When is a pre-order not really a pre-order?

When it's from Best Buy, that's when. Turns out those suckers valuable consumers who nabbed a PS3 pre-order from Best Buy's online store are getting the cold shoulder from the mega retailer. Best Buy sent out a curt email to customers the other day saying, "Your preorder for the PlayStation 3 gaming system will be canceled." Best Buy sez that its online store system was not "intended to take preorders," despite the fact that Best Buy availed its online store system to just such an purpose. As a consolation, pre-orderers are getting a $10 Digital Coupon towards a future www.bestbuy.com purchase, but we're not sure that's going to do much to cheer up little Jimmy on Chrismahanukwanzakah morning. In other news, tipster Robert K. just got word that his Play.com pre-order of the Wii won't be honored at launch. His note blamed "European shortage of the Nintendo Wii Consoles," so we'll be watching to see if this is part of a larger problem of Nintendo delivery in Europe, or simply a screw-up on the part of Play.com.

[h0ss66 @ Nov 7th 2006 2:51PM]

HAAAAAAAA ps3 sucks

[lola @ Jun 22nd 2009 3:01AM]

Ha, Xbox 360 SUCKS!

[Rick Person @ Nov 7th 2006 2:52PM]

Can we say RIOT?

[Giltronic @ Nov 7th 2006 3:00PM]

ouch
there goes best buys confidence with sony

if the ps3 is too hard to get, it is not going to do well.

[vincent @ Nov 7th 2006 5:39PM]

If its not going to do well....

doesnt that mean its in something called

"HIGH DEMAND"?!! when HIGH DEMAND is enagaged that means ALOT of PEOPLE want to buy it. Just because there isnt enough for EVERYONE who WANTS one, doesnt mean it wont "do well". Im pretty sure sony wants em sold, doesnt matter how many people who "didnt get one" complains, as long as they're sold out, sony is busy counting their cash.

your logic makes no sense, the ps3 isnt "Hard to get" its not in alaska, or under the ocean, its in high demand. Its hard to get because everyone wants one.

Please, think, before you post.

[ringojohn @ Nov 7th 2006 2:58PM]

Don't blame the retailer. They are doing the best they can. Blame the manufacturer for creating all the hype and failing to deliver in adequate supply.

[Lula @ Oct 29th 2007 11:58AM]

Do blame the retailer...this particular company makes a habit of things like this. They took an order from me, held over $500 for 2 weeks and then cancellation came hours before delivery (which had been scheduled for the entire 2 weeks). They have no interest in their conusmers or repeat business.

[kevan @ Nov 7th 2006 4:45PM]

I blame big bird.

[helio9000 @ Nov 7th 2006 3:03PM]

Maybe finally, at long last, people will begin to understand the astonishing depths of Best Buy's absolute and utter ass-sucking..uh,er, um...suckiness.

[cameron @ Nov 7th 2006 3:02PM]

Wrong--this is the retailer's fault. If there's question about whether they'll be able to deliver on preorders, then don't take preorders. This is exactly the reason why I haven't preordered anything--too much bullshit.

[John Jackobson @ Nov 7th 2006 3:03PM]

It wasn't a REAL pre-order event. Someone found a test link off google that just happen to still be active.

[Wellard @ Nov 7th 2006 3:04PM]

I am a little annoyed with Play.com today, they seem to be screwing up all my pre-orders recently, including my pre-order for a Wii.

[Samifumi @ Nov 7th 2006 3:08PM]

Best buy is good for one thing only: buying something when you need it immediately, buying it off the internet for cheaper (with no tax) and returning the thing you bought at Best Buy. Other than that, I dont know why anyone would buy something from these guys.

[mcr @ Nov 7th 2006 3:08PM]

everybody should wait 6 months to buy a PS3 anyhow. I finally got to play Gran Turismo HD last week for quite a while and I wasn't all that impressed. Learn from the suckers who paid $1000 or more for an Xbox360 last year.

[Jon Vigil @ Nov 7th 2006 3:10PM]

Best Buy is garbage. Not only did their csr's tell people for 2 days that these pre orders would be accepted and shipped but they also have placed holds on peoples CC accounts and the money is not being released after the order cancellation. Some people are being told that it can take up to several weeks to get these holds removed. UTTER GARBAGE!!!!!!!! Regardless of where the link appeard from Best Buys handling of this whole thing stinks.

[John Stracke @ Nov 7th 2006 3:23PM]

"Some people are being told that it can take up to several weeks to get these holds removed." -- Call your bank and cancel the charge.

[NHAnimator @ Nov 7th 2006 3:12PM]

Hmmm. Wasn't it a local Best Buy who was gouging customers during the 360 launch - essentially telling them they HAD to buy accessories/games to jack up the minimum sales? They even sent out memo stating such.

