More PS3 bad news...Japan launch units cut 20%

Page 2 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.

mugs

Lifer
Apr 29, 2003
48,920
46
91
Originally posted by: her34
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: randay
What they need to do is stop all this bullsh!t reselling crap.

Then they'd either need to release it when they have enough units filled to meet demand (something they obviously don't want to do) or raise the price to buy it initially. Personally I think they should jack up the price to $1500 right off the bat and drop it later. If people are willing to pay that much, then Sony should get the money, not scalpers. Sony invested the money in development, they assumed all of the risk, they deserve the profit. Scalpers assume no risk, because they'd just return it to the store if it doesn't sell for a profit.

But of course then Sony would be criticized for pricing it so high. "Think about the children!" Meh. Screw the children.

delaying is the better option

From whose perspective? Sony gets oodles of cash (actually makes a profit on the initial units :Q ) and the suckers who want to pay 2-3x retail price to be the first on the block to own one get what they want. They could even make it a special case design that is only available for the first ~1 million units, call it the PS3 Limited Edition and say they're charging more because it'll be a collector's item.
 

randay

Lifer
May 30, 2006
11,018
216
106
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: randay
What they need to do is stop all this bullsh!t reselling crap.

Then they'd either need to release it when they have enough units filled to meet demand (something they obviously don't want to do) or raise the price to buy it initially. Personally I think they should jack up the price to $1500 right off the bat and drop it later. If people are willing to pay that much, then Sony should get the money, not scalpers. Sony invested the money in development, they assumed all of the risk, they deserve the profit. Scalpers assume no risk, because they'd just return it to the store if it doesn't sell for a profit.

But of course then Sony would be criticized for pricing it so high. "Think about the children!" Meh. Screw the children.

Well not exactly screw the children, screw the scalpers, and if some children must suffer then, Meh. I was thinking more of a law or some sorts, or kicking ebay in the mfing teef. Or possibly linking the serial number to the original buyer, dunno how that would work or be enforced though.

Now that I think about it delaying would be good too. All I know is I want to get my PS3 without knowing that I just gave some guy free money. I wouldnt mind paying for an overpriced thing if I wanted it badly enough, but I do mind getting scalped(though I have never knowingly been), or just being denied my prize because of all the scalping.
 

mugs

Lifer
Apr 29, 2003
48,920
46
91
Originally posted by: Mursilis
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: randay
What they need to do is stop all this bullsh!t reselling crap.

Then they'd either need to release it when they have enough units filled to meet demand (something they obviously don't want to do) or raise the price to buy it initially. Personally I think they should jack up the price to $1500 right off the bat and drop it later. If people are willing to pay that much, then Sony should get the money, not scalpers. Sony invested the money in development, they assumed all of the risk, they deserve the profit. Scalpers assume no risk, because they'd just return it to the store if it doesn't sell for a profit.

But of course then Sony would be criticized for pricing it so high. "Think about the children!" Meh. Screw the children.

Scalpers assume a fair bit of risk - camping out all night on the cold concrete in front of some store is investing time. I'm sure the person would otherwise spend that time doing something they actually enjoy. Isn't that what most employed people due - trade time for $$? And what if the demand is much less than expected? What if a store only has 10, and you're no. 11 in line? Someone would've camped out all night for nothing. There's risk involved, clearly; if there was no risk, everyone would be reselling PS3's on ebay, and if everyone were doing it, the ebay price would be the same as retail.

You're right, they do risk wasting their time, but they don't risk losing any money like Sony is, and that was my point.

But if everyone sold them on eBay the price would not be the same as retail. The market would determine the eBay price, while the retail price is held artificially low by the manufacturer.
 

her34

Senior member
Dec 4, 2004
581
1
81
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: her34
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: randay
What they need to do is stop all this bullsh!t reselling crap.

Then they'd either need to release it when they have enough units filled to meet demand (something they obviously don't want to do) or raise the price to buy it initially. Personally I think they should jack up the price to $1500 right off the bat and drop it later. If people are willing to pay that much, then Sony should get the money, not scalpers. Sony invested the money in development, they assumed all of the risk, they deserve the profit. Scalpers assume no risk, because they'd just return it to the store if it doesn't sell for a profit.

