If the Xbox 360 has one consistent complaint, it is undoubtedly the cost of its peripherals. In particular, the price of its hard drive has been the most difficult to stomach. $99 dollars for 20 gigabytes seems positively ludicrous in today's world of cheap storage. The new 120GB hard drive isn't much better, clocking in at $179. Microsoft has defended the pricing structure, saying that they demand very strict specifications from manufacturers (things like drive speed, security, etc.), but it's hard to believe it couldn't be had for less.Enter one lucky 360 fanboy by the name of Scooter. Scooter spotted a 120GB hard drive at his local Wal-Mart. Looking closer, the drive was priced at a cool $99.88. Seizing upon the opportunity, he asked a clerk to open up the case and ring it up. Of course, once the item was scanned, it came up as $172. After a quick interchange with customer service, it's revealed that Wal-Mart store policy requires that items be sold for the price at which they are marked (even if the price is incorrect). So, he walks out with a 120GB drive for a full $80 less than retail price.
Granted, we're sure the display price was corrected immediately following the sale, but it's nice to hear that at least one fanboy managed to stick it to the man. Our advice: scour your area Wal-Marts for mislabeled hard drives. You might end up with a killer deal. Follow the "read" link for photographic proof of the $99 120GB HDD.
[Thanks, Scooter]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
4-20-2007 @ 12:52PM
Joe said...
Most big retail stores are like that.
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4-20-2007 @ 1:12PM
Neeko said...
NOW that price is much better.
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4-20-2007 @ 1:30PM
Greg said...
OMG! WOW! Things like this never happen.....oh wait, they do all the time.
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4-20-2007 @ 1:31PM
spambot said...
If that were the normal price I would get one, but considering I bought my external 250GB HD for my laptop for $50 a year ago, I just can't give in to this price structure.
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4-20-2007 @ 1:31PM
Eric Baker said...
Why is this newsworthy?
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4-20-2007 @ 1:32PM
Jim said...
Congratulations, he took advantage of what he clearly knew was a mistake... that's a good thing?
Opportunists. :shrug:
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4-20-2007 @ 1:34PM
Tony said...
You know, if you don't find something of interest to you... don't comment. Not a crazy idea.
Personally, I think it is of interest because there's some chance any random Walmart might have it mismarked like that. It might be worth checking out for some people. So what?
Beyond which, a lot of places will not honor that "common" policy. I've had many places tell me that it was just a mistake and I'd have to pay the real, full price.
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4-20-2007 @ 1:35PM
wei said...
Seems like a fluky deal, but hey, I'm all for taking advantage of the lenient policies of big companies. Just don't be expecting to pull off the same feat at your local store.
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4-20-2007 @ 1:39PM
titus pullo said...
kinda dishonest it seems as though he would have know the correct retail price.
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4-20-2007 @ 1:45PM
mike said...
The sad part is that you can buy a stand alone 120gb 2.5' hdd for less then $99 even, and yet this is considered a deal and a half.
Anyone who buys the 120gb drive for $180 deserves to be shot.
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4-20-2007 @ 1:46PM
ssuk said...
Dishonest, yes, but if YOU had got the chance for a reduction on this, would you seriously say "oh wait, I should pay $179 for this"? No you wouldn't. Dispite whatever kind of facade you defend yourself with. =P
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4-20-2007 @ 1:49PM
Jim said...
Actually ssuk, I would not take that chance.. and that's not a "holier than thou" sentiment either... Some people still actually have integrity.
Rip on Wal-Mart all you want: you may hate it, hate the policies, whatever... doesn't justify ripping them off.
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4-20-2007 @ 2:00PM
spick said...
It's not ripping anyone off. It's a policy for a reason, if not an actual law. It's used to prevent companies from posting one price, and registering another. Hoping that either the customer won't notice, or will pay the higher price at the cash as not to cause a fuss.
It is a law here in Canada, though you only get up to $10 off the the price difference. If it's under $10 you get the item for free.
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4-20-2007 @ 2:08PM
Steve Pick said...
Sorry, it's not a law in Canada, but a voluntary policy. From the policy:
The Item Free Scanner Policy – The Retailers’ Promise of Price Accuracy.
If the scanned price of a non-price ticketed item is higher than the shelf price or any other displayed price, the customer is entitled to receive the item free, up to a $10 maximum. When the item has a price tagged, the lowest price applies. When identical items are incorrectly priced, the second one will be sold at the correct price.
I would rather shop somewhere that supports this policy, than not.
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4-20-2007 @ 2:10PM
Jim said...
That very well may be, but you honestly don't see the distinction from this story?
He knew what the real price was ( ala "seizing upon the opportunity..."). Sugar coat it all you want, it's ripping them off, if not theft.
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4-20-2007 @ 2:11PM
homerj312 said...
now if i can just find a 42" plasma HDTV with one of those stickers on it
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4-20-2007 @ 2:17PM
Chuckles said...
Wow, I can't believe so many people are ripping on this guy for just taking advantage of a Walmart pricing error. You do know your defending a company who has horrible hiring policies and employee treatment.
I for one congratulate this man and am all for taking advantage of LEGAL errors and policies to get the best deal possible. Congrats man and don't let these people make you feel bad for what you did.
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4-20-2007 @ 2:31PM
Chuckles said...
@15 Get off your high horse and don't bash the man for just getting a good deal. "Theft," I laugh at you and your ridiculous image of what he did. Why don't you go to Walmart and overpay on an item in order to bring Karma back to this world. You idiot.
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4-20-2007 @ 2:48PM
Scooter said...
Its alright, Bash all you want. I got lucky. I will live with "ripping off" a multi BILLION dollar company of $80.00....
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4-20-2007 @ 2:50PM
Sunny said...
I saw a similar story on Digg a while back. Some guy got a Wii for $30 because they were stocked in the wrong spot.
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