Find and Buy a Cheap PlayStation 3
Tips to Help You Purchase a Sony Game System on a Budget
Jul 5, 2008
In order to buy a PlayStation 3 at a discount or low price, you need a strategy - a plan to help you save money for a PlayStation 3 and find the best PlayStation 3 deals around. With planning, discipline, and a little luck, you can find a PlayStation 3 for a great price or maybe even a free PlayStation 3. That's right...a free PlayStation 3! But...let's not get ahead of ourselves. Here is your step-by-step plan to purchase and enjoy a PlayStation 3 on a budget.
1. Develop a PlayStation 3 Budget and Timeline
As you begin your search for a cheap or discount PlayStation 3, you should decide what it is you want (system, accessories, games, etc.), when you want it, and then establish a plan.
As part of your plan, consider the marketplace. For instance, the PlayStation 3 has not been a huge moneymaker for Sony. It has cost the company about $3 billion. It is an incredibly impressive piece of hardware, but several factors (including its high consumer cost and stiff competition from Microsoft and Nintendo) have taken a toll.
Rumors of a second price cut (Sony cut the PlayStation 3 price once already - in 2007) have been circulating since early 2008. So, the question is...how long are you willing to wait?
Whatever your timetable decision, your plan to purchase a PlayStation 3 should include a budget. Not just any budget, but a goal-oriented PlayStation 3 budget.
Set aside a month to carefully and methodically track all your expenses. No matter how small or insignificant, write down everything you spend money on. Keep all your receipts. After doing this for three weeks to a month, go back through your spending history carefully and thoroughly. Decide where you can cut things and save money.
You should also track your miles and your gas expenses. With rising gas prices, this is one area to which you'll need to pay attention. Then, put together a money-saving plan -- and stick to it. You'd be surprised at how much money you can save each week. You may even be able to save up enough money in 3-6 months to buy a brand new PlayStation 3 system!
2. Look for Contests and Online Deals
It is possible you could land a free PlayStation 3. There are occasional contests that offer video game console prizes or even PlayStation 3 giveaways. Scour the Internet and your local community (even your overall region) for contests and giveaways. This author was fortunate to find such a contest - an online contest - and able to score a free XBOX 360 as a result! (Yes, it wasn't a PlayStation 3, but wouldn't you take a XBOX 360 for free?) These contests and giveaways are out there, but you have to be patient and keep looking.
There are also several online entities that will give you a PlayStation 3 in exchange for taking multipe online surveys and/or signing up for several online affiliate groups (such as Blockbuster Online, Netflix, Doubleday Book Club, etc.).
Be careful! There are some credible entities out there, but also more than a few scams. Do your homework on these organizations, before signing up - and getting your friends to sign up with them (which you will almost certainly have to do, in order to get a video game system).
3. Consider a Co-op or Sharing Arrangement
If you have friends who all want a PlayStation 3 (or any game system, for that matter), maybe you should set up a time-share type arrangement. Instead of fronting the cost all by yourself, pick 2-3 trustworthy (make sure they fit that description) friends or neighbors -- and go in together.
Pool your money and buy the game system together. Then, set up a sharing schedule - where each friend gets the system for a month, and then it rotates to the next, and so on.
4. Consider a Used or Refurbished System
If you really want to save money on a PlayStation 3 purchase, keep your eyes out on eBay and other online auction sites for used systems or even a refurbished PlayStation 3. Also, call around to your local video game retailers. They may have a refurbished system available. And put the word out to your friends and family. You never know when someone might want to try another console.
5. Research Wholesale Sources
Try to hook up with a wholesale supplier - and see if you can secure a system that way. Look for ebooks on the subject of finding wholesale product suppliers or contact Ebay powersellers (preferably those that you know or that you've established at least a solid consumer relationship with) and ask for their advice.
Good luck!
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Want some extra cash to buy a PlayStation 3, here are some "Free Money Making Ideas."
