Random Selection Process and FAQ [Updated 4/1/22]

If the return policy is 30 days you just stated 20 days have passed. Return the card then worry about a new one. What's confusing about that?

Hey @Aeon , believe me when I say I understand how you feel with the way the GPU situation has played out. I know it's frustrating, but remember that we're also consumers and enthusiasts here who love tech. We're not trying to make you feel like you're being ignored or that we don't care, we're trying to do the best we can with a situation that isn't ideal. I've been wanting to purchase an EVGA FTW3 3080, but have just not been able to because I'm contending with all the same things you are.

That said. I do want to make sure I clarify how the process works, because it seems like there are some misunderstandings here.

First thing is, the QR code is NOT posted on our website or any of the GPU webpages. The QR code is issued locally at the store, with a sheet that's posted/given out in person on the day a shipment is received. There's no advantage to crawling the website or constantly refreshing the page. All entries must be made in-person at the stores and anyone who is selected has to claim their card/voucher within 10 minutes, or their entry will be forfeited and redistributed.

Micro Center ultimately made a business decision that the random selection system would be the most fair overall because it most effectively reduces the ability of scalpers (who were going as far as to hire and pay people to stand in line and buy a card for them) to buy up inventory, and therefore put more cards into the hands of regular customers. This decision was made based on feedback from various channels, including the many customers who reached out to us about the concerns with the GPU shortage and suggested a system just like this. Previously, cards were first come first served, but now anybody in the raffle has an equal chance. Somebody who shows up at 9:29 and enters has the same chance at receiving a card as somebody who decided to camp overnight. On top of this, stores are also strictly enforcing purchasing limits of 1 GPU per 30 days and making sure to collect customer information based on ID to track it. No system is perfect, but this was what was ultimately settled on that Micro Center felt would be effective.

As far as being able to find out stock in advance, the reality of the situation is we don't really get that information. There is no consistent schedule that we receive cards. Stores may receive multiple shipments of products a week, but not have a single video card on any of them. Video cards may come on a random drop shipment from a manufacturer without any real notice. Our associates in stores may be able to provide you a good idea of the best times to expect a card and what days have generally been better for them, but ultimately there are no guarantees. The amounts we get and the times they arrive are basically random, and we are not receiving advanced notice for what may come either. I know it's frustrating to feel like you don't have a lot of information, but we're providing as much information as we can from our end here.

Again, I really do understand how you feel. I wish things were like they had always been and we didn't have to worry about this at all, but I hope that helps to clear everything up for you.

Just to confirm,

So there's basically no way for us to know the stock information unless we physically going to the store everyday and check, correct?

In which case, does that also mean all the popular cards (evga 3080s etc) will remain out of stock on micro center's website even if they're somehow still available in-store?

I just wanted to say that I have just returned from the Duluth, GA Micro Center and was told that they will not be receiving any Nvidia GPUs until the middle of September. It would have saved me the trip if corporate would post something to this affect on the Random selection page. It would have saved this old fart a 2 hour round trip and saved the gas and pollution I emitted.

Thank you for your feedback, as @TSTonyV noted above to a similar question:

"Micro Center ultimately made a business decision that the random selection system would be the most fair overall because it most effectively reduces the ability of scalpers (who were going as far as to hire and pay people to stand in line and buy a card for them) to buy up inventory, and therefore put more cards into the hands of regular customers. This decision was made based on feedback from various channels, including the many customers who reached out to us about the concerns with the GPU shortage and suggested a system just like this. Previously, cards were first come first served, but now anybody in the raffle has an equal chance. Somebody who shows up at 9:29 and enters has the same chance at receiving a card as somebody who decided to camp overnight. On top of this, stores are also strictly enforcing purchasing limits of 1 GPU per 30 days and making sure to collect customer information based on ID to track it. No system is perfect, but this was what was ultimately settled on that Micro Center felt would be effective."

Thanks for your feedback, we do pass any feedback along in this thread along to see what changes can be made in the future!

Thank you for clarity on question 1.

On question 2, I mean that the hours of the virtual queue for my store are outside the normal business hours of the store. I am wondering if:

• I can call my store 15~20 minutes prior to the virtual queue beginning (presumably after they've unloaded the shipment and are aware what the stock is for that day, if any) to inquire if any of the GPU models I would consider purchasing are in that day's drawing prior to driving over/entering the queue
• OR
• Since it's outside normal business hours for my store, if no one will answer or--as you point out--my call will be redirected to the national center where I can't get the info I'm seeking

Essentially: I'm wondering if I can eliminate pointless trips to/from the store by calling ahead either the evening before or morning of a shipment or if that may vary from store-to-store.

Greetings, Thank you for your feedback.

This information is indeed listed on our video card product pages. It links you to this thread. As an example the "find out how to get yours here" will link you here:

All the information regarding times, common questions etc., is listed in the first post here, so I am sorry for any confusion in finding out about this process.

Greetings. Thank you for your feedback, I will advise to what @TSTonyV said about this process earlier in this thread to a similar question as it does provide insight as to why we have this system:

"Micro Center ultimately made a business decision that the random selection system would be the most fair overall because it most effectively reduces the ability of scalpers (who were going as far as to hire and pay people to stand in line and buy a card for them) to buy up inventory, and therefore put more cards into the hands of regular customers. This decision was made based on feedback from various channels, including the many customers who reached out to us about the concerns with the GPU shortage and suggested a system just like this. Previously, cards were first come first served, but now anybody in the raffle has an equal chance. Somebody who shows up at 9:29 and enters has the same chance at receiving a card as somebody who decided to camp overnight. On top of this, stores are also strictly enforcing purchasing limits of 1 GPU per 30 days and making sure to collect customer information based on ID to track it. No system is perfect, but this was what was ultimately settled on that Micro Center felt would be effective."

There should be a better (or multiple) ways than just going into the store to find out about accurate GPU stock because a 2-hour drive is one thing but for me it (and I'm pretty sure for a lot more)... Micro centers aren't everywhere in the US yet they seem to be one of the main locations to have consistent stock of them. I live in the central Florida area, and the closest Mircocenter are the two in Georiga. in cases like this, I think there is a valid justification for having longer windows for people getting their GPU if selected. There's no reason not to.

the problem this lottery is supposed to solve is to prevent scalpers from camping out of stores to get graphics card before people even get in line

i believe the problem with making the lottery online is then the scalpers have an even bigger advantage of signing up multiple times using different identifications and having an even better chance of getting a graphics card

I think a way of solving this is probably using a hybrid approach where you go to the store to sign up for the lottery where you have to provide an ID and maybe even have your picture taken and have that picture checked to see if the person had signed up already ( could even use google photos to store the photos and search for people based on a face ), then that person could be notified through email if thy were chosen and they would have 24 hrs to buy it.

im glad micro center is at least attempting to come up with a better system, but I think this current system isn’t a whole lot better for people who can’t go to the store everyday to check the stock.