin Mills? That's not "too" far from where I live (North Philly). I was going to that 24hour Walmart across the parking lot but either place will do. Thanks.
Not sure. I'll see if I can give them a call and find out. I didn;t realize that particular Wal-Mart was open 24 hours. I might try them, too - however I'd rather give my money to The Game Store. It's hard to find a good "mom & pop" operation now-a-days, especially as more and more get put out of business by the "big box" retailers each day...
Where in North Philly do you live? I'm currently living in the NE (Torresdale and Levick), but I've been all over.
Post by: Kairon on November 01, 2006, 07:38:43 AM
Do any of these mom and pop stores sell on ebay or do mail order or ship or anything?!?!
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: Pale on November 01, 2006, 07:53:14 AM
Post by: NWR_DrewMG on November 01, 2006, 08:09:23 AM
Post by: Plugabugz on November 01, 2006, 09:10:36 AM
What's stopping you over there?
Post by: Rhoq on November 01, 2006, 09:27:47 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Kairon
ARGH!!!
Do any of these mom and pop stores sell on ebay or do mail order or ship or anything?!?!
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
I don't think they sell on E-Bay, but you can calling them. Their info can be found HERE.
Post by: Nile Boogie on November 01, 2006, 11:00:26 AM
Quote
Where in North Philly do you live? I'm currently living in the NE (Torresdale and Levick), but I've been all over.
Right off of Broad and Wyoming (Subway Stop). If you've shopped at Game Champ on the regular I've had to see you. I used to stay in there all the time.
Post by: Rhoq on November 01, 2006, 04:46:07 PM
Post by: UncleBob on November 02, 2006, 09:49:46 AM
It's coming (Just in case you'd forgotten)...
Post by: Dirk Temporo on November 02, 2006, 09:54:11 AM
Post by: UncleBob on November 02, 2006, 10:02:59 AM
I honestly believe at the majority of locations, demand will outpace supply for the launch...
Also, while I haven't seen numbers regarding accessories, I think Wii Controllers will be hard to get at launch as well.
Post by: Ceric on November 02, 2006, 10:07:14 AM
My Wife said at her store for the launch of the 360 People started lining up at 9am on Saturday. If I get there at 8am where should I sit for the whole day.
Post by: Chris1 on November 02, 2006, 10:18:22 AM
Post by: Dirk Temporo on November 02, 2006, 10:18:30 AM
Post by: UncleBob on November 02, 2006, 01:46:28 PM
Ceric - it depends on your store. Some stores will have people there early in the morning, some won't have people there until late in the evening... Personally, I plan on getting there around 2 in the afternoon (and bringing my DS..)
Post by: Kairon on November 02, 2006, 09:37:04 PM
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: Dirk Temporo on November 03, 2006, 08:15:37 AM
Post by: UncleBob on November 04, 2006, 05:09:08 PM
You probably won't be able to tell, but this one says "Minimum 20 per store". Interesting.
And here's my register at work with my Wii Shrine.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/TheUncleBob/1104061942.jpg
Post by: Pale on November 04, 2006, 05:38:03 PM
I just have a feeling the people at wal mart will get pissed at me for calling so much and start lying to me.
Post by: UncleBob on November 04, 2006, 05:46:02 PM
Seriously though, if you call every hour even, the store employees will hate you and do everything in their power to prevent you from getting a Wii.
Just plan on getting there early (I'm planning 6PM, but that could change) and plan on bringing your DS (I might bring my NES/SNES/N64/GCN if I can talk my store manager into letting me have some space...) and enjoy yourself.
Post by: ShyGuy on November 04, 2006, 06:52:26 PM
Interestingly, they were doing handouts and a line for a "$800" laptop that was going on sale for $400 at midnight.
Post by: Chris1 on November 05, 2006, 08:57:02 AM
Post by: Dirk Temporo on November 05, 2006, 08:57:55 AM
Post by: Ceric on November 05, 2006, 09:07:06 AM
Post by: Pale on November 05, 2006, 01:14:30 PM
Post by: Nick DiMola on November 05, 2006, 05:44:22 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Pale
Well I'll have at least 3 other people plus my fiance to camp and play DS with me. I was planning on getting there between 6-7 pm, but I was hoping I could call just in case. Hmm.
I hope 6-7 pm won't be too late. I was thinking the same time, but after seeing how much hype is surrounding the system, I think I might get there even earlier. BTW did you decide which Walmart you are camping at Pale? I think I'm going to do up the Henrietta store. Since most RIT students will be gone and the Henrietta spot will most likely be getting the biggest allotment it seems to be the best choice.
