Gaming Forums => General Gaming => Topic started by: Mop it up on March 21, 2009, 04:07:55 PM
Title: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on March 21, 2009, 04:07:55 PM
I was reading some of the negative comments about GameStop in the NWR 2006 thread (and also the story which sparked them), and whilst I can understand how one could be angered by such encounters, were they really so bad as to swear off the chain altogether?
First off, the employees will vary greatly by store location. Some stores do have employees who are actually knowledgeable about games and can help out the uninitiated without sarcasm or snide remarks. It's the ones who don't really know about games who can be a problem. One time I asked the clerk for a Nunchuk attachment for Wii, and she had no idea what I was talking about. I explained to her what it was, and she said "Oh, you mean a Nunchuk controller." Really? Couldn't make that connection? Anyways, if you don't have a GameStop near you with friendly employees, then I can understand never visiting them. However, unless you've actually visited each store in your area, I think it is a bit unfair to assume the entirety of the chain has terrible employees.
That said, some of their store policies are ridiculous. First off, I'm not really sure if they have any standards as to what condition they will accept a game in, as I've gotten a few disc games which were scratched to all dirty floors and couldn't be read at all. If these games were actually tested then they would have known they didn't work. Also, each used game has a set price regardless of condition, so games missing the box and/or manual aren't any cheaper.
Once I did a little experiment to test my suspicion that they put non-working game returns back on the shelf, by marking the game I had returned. Sure enough, when I went back a week later there it was sitting on the shelf. I guess they will continue to attempt to sell it until they sell it to somebody who wouldn't be bothered to return it.
The open-box display case thing for new games is pretty dusty table as well. I never buy new games from them any more because you never know if you'll get a sealed copy or not. The last "new" game I bought was Super Mario Sunshine, which was opened and already had a couple of scratches on the disc.
EB Games was better than GameStop. Even after the buyout, they still had better prices and store setup. That's where I bought many of my Nintendo 64 games from because their used games were all out on the shelves instead of locked behind a glass case, and were generally in good condition. I don't remember ever buying a non-working game from EB.
These days I only go to GameStop when I'm looking for GameCube games, as they're used prices on Wii games are barely less than new. Their GameCube prices are hit or miss, though they definitely have some better deals than whats on eBay. What really bothers me though is that they've started putting the price sticker underneath the plastic cover and on the paper insert itself, which is going to at least wrinkle up the paper when attempting to remove it. That's just plain illogical to put stickers there, it's like when they'd put stickers on cartridge game labels even though there's plenty of non-label space available.
When I started writing this topic I had the intention to be more positive, but I guess that didn't work out...
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NWR_pap64 on March 21, 2009, 04:18:29 PM
One thing that always bothers me about Gamestop hate is that they pick on the employees, labeling them all as incompetent fanboys simply because of a couple of them in ONE store.
Many of my friends are Gamestop employees. S_B's girlfriend is a Gamestop manager. And I've met and talked with many wonderful Gamestop employees, so to me whenever someone bashes the employees I get upset.
Yes, like ANY store in the world, there are some really bad employees, ones that will test your patience. But simply because you encountered one bad employee you shouldn't convince yourself that all of them are bad. Many are just like you and me; hard working people trying to make a living. And they also get bullcrap from the store and its clients.
Hell, I've even encountered pregnant employees, handling multiple reservations when they should be resting! So because of that I've gained empathy towards employees because they are humans.
If you want to hate the store, hate on its policies, ideas and deals, but leave the employees out of it because they have it just as bad, if not worse, as we.
Regarding Gamestop hate, I think gamers hate it for the same reason many hate Wal-Mart: Its one of the biggest game stores in the US right and its contemporary. Since they have kind of a monopoly on the selling and trading of used games they get away with some dubious things, and that's why so many gamers say nothing but horror stories about them.
Now, if there were more Gamestop like stores and there was real competition then maybe the hate would ease up. Maybe.
Finally, it seems the hate comes from problems with ONE store. I've been to multiple Gamestops, and the service DOES vary. There are stores which are organized and the employees are nice and friendly. Then there are stores that are a mess and its employees are rude.
So it seems that if they have experiences with one store they label them all like that.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: nickmitch on March 21, 2009, 05:32:52 PM
I go to gamestop mostly because I hate having to hunt for employees to open the glass case things. Also, there's one lady at the one I go to that knows her **** (for the most part). Her employees are relatively incompetent, but she runs a tight ship.
It's like pap said, your experience may vary.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: ThePerm on March 21, 2009, 07:35:31 PM
well they usually have the games you want. If i want Madworld, im not going to find it at wal-mart. its going to be at Gamestop.
I hate Gamestop for another reason. I used to work there. They didn't fire me, but i waited for 3 weeks by the phone for them to call me in to work before i decided to quit. Passive Aggressive BS. You don't hire 30 people to work at Gamestop. I basically set the store up, and worked opening day. Many people were pissed. I don't really hold that against the company though.
it was funny when i bought my Wii, i bought it at the Gamestop I used to work at.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on March 21, 2009, 07:52:32 PM
Like any franchise there are good Gamestops and bad ones. The one I go to I know most of the people there, the manager is awesome, along with a woman that is about my age who is really nice along with being quite knowledgeable. It is usually a pleasant experience, though the new guys aren't that great, when I went in there later at night they were in the back room saying bad things about Scott (the manager) along with basically ignoring me while they gossiped. I've been tempted to report them.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on March 21, 2009, 09:03:00 PM
GameStop is overpriced. Gamestop employees are rude and stupid. Gamestop only stays afloat because of a lack of competition. I've been to several different stores in several different states and the story is always the same. Employees are generally too busy or self important to give you the time of day. When you do get their attention they bombard you with ridiculous sales pitches for asinine magazines and reservations for games that they'll create artificial shortages of. Their used games are usually wrecked beyond use and their "new" games have already been broken out of the package and scratched up. To say that one should hate the company and not the employee is ridiculous because the company can only survive so long as people are willing to whore themselves out for a paycheck. If nothing else, you should hate the employees for not having any personal dignity! Overall, I'd say that Gamestop is a lot like Hot Topic. People only go there and work there because of a certain "cool factor" that corporate suits sell them. No one really knows anything concerning the subject matter because they're not truly part of the niche, target audience that the store merely claims to support. People are sheep and that's good for business.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on March 21, 2009, 09:07:13 PM
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Gamestop employees are rude and stupid.
What a ridiculous and stupid statement. Great job lumping everyone into a specific category, considering I've seen the opposite it shows how asinine your stereotypical point really is as is any statement that says "X" group is ALL a certain way. Usually it makes me wonder if it isn't the employees with the problem but the attitude of "X" customer who makes statements like that.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: KnowsNothing on March 21, 2009, 11:36:26 PM
1. I don't know about now, but at one point all new GBA or DS games were $5 more at GameStop for no reason at all. 2. They sell unsealed "new" games. 3. They sell broken used games. I have purchased multiple broken disc based games (which in all fairness can be hard to test), and even a broken cartridge game that had blatant damage to the pins. I also have traded in broken games, just because I am an ass hole. 4. They had such an awesome SNES collection and they got rid of them all :( bastards
On the slip side, yeah they do screw you over with their trade in values but at least they ACCEPT trade ins in the first place. Not many other places, especially big retail chains, will let you do that. Something is better than nothing.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Spinnzilla on March 22, 2009, 01:03:39 AM
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2. They sell unsealed "new" games.
Really? my nearest gamestops has unsealed games marked as new, but they're for display purposes only. they keep all the sealed stuff behind the counter.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: ThePerm on March 22, 2009, 01:22:45 AM
What a ridiculous and stupid statement. Great job lumping everyone into a specific category, considering I've seen the opposite it shows how asinine your stereotypical point really is as is any statement that says "X" group is ALL a certain way. Usually it makes me wonder if it isn't the employees with the problem but the attitude of "X" customer who makes statements like that.
looks like Golden Phoenix caiught Morari's Fallacy of Hasty generalization. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hasty_generalization http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post_hoc_fallacy
another article to read for fun http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_distortion
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Halbred on March 22, 2009, 01:24:34 AM
The GameStops here in Anchorage are teh_evil, claiming to hold items for you and then, once you get there, deny memory of holding anything for you (like an hour ago--screw you guys) and hey--they're all out of (whatever they were supposed to be holding). It has happened to me many times.
More irritating are the times where they try to sell you a used game in a generic DVD case for full price, or when they give you crap for credit on fairly new games. I don't like the type of employee who thinks he's better than you, which I've encountered many times. Dude, you work at a GameStop at near-minimum wage. You don't have a college degree and no, you DON'T know more about games than me. And they can't bring themselves to get new games in on time.
What turned me away from GameStop for good was the time I had to go in and renew my GameInformer subscription. I stood in like for like fifteen minutes behind some idiot fat guy who kept asking about release dates and whether they had this game or that. I noticed that the whole store was crawling with people who looked homeless or, at the very least, hadn't showered in weeks. When I finally got up to the counter and asked to renew my GI subscription, they asked if I wanted to reserve any games. The person behind me belched loudly and chuckled with his idiot friend.
I renewed my subscription and haven't been back since.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on March 22, 2009, 01:54:42 AM
Gamestop is similar to Best Buy, and I think the nature of the store depends heavily on what kind of manager they have. The local Best Buy is GREAT with friendly people that are willing to help you out all the time, while there is another around where I work where they blatantly ignore you.
Gamestop is the same way, there are some that have terrible managers who hire whoever while there are some, like the one I go to all the time who don't pressure you much and are more then willing to help along with being pretty knowledgeable. In regards to used games, at least you can trade them back if they have problems, but seriously that is a problem with any company that accepts used games back. It should be interesting to see how their prices change if the new trade in programs at other stores catch on. Oh yeah the one I go to also gets new games in a very timely manor, so no complaint there
In regards to game prices, at one time I recall them inflating the price but lately I haven't seen any examples of it. It is odd that people complain so much about their trade-in value, it isn't like they are the only option for selling your game. It is a matter of opportunity cost, how much is it worth to you to sell a game back a store for instant cash vs selling it on eBay where you will more then likely get a better deal.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Kairon on March 22, 2009, 03:06:06 AM
During college, I pretty much ensured that my GameStop treated me well because I walked in one day with a list of 15 games to pre-order. Ilike to tell myself that the guy who helped me out that day became manager in a large part because of my extravagant college Wii and DS buying habits.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Adrock on March 22, 2009, 03:12:51 AM
There are roughly 15-20 Gamestop locations within reasonable driving distance from me. They range from ehh to terrible. I have my share of Gamestop horror stories. I know at least a few of the Gamestop stores I've been to will absolutely not give pre-order bonuses to customers. I mean, the employees use the bonuses to score pre-orders, but come launch day, no pre-order bonus. They'll give some BS excuse, but really, they took the gifts themselves and either sell them on ebay or keep them (and possibly sell them on ebay some time down the road).
I don't really shop at Gamestop anymore and haven't for years. I mainly go to Gamecrazy because I work 1 shift at Hollywood Video so I can keep renting movies and games for free on top of discounts at both Hollywood Video and Gamecrazy. Honestly, Gamecrazy as a company used to be much, much better than Gamestop until slowly, but surely they started adopting some of Gamestop's trademark lameness. Prices used to be lower and trade in value higher. Not anymore... On top of that, corporate is trying to institute that oh-so irritating selling-unsealed-games-as-new thing that everyone hates Gamestop for, which I know at least 2 stores have flat out refused to do though we'll see how long that lasts though Gamecrazy does have a policy that allows customers to try new games before buying them which is great unless that person passes and there's an unsealed new game sitting on the shelf.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: ShyGuy on March 22, 2009, 04:08:27 AM
Not really, but there are not many alternatives.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on March 22, 2009, 05:36:17 AM
There was a GameStop South of Portland in Clackamas that had a set of great employees who knew their stuff and were very personable. I prefer that store over any other GameStop. I also thought this one girl at a close by GameCrazy was really nice but that was more because we swapped customer service nightmare stories from our jobs than anything else.
I don't recall any employees that have given me issues at GameStop other than one who flat out lied to me about a games shipping status. That guy was one of those obvious fanboys who hated Nintendo and thought XBox was the Second Coming. I know this because I had to deal with him a number of times and saw how he presented games to other customers.
I won't buy new games there anymore if I can help it because of the chance you can get an opened new copy. I especially hate that when I'm buying it for someone else. If I'm paying full price for a game for a friend I want it properly wrapped.
