Whether you already have a Nintendo Wii or not, you undoubtedly have heard the question from someone. “Do you know where I can get a Wii?” The question is usually followed up by a “I’ve looked everywhere and don’t know what to do. I’ve called everyone.”

This is an all too familiar story that will be told amongst friends, co-workers and family this holiday. However, it doesn’t have to end in frustration and utter disappointment for grandpa who just can't wait to go Wii bowling. And, if you’re celebrating Hanukkah, you have even less time (it’s happening now for the uninformed). Rather, there is an easier way to find a Wii in Chicago by the end of this year. And, as a x-District Manager for EB Games in Chicago, I can promise you this is going to be your best shot. That is, unless you have a personal preference for getting ripped off on ebay.

Hit the jump for a simple 3-step guide to finding a Wii in Chicago and become everyone’s immediate best friend.

--->Step 1<---
Target 3 Stores Maximum

We have a general sense with everything that more is always better. Most people call a lot of stores, hoping to increase their chances. After all, calling more stores seems to be the simplest way to increase your chances of finding a Wii, right? The answer is actually no. By playing the phone game, and calling around to every Best Buy, Circuit City, Target, Wal-Mart and GameStop in Chicago, you're only diluting your potential pool of relationships that you can build in a short period of time. We’ll get more into that in Step 2.

I’ll also make it clear now: the phone can be your best friend, or your worst enemy. Calling “big-box” retail stores like Wal-Mart is often a total waste of time. Sales associates in large electronics departments are swamped with inventory they need to reconcile, and receive hundreds of “do you have any Wii systems?” phone calls daily. They’re going to care very little about your personal needs as they stare at a line of customers and hundreds of unprocessed boxes. Even if they have Wiis sitting right there, they’re likely not going to tell you they do. It’s the sad truth when the demand is so high. So, if you’re going to go the big box route, you must actually visit the stores you’ve targeted.

Choose three stores maximum, and preferably in close proximity to each other. Since you’re going to be visiting these three stores often, you’ll want them to be close and convenient. As of today, the best combination for finding a Wii would be two GameStop/EB Games stores and one big box of your choice. GamesStop/EB Games stores receive a comparable number of Wiis to big-box retail. They also have significantly smaller staffs, and will be more forthcoming once you become familiar. This is why we recommend making them a priority. What does familiarity buy you? Honest phone calls and insider knowledge.

--->Step 2<---
Familiarity: Befriend Your Local Store Managers and Assistants

First off, you’re going to need to schmooze – a lot. Not everyone can do this. Some are naturally gifted in their schmoozing ability, while others just don’t have the instinct. So, if you don’t think you have the ability to shoot the shit with people you don’t really know (and probably don’t care about), you might want to find a partner for your Wii hunt that is a schmooze master. You can buy him a cookie and a soda at Mrs. Fields as a thanks.

By focusing on a few stores, you’ll have better odds to get to know the staff. It’s going to be totally acceptable to just walk in and ask, “do you have Wiis?” However, when you’re told no, don’t just head out the door. You need to hang out and start schmoozing. Here are some good questions to ask while you check out the store:

* What’s good on the Wii?
* Do you personally own a Wii?
* Do you like the Wii
* Why do you think the Wii is so popular?
* What accessories will I need for my Wii that you recommend?
* How can I get the Wii online?

Establishing a repoire with the staff through questions and trust of their opinions will let them know you’re serious about buying. Even if you know the answers, it is important you become familiar through regular conversation. Make the Wii the focal point of all conversation. Proving you’re serious, and that you trust the store staff, is a sure-fire way to create immediate trust.

So what does that trust get you? Many regular, hardcore gamers already know their managers and assistant managers at local game stores. These types of relationships and repeat visits create trust, netting you freebies (like demos), insider knowledge (UPS/FedEx drop dates) and extra discounts. The vast majority of casual gamers and parents don’t have this inside track. So, you’re job is to develop that inside track fast.

Get to know the manager and assistant in particular. By being friendly, polite and empathetic you’ll get there in no time. Working in retail during Q4 is a crazy job. By empathizing with their job duties and even offering food (buy them coffee at Starbucks or a pretzel) you’ll further your cause. The coffee thing works wonders – trust me! The trick is to find out what everyone wants and take an order. They won’t ever forget you. And that’s the whole point.

--->Step 3<---
Timing is Everything: UPS/FedEx Schedule is the Key

Once you’ve been to the store often enough that the staff knows your face and name, you can start digging with questions that pertain to your primary goal. Critically important things to ask include:

* What is the window of time that your UPS/FedEx guy shows up every day? (usually 11am-1pm, Monday-Saturday)
* Does your system say if any Wiis are inbound right now? (GameStop and EB Games systems do)
* What is the approximate day your system says the Wiis are supposed to arrive?
* If I call you, will you hold one for me? (most GameStop and EB Games will)

Knowing the UPS schedule is how 99% of smart customers actually get a Wii outside of getting lucky. If the UPS truck arrives daily at 12:30, and you’re there at noon, you’re golden. Once you know the delivery patterns of your selected stores, make it a habit to show up right before the truck. If you can get some other questions answered (like expected Wii inbound timing) you can get your Wii in less than a few days. Ask a lot of specific questions, and be extra friendly. It always pays off.

--->Wii Finding Tools Online<---

Internet search tools are useful, but often don’t update frequently enough. However, some claim they work. I’ve had no personal success with these sites, but if they’re free they can’t hurt. I’d use these in combination with our 3 steps described above.

Take a look at:
http://wiitracker.com/
http://www.wiisearcher.com/

--->Sunday Newspaper Ads<---

Stores will not advertise the Nintendo Wii in their Sunday flyers unless they’re going to be on the shelves first thing Sunday morning. This is common retail practice to avoid angry customers claiming the “bait and switch.” Buy the Sunday paper on Saturday afternoon and peruse the ads.

Find the store that has the Wii most prominently advertised and get there before they open on Sunday morning. There seems to be a 50/50 shot of this method working. Our Editor-in-Chief, DJ Twan, got his Wii this way in December '06. So what’s the bottom line? You’re going to need some chutzpah and a lot of patience. But believe us, it’s worth it. Just read our Mario Galaxy review if you have any doubts. Best of luck and happy hunting!