Promotional Items!?

[makaar]

I think I can finally find a place where I can receive a straight answer on this. I am an avid video game collector (jeez, who isn't here?), and I notice a lot of people have video game advertisement memorabilia and such. Items that the vendors give out to retailers to advertise the game and any related items of interest is what I'm talking about mainly. My question here, I suppose, is where can I get this stuff besides having to beg a vendor when they are just going to throw it away anyways.

I used to work at Wal-Mart and to remind people not to throw away promotional stuff was a pain because they would usually do it anyways and it was hard to see the stuff get tossed. Gaming stores in towns nearbye (I live in a podunk town in Wisconsin) usually give away the advertisement stuff they have through gaming tournaments or contests, and it just seems like you have to KNOW someone to get this stuff. Does anyone have an "easier" way to get vendor stuff or am I doomed? I want to have a video game collection that shines! Please, let me know, thanks to those who can help me out!

[jajaja]

You can always try ebay.

[kainemaxwell]

Try ebay, and sometimes people here sell promo items. Or like you said, try to get to know someone at a game shop or even ask if you can have said items afterwards.

[makaar]

I need a more stable connection. People on Ebay can be thieves when they have something no one else has. I was more than less curious if I could contact the actual company and buy promotional items? I've asked Nintendo and Microsoft before but they never responded...probably thought I was an idiot. But is there like a certain phone number or direct source I can get in touch with?

[Daria]

Just be upfront with that you want. Bribe the clerk at EB/GameStop to sell you what you want.

[Diatribal Deity]

Most game stores (big chains) set up there marketing on Sundays or if their really ambitious Saturday night. Stop by, if there's something you want ask them for it. Just make sure you've staked it out before then. And then there's always dumpster diving which a few members here do...just make sure there's no food court nearby...and watch those compactors. Harass managers, assistants, regular employees for crap they have lying around out back...there always is and most of them will give it away if its just collecting dust. For premium items put a deposit down (some are given away once you hand over the deposit) alas some you won't get until the game is released.

[Mianrtcv]

Certain displays... the store has been advised not to sell/give to the public. One store rhymes with beers (ahh beers), is an example. I asked a friend to snag me a promo kiosk type item that was being removed from display and his manager informed him of the policy. For small items that can be easier swayed, for large scale items kiosks for one, BEG, BRIBE, DEAL. The kiosk I wanted was intentionally damaged to prevent it being taken by employees or land clammers aka dumpster divers.

I'm sure this may only be certain stores as we all see items on ebay etc. but definitely research the availability and act quick.

[Kuros]

It comes down to asking. When we got the GTA:SA standee in, I called it right away and I now have it for trade.

I get other promo stuff also, just gotta ask, or reserve something.

[unbroken]

It's pretty easy to get promo stuff. Usually if i see something cool at a gamestore, i ask them for a pen and write my name and phone number on the back of it, and youd be suprised on how many call backs ive had on cool stuff. its probably easier for them to call you up and give it to you, then rip the thing up and throw it away.

[KirbyStar27]

Saturday Dumpster Diving :D :D

[goatdan]

Soon (about a week, hopefully ;) ) the GOAT Store will have a new section oen that will include promotional items that are usually sent to stores, as well as toys and lots more :)

[Kuros]

Soon (about a week, hopefully ;) ) the GOAT Store will have a new section oen that will include promotional items that are usually sent to stores, as well as toys and lots more :)

Nice. I've never seen a store actually sell VG promo items.

Good Luck! If you need stuff, talk to me! ;)