But of course then Sony would be criticized for pricing it so high. "Think about the children!" Meh. Screw the children.

delaying is the better option

From whose perspective? Sony gets oodles of cash (actually makes a profit on the initial units :Q ) and the suckers who want to pay 2-3x retail price to be the first on the block to own one get what they want. They could even make it a special case design that is only available for the first ~1 million units, call it the PS3 Limited Edition and say they're charging more because it'll be a collector's item.


bad from sony's perspective. even though it's a temporary price, the perception will be $250 wii vs $300-400 xbox360, vs $500-1500 ps3.

personally i'd be for a plan like that. it's dumb that most systems go to scalpers. and be prepared to see stories of dumb things happening in lines.




how long will it be until ps3 supply stabilizes? xbox360 took until april that was due to memory problems, a common component that wasn't cutting edge. ps3 is going to have problems with cell and blu-ray diodes which are new. on top of that blu-ray diodes will be in demand for regular players as well. i think it's possible for ps3 to be constantly sold out throughout all of 2007.


 

Mursilis

Diamond Member
Mar 11, 2001
7,756
11
81
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: Mursilis
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: randay
What they need to do is stop all this bullsh!t reselling crap.

Then they'd either need to release it when they have enough units filled to meet demand (something they obviously don't want to do) or raise the price to buy it initially. Personally I think they should jack up the price to $1500 right off the bat and drop it later. If people are willing to pay that much, then Sony should get the money, not scalpers. Sony invested the money in development, they assumed all of the risk, they deserve the profit. Scalpers assume no risk, because they'd just return it to the store if it doesn't sell for a profit.

But of course then Sony would be criticized for pricing it so high. "Think about the children!" Meh. Screw the children.

Scalpers assume a fair bit of risk - camping out all night on the cold concrete in front of some store is investing time. I'm sure the person would otherwise spend that time doing something they actually enjoy. Isn't that what most employed people due - trade time for $$? And what if the demand is much less than expected? What if a store only has 10, and you're no. 11 in line? Someone would've camped out all night for nothing. There's risk involved, clearly; if there was no risk, everyone would be reselling PS3's on ebay, and if everyone were doing it, the ebay price would be the same as retail.

You're right, they do risk wasting their time, but they don't risk losing any money like Sony is, and that was my point.

But if everyone sold them on eBay the price would not be the same as retail. The market would determine the eBay price, while the retail price is held artificially low by the manufacturer.

First, wasting time is wasting money. The scalper could have been at a job with a guaranteed wage. Second, if the manufacturer fails to meet demand, that's not the scalper's fault.

For all you people wanting to restrict resales of the PS3, what right do you have to do that? If someone wants to pay $2K for one, what do you care? If it's their own money, it's their right - end of story. The gov't has no business getting involved.
 

randay

Lifer
May 30, 2006
11,018
216
106
since when did sony make a profit on thier systems? im pretty sure they lose money. as long as im correct, sony will lose even more money by having systems in the hands of scalpers. people wont be able to buy games while the systems are in the hands of scalpers waiting to be sold, and people who actually buy those systems will have less money for games/accessories, since they gave thier money to the scalper. Really its not any different then scalping tickets, and afaik thats illegal?
 

Wreckem

Diamond Member
Sep 23, 2006
9,565
1,152
126
Originally posted by: randay
since when did sony make a profit on thier systems? im pretty sure they lose money. as long as im correct, sony will lose even more money by having systems in the hands of scalpers. people wont be able to buy games while the systems are in the hands of scalpers waiting to be sold, and people who actually buy those systems will have less money for games/accessories, since they gave thier money to the scalper. Really its not any different then scalping tickets, and afaik thats illegal?

Scalping is illegal, reselling is not. There are plenty of legal ways to purchase tickets and resell them. Scalping(selling the tickets infront of the venue before the event), is not one of them.
 

Conky

Lifer
May 9, 2001
10,709
0
0
Sony taught me with the PS2 that I shouldn't wait for a decent supply. I think they do this intentionally to create more demand. They did this for so long with the PS2 that I ended up buying an X-Box. :laugh:
 

mugs

Lifer
Apr 29, 2003
48,920
46
91
Originally posted by: Mursilis

First, wasting time is wasting money. The scalper could have been at a job with a guaranteed wage. Second, if the manufacturer fails to meet demand, that's not the scalper's fault.