[Vanillacide @ Nov 7th 2006 3:13PM]

From:
Date: Tue, 7 Nov 2006 11:33:04 +0000
To:
Subject: Your Nintendo Wii order with Play.com

Dear Customer,

Due to a European shortage of the Nintendo Wii Consoles, we regret to inform you that Play.com will be unable to supply your pre-ordered Nintendo Wii at launch. As an Official distributor of Nintendo products we are guaranteed more stock before Christmas, but Nintendo have informed us, along with all other official Nintendo retailers, that the console will not be freely available until next year.

All pre-orders will be fulfilled on a first come, first served basis and we will fulfil your order as soon as we can.

If you no longer wish to keep your pre-order with Play.com please login to your account and remove the item from your Outstanding Orders.

Kind Regards

PLAY.COM

[Andy Briggs @ Nov 7th 2006 3:13PM]

I suffer from the same problem as Robert K. I'm not sure whether to ride it out with play.com or to try and move onto someone else (ToysRUs aren't taking preorders just yet...). Can someone please offer some guidance? Couldn't this message have just been passed out to all play.com preorders? it is from [e-mail] - I can't imagine them picking and choosing which e-mail addresses to send this email too (too much time). I might be lucky to get a Wii before Christmas here in the UK at this rate...

[Greg @ Nov 7th 2006 3:17PM]

Sounds about right. I paid in full with a credit card for a xbox 360 from hollywood video in Postfalls Idaho. When they recieved there supply they called to inform me I had 24 hours to pick it up or they would sell it to somebody else. I talked to the district manager and he assured me that was there policy. I only bought the right to buy it for $400.00 prepaid. Hollywood video, dont preorder from them. Just dont buy from them!!

[Paul @ Nov 7th 2006 3:27PM]

From what I hear Best Buy never sells pre-order to console systems so this was truly a slip up by an un-informed employee so no need to rip best buy as a whole a new a-hole

[Rajio @ Nov 7th 2006 3:42PM]

Please. Who would be stupid enough to pre-order from Best Buy after their antics with the Xbox 360 Preorders? Caveat Emptor Bitches.

[John @ Nov 7th 2006 3:44PM]

One thing the article doesn't mention is that it was a back door link that was found via Froogle. It was never intended to be a public presale, at least at the time the link was discovered.

[sendeth @ Nov 7th 2006 3:45PM]

you can't blame sony. with the exception of the brief one day of pre orders, sony has repeatedly told retailers "DO NOT TAKE PREORDERS"

i have had many many many problems at best buy. there is a reason that people on here make fun of avid best buy shoppers.

[jondo @ Nov 7th 2006 5:01PM]

I feel it necessary to rebut the misinformation that is being spread on this site concerning the Best Buy preorder.

The page was not just some test page. It was accessible on Saturday night via the 2006 Holiday Gift Guide. Clicking on the PS3 in the Gift Guide took you directly to a page with the PS3 on it. It was a fully functioning link and appeared to be legit. That is how I found the link.

[GioNYC @ Nov 7th 2006 3:47PM]

I worked at Bestbuy years back. U have to see the customers that come in on Sat & Sun. They absolutely have nothing to do but wander around and spend money. That place is like going to a supermarket and buying Retail cheap Spagetti Sauce rather than going to a Gourmet Shop. The shelves are always out of stock. Theres never something availible you need. I say just make your purchase online, save on TAX and wait 6 months just like PSP. By then PS3 Revision 2 will come out. I saw the PS3 at a NYC EXPO and was not impressed. Ahhhhhh.... what ever happened to the Good old Nintendo w/Super Mario Bros ???

[NHAnimator @ Nov 7th 2006 3:54PM]

Back door link? Uh, here's an idea for a multi-billion dollar company specializing in high-tech toys: Don't upload a webpage you don't want to be public.

[Gustad Mody @ Nov 7th 2006 4:04PM]

"Best Buy sez " sez... common dont get all teenager on us please

thanks

[Markc.us @ Nov 7th 2006 4:13PM]

The question is why did they have pre-order links on their server if they never intended to do an online pre-order? Why even make the pages?

Whoever leaked them should be fired. If you think about all the $10 coupons they gave out, the leaker probably cost them thousands of dollars and some bad pub (it there is such a thing).

[sam @ Nov 7th 2006 4:16PM]

that's why you should preorder on gamestop.com
http://www.gamestop.com/gs/ps3/ps3_signup.asp

[JimBlaze @ Nov 8th 2006 2:13AM]

Anyone that doesn�t vote today is an FING LOOSER!! And don�t whine when you get drafted in the next couple of years because the Robber Barons aren�t done stealing yet. If you can�t spare 1 hour out of every 2 year span, you get what you deserve! NOW VOTE TODAY and GET WORKED UP OVER GADGETS TOMORROW. DON�T BE A LO"O"SER!!!!!!

[Jeff @ Nov 7th 2006 4:34PM]

"Someone found a test link off google that just happen to still be active."

It wasn't a "test link". It was a real link, same as every other link on their site. It was live and everything worked just like placing any other order. There was no reason to think it wasn't legit.

They may have not meant people to use it, but that doesn't make it a "test link". It was simply some sort of error, and most likely a human one. It was not a "system glitch" as they said either - system glitches don't result in successfully completed preorders for the correct retail price with shipping and tax correctly applied.