Post by: Pale on November 05, 2006, 05:47:21 PM
Post by: SixthAngel on November 05, 2006, 06:20:52 PM
Everyones attitudes have really changed, before few people were worried about not getting a Wii but now the fear is spreading.
Post by: Kairon on November 05, 2006, 07:54:29 PM
But 4:30 to 6:00 am sounds good, the only people who lined up before then in my line were people who were staying over night.
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: UncleBob on November 06, 2006, 02:48:40 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: SixthAngel
This is going to be my first time getting a console at launch. I didn't think I would have to line up so early. Will problems arise if I don't have buddy with me to hold my spot when I go to the bathroom?
Everyones attitudes have really changed, before few people were worried about not getting a Wii but now the fear is spreading.
What I can tell from when I've waited in line before, typically people don't mind you going to the restroom - after all, we all have to do it! But don't plan on leaving for McDonald's or such... the generosity of the line only goes so far.
Post by: MaryJane on November 06, 2006, 02:53:28 AM
Post by: Spak-Spang on November 06, 2006, 04:17:20 AM
Walmart doesn't want lines of people in their stores forming that early at all.
I would show up around 6pm and ask if they are using a number system or what...and ask if you can get a number early.
If not I would visit the store around 10PM and if there is no line then drop by again at 11pm.
Seriously, I went to the Walmart for the PS2 launch and they didn't want lines or hordes of people. At that launch they said they only had like 10 units, and there were about 50 people waiting in line. If stores are getting 20+ I am betting it will be closer to 30-40 per larger stores...and you should be fine.
I am pretty lucky. In Arlington, Texas I have 2 Walmarts, 2 Best Buys, 1 Toys R Us, 4 Game Stops, 1 Circuit City, 1 Sears.
Basically, I believe most people that were the early adopters will have reserved.
If you assume that each store note reserving will get a minimum of 20 Wii then
a minimum of 120 system not reserved will be available. I would assume it will be closer to 200-250.
Easy to pick one up.
Post by: UncleBob on November 06, 2006, 11:38:00 AM
Got some more numbers today. I'm going off the top of my head because I don't have my list handy.
18 Classic Controllers
3 points cards
7 Nunchucks.
No regular controllers showing up yet.
Yup. That's it folks.
Post by: Kairon on November 06, 2006, 11:50:25 AM
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: 31 Flavas on November 06, 2006, 11:54:00 AM
Only 3?
Post by: Bill Aurion on November 06, 2006, 01:47:42 PM
Post by: BlkPaladin on November 06, 2006, 02:39:06 PM
Ok it looks like it will happen at 3pm on the 18th in front of the Gamestop in Delavan, WI (We have to ask permission first.). The list of characters will be Wario, Mario, Luigi, Pit, Link and either Princess Peach or Zelda. We will be using parasols, hammers, and paper fans, and Mew.
We will have some one tape it and I will put it up on my web site, I have to find some one to edit it to add the smash brother sounds to it. I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate the realease of a new console.
Post by: IceCold on November 06, 2006, 06:43:12 PM
Post by: WuTangTurtle on November 06, 2006, 11:58:25 PM
Post by: BlkPaladin on November 07, 2006, 12:56:00 AM
Post by: Chris1 on November 10, 2006, 08:29:15 AM
Post by: ShyGuy on November 10, 2006, 08:45:04 AM
Post by: WuTangTurtle on November 10, 2006, 10:11:39 PM
Oh and I'm just gonna buy all my Wii stuff at once (about $600 worth), just to see the looks on peoples faces. It's funny actually I had a friend who's mom was a manager for a Toys "R" Us and he got the N64 and GCN at launch and well he was an ass about it. He was let into the store early while alot of people were lined up and purchased the system and he purposely walked out so every person outside waiting in line could see him, kinda funny but kinda mean.
Post by: Hocotate on November 10, 2006, 10:15:51 PM
Also, someone should have pushed that kid down and snatched his console.
Post by: Nile Boogie on November 14, 2006, 12:34:54 PM
12:01am
•Min. 20 units per store.
•Slips given out in line to insure everyone waiting gets a Wii(starting at 8pm Nov. 18th)
•Cameras and Extra security will be on hand to prevent "cuts in line" (Maybe only in Philly?)
•Some people are already in line (at last count 5 in line for PS3, 1 for Wii)
I don't get off work till 9:30 and the only 24hour walmart is about 40mins out of the way from where I live. So by the time I get there I may well be out of luck but "it is the hunt thats drives us, not the kill".