I also get frustrated with having them try and sell me pre-orders for all sorts of random games that turn out to have mediocre reviews. I rarely preorder games anyway.
Those are the policies that bug me the most about GameStop but that is more my issue with them, not the employees.
Though, Mop it up, a problem is that employees do make the store. If there are poor employees then it reflects badly on the company. It shows a lack of pride and good leadership skills. It is very important to have and maintain a quality team that has a healthy balance of positive energy, knowledge, work ethic and good customer service. If people have bad experiences at stores then who is to say that this is not a corporate policy issue? Should there not be standards imposed on who you employ in your company? There should be tests made to survey how good your team is doing and how satisfied your customers are. Especially in this type of market, you need to jealously guard your customers and give them a reason and a desire to choose your store to frequent versus one of the plethora of options available to them.
When I was a manager of a Pizza Hut I learned the importance of fielding a good team. One bad apple can ruin the whole cart in a number of ways; chase away returning and new customers, chase away potential good crew members and also turn better crew members into poorer workers. Managers need to set good examples and create an environment where excellence in service is a standard, not an exception. I don't care if you are serving burgers, tacos, videogames, movies or wiener dogs in the park, treating customers with respect is essential.
Now if only we could do something about the bad customers... :rolleyes:
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Flames_of_chaos on March 22, 2009, 07:50:28 AM
Actually gamestop still does that to Nintendo games or some DS games, if the MSRP is 29.99 gamestop will charge 34.99. I do agree with the majority that I dislike gamestop's infamous policy of "gutted games equals to new games" and there can be awesome employees. However there are bad experiences like I had where I essentially was treated like garbage and I can understand people never coming back to a specific store if they were burned by the actions of specific employees.
In reality I can empathize with good employees getting slugged with bad corporate policy, because I was one of those in Blockbuster where I had to sell blockbuster online or else I would get tagged as an under performer(I was tagged that a couple of times and I didn't care) especially if I didn't offer the service to the mystery shopper or if the mystery shopper caught me not offering the service to another customer, it was annoying.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Nick DiMola on March 22, 2009, 10:25:22 AM
First off, I just want to mention that I don't really think Gamestop hate can be compared to Walmart hate. In most cases, Walmart hate is totally unjustified whereas Gamestop hate nearly always has a horror story attached to it.
I'll start down the list of why I hate Gamestop:
1. Most importantly, they do not value games at all. What I mean by this is that they will take garbage trashed up games for trade-in, and then put them out on the shelves in whatever condition they came in. Boxes, manuals, and disc art are of the least concern to them, and they make absolutely no distinction with the price sticker when selling you crap vs. selling you pristine goods.
2. They do not value their customers (the business, not the employees). They offer barely anything for trade-in, they force preorders upon customers just so they can more accurately gauge demand, and they often will steer gamers into buying things (like extended warranties on discs) even though they will never get use out of them once.
3. Gutted games. When I buy a new game, I want that fucker sealed in plastic wrap. "New" does not mean not played. Their corporate policy even dictates the truth of this statement. Try and return an opened "New" game and tell them, "Well, I never played it!" They'll tell you "Sorry, but you can trade it in for (a measly) 20 bucks." Yet they will sell it back to the public for $5 off of MSRP pricing.
4. They are a monopoly. As such they set the standard prices (and policies) of used game sales. Nothing is more frustrating when Gamestop arbitrarily prices games and as a result even eBay and Half.com prices mimic Gamestop prices. Look at the majority of stocked Gamecube games, they all sell for $20+ even though there are 20 copies of each game on the shelf.
5. The employees. I will not say every employee at every store is a worthless waste of life, but I have been to many, many Gamestops and have been met with nothing but problems. Arrogant (ignorant) sales associates are probably my biggest gripe. They are so cocky about their preferences that when anybody buys something they deem unworthy they see fit to rattle off a list of "better" games you should purchase. Also, they are often too lazy to help you look for a damn game when you can't find the box anywhere on the shelf.
All that being said, I will still occasionally shop there when a coupon comes around for last-gen games. I'll raid their super cheap games and grab a bunch of stuff at prices I could never get on eBay and Half.com. Other than that, I refuse to buy anything from them or sell anything to them.
Ugh..
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: ThePerm on March 22, 2009, 02:27:08 PM
The GameStops here in Anchorage are teh_evil, claiming to hold items for you and then, once you get there, deny memory of holding anything for you (like an hour ago--screw you guys) and hey--they're all out of (whatever they were supposed to be holding). It has happened to me many times.
More irritating are the times where they try to sell you a used game in a generic DVD case for full price, or when they give you crap for credit on fairly new games. I don't like the type of employee who thinks he's better than you, which I've encountered many times. Dude, you work at a GameStop at near-minimum wage. You don't have a college degree and no, you DON'T know more about games than me. And they can't bring themselves to get new games in on time.
What turned me away from GameStop for good was the time I had to go in and renew my GameInformer subscription. I stood in like for like fifteen minutes behind some idiot fat guy who kept asking about release dates and whether they had this game or that. I noticed that the whole store was crawling with people who looked homeless or, at the very least, hadn't showered in weeks. When I finally got up to the counter and asked to renew my GI subscription, they asked if I wanted to reserve any games. The person behind me belched loudly and chuckled with his idiot friend.
I renewed my subscription and haven't been back since.
Halbred, isn't Alaska generally a shady place? From all the stories my llast roomate told me, who was from Alaska, it sure seems so.
lol, and the homeless looking people, sure they weren't just dedicated gamers..lol
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NWR_insanolord on March 22, 2009, 07:22:36 PM
I think GoldenPhoenix is onto something, the GameStop I go to used to be great with every employee being knowledgeable and competent when it was under its old manager. He was a great guy, I often ended up spending more time in the store than I intended because I got into a conversation with the person behind the counter. Recently, though, it hasn't been as good, though it's still way better than either of the other local GameStops.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: TofuFury on March 22, 2009, 07:23:10 PM
Most of the GameStop stores I've dealt with have been good. The employees usually let me be, but if I need help they'll give it to me. One of the employees even gave me tips on finding a wii when I didn't have one.
Unfortunately, my wife and I just moved, and the GameStop that I've tried so far fits in with the 'bad GameStop' stereotype.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on March 22, 2009, 10:03:30 PM
What a ridiculous and stupid statement. Great job lumping everyone into a specific category, considering I've seen the opposite it shows how asinine your stereotypical point really is as is any statement that says "X" group is ALL a certain way. Usually it makes me wonder if it isn't the employees with the problem but the attitude of "X" customer who makes statements like that.
Sounds to me like someone works at GameStop. Besides, generalizations are a great way of not wasting one's time. For example, more than a few of your traits stick right out as quick ways to cut you from a list of my personal concerns. ;)
First off, I just want to mention that I don't really think Gamestop hate can be compared to Walmart hate. In most cases, Walmart hate is totally unjustified whereas Gamestop hate nearly always has a horror story attached to it.
Have you ever been to a Wal-Mart? I'd hardly call that unjustified hate.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Nick DiMola on March 23, 2009, 06:53:57 AM
First off, I just want to mention that I don't really think Gamestop hate can be compared to Walmart hate. In most cases, Walmart hate is totally unjustified whereas Gamestop hate nearly always has a horror story attached to it.
Have you ever been to a Wal-Mart? I'd hardly call that unjustified hate.
Yes, as a matter of fact I have, plenty of times. Last time I checked I wasn't a millionaire and I could buy some groceries and house items cheaper there than anywhere else, so I gladly shop there for what I need. I've never been treated poorly by any of the store's associates and I always save myself a few bucks in the process.
But this is off-topic anyhow, so back to Gamestop.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NWR_pap64 on March 23, 2009, 01:50:44 PM
First off, I just want to mention that I don't really think Gamestop hate can be compared to Walmart hate. In most cases, Walmart hate is totally unjustified whereas Gamestop hate nearly always has a horror story attached to it.
The reason I compare Gamestop hate to Wal-Mart hate is because both stores are extremely popular, they are everywhere in the US and Canada and they seem to have a monopoly of their respective area of businesses. People also hate their policies on prices and merchandise and both stories are part of contemporary America, and people just love to bash the contemporary.
And once more, just because one store has bad employees it doesn't mean that ALL of them are like that. Like any store it all depends on what type of people they hire. Hell, even stores with good managers get stuck with mediocre employees who refuse to follow the rules. For example, one time S_B's girlfriend ordered an employee to save a Guitar Hero II bundle for a mother who was looking for one. The employee then sold the bundle, no questions asked. She was mad when she found out, so as quickly as possible she called the other stores to see if they had Guitar Hero II and once a store had one she told them to save it and directed the mother towards that store.
In another story, she was instructing a new employee about selling games to minor (something she takes very seriously). The employee assumed it was a joke because it seems they didn't care about this at his other store. But then she assured him that she was serious and the employee was quickly straightened out.
So as you can see, even the employees have to deal with other employees.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Pale on March 23, 2009, 02:14:39 PM
While it may be true that some gamestop managers and employees are great people and run a great store, they would be doing it in spite of company policy.
The policies that force their employees to sell used games, game guides, force preorders, etc. are why most people hate the store.
We shouldn't have to count on employees breaking the corporate rules in order to have a good shopping experience.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Halbred on March 23, 2009, 02:25:43 PM
Perm, just like every other place in the world, Alaska CAN be a shady place if you go to the "wrong side of the tracks." Here in Anchorage, we have various areas (boroughs) where you don't want to be caught alone after nightfall. The other major cities--Eagle River, Wasilla, and Palmer--aren't too bad. Low populations, although Wasilla "allegedly" has a thriving druggie culture.
Alaska is basically divided up by town. Anchorage is where the "city folks" live. Wasilla is for rednecks, Palmer is for farmers, Eagle River is for right-wing zealots, Girdwood is for hippies, and Homer is for fishermen.
Total generalization, I know, but it works out most of the time. :-)
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: KDR_11k on March 23, 2009, 04:19:24 PM
I mostly avoid the stores. They occassionally have a good sale but that's rare and usually their 2 for 30 deals only apply to shovelware and games I already have so I can't find even 2 games for those. Other than that they tend to be fairly expensive (with the exception of points cards which are cheapest there), the unwrapped boxes with tons of stickers are annoying and the used games cost too much to even contemplate (I bought two games used, one was defective (A GBA GAME!), the other worked fine but I only took it because it cost half of what the new one would have cost). As far as I can tell they don't try to push stuff you don't want on you here.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Dirk Temporo on March 23, 2009, 04:29:18 PM
One time I asked the clerk for a Nunchuk attachment for Wii, and she had no idea what I was talking about.
Never trust bitches working at a Gamestop store. 99% of the time, they have no clue what they're talking about because they were just hired due to titties.
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First off, I'm not really sure if they have any standards as to what condition they will accept a game in, as I've gotten a few disc games which were scratched to all dirty floors and couldn't be read at all.
We do, but I know for a fact that not everybody at all stores bothers to look at the discs. I always do, and if it's too scratched up, it gets a defective trade, and gets sent for resurfacing. Sure, some slip by because frankly, there isn't enough time to actually test every game that comes in, but usually I can figure based on what the disc looks like.
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Once I did a little experiment to test my suspicion that they put non-working game returns back on the shelf, by marking the game I had returned. Sure enough, when I went back a week later there it was sitting on the shelf. I guess they will continue to attempt to sell it until they sell it to somebody who wouldn't be bothered to return it.
You should have asked to talk to the manager when you saw that. Whoever did that should be written up. Defective game returns get a defective sticker, and get sent in for resurfacing.
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I never buy new games from them any more because you never know if you'll get a sealed copy or not.
Sure you do. Ask if they have any copies that are shrinkwrapped, and don't buy any that are on the shelf.
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EB Games was better than GameStop. Even after the buyout, they still had better prices and store setup.
Fundamentally untrue. After the buyout, all EB Games prices and policies were identical to those of Gamestop. As someone who works at an EB-turned-Gamestop, I was there for the transition.
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These days I only go to GameStop when I'm looking for GameCube games, as they're used prices on Wii games are barely less than new.
Prices are based on demand. Wii games are the hot thing right now, so prices are slow to drop. Less popular games drop faster. NMH is $17.99.
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What really bothers me though is that they've started putting the price sticker underneath the plastic cover and on the paper insert itself
That INFURIATES me, and I get all sorts of pissed off everytime I see it. I always put the sticker outside, because why in the name of GOD would you put it inside? What's the POINT? Ruining perfectly good cover art? Sorry no.