I placed one of these orders myself, hoping it was legit but knowing it might be a mistake. They could have chosen to honor it, though, but they didn't. Oh well, them's the breaks. I wouldn't have even cared, though, if I didn't get a system on launch day - I just want to be able to order it from somewhere, sans bundle, and then forget about it until it actually shows up at my door.

Why won't any retailer do that? Take my money, please! I'll give it to the first reputable retailer that posts a non-bundle preorder link, even without guaranteeing a date.

[qp @ Nov 7th 2006 4:51PM]

I think the solution is to buy a 360 this year, and get the Wii and/or PS3 next year. Heck the PS3 is bound to get a price drop next year...or at least I hope there is :) I think aside from fretting over availability launch titles tend to suck (or I would've been tempted to go through this last year for 360 instead of waiting...still waiting...for this Christmas season)

[TVGenius @ Nov 7th 2006 4:54PM]

Boo hoo. Fakey pre-order = no system for you. Stand in line like a man! Or save the eBay markup and buy a Wii now and a PS3 later... once all the bleeding-edge flaws are worked out...

[chezzo @ Nov 7th 2006 5:01PM]

When it's a jar :p

[mespinosam @ Nov 7th 2006 5:04PM]

I Love playing Fifa 2007 on my Xbox 360 , thats all i�m saying .

[Alienhead @ Nov 7th 2006 5:15PM]

UHGGGH!

[jared @ Nov 7th 2006 5:31PM]

I (for one) welcome our new preorder-invalidating overlords.

[Alcaron @ Nov 7th 2006 6:04PM]

$10 for nothing and people bitch.

Not to mention, since when does Bust Buy "availing" their site to preorders mean that EVERYTHING will be available for such? I mean, come on...it was a glitch, they mucked up, and they gave everyone $10 who was effected as a way of saying "oops, sorry guys".

wtf is the problem?

[Jeff @ Nov 7th 2006 6:05PM]

Nobody's yet answered my question, and I understand it's probably because nobody knows the answer. But let me pontificate a bit further.

We all know retailers are only accepting preorders (if they are at all) for launch quantities, i.e. if they can't deliver you a system at launch, no preorder. Why is this? Wouldn't the first retailer to open up preorders, even specifically telling people there's no guaranteed date, make buckets and buckets of money?

Let's say Best Buy didn't cancel all these orders, but instead sent everyone an email that said "we can't guarantee your delivery date, and in fact we predict it could be months before we can send you a PS3, therefore we're giving you the option to cancel." I guarantee that 90% of those orders would have remained intact. As it is, all those people will now be searching elsewhere for their PS3's.

I just don't get why any retailer is turning down orders. I want to give you my money! I don't want a forced bundle, but I do want to order some games and BD movies along with it, so you'll be making just as much off me as anybody else. I don't care when I get it; I know the major retailers are all going to continue to get restocked at about equal intervals. There are plenty of us out there who don't care about launch day but just do not want to spend the time or effort trying to track one of these systems down for god knows how long. Just put me in the queue and send me a system whenever.

It just seems to go against one of the basic tenets of retail. I want to give you money, and you don't want to take it? What the hell is up with that? And it's not just Best Buy, either - it's *every* retailer.

Where's GameStop's preorder scam when you actually need it? They're constantly beating you over the head with that, until you actually *want* to preorder something.

[catfish @ Nov 7th 2006 7:05PM]

One problem with that line of thought: Best Buy isn't going to lose any money by refusing the pre-orders. (other than the gift cards, but thats negligible.)

Basically, it doesn't matter if they have all their systems pre-ordered: Every single unit they can get their hands on for the next 3 months or so is going to fly off the shelves, pre-order or no.

So rather than try and salvage the pre-orders, (extra paperwork, man-hours, etc.) they just decided to cancel. Perfectly legitimate from a business standpoint.

[chenry @ Nov 7th 2006 10:56PM]

Wow. If my Wii preorder isn't honoured by Amazon.ca, I'm-a go burn down their office.

[Adam Backstrom @ Nov 8th 2006 9:50AM]

This is why I can't bring myself to preorder anything. There are several upcoming things I want, but there are just too many horror stories and too many cases where your preorder is not even guaranteed.

[Jamithy @ Nov 8th 2006 2:07PM]

I had a pre-order from Play.com, I phoned them they said I definately not get Wii before X-mas. If you Phone Argos though they may have some, they seem to know how many they are getting and how many pre-orders they have left.

[Gingerbob @ Nov 12th 2006 3:40AM]

I pre-ordered my Wii on the 16th SEPTEMBER, and if I don't get it on launch day (after being stupid and not pre-ordering my 360 last year), I'm going to be really angry. How early are you supposed to pre-order these things to get on at launch? 6 months? A year? I think we should start pre-ordering PS4 sometime soon...

[Andrew Grover @ Nov 18th 2006 10:47AM]

Preordered on June 5th and paid in full ....needless to say I didnt get one