Do anyone think that Argos and/or ebay can do something about the Innotab situations (or other in demand items)

[EvaLongoria]

I am wanting to get DD the Vtech Innotab in pink as she is always playing with my phone and ipad. We are planning on going to SA in Feb and it would be good to keep her occupied.

Hoewever the Innotabs are always out of stock in Argos even as soon as it comes in stock. I then looked on eBay where they were selling for up to £50 more (looks like the only way I can get it now). However on ebay some sellers are selling lots of Argos Innotab Reservation Codes. Meaning a guy is sat somewhere up north but have lots of South East reservations on ebay. Selling it from £4 upwards. Argos is saying even though they can see my local store have 2 in stock and they both reserved by the same person (and 2 is on ebay for that same store) they have to keep it for that person and can only release it if it doesnt get collected by the end of the reservation and then again that seller has the oppotunity to reserve it again before a genuine buyer can reserve and pick it up. The Manager told me that only HQ can tell them to release it but HQ says that if one person reserve it all then they cant stop it... Not received any reply from ebay as yet.

Does anyone know if one can do something about this situation

I guess Argos are aware and either not bothered or working on it

cant you just go to the local store and wait to buy it at end of the day? - i.e. if reserved til 6pm get there at 5.50pm and buy instantly - they usually have reserved items near to the shop floor so get them to bring it to the desk so you can buy on the minute of the deadline?

I am in the same situation as you. I think this is terrible planning by Argos. According to a mnetter who commented on my thread about this vtec have said that there will be a massive delivery this week and no one should panic about getting one.

Can't you reserve one at a store where they are in stock, reserve it then ask them to post it to you (offer to pay the postage?) They are in stock in Tiverton, Devon for example.

that is really bad, argos should put a limit of one per customer and only for a few hours or just stop being able to reserve them, ebay should put a ban on this straight away, i bought a blue one, even though i wanted a pink one, because it was all i could get and i doubt she will care tbh. we all need to join forces and report theses ebayers then maybe ebay may listen.
every year the most wanted toys are all bought by ebayers and sold for high prices, i have even seen shops rise there prices too the other year, it needs to stop, i would never profit on a hot toy, because at the end of the day all you are doing is upsetting a child who come christmas day may not have the much wanted toy due to greedy ebay sellers, who should be ashamed of themselves.

right on looking i know where a blue one is,

look quick

there is a few for sale on those boards

My brother is an ex Argos manager and says that uncollected reserved stock isnt released until after store closes. He says to check website approx 30 mins after closing time.

If you are anywhere near a large Asda store I would recommend a visit. I was over in the Watford store and they had loads out on display and they were selling for 60GBP.

whispers if you are able to get to old street argos in london, I have a blue one reserved, I was going to buy it for dd, but already have one for ds, and have decided against 2, you are more than welcome to the reservation number

sunnyday123 I spoke to the manager of the Argos store and he said that there was nothing he could do. That they release the items after all their systems shut down so 10-15 mins after closing time, I can then sit at my computer and reserve it there and then... I then obviously watched it the whole time. The reservation that was on ebay then was sold 30 min before end time and I still kept on checking the Argos store and nothing showed as available. Few days later 3 more reserves at the same store again but again I could not get my hands on it.

You need to register with

this website

If you ask it to, it will text / email you whenever the pink innotab comes into stock somewhere near you. I did this and when one came into stock at the local argos I got a text and went on the website immediately and reserved it.

Ok, here's a tip- you can reserve at any Argos store where they have stock, then call them and ask them to transfer the order to your local store. I was told this was possible when in the same situation a few weeks ago (luckily got a pink one form an Argos near my brother's).hth

And also if you reserve at Argos don't forget you can extend the reservation by calling them before they close for the day.

I know these posts were months ago..but can someone give me the low down on the innotab please as want to get my daughter one..are they any good..the innotab 2 is out at christmas and amazon are taking pre-orders..but need reviews first...innotab or leap pad? thinking the innotab has more apps at a reasonable price...any comments welcome, thank you