Anyway, what you said at the beginning is true. Experiences at Gamestop are like experiences at any store. Completely dependent on what store and who works there. I like to think that my Gamestop is pretty balls, because we have a bunch of awesome, friendly, and knowledgeable people working there (aside from my assistant manager, that ho), and my store manager isn't afraid to make the call to go with customer service over store policy. (which is how every retail outlet should be run, TBH. Customer service is by far the most important factor in a retail setting)
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on March 23, 2009, 06:10:49 PM
Never trust bitches working at a Gamestop store. 99% of the time, they have no clue what they're talking about because they were just hired due to titties.
Okay seriously, that is just uncalled for.
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Defective game returns get a defective sticker, and get sent in for resurfacing.
How long does this process take? It was a week later when I saw the game (possibly a couple days more than a week, I don't remember exactly), so would it have been possible for the game to be sent and returned within that time?
Quote
After the buyout, all EB Games prices and policies were identical to those of Gamestop.
Did this happen at every store the very instant the buyout took place? The EB Games around here didn't adopt GameStop's pricing for at least a few months after, if not longer, though they still accepted my GameStop card.
Quote
Prices are based on demand. Wii games are the hot thing right now, so prices are slow to drop. Less popular games drop faster. NMH is $17.99.
I guess GameStop isn't competing with eBay. Games like Super Mario Galaxy are still only $5 less than new, though on eBay the game can be found for at least $20 less than new, sometimes even more.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Adrock on March 23, 2009, 06:45:10 PM
Never trust bitches working at a Gamestop store. 99% of the time, they have no clue what they're talking about because they were just hired due to titties.
Okay seriously, that is just uncalled for.
While I wouldn't be so blunt, there's some truth to that. Not that girls necessarily have no idea what they're talking about, but is it really too difficult to imagine that some girls are hired to be door whores and nothing else? Gamestop, at least every single one I've been to, is notorious for harassing people as soon as they step foot in the store. Because the demographic is primarily male, the idea is that they'll react more positively to any young moderately attractive female, especially one who's moderately well endowed. I'm not joking either and I don't mean to offend. That's just the way things are. See, I'd be skeptical too except my friend's girlfriend got a job at Gamestop a couple years ago. She doesn't know that much about gaming, but she fairly top heavy (and Asian... yeah, your guess is as good as mine). Were there more qualified applicants? Probably. Now, I'm not saying this happens everywhere, all time time, but my point is that it happens, probably more often than it should.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NWR_pap64 on March 23, 2009, 07:19:22 PM
For the record, S_B's girlfriend is a highly capable employee that owns all three systems and has a vast knowledge of gaming, especially music and fighting games, so there are exceptions. Another example was a girl who noticed my pre-order of Samba de Amigo and Soul Calibur IV and we talked about classic Dreamcast games and how there weren't that many 3D fighting games on the systems (this was at the time, now both consoles have a sizable amount of fighters in their rosters).
Maybe I am just lucky and got Gamestops that don't fit the stereotype. It seems I might be the minority on this...
And yes, cut down on the sexism guys. The girl is likely there for a living so there's no need for generalization or insults.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on March 23, 2009, 07:28:39 PM
Maybe I am just lucky and got Gamestops that don't fit the stereotype. It seems I might be the minority on this...
It's hard to say, in the big scheme of things this sampling of people here is infinitesimal compared to the number of GameStop stores and customers.
I've probably been to at least 15 different GameStops around my area, and as far as the employees went, only 2 of those had bad employees. Not terrible, just bad. They are both in a neighborhood that's kind of shady to begin with, so I guess it comes with the territory. Really, my problems with GameStop have nothing to do with the employees, and that's why I think it is a bit unfair to lump them all as incompetent, rude, lazy, ignorant, or whatever.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NWR_pap64 on March 23, 2009, 07:34:12 PM
Maybe I am just lucky and got Gamestops that don't fit the stereotype. It seems I might be the minority on this...
It's hard to say, in the big scheme of things this sampling of people here is infinitesimal compared to the number of GameStop stores and customers.
I've probably been to at least 15 different GameStops around my area, and as far as the employees went, only 2 of those had bad employees. Not terrible, just bad. They are both in a neighborhood that's kind of shady to begin with, so I guess it comes with the territory. Really, my problems with GameStop have nothing to do with the employees, and that's why I think it is a bit unfair to lump them all as incompetent, rude, lazy, ignorant, or whatever.
I agree, that's way I always say that if you are going to hate on a store, hate on its policies, services, deals and such and leave the employees alone. And even if your bad experience happened because of a bad employee its unfair to lump ALL of them in the same category. Many are just working for a living and the least they need is more whining customers.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Dirk Temporo on March 23, 2009, 08:18:41 PM
Never trust bitches working at a Gamestop store. 99% of the time, they have no clue what they're talking about because they were just hired due to titties.
Okay seriously, that is just uncalled for.
It's not uncalled for because it's true. Yes, there are some girls working at Gamestop that actually know what's up, but they're in the very small minority. Gamestop makes a regular practice of hiring girls as eye candy, with no consideration for their knowledge.
As for the turnaround time, I'm not sure. I'm pretty sure that the distribution is random after resurfacing, so in all likelihood, they just put the game you returned back on the shelf.
And yeah, the price change wasn't immediate, so I was wrong on that.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on March 23, 2009, 08:39:50 PM
Maybe so, but there are unoffensive ways to make such statements. Though given the circumstances I suspect your intent was to be disrespectful.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on March 23, 2009, 08:44:58 PM
Amanda at my local gamestop is smart, knowledgeable and is probably the best employee there. Well endowed she is not either. What I can tell you is that there are many of the male workers who are pretty clueless, in fact the BEST employees I've found at Gamestops have been women. It is disgusting when a woman is considered attractive she got the job only for that. Grow up, it is attitudes like that which limit the amount of female applicants to jobs that seem to walk over some people's manly hobby. I'll tell yah there are quite a few male employees scattered around in Gamestops that sure aren't knowledgeable, I wonder if they were hired for eye candy as well?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on March 23, 2009, 09:58:32 PM
Amanda at my local gamestop is smart, knowledgeable and is probably the best employee there. Well endowed she is not either. What I can tell you is that there are many of the male workers who are pretty clueless, in fact the BEST employees I've found at Gamestops have been women. It is disgusting when a woman is considered attractive she got the job only for that. Grow up, it is attitudes like that which limit the amount of female applicants to jobs that seem to walk over some people's manly hobby. I'll tell yah there are quite a few male employees scattered around in Gamestops that sure aren't knowledgeable, I wonder if they were hired for eye candy as well?
Got to attract that 51% female DS user base, right? ;)
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Kairon on March 24, 2009, 01:42:16 AM
Good employees are nice, but I basically never walk in a gamestop without knowing what I want and intend to buy, or how much I'm willing to splurge. That way, they can make all the recomendations to me that they like, and I'm ready with a polite "no" and a clear detailed answer on what I want instead.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on March 24, 2009, 02:34:07 AM
Good employees are nice, but I basically never walk in a gamestop without knowing what I want and intend to buy, or how much I'm willing to splurge. That way, they can make all the recomendations to me that they like, and I'm ready with a polite "no" and a clear detailed answer on what I want instead.
That is pretty much how you should do it any time you are buying a more expensive product at a store.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Dirk Temporo on March 24, 2009, 05:10:33 AM
in fact the BEST employees I've found at Gamestops have been women
That begs of the question of what defines "best."
Quote
It is disgusting when a woman is considered attractive she got the job only for that.
No it isn't. BECAUSE IT'S TRUE. Just because you're ignorant and blind to the truth doesn't make it any less so. Hot chicks get hired at Gamestop to attract neckbeards. No, not all of them are hired for that reason. Are some of them? F**k yes they are.
Quote
Grow up, it is attitudes like that which limit the amount of female applicants to jobs that seem to walk over some people's manly hobby.
No, what limits the amount of female applicants to Gamestop is the fact that MOST WOMEN DON'T CARE IN THE SLIGHTEST ABOUT VIDEO GAMES. Do you know the M:F ratio in an average day at Gamestop? It's EASILY 10:1, and that's counting the girls who come in because they were dragged by their boyfriends.
And GP, I know you can't stand me and think I'm some woman-hating pig or some such, but honestly I'm not. In general I'm a pretty nice guy. I just get wound up easily, and tend towards brutal honesty, especially on the Internet. (yeah yeah epenis or whatever the kids are saying these days) But I expect the same could be said of you (not a bad thing). Honestly I hope you don't harbor any real feelings of disdain for me, but if you do, that's your perogative.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on March 24, 2009, 05:28:43 AM
in fact the BEST employees I've found at Gamestops have been women
That's because you're an obnoxious feminist and can't resist any opportunity to say "HEY I'M A GIRL AND I PLAY GAMES"
Quote
It is disgusting when a woman is considered attractive she got the job only for that.
No it isn't. BECAUSE IT'S TRUE. Just because you're ignorant and blind to the truth doesn't make it any less so. Hot chicks get hired at Gamestop to attract neckbeards. No, not all of them are hired for that reason. Are some of them? F**k yes they are.
Quote
Grow up, it is attitudes like that which limit the amount of female applicants to jobs that seem to walk over some people's manly hobby.
No, what limits the amount of female applicants to Gamestop is the fact that MOST WOMEN DON'T CARE IN THE SLIGHTEST ABOUT VIDEO GAMES. Do you know the M:F ratio in an average day at Gamestop? It's EASILY 10:1, and that's counting the girls who come in because they were dragged by their boyfriends.
Point A) Actually it tends to be other people who have mentioned that she is a girl, not her.
Point B) Just because something may have some truth to it doesn't mean it is not disgusting or wrong.
Point C) 51% of the DS user base would be proving your statement wrong. I would be willing to bet you don't see a lot of girls in GameStop of their own free will is because they don't like being harassed by guys who get all excited by seeing a member of the opposite sex remotely close to their taste in hobby.
They are human too and should be treated as such.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Dirk Temporo on March 24, 2009, 05:38:13 AM
At the risk of starting another sh*tstorm, I would like to point out that her MySpace address is "sophiagirlgamer"
Also, my mom owns a DS and I can safely say that she doesn't care about video games. Owning a video game system doesn't mean that you care about video games, ESPECIALLY if it's a Wii or a DS, both of which were built from the ground up to target (drum roll please)
PEOPLE WHO DON'T CARE ABOUT VIDEO GAMES
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on March 24, 2009, 05:56:58 AM
I wouldn't say they don't care about videogames. They just don't care about them in the same way you or I care. They have different tastes. Try telling my mom not to play Pop Cap games. She's hooked on them. Try telling my friends parents and sister that they don't like games. They love Mario & Sonic @ the Olympics to death and still play it over a year later all the chances they get and they got excited when they heard that the Winter Games sequel is coming out. Those aren't poeple who don't care about games, they just don't obsess over them the same way you and I do.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Nick DiMola on March 24, 2009, 06:54:33 AM
I think the points here are getting a little skewed. Whether or not women care about video games is irrelevant to the point Dirk is trying to make. The fact of the matter is that the majority of shoppers at Gamestop are male, regardless of whether or not this is fully indicative of the market as a whole. As such, some stores hire some women with certain traits to possibly coax a purchase out of their more typical consumers.
I don't see why this is such a stretch. Does anyone cry foul at E3 when they have booth babes hanging all over the predominantly male gaming media in order to garner their interest in any given game? How about girls at car shows? Car interest tends to be male dominated, so they hire attractive women to sell the product.
Now do any of you honestly think that most of the girls at these shows actually know anything about what they are helping present? So again, why is it a stretch that a video game store would do something similar to help attract business to their store. Of course no one is making the point that every girl at every Gamestop is hired for this reason, but simple logic dictates what Dirk is claiming. While I think he could've expressed his opinion more eloquently I do feel that there is some truth behind his statement.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: KDR_11k on March 24, 2009, 03:14:44 PM
I guess I'm lucky that the only issues with GS here are their pricing and their treatment of the goods, the employees are fairly normal.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on March 24, 2009, 06:51:25 PM
I'm not denying that there are female employees who were hired simply because they're female, though I highly doubt the percentage which Dirk Temporo mentioned is true. My point was, there are less offensive ways to make such statements and I find it hard to take anything of the such seriously. Of course, Dirk Temporo has made it clear that he has no intention of being respectful, so I'm just wasting my time. Besides, I should have known to ignore his statement as 99% of all men are insensitive jerks.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Adrock on March 25, 2009, 12:49:33 AM
They love Mario & Sonic @ the Olympics to death and still play it over a year later all the chances they get and they got excited when they heard that the Winter Games sequel is coming out.
