All, I just wanted to quickly address the in stock alerts for the Wii Console at Amazon showing up for $349. Obviously, or maybe not that obvious to some, this unit is being sold by a 3rd party Hubbagames. While this tactic is commonplace on Amazon for other products, this is actually the first time since the Wii launched late last year that I have seen Amazon allow a 3rd party reseller show up in this manner.

With that said, the way my spidering script works, it checks to see if the price is viewable and does a few other checks before alerting. As a result of this 3rd party and its reference to the Wii in this manner, my script is showing in stock as it does on Amazon, but at $349. My question to all… Should I take the time to fix this or does it not bother you?

On average, Wii stock at Amazon sells out in 4-8 minutes. Hence, over the past few months the Amazon Wii alerts have not been quick enough. While I have managed to receive the email alerts with time to click the link and order one while they were still in stock, I do realize that most people are not in tune with their email as much as I am. Even at that, there have been times when I have been slow enough and they were gone. One of the reasons for this is the fact that my spiders check the pages on average every 3-4 minutes. So, if Wii’s come in stock at Amazon and my spider doesn’t run for another 2-4 minutes, coupled with the time for you to receive the email, it is too late already.

In order to combat this, I have decided to run Amazon seperately on a faster schedule. This should increase the time to actual alert to more around the 1-1.5 minute time frame. In essence, this is a dramatic shift because 2-4 minutes difference can mean the difference between “in stock” or “sold out”. I may decide to crank up this checking even further, but I still can only send emails so fast. So, when you receive an alert for Amazon, you need to act FAST!

We shall see how this new script pans out. I expect that this week Amazon will receive another shipment on Thursday or Friday. If not this week, I would say next week for sure.

GameStop has once again changed up their Wii Bundles with the introduction of the Big Bundle and the Mario Bundle. I have gone ahead and replaced the previously existing bundles with these new bundles so if you were subscribed to these alerts in the past, you are already set, unless you were not subscribed to both bundles and want alerts for the other one.

In order to see which bundles you are subscribed to, always consult with the list here.

On a side note, the direct link to the Mario Bundle was not working properly so I made the link head straight to the Wii Bundle list.

I have updated eToys and added new Wii Bundles, #9 & #10 replacing the previously existing Bundles #7 & #8. If you were previously signed up for either #7 or #8, then you are automatically signed up for #9 & #10 respectively. However, if you were not, you better act quick and grab one of the Wii units currently in stock (July 26th) or sign up for future alerts.

It appears that Gamestop has discontinued the Super Bundle. I have gone ahead and removed if from the tracker.

As the days continue to roll, the Elite continues to hide from the hands of people. Is Microsoft trying to build up the same momentum that the Wii currently has? Spotty stock options appear at random at times and can not be judged for future release scheduling. When stock does reveal itself; it usually only lasts minutes. Hang in there and sign up for email alerts, be patient, and be ready; you will get yours.

Yes, Sears has a horrible inventory system. I know this, but my hands are pretty much tied. I can either delete it and stop checking for in stock availability or we can all deal with the errors that their site provides. I have chosen the later of the two. If the errors are driving you crazy, I would suggest that you just unsubscribe from the Sears alert and wait for one of the other stores to receive stock. I know it can be really disheartening, but those are the only options we have available.

Sorry for all your frustrations,
Justin

It appears that they have changed the bundle page to a console only page. I can only assume why they have done this. My assumption is that there are certain stores across the country that have the consoles in stock and they are trying to promote this.

My advice is to click on the link, follow the Buy Now button, enter your zip code, and check local store inventory. If you are a lucky customer that shows inventory in stock, add to cart, and buy right away with the option to pick up in store. This will ensure that you are purchasing the unit without having to run to the store and end up being disappointed if they run out of stock.

They have gone out of stock, but once again, still remain to show status of in stock. This doesn’t surprise me as it appears the team that manages Kmart also manages Sears site.

I was wrong, the Wii’s never showed up on last Thursday or Friday at either Circuit City or Amazon. However, two business day later, on Tuesday June 19th, they came in stock at Amazon! Again on Wednesday, the 20th another batch was released. Overall, I think I did very well. Not exact, but close enough for an item that continues to be very rare. So rare for so long!!!

A word to the wise, be quick! As the stock continues to appear, those looking for the Wii need to be quick after receiving the alert emails. The last stock available at Amazon went in less than 4 minutes, and the stock on June 19th went in just under 10 minutes. Stayed tuned to your emails and all will get one eventually. Have faith, be patient, and act quickly!