If you’re looking to buy a Wii, chances are you haven’t found one. Even when it becomes available, you have to worry about those pesky Ebay sellers who show up everywhere the console appears to buy and then sell it at a higher price. But I know how you can find one, and you may not have to pay double the price to do so.

I’ve already mentioned one method, Ebay, but the auction site can prove to be a shady place of business. I know I’m not the only who’s been shafted by someone or other on the site, and you probably don’t want to pay $500 for something that retails for $250.The other methods are a lot better.

Online tracking sites: For popular products that tend to sell out very quickly, people will usually set up online trackers to help others find such desired products. The Wii is no exception and has developed a healthy community  of online trackers. You’ll find a few here, here, and here. Thanks to these sites, I can say that eToys.com has the Wii in stock but only in a 4 game bundle that costs $450.

Befriend store managers: A friend of mine was so excited for the Wii, that he was ready to wait in line days before the console’s release. Before he did so, he showed up at his local Fry’s to ask the manager if it was OK to do so. During the discussion, my friend managed to convince the manager to reserve a unit for him. He didn’t have to wait in line and showed up for the console’s release on his own time to pick it  up. This is probably the quickest way to get a Wii for $250.

So if you know anybody in "the business" or are willing to make new friends, don’t hesitate to use your connections.

Related:

Damn Factories: Nintendo delays Wii production expansion

Can Halo 3 save the Xbox 360 from the Wii?

Insider: Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive will soon be $49.99

Your next-gen console gets graded: Find out which is best

Xbox 360 price cuts have begun in Europe

Entry was posted on Thursday, August 23rd, 2007 at 12:54 pm under Opinion, Wii.

Read more entries by Danny Mendez.
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