When did I say it was the scalper's fault? :confused: I said Sony should jack up the price so THEY get the money instead. READ. You're so quick to defend scalping (which I have no problem with) that you don't even understand the point of my post.
 

mugs

Lifer
Apr 29, 2003
48,920
46
91
Originally posted by: Beachboy
Sony taught me with the PS2 that I shouldn't wait for a decent supply. I think they do this intentionally to create more demand. They did this for so long with the PS2 that I ended up buying an X-Box. :laugh:

Do you think buying an early PS2 (when they had the disc read issues) would have been a good idea? ;)
 

randay

Lifer
May 30, 2006
11,018
216
106
Originally posted by: Wreckem
Originally posted by: randay
since when did sony make a profit on thier systems? im pretty sure they lose money. as long as im correct, sony will lose even more money by having systems in the hands of scalpers. people wont be able to buy games while the systems are in the hands of scalpers waiting to be sold, and people who actually buy those systems will have less money for games/accessories, since they gave thier money to the scalper. Really its not any different then scalping tickets, and afaik thats illegal?

Scalping is illegal, reselling is not. There are plenty of legal ways to purchase tickets and resell them. Scalping(selling the tickets infront of the venue before the event), is not one of them.

I see. Wonder why everyone using that term...
 

Wreckem

Diamond Member
Sep 23, 2006
9,565
1,152
126
Originally posted by: randay
Originally posted by: Wreckem
Originally posted by: randay
since when did sony make a profit on thier systems? im pretty sure they lose money. as long as im correct, sony will lose even more money by having systems in the hands of scalpers. people wont be able to buy games while the systems are in the hands of scalpers waiting to be sold, and people who actually buy those systems will have less money for games/accessories, since they gave thier money to the scalper. Really its not any different then scalping tickets, and afaik thats illegal?

Scalping is illegal, reselling is not. There are plenty of legal ways to purchase tickets and resell them. Scalping(selling the tickets infront of the venue before the event), is not one of them.

I see. Wonder why everyone using that term...


TicketMaster sells the majority of their tickets to resellers, also called Ticket Brokers. Infact, TicketMaster is a reseller of its OWN tickets.

This is why major concerts sell out fast, you have ticket brokers buying huge lots of tickets.
 

EngenZerO

Diamond Member
Dec 24, 2001
5,099
2
0
Originally posted by: z0mb13
so people who preordered will probably not get one?

i hope not... i just camped out 22 hours this weekend at tru to get my pre-buy.
 

her34

Senior member
Dec 4, 2004
581
1
81
Originally posted by: EngenZerO
Originally posted by: z0mb13
so people who preordered will probably not get one?

i hope not... i just camped out 22 hours this weekend at tru to get my pre-buy.

camping out for preorders...
 

EngenZerO

Diamond Member
Dec 24, 2001
5,099
2
0
Originally posted by: her34
Originally posted by: EngenZerO
Originally posted by: z0mb13
so people who preordered will probably not get one?

i hope not... i just camped out 22 hours this weekend at tru to get my pre-buy.

camping out for preorders...

yep. in theory they will have mine nov. 17 and i can walk in anytime that day and pick it up...
 

Wreckem

Diamond Member
Sep 23, 2006
9,565
1,152
126
Originally posted by: EngenZerO
Originally posted by: her34
Originally posted by: EngenZerO
Originally posted by: z0mb13
so people who preordered will probably not get one?

i hope not... i just camped out 22 hours this weekend at tru to get my pre-buy.

camping out for preorders...

yep. in theory they will have mine nov. 17 and i can walk in anytime that day and pick it up...

Unless of course the store gets robbed.
 

randay

Lifer
May 30, 2006
11,018
216
106
Originally posted by: Wreckem
Originally posted by: EngenZerO
Originally posted by: her34
Originally posted by: EngenZerO
Originally posted by: z0mb13
so people who preordered will probably not get one?

i hope not... i just camped out 22 hours this weekend at tru to get my pre-buy.

camping out for preorders...

yep. in theory they will have mine nov. 17 and i can walk in anytime that day and pick it up...

Unless of course the store gets robbed.

or someone skins you and takes your ID and wears your face like a leathery mask and pretends to be you.
 