Nobuddy likes Mario & Olympic Sonic At Games! Fact!
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on March 25, 2009, 01:37:20 AM
They love Mario & Sonic @ the Olympics to death and still play it over a year later all the chances they get and they got excited when they heard that the Winter Games sequel is coming out.
Nobuddy likes Mario & Olympic Sonic At Games! Fact!
Seven million people say otherwise.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Dirk Temporo on March 25, 2009, 03:28:32 PM
Hell yes they are. I am of the opinion that 99% of the population in general just sucks. Whether or not that number includes me, I couldn't say, but I like to think not. Despite being extremely blunt (people get offended too easily. Nothing offends me so I just roll with it), I do my best to help people and generally be a decent human being. I hold doors for everyone, stop every time I see someone broken down on the side of the road, and really just try to love my fellow humans.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on March 25, 2009, 07:14:03 PM
So you try to love people but you also think almost everyone sucks? Where's the optimism? Where's the faith? Why would you love everyone if they suck? If you love people then why wouldn't you want to be respectful?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Adrock on March 25, 2009, 07:26:35 PM
Because it's easier not to be. That's the American way.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Dirk Temporo on March 25, 2009, 10:56:02 PM
I don't need optimism or faith to love my fellow man. Everybody has a chance to be a good person, and it's not my fault if they aren't. I'm not going to hold to the false ideal that everybody in the world will at some point get along and stop hating each other. Likewise, somebody sucking is not a legitimate reason to treat them like crap. The idea is to break the cycle. In a world where everybody is treating everybody else like dirt, the last thing I want to do is perpetuate that. I am also a believer in karma and the power of an individual. I can't save the world, but maybe I can brighten the day of just one person I meet.
As for being respectful, words are arbitrary sounds applied meaning by social acceptance. Words are not offensive or disrespectful; the meaning assigned to them by the person using them is.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on March 25, 2009, 10:59:47 PM
I can't save the world, but maybe I can brighten the day of just one person I meet.
You won't brighten my day by using words like "bitch" and "titties". Honestly it seems to me you are just making excuses so you can be disrespectful and call it everyone else's problem.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: ReverendNoahWhateley on March 26, 2009, 12:10:54 AM
They love Mario & Sonic @ the Olympics to death and still play it over a year later all the chances they get and they got excited when they heard that the Winter Games sequel is coming out.
Nobuddy likes Mario & Olympic Sonic At Games! Fact!
Seven million people say otherwise.
Those seven million people are just going through a weird phase.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Dirk Temporo on March 26, 2009, 03:47:07 AM
You won't brighten my day by using words like "bitch" and "titties". Honestly it seems to me you are just making excuses so you can be disrespectful and call it everyone else's problem.
I'm sorry that you are so easily offended by ultimately meaningless combinations of letters on your computer screen. I'm also sorry that you feel I'm being disrespectful, but honestly I'm not. I respect you and everyone on the forum.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on March 26, 2009, 08:41:30 PM
I'm sorry but I don't believe you to be a nice person, as nice people use respectful language. You don't agree on this I'm sure, but that's okay, different people have different interpretations of niceness.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: vudu on March 27, 2009, 02:50:48 PM
That said, some of their store policies are ridiculous. First off, I'm not really sure if they have any standards as to what condition they will accept a game in, as I've gotten a few disc games which were scratched to all dirty floors and couldn't be read at all. If these games were actually tested then they would have known they didn't work. Also, each used game has a set price regardless of condition, so games missing the box and/or manual aren't any cheaper.
I read a "scathing, tell-all" report from a former GameStop employee that stated it was corporate policy not to test used games. It was "cheaper to let the customers test the games buy purchasing them and bringing them home". Whether there is any truth to that I can't honestly say.
Prices are based on demand. Wii games are the hot thing right now, so prices are slow to drop. Less popular games drop faster. NMH is $17.99.
In all fairness, new copies of NMH carry an MSRP of $19.99. You can get a brand new one off of Amazon.com for $15.99 (http://www.amazon.com/No-More-Heroes-Nintendo-Wii/dp/B000X25GW2/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1238179547&sr=8-1). Also, GameStop.com's current price for a used copy is $24.99, a full $5.00 more than a brand new copy (which is out of stock) (http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=11905).
I think Ubisoft stopped printing No More Heroes and started printing a combo of No More Heroes and Red Steel for 29.99.
That is interesting. I already own NMH but I have been debating getting RS. Maybe I'll get this and give my copy of NMH to a friend who would enjoy it. Or I could grab a copy of RS on Amazon for less than $10.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: vudu on March 27, 2009, 04:17:41 PM
Red Steel isn't even worth that much.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on March 27, 2009, 04:36:00 PM
NMH just got more expensive with even less value. The extra package also increased its adverse effect on the environment.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Nick DiMola on March 27, 2009, 05:43:09 PM
First off, I just want to mention that I don't really think Gamestop hate can be compared to Walmart hate. In most cases, Walmart hate is totally unjustified whereas Gamestop hate nearly always has a horror story attached to it.
I'll start down the list of why I hate Gamestop:
1. Most importantly, they do not value games at all. What I mean by this is that they will take garbage trashed up games for trade-in, and then put them out on the shelves in whatever condition they came in. Boxes, manuals, and disc art are of the least concern to them, and they make absolutely no distinction with the price sticker when selling you crap vs. selling you pristine goods.
2. They do not value their customers (the business, not the employees). They offer barely anything for trade-in, they force preorders upon customers just so they can more accurately gauge demand, and they often will steer gamers into buying things (like extended warranties on discs) even though they will never get use out of them once.
3. Gutted games. When I buy a new game, I want that ****er sealed in plastic wrap. "New" does not mean not played. Their corporate policy even dictates the truth of this statement. Try and return an opened "New" game and tell them, "Well, I never played it!" They'll tell you "Sorry, but you can trade it in for (a measly) 20 bucks." Yet they will sell it back to the public for $5 off of MSRP pricing.
4. They are a monopoly. As such they set the standard prices (and policies) of used game sales. Nothing is more frustrating when Gamestop arbitrarily prices games and as a result even eBay and Half.com prices mimic Gamestop prices. Look at the majority of stocked Gamecube games, they all sell for $20+ even though there are 20 copies of each game on the shelf.
5. The employees. I will not say every employee at every store is a worthless waste of life, but I have been to many, many Gamestops and have been met with nothing but problems. Arrogant (ignorant) sales associates are probably my biggest gripe. They are so cocky about their preferences that when anybody buys something they deem unworthy they see fit to rattle off a list of "better" games you should purchase. Also, they are often too lazy to help you look for a damn game when you can't find the box anywhere on the shelf.
All that being said, I will still occasionally shop there when a coupon comes around for last-gen games. I'll raid their super cheap games and grab a bunch of stuff at prices I could never get on eBay and Half.com. Other than that, I refuse to buy anything from them or sell anything to them.
Ugh..
This. I hate Gamestop with a passion. Their policies are shady and dishonest. No, Gamestop, I do not consider a game that has had its plastic wrap removed to be "new", and I'm not going to pay the "new" price for it even though you'll try to get me to do that. Furthermore, your used games are typically destroyed, and you'll charge the same price for a used game that somebody has wiped their ass with as you will for a game that is prisitine.
Basically, Gamestop has no respect for video games and leeches off our hobby like a pimp leeches off a prostitute. They care nothing about the games they sell, the people that make them, or the people that play them. They could be selling widgets for all they care. They add nothing to the game industry and only serve to take away from it. If video games disappeared tomorrow, they would move on to some retail space and take advantage of that too.
I hope I didn't beat around the bush here.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Plugabugz on July 31, 2009, 05:48:46 PM
I don't like retail game stores at all, except for HMV in Piccadilly Circus which has a massive gaming centre where you can play games and try them before buying. I'm not paying £40 for Ninjarbread Man!
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Ymeegod on July 31, 2009, 06:11:58 PM
I liked my old EB games store--used prices were cheaper and the selection greater. Now after the merger yeah there's 6 new stores in my area but the used prices skyrocketed and they started selling used copies as new--the bad news is this isn't just poor employees but the overall sales manager in my area. Last game I picked up with a Kirby DS title which the first copy didn't work and the second copy had 3 saved files on it. The manager stated it was a store display copy but I asked them why they had two then and why did the save files have 100% completion on it.
Have other stories as well but most of them have been said before--I wouldn't shop @ GS unless they were my only option. Treat customers who spent $100+ monthly like crap and they wonder why their profits hurt:(.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Djunknown on August 01, 2009, 01:12:08 AM
Quote
Furthermore, your used games are typically destroyed, and you'll charge the same price for a used game that somebody has wiped their ass with as you will for a game that is prisitine.
Short GS story: I was on the hunt for the RE 0 2 years ago, and during my pursuit I found a case that had deep teeth marks. Whether they were human or animal, I didn't care. I just put it back, and washed my hands thoroughly when I had the chance...
Every time I hear XY publisher talking about how used games are the devil and must be stopped, I think they want to say "Gamestop is the devil", but can't because they do business with them. I mean, ebay, craig's list, Goozex, etc can't be making that much of dent are they?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: KDR_11k on August 01, 2009, 01:47:32 AM
I found it ironic when, after all these industry comments about the evils of used games, I spotted ads in Prototype for trading in games at Gamestop...
Generally I don't buy their used games, too expensive.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BwrJim! on August 02, 2009, 11:02:32 AM
A lot of times, if you say you dont consider it new, the gamestop is allowed to sell it to you at the used price. (but they try their best not too). Anyone notice that Ebgames employees usually always rocked and gamestop employees did not. Why? not sure, but I do know that if I walk into a gamestop I can usually peg if it used to be a ebgames.. try it out!
I remember my store, we forced gamestop into the buy 2 get 1 free deals. I was destroying thier business. Now its a staple in thier every so offen sales. take that gamestop.. of course my store is closed down now 8( but it still kicked their but all over the place.
p.s. if anyone wants a true classic retailer, call game force, the original game store from the 80's (303)368-4263. They have some licensed stores out there, but its run by the passion from the owners and employees. so if someone say, needs to complete a n64 collection.. call them!
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: that Baby guy on August 03, 2009, 03:00:19 AM
Well, Gamestop has definitely driven the price of used games up much higher than before they were a huge success. Prices were already at the break point for me, back then, and now they're just much, much higher.
My issue with GS is pretty simple, I've seen better, in almost every aspect. I had a Rhino Video Games that was in my area, before GS bought them out, and the story hired knowledgable employees who were fair, didn't push their bias, got to know their regulars, and actually recommended things they thought customers would like, rather than what the company was pushing. This wasn't just what they did for me, it's what they did for everyone, and they were very successful.
I go to GameStop, and employees are rude, pushy, recommend useless or stupid things, and it's just not much to compare.
Also, prices are higher, but I pointed that out already.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BwrJim! on August 03, 2009, 11:26:25 AM
oh its That guy agian. jeez. Actually, if I was to open a GS store, I would forge forward with how I used to run things a while back. (just like your rhino games actually.. always listen to the consumer, figure out what they really want and give recomendations based on that.) and most likely family gamers (real family) to help the store out too. that would at least create a positive image in the area.. sadly though, they have no classic titles.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: kraken613 on August 03, 2009, 12:56:24 PM
I am lucky in my town GS is the only place that normally gets games the day they come out. All the employees are really cool and nice at mine. I go in there enough that they aren't annoying about crap anymore to me. I am in there at least once a week or more.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on August 03, 2009, 05:55:13 PM
oh its That guy agian. jeez. Actually, if I was to open a GS store, I would forge forward with how I used to run things a while back. (just like your rhino games actually.. always listen to the consumer, figure out what they really want and give recomendations based on that.) and most likely family gamers (real family) to help the store out too. that would at least create a positive image in the area.. sadly though, they have no classic titles.