Post by: Dirk Temporo on November 14, 2006, 01:12:14 PM
EDIT: Where did you find the info about the people lining up?
Post by: Nile Boogie on November 14, 2006, 02:25:08 PM
The Manager of the Walmart at Franklin Mills Mall (Philadelphia)
Post by: UncleBob on November 14, 2006, 02:40:38 PM
Should be, but I wouldn't guarantee this to anyone. We were supposed to be getting Minimum 10 60 Gig PS3's per store.
We're getting two. (and two 20 gig units too)
But my store is actually getting twenty Wii.
•Slips given out in line to insure everyone waiting gets a Wii(starting at 8pm Nov. 18th)
Officially, the tickets are not supposed to be handed out until 10 PM. Unofficially, some stores will hand them out early, some stores won't hand them out at all.
•Cameras and Extra security will be on hand to prevent "cuts in line" (Maybe only in Philly?)
Per-store basis. In fact, I doubt there will really be extra cameras.
•Some people are already in line (at last count 5 in line for PS3, 1 for Wii)
Wow. I'd hate to be that 5th person in line... wonder if he'll get one.
We got our first Wii game in today. I took a picture, but I'm too lazy to upload it. It was Happy Feet. Still no word on when the accessories and what not are coming in, but it appears we only have 17 regular controllers coming in.
I said it before and I'll say it again, I think the controllers are going to be much harder to get than the systems...
Post by: Nile Boogie on November 14, 2006, 02:55:59 PM
Post by: UncleBob on November 14, 2006, 03:08:42 PM
But for those of us in smaller towns of about 5,000+ people, we're getting four PS3's and 20 Wiis. Regardless of what the flyer says.
Post by: Nile Boogie on November 14, 2006, 03:55:24 PM
SATIN!
Post by: vudu on November 15, 2006, 08:17:28 AM
QuoteWii consoles.
Originally posted by: Nile Boogie
Wait, is Wii the plural of Wii?
Post by: Louieturkey on November 15, 2006, 03:38:45 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: UncleBob
17 PS3's and 45 Wii might be what a store in a city with 1.5 million people (as of 2000) is getting in.
But for those of us in smaller towns of about 5,000+ people, we're getting four PS3's and 20 Wiis. Regardless of what the flyer says.
It is the exact same number for us here in a city of 80,000+ people. 4 PS3's and 20-24 Wii's.
Post by: Pale on November 15, 2006, 03:42:32 PM
Post by: Ceric on November 15, 2006, 03:44:09 PM
Post by: Cyrian on November 15, 2006, 04:39:51 PM
Post by: Pale on November 16, 2006, 09:49:40 AM
Post by: vudu on November 16, 2006, 09:57:55 AM
QuoteYou're going to have to explain this one ....
Originally posted by: Pale
I just wanted to say that Uncle Bob is a god among men!
Post by: Louieturkey on November 16, 2006, 10:26:46 AM
Post by: coolsebas on November 16, 2006, 11:54:40 AM
I went to my local wal-mart today and they happen to have the controllers and games in stock!
But it turns out that I wasn't able to buy Zelda and the controllers because the computer didn't let them.
So I was wondering if it was their fault for not being able to sell me the controllers or is it because of a street date?
Post by: UncleBob on November 16, 2006, 03:34:47 PM
However, at Wal*Mart, if the register says "Sell not allowed", it means sell not allowed. One can be terminated for going around this - so don't try to aruge, it's not gonna happen.
Quote
Originally posted by: vuduQuoteYou're going to have to explain this one ....
Originally posted by: Pale
I just wanted to say that Uncle Bob is a god among men!
It's the Man-Nipple
Post by: Chris1 on November 17, 2006, 10:12:47 AM
Post by: BranDonk Kong on November 17, 2006, 10:58:32 AM
Post by: Louieturkey on November 17, 2006, 11:10:14 AM
Post by: Ceric on November 17, 2006, 11:41:10 AM
Welp, the Walmart I'm going to is only getting around 20 and there is already 1 person in line. The line is going to be in the Lawn and Garden Section.
Post by: KnowsNothing on November 18, 2006, 04:14:47 AM
Post by: Cortez the Kiler on November 18, 2006, 04:21:24 AM
Post by: MLS_man_64 on November 19, 2006, 02:01:06 PM
Post by: zakkiel on November 19, 2006, 02:39:54 PM
Post by: Nick DiMola on November 19, 2006, 04:19:17 PM
Post by: UncleBob on November 20, 2006, 12:48:32 AM
Post by: NWR_DrewMG on November 20, 2006, 02:10:28 AM