EngenZerO

Diamond Member
Dec 24, 2001
5,099
2
0
Originally posted by: randay
Originally posted by: Wreckem
Originally posted by: EngenZerO
Originally posted by: her34
Originally posted by: EngenZerO
Originally posted by: z0mb13
so people who preordered will probably not get one?

i hope not... i just camped out 22 hours this weekend at tru to get my pre-buy.

camping out for preorders...

yep. in theory they will have mine nov. 17 and i can walk in anytime that day and pick it up...

Unless of course the store gets robbed.

or someone skins you and takes your ID and wears your face like a leathery mask and pretends to be you.

hmmm... mental note... hire bodyguards before going to pick up ps3, ;)
 

Wreckem

Diamond Member
Sep 23, 2006
9,565
1,152
126
Originally posted by: randay
Originally posted by: Wreckem
Originally posted by: EngenZerO
Originally posted by: her34
Originally posted by: EngenZerO
Originally posted by: z0mb13
so people who preordered will probably not get one?

i hope not... i just camped out 22 hours this weekend at tru to get my pre-buy.

camping out for preorders...

yep. in theory they will have mine nov. 17 and i can walk in anytime that day and pick it up...

Unless of course the store gets robbed.

or someone skins you and takes your ID and wears your face like a leathery mask and pretends to be you.

I would not be suprised if there are more than a few attempted robberies.
 

RightIsWrong

Diamond Member
Apr 29, 2005
5,649
0
0
Originally posted by: Wreckem
Originally posted by: randay
Originally posted by: Wreckem
Originally posted by: EngenZerO
Originally posted by: her34
Originally posted by: EngenZerO
Originally posted by: z0mb13
so people who preordered will probably not get one?

i hope not... i just camped out 22 hours this weekend at tru to get my pre-buy.

camping out for preorders...

yep. in theory they will have mine nov. 17 and i can walk in anytime that day and pick it up...

Unless of course the store gets robbed.

or someone skins you and takes your ID and wears your face like a leathery mask and pretends to be you.

I would not be suprised if there are more than a few attempted robberies.

That's why I am going to have mine wrapped up in a "TMX Elmo". Oh wait, some crazy soccer mom might unintentionally shank me for that. :Q
 

bigdog1218

Golden Member
Mar 7, 2001
1,674
2
0
Originally posted by: Mursilis
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: randay
What they need to do is stop all this bullsh!t reselling crap.

Then they'd either need to release it when they have enough units filled to meet demand (something they obviously don't want to do) or raise the price to buy it initially. Personally I think they should jack up the price to $1500 right off the bat and drop it later. If people are willing to pay that much, then Sony should get the money, not scalpers. Sony invested the money in development, they assumed all of the risk, they deserve the profit. Scalpers assume no risk, because they'd just return it to the store if it doesn't sell for a profit.

But of course then Sony would be criticized for pricing it so high. "Think about the children!" Meh. Screw the children.

Scalpers assume a fair bit of risk - camping out all night on the cold concrete in front of some store is investing time. I'm sure the person would otherwise spend that time doing something they actually enjoy. Isn't that what most employed people due - trade time for $$? And what if the demand is much less than expected? What if a store only has 10, and you're no. 11 in line? Someone would've camped out all night for nothing. There's risk involved, clearly; if there was no risk, everyone would be reselling PS3's on ebay, and if everyone were doing it, the ebay price would be the same as retail.

Is this a serious post? You're saying people that camp to buy a video game system have important things they rather be doing? Like what. Playing video games. If you have time to sit in line for a video game system you have nothing else better to do. This isn't a job, it's a dumb opportunity that lasts 2 months every 5-6 years, theres no risk, you either have a life or you don't.
 

RightIsWrong

Diamond Member
Apr 29, 2005
5,649
0
0
Originally posted by: bigdog1218

Is this a serious post? You're saying people that camp to buy a video game system have important things they rather be doing? Like what. Playing video games. If you have time to sit in line for a video game system you have nothing else better to do. This isn't a job, it's a dumb opportunity that lasts 2 months every 5-6 years, theres no risk, you either have a life or you don't.

As someone that camped....I can assure you that there are only about 600,000 other things that I could have been doing that would have been more enjoyable. Not the least of which includes sleep or spending the time with my family.

And if you think that hanging out overnight in some of the worst sections of some cities doesn't involve any risk, it is you that has had the sheltered existence.