There is a local store in my area that really puts forth a family/kid friendly image. They promise parents that they will refuse service to kids on school days and what not. They not only sell games, but they have a LAN center, a Guitar Hero setup, pool tables and a DDR machine. I need to go there more. Support the little guy and all that.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: that Baby guy on August 07, 2009, 11:14:51 PM
Wow, that sounds pretty awesome, Stratos. If they're close enough, you should definitely give 'em your money for the service it sounds like they're providing.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on August 08, 2009, 11:13:20 AM
thatguy if you opened a GameStop and attempted to run it like you described, corporate would take your store away from you.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: KDR_11k on August 08, 2009, 02:37:43 PM
Hahahahaha, the idiots introduced the optional warranty here. I bought some DS games and got asked if I wanted a warranty on them, I told him anything that breaks these isn't covered by warranty anyway.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on August 08, 2009, 02:51:57 PM
EB Games was so much better than GameStop, even after the buyout before they adopted GameStop's policies and pricing. That's where I got a lot of my Nintendo 64 games because they almost always had better prices than eBay, and they didn't keep their games locked in a glass case like GameStop so I could inspect them before buying. I also bought up a lot of N64 controllers from them because they were only $8.
There was one strange incident involving GameStop I remember. I had just gotten home with a handful of N64 games I had scooped up at GameStop, and I was testing them all to see if they worked. When I popped in WWF Attitude, I was stunned when the title screen read "Bomberman 64". Someone must have swapped the chips and housed Bomberman 64 inside of the WWF Attitude cartridge... though I can't think of why somebody would do this. It wasn't the only one in the lot which was like this either: Madden Football 64 was actually Battle Zone! :-\
Only at GameStop...
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Flames_of_chaos on August 08, 2009, 03:10:06 PM
EB Games was so much better than GameStop, even after the buyout before they adopted GameStop's policies and pricing. That's where I got a lot of my Nintendo 64 games because they almost always had better prices than eBay, and they didn't keep their games locked in a glass case like GameStop so I could inspect them before buying. I also bought up a lot of N64 controllers from them because they were only $8.
There was one strange incident involving GameStop I remember. I had just gotten home with a handful of N64 games I had scooped up at GameStop, and I was testing them all to see if they worked. When I popped in WWF Attitude, I was stunned when the title screen read "Bomberman 64". Someone must have swapped the chips and housed Bomberman 64 inside of the WWF Attitude cartridge... though I can't think of why somebody would do this. It wasn't the only one in the lot which was like this either: Madden Football 64 was actually Battle Zone! :-\
Only at GameStop...
Oh wow, personally I think EB and Gamestop were equally bad. I miss Funcoland, that was the best store ever.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on August 08, 2009, 03:17:07 PM
I don't know which Funcoland YOU visited, but the one which was near me charged an extra $5 or $10 more than MSRP on just about everything.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on August 08, 2009, 04:24:47 PM
EB sucked too, they charged like $70 for Mortal Kombat 2 when it was released for SNES/Genesis.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on August 08, 2009, 05:00:50 PM
Funcoland brings back memories.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on August 09, 2009, 03:47:10 AM
I support my local Gamestop with no regrets. They are awesome people there and have always treated me well, whether it was Scott the manager or Amanda the assistant manager. Both are honest people and have always been straight with me.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on August 09, 2009, 04:20:49 AM
Sounds like the one I liked in Portland, GP. I went to several different GameStops in the area when I looked for deals (and when I was Wii hunting) and there was one where the employees always went above and beyond the call of awesomeness (and duty). Half of the other store's employees seemed like they were missing half of their brains and/or their manners.
Though I think my favorite Portland place to get games was the Fred Meyers. There was a Wii fan there and some of the other electronics workers were 'HD/360' type gamers but they were still respectful of my decision to go with Wii and we openly talked about it.
The GameCrazy next to Fred Meyer was also pretty cool.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on August 09, 2009, 05:20:20 AM
Sounds like the one I liked in Portland, GP. I went to several different GameStops in the area when I looked for deals (and when I was Wii hunting) and there was one where the employees always went above and beyond the call of awesomeness (and duty). Half of the other store's employees seemed like they were missing half of their brains and/or their manners.
Though I think my favorite Portland place to get games was the Fred Meyers. There was a Wii fan there and some of the other electronics workers were 'HD/360' type gamers but they were still respectful of my decision to go with Wii and we openly talked about it.
The GameCrazy next to Fred Meyer was also pretty cool.
I enjoyed getting games from my local Fred Meyer but for some reason they've been really slow in getting new games in.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Smash_Brother on August 09, 2009, 11:32:09 AM
Working at Gamestop sucks because of the ultra-shitty customers you need to deal with.
You basically HAVE to love games to work there, otherwise there's no reason to put up with the endless flow of angry, ignorant, belligerent customers. You spend most of your days dealing with white trash trying to haggle prices that are set in stone, mothers who drop their bratty kids off at the store to play with the demo stations and never buy anything and angry parents who are convinced that Mario is, in fact, on the Xbox and that their knowledge on the subject supersedes yours.
Not to mention the alleged "hardcore" gamer nerd who comes in just to mock the store and its employees.
I can't say I agree with their corporate practices and I believe that digital distribution will ultimately be the death knell of the company, but still, if you work at Gamestop, you must be there because you at least love games. There's no way in hell you'd put up with all of the **** otherwise.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NWR_Lindy on August 09, 2009, 08:04:26 PM
This is why I avoid Gamestop at all costs. I can't stand the employees OR the customers. My hell is being locked in a Gamestop for eternity, surrounded by screaming toddlers, white trash parents, and hardcore gamer nerds that know more than anyone about everything.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on August 09, 2009, 08:20:18 PM
Sounds like a Robot Chicken episode.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on August 09, 2009, 09:18:23 PM
you work at Gamestop, you must be there because you at least love games. There's no way in hell you'd put up with all of the **** otherwise.
You might be surprised what some people put up with. If someone had no other choice I'm sure they'd rather work at GameStop than not have a job. I can say this with certainty because some GameStops near me have employees of whom I KNOW don't like gaming.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on August 09, 2009, 09:29:11 PM
you work at Gamestop, you must be there because you at least love games. There's no way in hell you'd put up with all of the **** otherwise.
You might be surprised what some people put up with. If someone had no other choice I'm sure they'd rather work at GameStop than not have a job. I can say this with certainty because some GameStops near me have employees of whom I KNOW don't like gaming.
I think Mop_it_up, me and Athena should all store a gaming store.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on August 09, 2009, 09:31:12 PM
The start-up costs of opening a gaming store would be pretty minimal because I already own almost enough games to stock it!
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on August 09, 2009, 09:34:15 PM
The start-up costs of opening a gaming store would be pretty minimal because I already own almost enough games to stock it!
You know I'd love to start a girl gamer themed store. That could be lots of fun. Not sure if the market is there but it could definitely be researched!
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: broodwars on August 09, 2009, 09:58:52 PM
The start-up costs of opening a gaming store would be pretty minimal because I already own almost enough games to stock it!
You know I'd love to start a girl gamer themed store. That could be lots of fun. Not sure if the market is there but it could definitely be researched!
Seriously, exactly what would make a "girl gamer themed" game store any different from a general "gamer themed" game store? What, would you paint the store pink and focus on selling the full lineup of Ubisoft's "-z" franchise?
Note: that last bit was sarcastic, in case that wasn't obvious.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on August 09, 2009, 10:00:54 PM
The start-up costs of opening a gaming store would be pretty minimal because I already own almost enough games to stock it!
You know I'd love to start a girl gamer themed store. That could be lots of fun. Not sure if the market is there but it could definitely be researched!
Seriously, exactly what would make a "girl gamer themed" game store any different from a general "gamer themed" game store? What, would you paint the store pink and focus on selling the full lineup of Ubisoft's "-z" franchise?
Note: that last bit was sarcastic, in case that wasn't obvious.
Well for one, you wouldn't be allowed in. That would be my first innovation.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NWR_Lindy on August 09, 2009, 10:03:02 PM
This would only work in L.A. or New York.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on August 09, 2009, 10:08:37 PM
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Halbred on August 09, 2009, 10:09:46 PM
Funny GameStop story of the day:
Called the GS in the mall (closest one to me), asked if they have Prototype (PS3) used, and how much. Dude checked, they didn't have one, but the Muldoon store (basically a half hour away) might have one. He forwarded me to them, and they DO have a used copy. Here are the prices he quoted me:
NEW: $60 USED: $54
EPIC FAIL
Craigslist cost: $25
INSTANT WIN
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on August 09, 2009, 10:14:06 PM
What, would you paint the store pink and focus on selling the full lineup of Ubisoft's "-z" franchise?
*slap*
I KNEW somebody was going to say that...
Once again, that was deliberate sarcasm of a stereotype, though if Nintendo's E3 press conference is any indication maybe I shouldn't have been sarcastic about Ubisoft's "-z" franchise being included.
And by the way, Halbred, you do know you can just use Gamestop.com to look up locations of used games at their stores, right? You don't have to call them. Glad you found a good deal, anyway, though.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on August 09, 2009, 10:19:59 PM
What, would you paint the store pink and focus on selling the full lineup of Ubisoft's "-z" franchise?
*slap*
I KNEW somebody was going to say that...
Once again, that was deliberate sarcasm of a stereotype, though if Nintendo's E3 press conference is any indication maybe I shouldn't have been sarcastic about Ubisoft's "-z" franchise being included.
Exactly. People who say something so obvious and expected should be slapped. Maybe try being clever next time...
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: broodwars on August 09, 2009, 10:28:06 PM
What, would you paint the store pink and focus on selling the full lineup of Ubisoft's "-z" franchise?
*slap*
I KNEW somebody was going to say that...
Once again, that was deliberate sarcasm of a stereotype, though if Nintendo's E3 press conference is any indication maybe I shouldn't have been sarcastic about Ubisoft's "-z" franchise being included.
Exactly. People who say something so obvious and expected should be slapped. Maybe try being clever next time...
*refrains from making a retort that will only escalate the argument.*
And by the way, I'm still waiting for the serious answer to that question, GP. You intrigued my curiosity. What would make your store different from any other, focused on the girl gamer?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on August 09, 2009, 10:30:28 PM
I know it was a stereotype. That's the point! Say something CLEVER if you want to amuse...
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: ShyGuy on August 09, 2009, 10:33:22 PM
I think a GameWomyn store would work in San Francisco and Seattle as well.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on August 09, 2009, 10:34:11 PM
What, would you paint the store pink and focus on selling the full lineup of Ubisoft's "-z" franchise?
*slap*
I KNEW somebody was going to say that...
Once again, that was deliberate sarcasm of a stereotype, though if Nintendo's E3 press conference is any indication maybe I shouldn't have been sarcastic about Ubisoft's "-z" franchise being included.
Exactly. People who say something so obvious and expected should be slapped. Maybe try being clever next time...
*refrains from making a retort that will only escalate the argument.*
And by the way, I'm still waiting for the serious answer to that question, GP. You intrigued my curiosity. What would make your store different from any other, focused on the girl gamer?
Seriously I'm not sure, I just kind of through it out there. It would have to be something I'd have to think about and research pretty heavily.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: broodwars on August 09, 2009, 10:37:26 PM
I think a GameWomyn store would work in San Francisco and Seattle as well.
See, I was tempted to go there after Lindy's post but I'm glad someone else did. ;)
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: ShyGuy on August 09, 2009, 10:39:18 PM
A GameWomyn store would have fewer posters of BloodRayne and Lara Croft bending over. A GameWomyn store would foster a warm and safe environment for womyn. A GameWomyn store would have a place to sit and talk and public restrooms. A GameWomyn store would be staffed by knowledgeable womyn.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on August 09, 2009, 10:41:18 PM
I hadn't thought about it before either but it's an interesting idea.
I don't know if this is necessarily female-oriented, but if I had a game store then instead of holding events like gaming competitions I would have something more like a support group. People gathering together to help each other get through difficult games, showing each other tactics they've learned and stuff, or to play through co-op games and such. I would also serve free tea, because tea is a much better beverage for marathon gaming than so-called energy drinks.
That's something I thought of just now. I could probably think of other things too...
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: broodwars on August 09, 2009, 10:46:14 PM
I hadn't thought about it before either but it's an interesting idea.
I don't know if this is necessarily female-oriented, but if I had a game store then instead of holding events like gaming competitions I would have something more like a support group. People gathering together to help each other get through difficult games, showing each other tactics they've learned and stuff, or to play through co-op games and such. I would also serve free tea, because tea is a much better beverage for marathon gaming than so-called energy drinks.
That's something I thought of just now. I could probably think of other things too...
