Would You Pay a Premium to Get Your Hands on a Gadget?

December 19, 2008

Despite the economic downturn, tech toys like the Kindle and Nintendo Wii have sold out online and in stores across the country. Even with a 50 percent increase in Wii shipments, there's still a major shortage, with retailers like Wal-Mart resorting to a one-per-person purchasing cap limit.

In desperate need of a Wii this holiday season? Sites like eBay are offering the little white console for two-thirds more than you would pay at stores like Best Buy or Wal-mart — for a grand total of $310 for a new unit on eBay and $365 on Amazon. How does that make you feel?

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17 Comments

sandia 4 years 22 weeks

I wouldn't pay extra. I don't mind waiting a bit longer to get a gadget.

kcwebgirl 4 years 22 weeks

have we not learned anything about living outside our means with our economy in the tank? i paid a little extra for my wii when i bought it but only because of shipping and handling. i wouldn't pay that much extra to buy it online. not that deep. besides, if you save up for it, and keep the money on you, you will eventually find one. i always see them at game stop and the best buy near me.

MisterPinkNoTip 4 years 22 weeks

Nintendo should raise the price of the Wii. If set at an appropriate price, there would not be shortages.

melizzle 4 years 22 weeks

I paid a premium to get Mario Kart for Wii ahead of time. Soooo worth it. :)

melizzle 4 years 22 weeks

I paid a premium to get Mario Kart for Wii ahead of time.Soooo worth it. :)

Berlin 4 years 22 weeks

I actually got mine from eBay back after Thanksgiving, came brand new, sealed 2008 edition with the Wii Console, Sonic Game, Wii Sports & the Wii Fit + Balance Board...all shipped FedEx for only $330.

verily 4 years 22 weeks

Nope, I just wait. I found a Wii in Target about a week after Christmas. Patience (and a little luck) is key.

kia 4 years 22 weeks

I would not pay extra to get a gadget sooner. They are just going to be improved upon and updated shortly afterwards. The only thing I would make an effort to get early is a new camera, but you can generally plan on getting those when they first come out if you plan right.

macgirl 4 years 22 weeks

Can someone tell me what is wrong with Nintendo?? The Wii has been out for over two years and it is still nearly impossible to walk into a store at any given time of the year and just purchase one off the shelf. Are they doing it on purpose? Does someone need to fly to Japan and help them with their assembly line? I have paid a little bit more for gadgets to have them sooner but not that much more.

macgirl 4 years 22 weeks

CoralAmber 4 years 22 weeks

If I really want it bad I put down a deposit and pre-order (like I did with the Wii Fit). Otherwise I wait to find one and pay the retail price. Paying extra to make sure I get one before Joe Shmoe would make me feel really stupid if he got one at wal-mart a week later.

hippiecowgirl 4 years 22 weeks

No. They'll probably be much easier to find after the holidays. A little delayed gratification can save quite a bit of money.

queen_ladybug 4 years 22 weeks

I used some connections with a coworker to get my hands on a Wii for my kids. He knew someone that worked in the warehouse at Walmart and could get him to set aside one. I only paid the regular store price and bought my coworker lunch.

HelloKittyMini 4 years 22 weeks

My advice is to go to a local store that is willing to take your name and number. The big box stores won't call you when a product comes in. If you make nice with a local retailer, they might be more willing to help you out when a shipment comes in.

LadyLibertine 4 years 22 weeks

nope

LadyLibertine 4 years 22 weeks

nope

amloveaffair 4 years 22 weeks

No. I don't understand why people 'are in desperate need' of something materialistic. Sure gifts are nice but can't you be satisfied with what you already got? Being in desperate need of something other than the company of family and friends is not what Christmas is all about.

Link Love

17 Comments

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