For the last couple of weeks I have been trying to get a Nintendo Wii for my brothers. I figured that since this game console has been out for over a year it should be no problem. I was wrong.
Every single online retailer has been sold out. I was on the phone with tens of stores in the last couple of weeks with no luck. I signed up at wiialerts.com, they promise to text me when ever wiis become avaliable at a major online retailer. A couple of days ago Amazon.com has some consoles available and I was texted. It took me me 10 minutes from the time Amazon put the consoles for sale and i was able to add one to my account, too late, they sold out on 8 minutes! But I do recommend the wiialerts site.
This morning all the Targets had Wiis in stock. I woke up at 10am, in the store by 10:30am, too late. Some of the stores I went to had over 80 units, which were sold in less than an hour. You snooze, you lose. I guess I only have myself to blame.
I eventually went on to Craigs List to find somebody nearby who was selling a Wii that they surely they got this morning. They were asking $340 ($70 above retail), I caved. I felt like I was buying drugs. We met in a parking lot at a half way point from our respective homes. He inspected the cash, I inspected the console. Transaction was a success.
Since he paid for the console with cash I went back to Target returned the console and repurchased it with my credit card. Now the console has accidental insurance and extended warranty via my Amex card. I also picked up an extra remote + numchuck + game for an extra $75. Overall I spent $400 on this Wii. Supply and demand sucks, but at least I have the satisfaction of hearing them play and be merry.