See, I don't know if I'd call that "girl gamer'-oriented because that's just something I think a good gamer store in general should focus on: the community, fostering the love of gaming in old and young, men and women alike while in the meantime selling a lot of games. The best gaming stores I ever shopped at had that human element (none of which are still around, by the way), with clerks that knew their gaming and were always ready for a dicussion on the latest games. You sometimes still see that, but it's definitely a dying breed these days.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on August 09, 2009, 10:50:07 PM
Sadly I think creating a female-focused gaming store would be nothing more than a marketing gimmick. It reminds me of the Yorkie chocolate bar which carries the slogan "It's NOT for girls!" It is essentially no different than other candy bars so I don't know why it is sold as such. It may also be ironic that Yorkie is one of my favourite candy bars...
I'm curious as to what ideas GoldenPhoenix could think up.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: vudu on August 10, 2009, 01:29:23 PM
The start-up costs of opening a gaming store would be pretty minimal because I already own almost enough games to stock it!
This would only work if you were willing to part with said games for money. Are you?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on August 10, 2009, 02:32:30 PM
You shouldn't need any type of energy drink or specialty tea for playing video games. I am admittedly a big fan of low carb Monster, but I only drink it when I'm at work or mowing the lawn or doing something that requires energy. GP, your store would be out of business in a matter of weeks.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on August 10, 2009, 02:36:32 PM
You shouldn't need any type of energy drink or specialty tea for playing video games. I am admittedly a big fan of low carb Monster, but I only drink it when I'm at work or mowing the lawn or doing something that requires energy. GP, your store would be out of business in a matter of weeks.
Thanks for your business expertise.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on August 10, 2009, 02:37:00 PM
Working at Gamestop sucks because of the ultra-****ty customers you need to deal with.
You basically HAVE to love games to work there, otherwise there's no reason to put up with the endless flow of angry, ignorant, belligerent customers. You spend most of your days dealing with white trash trying to haggle prices that are set in stone, mothers who drop their bratty kids off at the store to play with the demo stations and never buy anything and angry parents who are convinced that Mario is, in fact, on the Xbox and that their knowledge on the subject supersedes yours.
Not to mention the alleged "hardcore" gamer nerd who comes in just to mock the store and its employees.
I can't say I agree with their corporate practices and I believe that digital distribution will ultimately be the death knell of the company, but still, if you work at Gamestop, you must be there because you at least love games. There's no way in hell you'd put up with all of the **** otherwise.
And yet, the only member that can confirm the horrors expressed by us AS CUSTOMERS has yet to say anything on the matter :rolleyes: .
Not defending Gamestop or anything on the matter, but I would like people who work at Gamestop tells us their stories and see what horrors they have to say about us.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on August 10, 2009, 03:41:21 PM
Quote
Not defending Gamestop or anything on the matter, but I would like people who work at Gamestop tells us their stories and see what horrors they have to say about us.
Oh I know it, I've seen some of them first hand how nasty they can get with the employees.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NWR_pap64 on August 10, 2009, 03:50:47 PM
Also, we are saying that Gamestop attracts bad customers, but can ANY store attract good customers? In other words, if Gamestop attract nasty customers who says the same thing doesn't happen to Wal-Mart, Sears, K-Mart, Radio Shack, Best Buy, Walgreens, Hot Topic, The Apple Store etc. etc.?
What I believe is that customers take stores for granted. They just see a place to spend money on, and if they aren't satisfied they vent against the story and sadly its employees. We are so consumed by our greed and desire to get a material possession that we forget that the people assisting us are people too, people are that need the money to satisfy their own needs.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on August 10, 2009, 03:55:24 PM
I think that's the reason why I created this thread, that it was unfair to single out GameStop. All store chains have bad employees and/or bad customers. They also have good ones to. It's the luck of the draw I guess, but one thing I do know, if you want people to be nice to you then you'd better return the favour.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: King of Twitch on August 10, 2009, 04:03:11 PM
I think the whole 'customer is always right thing' and anti-corporatism gets to people's heads.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on August 10, 2009, 04:04:57 PM
Also, we are saying that Gamestop attracts bad customers, but can ANY store attract good customers? In other words, if Gamestop attract nasty customers who says the same thing doesn't happen to Wal-Mart, Sears, K-Mart, Radio Shack, Best Buy, Walgreens, Hot Topic, The Apple Store etc. etc.?
What I believe is that customers take stores for granted. They just see a place to spend money on, and if they aren't satisfied they vent against the story and sadly its employees. We are so consumed by our greed and desire to get a material possession that we forget that the people assisting us are people too, people are that need the money to satisfy their own needs.
You are right, really people have a problem when it comes to treating workers as equals. They treat workers in stores, restaurants etc as means to an end goal (usually buying some product) and don't really see them as people first. That is one thing I've always tried to do even though it is hard, is to realize they have more worth then some object that you use to get some item or service you want.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Athena Asamiya on August 10, 2009, 04:15:53 PM
Not defending Gamestop or anything on the matter, but I would like people who work at Gamestop tells us their stories and see what horrors they have to say about us.
I really don't know if I want to get involved in this thread.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NWR_pap64 on August 10, 2009, 04:26:26 PM
Not defending Gamestop or anything on the matter, but I would like people who work at Gamestop tells us their stories and see what horrors they have to say about us.
I really don't know if I want to get involved in this thread.
Understandable. Since word on the internet can reach real life quickly I too wouldn't get too involved with a discussion.
My apologies.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on August 10, 2009, 05:30:08 PM
Does Athena Asamiya work at GameStop? If so, more power to you!
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on August 10, 2009, 05:33:02 PM
Wait a second, if she works at GameStop then what's the deal with the Dirk Temporo quote in her signature? Some sort of irony?
I think she was mocking him. It was a stupid statement not to mention offensive.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Halbred on August 10, 2009, 05:59:04 PM
I dunno about ya'll, but I don't like GameStop because I continuously have BAD EXPERIENCE IN GAMESTOP. And it's not the employees, who are very nice at the GS in the mall by my house, it's their policies, pricing, and occassional sloth ("yeah we've got that game." *drives over* "Oh, wait, no we don't. Sorry.").
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NWR_pap64 on August 10, 2009, 06:36:03 PM
To be perfectly honest, even though I disagree with their policies and won't deny anyone else's bad experiences in the times that I've been shopping at Gamestop I've yet to encounter an event so bad that I vowed to never shop there again. I can only recall two bad moments but were minimal.
The first was when me and SB went to buy Twilight Princess and we encountered a huge ass line of people, something that according to him must be normal to Puertorican Gamestops. But even if there were around three employees working the counter there was still a huge amount of people there.
The other time was when I went to pick up my nephew's game. I had called to see if they had the game and they said yes. I went to pick it up and they said that while they had received the game they hadn't put any copies up for sale, meaning that if it wasn't for me asking for my copy they wouldn't have put the game up for sale.
So other than those two times I've been lucky. Either American Gamestops suck overall or Puertorican Gamestops know how to do things right *shrugs.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on August 10, 2009, 07:37:24 PM
GP I was joking. But if you were to open such a store, and held "game discussing sessions", you'd need to charge a membership fee or something, otherwise all of womyn would talk you out of business. I'm still joking. I think.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on August 10, 2009, 08:31:14 PM
Wait a second, if she works at GameStop then what's the deal with the Dirk Temporo quote in her signature? Some sort of irony?
I think she was mocking him. It was a stupid statement not to mention offensive.
Yes, it was a mocking irony. I feel kinda bad, actually, because Dirk has shopped at my store.
I hope you aren't the *expletive* that he is speaking of. Not that you are a *expletive*, but in reference to what he is saying in the.... ahhh you know what I'm saying.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Athena Asamiya on August 10, 2009, 09:43:15 PM
I most certainly am not an *expletive*, to anyone who comes into my store. Well, maybe to the regular customer who is a pathological liar that comes in and says he was part of the Irish Mafia in Boston, and used to have Christmas dinner with "Whitey" Bulger.
But besides that, I'm totally nice, and I am extremely knowledgeable!
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: ShyGuy on August 10, 2009, 10:53:43 PM
Dirk Temporo was a part of the Irish Mafia in Boston?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Dirk Temporo on August 10, 2009, 11:13:27 PM
Yes, it was a mocking irony. I feel kinda bad, actually, because Dirk has shopped at my store.
While you are very obviously not in the group of bitches I'm talking about, you know Ashley and you know she did NOT get that job due to any professional qualifications, and I see girls exactly like her in almost all the Gamestops I've been to.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Athena Asamiya on August 11, 2009, 12:07:27 AM
Yes, it was a mocking irony. I feel kinda bad, actually, because Dirk has shopped at my store.
While you are very obviously not in the group of bitches I'm talking about, you know Ashley and you know she did NOT get that job due to any professional qualifications, and I see girls exactly like her in almost all the Gamestops I've been to.
Without condoning or condemning, I understand.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on August 11, 2009, 12:23:45 AM
Nice movie.
naked blue man
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Smash_Brother on August 11, 2009, 12:39:39 AM
I really don't know if I want to get involved in this thread.
You probably shouldn't.
(http://imgur.com/6zjNO.jpg)
not that that would happen to you, but its still pretty funny.
That picture is the epitome of epic.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NWR_pap64 on August 11, 2009, 01:03:11 AM
Its also a great picture for the Fail Blog
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on August 11, 2009, 04:42:56 AM
And that is why I don't vent on social networking sites or treat it like a private blog/diary. Never know who is watching and reading.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on August 11, 2009, 04:52:56 AM
Reasons for employment at Gamestop and most businesses in general depends on the manager (unless you have a corporate policy on hiring certain people). Each store is different, while one store may hire girls because of their looks (which I still find to a ridiculous and asinine statement considering many of the guys can be inept at stores like Gamestop too. Were they hired because of their looks to?), a manager like Scott hires people depending on their personality and qualifications which is why most of the employees are extremely good there. Amanda definitely wasn't hired for eye candy, she isn't ugly but far from being beautiful, she has a very tomboyish look about her (not that that is a bad thing). The fact is that she is awesome at her job and is more then capable, as I'm sure Athena is as well.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: ShyGuy on August 11, 2009, 06:25:49 AM
Wait, GP shops at the Gamestop where Dirk shops? How do they both know the same Amanda clerk?
Furthermore, GP is in Washington. Dirk is in New Hampshire. Pap is in Puerto Rico. Smash Bros is in Alaska. Athena is in King of Fighters. HOW DO YOU ALL SHOP FACE TO FACE AT THE SAME GAMESTOP?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on August 11, 2009, 06:27:19 AM
Wait, GP shops at the Gamestop where Dirk shops? How do they both know the same Amanda clerk?
Furthermore, GP is in Washington. Dirk is in New Hampshire. Pap is in Puerto Rico. Smash Bros is in Alaska. Athena is in King of Fighters. HOW DO YOU ALL SHOP FACE TO FACE AT THE SAME GAMESTOP?
It's just like how all of the fighters gather together in Soul Calibur. It is a shopping trip for souls and swords.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on August 11, 2009, 07:53:57 AM
Wait, GP shops at the Gamestop where Dirk shops? How do they both know the same Amanda clerk?
Furthermore, GP is in Washington. Dirk is in New Hampshire. Pap is in Puerto Rico. Smash Bros is in Alaska. Athena is in King of Fighters. HOW DO YOU ALL SHOP FACE TO FACE AT THE SAME GAMESTOP?
Lol no Amanda works at the local store by where I live. I think there was a mistranslation.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Athena Asamiya on August 11, 2009, 08:15:27 AM
Wait, GP shops at the Gamestop where Dirk shops? How do they both know the same Amanda clerk?
Furthermore, GP is in Washington. Dirk is in New Hampshire. Pap is in Puerto Rico. Smash Bros is in Alaska. Athena is in King of Fighters. HOW DO YOU ALL SHOP FACE TO FACE AT THE SAME GAMESTOP?
And also, while he HAS SHOPPED at my store, all hating of Gamestop aside, he doesn't SHOP at my Gamestop.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Flames_of_chaos on August 11, 2009, 04:26:32 PM
Wait, GP shops at the Gamestop where Dirk shops? How do they both know the same Amanda clerk?
Furthermore, GP is in Washington. Dirk is in New Hampshire. Pap is in Puerto Rico. Smash Bros is in Alaska. Athena is in King of Fighters. HOW DO YOU ALL SHOP FACE TO FACE AT THE SAME GAMESTOP?
And also, while he HAS SHOPPED at my store, all hating of Gamestop aside, he doesn't SHOP at my Gamestop.
Bob would never forgive me. Well actually he might. I just go there because I've always gone there, and in the last two years, because I work there.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: ShyGuy on August 11, 2009, 07:27:02 PM
You work for Gamestop too, Dirk?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Athena Asamiya on August 11, 2009, 07:55:03 PM
This generally happens in Gamestops that used to be EB's. EB's had a much lower stock level than Software ETC/Gamestops, so when the companies merged and EB's started to get a LOT more product while keeping the same small backrooms- this is what happened. All Gamestops that are newly opened actually have an entirely separate room dedicated just for systems.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NWR_pap64 on August 11, 2009, 08:37:00 PM
Wait, GP shops at the Gamestop where Dirk shops? How do they both know the same Amanda clerk?
Furthermore, GP is in Washington. Dirk is in New Hampshire. Pap is in Puerto Rico. Smash Bros is in Alaska. Athena is in King of Fighters. HOW DO YOU ALL SHOP FACE TO FACE AT THE SAME GAMESTOP?
It's just like how all of the fighters gather together in Soul Calibur. It is a shopping trip for souls and swords.
Let me make this clearer for everyone.
GP is in Washington. I am in Puerto Rico. Dirk, SB and Athena live in New Hampshire. The reason I have shopped at Athena's shop is because I went to visit them in New Hampshire in the summer of 2007.
And if I am not mistaken, Dirk first met SB last year when Athena threw a Brawl release party at her store.
I have yet to meet Dirk in real life nor GP so we have never shopped at the same store.
Though Athena's post about Dirk shopping there threw me off completely...
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on August 11, 2009, 08:53:57 PM
This generally happens in Gamestops that used to be EB's. EB's had a much lower stock level than Software ETC/Gamestops, so when the companies merged and EB's started to get a LOT more product while keeping the same small backrooms- this is what happened. All Gamestops that are newly opened actually have an entirely separate room dedicated just for systems.
That's just disgusting and unsanitary.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: ShyGuy on August 11, 2009, 11:08:44 PM
Wait, GP shops at the Gamestop where Dirk shops? How do they both know the same Amanda clerk?
Furthermore, GP is in Washington. Dirk is in New Hampshire. Pap is in Puerto Rico. Smash Bros is in Alaska. Athena is in King of Fighters. HOW DO YOU ALL SHOP FACE TO FACE AT THE SAME GAMESTOP?
It's just like how all of the fighters gather together in Soul Calibur. It is a shopping trip for souls and swords.
Let me make this clearer for everyone.
GP is in Washington. I am in Puerto Rico. Dirk, SB and Athena live in New Hampshire. The reason I have shopped at Athena's shop is because I went to visit them in New Hampshire in the summer of 2007.
And if I am not mistaken, Dirk first met SB last year when Athena threw a Brawl release party at her store.
I have yet to meet Dirk in real life nor GP so we have never shopped at the same store.
Though Athena's post about Dirk shopping there threw me off completely...
If I recall correctly, Cap America is in New Hampshire as well?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NWR_pap64 on August 11, 2009, 11:16:58 PM
Yes he is.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: KDR_11k on August 12, 2009, 02:07:22 AM
trouble behind the scenes? I hear Athena offers free couples counseling for qualified forum members.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on August 17, 2009, 03:07:58 PM
I guess my busy work schedule has impacted my 'home life'. :-\
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: EasyCure on August 17, 2009, 04:05:54 PM
So the last time I was in a GS, a few weeks ago to see if i could find anything decent for some used sale they had going. I happened to find the Korg DS-10 "new" and picked it up.
The checkout process took about 20 minutes longer than it should have. There's only two guys there, both behind the counter doing small tasks like placing price stickers or something, and they're talking to eachother. The store wasn't busy so i could understand to employees wanting to shoot the **** while doing their jobs, and i'm fine with it. But did it really take 5 mins of me standing at the counter kinda just staring down the guy directly in front of me to get rung up?
How about how it took 15 mins for him to find the game because he never stopped his discussion with the other employee there and stood 5ft away (and still directly in my line of sight) rummaging through a locked drawer without even looking inside of it, was THAT necessariy? It looked like he was trying to pick a game out of a hat for a raffle or something. His eyes were looking at everything BUT the drawer he had his hands in while i stood there with my girlfriend just staring at him in disbelief and also wondering if the parking meter would expire on us..
When he finally finds the damn game he walks back, still talking to the other employee and stops to tell me my total, then goes back to the conversation as i go in my wallet and get out exact change for him (not to make his job easier either, but so i can just get my reciept and walk away). Somehow this still took longer than it needed to be. He counted the money, well rather, pretended to by shuffling it in his hands, but he never once looked down to see the bills because he kept on going with his conversation. He shuffled my money back and forth numerous times as if he was being thurough but only really counted it once. He stopped before putting my money in the register and said "oh... do you have a gamestop card?" and interupted me as i was giving him an answer and said "would you like to pre-order anything" and i just laughed and kindly declined, then shook my head discretely at my gf.
20 mins just to ring up one game, and i even gave them exact change to make it all a smoother process.. did i mention that their conversation regarded another employee there and how BAD he was at his job?
LAFFO
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: D_Average on August 21, 2009, 11:56:57 PM
20 mins just to ring up one game, and i even gave them exact change to make it all a smoother process.. did i mention that their conversation regarded another employee there and how BAD he was at his job?
LAFFO
aaaaaaaAAAHHAHAHAH! Now that is irony!
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NWR_Lindy on August 30, 2009, 12:17:59 PM
My hatred still burns.
On a related note, my favorite is when somebody is ringing you up and they're on the phone with one of their friends having a personal conversation, and they don't even have the common courtesy to put their friend on hold...they just keep talking to their friend all the way through the transaction. That's a classic right there.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Plugabugz on August 30, 2009, 01:29:44 PM
I went to the supermarket earlier and she was sitting there with her hands in the till fiddling. When i got around the other side to leave, she wasn't fiddling but texting on her blackberry.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on September 01, 2009, 02:04:34 PM
Texting while talking to someone is just plain rude. Even worse when you are riding with a friend supposedly having a deep and intimate conversation when the car suddenly swerves and you look over to see she's texting her roommate while driving. Was she even listening to me? I don't think so. :P
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: EasyCure on September 01, 2009, 02:27:55 PM
Texting while talking to someone is just plain rude. Even worse when you are riding with a friend supposedly having a deep and intimate conversation when the car suddenly swerves and you look over to see she's texting her roommate while driving. Was she even listening to me? I don't think so. :P
Thats your fault for not being interesting enough ;)
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on September 01, 2009, 02:37:34 PM
According to the gal I currently like, I am a very interesting person to talk to. So not a problem there. I'm a riveting person, some gals just can't keep up with me. ;)
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: EasyCure on September 01, 2009, 02:44:05 PM
According to the gal I currently like, I am a very interesting person to talk to. So not a problem there. I'm a riveting person, some gals just can't keep up with me. ;)
When you use words like "riveting" and "gals", these "gals" appear not to not be keeping up because they gave up the race when they saw you take that lil rainbow trail off the main path :P
i kid, i kid because i love<3
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on September 01, 2009, 02:49:07 PM
Ha-ha. :P
;)
Except she can't seem to go a day without calling me. So we have a bet going to see if she can go the whole day without calling me or I calling her and the loser has to buy the other dinner.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 01, 2009, 02:51:21 PM
Except she can't seem to go a day without calling me. So we have a bet going to see if she can go the whole day without calling me or I calling her and the loser has to buy the other dinner.
All lies.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on September 01, 2009, 02:53:17 PM
So GP is the gal Stratos is talking about? She doesn't seem enthused.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 01, 2009, 02:57:02 PM
Except she can't seem to go a day without calling me. So we have a bet going to see if she can go the whole day without calling me or I calling her and the loser has to buy the other dinner.
All lies.
You know you want to call me. You hand is over the 'redial last call' button. :D
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 01, 2009, 04:53:55 PM
Except she can't seem to go a day without calling me. So we have a bet going to see if she can go the whole day without calling me or I calling her and the loser has to buy the other dinner.
All lies.
You know you want to call me. You hand is over the 'redial last call' button. :D
Here I am just telling the truth about you and you say this stuff to me! I'm so taking a flower from your town.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on September 01, 2009, 06:00:49 PM
I hope Mop_it_up isn't depressed after reading Stratos's dinner date bets!
Why would I be depressed? I'm HAPPY! Stratos finally got it through his thick skull that I have no interest in him!
:o :) :D ;D
But I've never been truly convinced that you liked me. I thought that was other people that wanted us to actually like each other. Besides, the airline tickets for us to be able to see each other all the time would put costs through the roof, and I like my videogames too much to do that all the time ;)
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on September 02, 2009, 02:13:19 PM
I hope Mop_it_up isn't depressed after reading Stratos's dinner date bets!
Why would I be depressed? I'm HAPPY! Stratos finally got it through his thick skull that I have no interest in him!
:o :) :D ;D
But I've never been truly convinced that you liked me. I thought that was other people that wanted us to actually like each other. Besides, the airline tickets for us to be able to see each other all the time would put costs through the roof, and I like my videogames too much to do that all the time ;)
Don't worry Stratos, it wouldn't have worked out anyway. here is a familiar litle rhyme to help support my statement.
(http://i29.tinypic.com/23uz9ky.jpg)
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Halbred on September 02, 2009, 02:25:19 PM
That's awesome! And horrible! But mostly awesome.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: EasyCure on September 02, 2009, 02:56:02 PM
I had a friend at work used to visit that site for those comics all the time, used to show them to me when I'd get stressed. Never did check it out myself, so seeing so many posted here is FTW!
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 02, 2009, 02:57:29 PM
At least those comics make me feel good since I can draw better then that. which is actually kind of sad.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on September 02, 2009, 03:22:57 PM
But I've never been truly convinced that you liked me. I thought that was other people that wanted us to actually like each other.
Well then, perhaps now everyone will shut the mop up about that. Either way, it's a happy day!
About that comic, the drawings don't really add anything to it. It would have the same impact even if it were just the written word.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: EasyCure on September 02, 2009, 06:08:15 PM
GAMESTOP SUX
/re-railed
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Halbred on September 02, 2009, 06:27:16 PM
"Bad" though the art may be, it works extremely well for the subject matter.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: EasyCure on September 02, 2009, 06:58:02 PM
To add more meat to my prior post (without actually editing it)..
The last time I stepped in to a GS (a day or 2 after the Metroid Prim Trilogy released) I wasn't acknowledged even ONCE. After working retail for a few years (and still in a customer service heavy job) it irks me to no end that employees don't have the common courtesy to say "hello" even once. There used to be one guy that worked at this GS that'd say hi, cuz he sorta knew me from the mall we both used to work at (he transfered from that GS i used to frequent to this one), as well as another one who recognized me as a regular so he at least said "'sup" or something along those lines, but every other employee just ignores me and every other customer that walks in. I shouldn't have to wait till getting to the counter to be spoken to dammit.
/rant
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: KDR_11k on September 03, 2009, 04:16:00 AM
That may be different cultures but I find it incredibly annoying when the store clerks greet you before you've even shown an intent to talk to them, gives me the feeling of being watched all the time and expected to buy something when I'm just browsing.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on September 03, 2009, 10:40:39 AM
That may be different cultures but I find it incredibly annoying when the store clerks greet you before you've even shown an intent to talk to them, gives me the feeling of being watched all the time and expected to buy something when I'm just browsing.
That's the point. You're less likely to steal, and feel more obligated to buy than browse. Courtesy and politeness doesn't really enter into the equation.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: EasyCure on September 03, 2009, 10:45:06 AM
That may be different cultures but I find it incredibly annoying when the store clerks greet you before you've even shown an intent to talk to them, gives me the feeling of being watched all the time and expected to buy something when I'm just browsing.
I used to feel that way, and still do depending on how the interaction goes, but for the most part as a potential customer I like to feel acknowledged. I don't want or expect someone to drop what they're doing and come shake my hand and say "hey how are you today? What can I help you with" because that comes off as sorta pushy, like they're expecting me to buy something; it puts pressure on the customer. All I ask for is a simple smile and nod and who knows maybe even "Hi".
When I walk into a store and don't get greeted, and have to seek out help (which I don't mind doing) and get an employee reaction as if i'm bothering him, why would I bother coming back or giving them my business? In my experience, when you walk into a store (yes even a gamestop) and get a simple greeting, when the time comes to ask for assistance or just check out, the customer/employee interaction just comes out smoother. You don't feel like you disturbed the employee by asking for help, and the employee treats the client a little bit friendlier.
Again, I've worked retail/customer service so I've had "training" here, but more importantly just the experience from being on both sides, I know what its like. Then again, it all varies from person to person anyway so this whole post was a waste of time :P
Oh, and Morari brings up another important point.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NWR_DrewMG on September 03, 2009, 11:02:16 AM
HI WELCOME TO CICIS
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NWR_DrewMG on September 03, 2009, 11:06:14 AM
Also, one of my closest friends (who I am less close to in recent years, sadly) is a store manager at Gamestop, so whenever I talk about shopping elsewhere, he usually replies with a sad face emoticon. I think he's really oblivious to how much most people dislike GameStop, since he doesn't frequent forums or gaming blogs.
FWIW, I know he genuinely believes he's helping the customer when he greets them and guides them toward purchases. He may come off as a little pushy from time to time, but he has really great intentions, and he's super friendly.
But still, I don't shop there (the store is in a different city anyways) when I can help it.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: King of Twitch on September 03, 2009, 11:32:28 AM
Quote from: EasyCure
I don't want or expect someone to drop what they're doing and come shake my hand and say "hey how are you today? What can I help you with" because that comes off as sorta pushy, like they're expecting me to buy something; it puts pressure on the customer. All I ask for is a simple smile and nod and who knows maybe even "Hi".
You know what would get annoying, is if everyone PM'd EasyCure with HI, WELCOME TO NWR WHAT CAN I HELP YOU WITH? everytime they saw him on the who's online list
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: EasyCure on September 03, 2009, 12:18:41 PM
I don't want or expect someone to drop what they're doing and come shake my hand and say "hey how are you today? What can I help you with" because that comes off as sorta pushy, like they're expecting me to buy something; it puts pressure on the customer. All I ask for is a simple smile and nod and who knows maybe even "Hi".
You know what would get annoying, is if everyone PM'd EasyCure with HI, WELCOME TO NWR WHAT CAN I HELP YOU WITH? everytime they saw him on the who's online list
I'd LOL ;)
Especially if you said "Hi, welcome to Costco. I love you"
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on September 03, 2009, 12:48:21 PM
FWIW, I know he genuinely believes he's helping the customer when he greets them and guides them toward purchases. He may come off as a little pushy from time to time, but he has really great intentions, and he's super friendly.
I think noone's complaining about genuine advice but much "advice" that comes from Gamestop employees tends to be intended purely to fill their quota, not to help the customer. Suggesting a game or accessory to the customer when he'd be happier with that is one thing (e.g. steering them away from bad games) but offering idiotic options like that game protection nonsense or preorders on games you never asked for, that's pushy.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Halbred on September 04, 2009, 01:32:48 PM
I really can't stand it (at Gamestop or anywhere else) when employees come up to me and ask if I need help. No, I know what I'm looking for goddamnit, and if I'm confused, I'll ask YOU.
And to GS employees everywhere:
Geezus fracking Krist, most gamers who come into a GS know something about video games, including me. Don't freaking lecture me about what games are good and bad on (insert system here). I'm just gonna start carrying a bundle of my NWR business cards around, and start handing them to GS employees who start talking to me.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on September 04, 2009, 02:39:55 PM
You have NWR business cards?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on September 04, 2009, 03:53:24 PM
Is there a stamp that says "Club Nintendo Platinum Member"?
"Back off, bitches."
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on September 04, 2009, 04:15:07 PM
I really can't stand it (at Gamestop or anywhere else) when employees come up to me and ask if I need help. No, I know what I'm looking for goddamnit, and if I'm confused, I'll ask YOU.
And to GS employees everywhere:
Geezus fracking Krist, most gamers who come into a GS know something about video games, including me. Don't freaking lecture me about what games are good and bad on (insert system here). I'm just gonna start carrying a bundle of my NWR business cards around, and start handing them to GS employees who start talking to me.
I'm never lectured when I go into my favorite Gamestop, they respect me.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Halbred on September 04, 2009, 04:29:04 PM
"My favorite Gamestop" is the same as "my favorite non-lethal virus."
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on September 04, 2009, 05:51:44 PM
I really can't stand it (at Gamestop or anywhere else) when employees come up to me and ask if I need help. No, I know what I'm looking for goddamnit, and if I'm confused, I'll ask YOU.
But other people won't. Don't get pissed off just because people are doing their job.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: EasyCure on September 05, 2009, 04:29:04 PM
I really can't stand it (at Gamestop or anywhere else) when employees come up to me and ask if I need help. No, I know what I'm looking for goddamnit, and if I'm confused, I'll ask YOU.
But other people won't. Don't get pissed off just because people are doing their job.
Exactly, and some places have boss/management on top of your ass making sure you go and ask every single customer that steps foot in a store if they need help (making it borderline harassment) and if you dont, they fire you..
is that what you want halbred? for people to lose their jobs?
for shame.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: KDR_11k on September 05, 2009, 04:43:43 PM
I really can't stand it (at Gamestop or anywhere else) when employees come up to me and ask if I need help. No, I know what I'm looking for goddamnit, and if I'm confused, I'll ask YOU.
But other people won't. Don't get pissed off just because people are doing their job.
Exactly, and some places have boss/management on top of your ass making sure you go and ask every single customer that steps foot in a store if they need help (making it borderline harassment) and if you dont, they fire you..
is that what you want halbred? for people to lose their jobs?
for shame.
Why do we have to suffer for things that happen between management and employee?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Dirk Temporo on September 05, 2009, 05:14:56 PM
Because as much as you may like to think so, you aren't at the center of the retail world. Your average customer will wander Wal-Mart for two hours before asking for help finding what they need, then they'll complain about it later.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: KDR_11k on September 05, 2009, 05:50:34 PM
But Gamestop isn't Wal Mart, you can see all their shelves with one glance.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Dirk Temporo on September 05, 2009, 07:45:55 PM
But Gamestop isn't Wal Mart, you can see all their shelves with one glance.
But can you see their entire inventory? All the stuff in the back room? Games that might not have boxes representing them on the shelves?
You can't form a legitimate argument against retail employees asking customers if they need help. If you could, somebody would have at some point in the last seventy years of retail history, and they wouldn't do it anymore. But the fact is that good customer service is the number one thing you can do to ensure that customers will return, and that begins by greeting them and being friendly.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Kairon on September 05, 2009, 07:50:49 PM
I really can't stand it (at Gamestop or anywhere else) when employees come up to me and ask if I need help. No, I know what I'm looking for goddamnit, and if I'm confused, I'll ask YOU.
And to GS employees everywhere:
Geezus fracking Krist, most gamers who come into a GS know something about video games, including me. Don't freaking lecture me about what games are good and bad on (insert system here). I'm just gonna start carrying a bundle of my NWR business cards around, and start handing them to GS employees who start talking to me.
I'm never lectured when I go into my favorite Gamestop, they respect me.
This.
I'm sure I've related this story before, but I frequented a Gamestop during college and they were never a bother to me. They were always courteous, and whether or not they greeted me depended solely on whether they were in the middle of helping other customers. Also, since the regulars there knew me from the list of only Wii and DS games I'd pre-ordered, they knew that I was a veteran of many console wars and could probably hold my own in any flame war. &P
At my current indy store, they actually do offer me additional items of interest. This is understandable, I don't begrudge them trying for add-on purchases. Bawls drinks? No thank you. Imported White GC Controller? YOWZA! ... I bought that 4 months after they first showed it to me... I caved T_T. But it's always friendly there too, like when I pre-ordered Muramasa the clerk related how he had also pre-ordered it himself. Or they show me the latest shinies they got from Japan... like that White GC Controller...*drool* But yeah, they very readily take no for an answer and treat me with respect.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 26, 2010, 01:19:15 AM
GameStop CFO Leaves, Analyst Downgrades stock (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703795004575088141442389242.html?mod=googlenews_wsj) GameStop in trouble? Why is no one sad? Why are all of you laughing?
Quote
Videogame retailer GameStop Corp. took it on the chin Thursday with news of the CFO's departure and an analyst's warning that the company faces pressure as more games are sold directly through online channels.
Chief Financial Officer Cathy Smith, who had been in the post only six months, is jumping ship to join Wal-Mart Stores Inc. She had joined GameStop last August after a stint with homebuilder Centex Corp.
Robert Lloyd, the company's chief accounting officer, will assume the role of interim CFO.
Ms. Smith's departure was unexpected, though analysts didn't seem to read it as any indicator of a specific financial problem at the company. [...] Mr. Gikas said the loss of the CFO so soon "is clearly not a good sign in our view." He thinks the departure "likely signals tough times ahead and a negative near-term and long-term outlook for the company."
However, the bigger threat is the industry-wide shift to online distribution, he said. Packaged-goods game sales have declined from approximately 85% of industry sales to about 70% during the past two years. "We expect the shift to digital entertainment will continue as the current video game cycle plateaus and declines during the next three years," he wrote.
This potential shift has been a concern for investors, who worry that in the long term, GameStop's customers will increasingly download games instead of purchasing traditional consoles. [...]
The fact that Wal-Mart has been cutting into GameStop's sales poured salt on the wound of the CFO's departure. Last month GameStop slashed its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings forecast as aggressive promotions by Wal-Mart ate into results and raised fears it can't compete with the discount giant as well as hoped. Meanwhile, sales across the videogame industry weakened last year after a record performance in 2008 on the back of several top titles.
Despite the current negative headlines, Janco Partners Inc. analyst Mike Hickey said he still sees reasons for optimism around GameStop.
I don't know.... sound like trouble to me. And to the #1 competitor too. all that salt in the wound must really burn.
(http://i49.tinypic.com/2q9i9nm.jpg)
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on February 27, 2010, 05:11:57 PM
What a ridiculous and stupid statement. Great job lumping everyone into a specific category, considering I've seen the opposite it shows how asinine your stereotypical point really is as is any statement that says "X" group is ALL a certain way. Usually it makes me wonder if it isn't the employees with the problem but the attitude of "X" customer who makes statements like that.
Well, he shouldn't have lumped EVERY one together like that, but in my experience there has been some rude employees there. One time I went there to buy a game (I think it was Zelda) and the gamestop dude was trying to force me to buy the player's guide with it, and I told him "no thanks, I can find whatever info I need online", and he seemed to get really offended and angry about that. I was like WTF? I buy what I want. I'm not some idiot that needs to be told what I want.
So after that I stopped buying from there altogether, and now I just do almost all of my purchases online. I realize not every employee is like that, but its hard not to generalize when that's the sort of experience you have with a place.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Kairon on February 27, 2010, 05:57:52 PM
There's a gamestop opening up near me just half a mile away. I think I'll get all my first-party purchases at TJ-Spyke's amazon shop and pre-order more unique and exotic (and likely to be overlooked) third party titles at the GameStop, like I did with Ener-G Dance Squad and Princess Debut.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on February 27, 2010, 06:05:55 PM
I must give GameStop credit for giving me $90 for an Xbox 360 I got off Craig's List for $35. Other than that...they're ****. I was going to take advantage of a local Blockbuster that was closing, I could have got like 5 copies of GHWT for $4 each, and GameStop sells it for $30...but they buy it for $2.99 - they sell it for 10x what they pay for it! I would have lost 4 dollars. Gay.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on February 27, 2010, 07:48:06 PM
They probably buy it for so cheap because new music games come out all the time so their perceived long term value is close to what annualized sports games are valued at. They drop in price so fast GS could easily lose money on buying used copies. No excuse for charging that much, though.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Halbred on February 27, 2010, 09:58:54 PM
I got a free Jirachi from them today, so I'm not complaining...today.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Kytim89 on February 27, 2010, 10:43:32 PM
I just went into Gamestop and preorder Red Steel 2 and Monster Hunter 3. I took advantage of that fifty-percent(50%) trade in value. I traded in a bunch of my old PS2 games and only payed ten dollars on both games. I want to do the same thing Metroid: Other M and Galaxy 2, but I do not have much left that I want to trade in right now.
Secondly, what is up with this 50% trade in deal?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on February 28, 2010, 05:51:38 AM
They make the prices up so much that a 50% boost to what they normally give you is still pretty low.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Kytim89 on February 28, 2010, 11:05:55 AM
They paid me about $8.50 for GTA: Vice City and $7 for MGS3.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Kairon on February 28, 2010, 02:49:42 PM
Is there any game that GameStop WON'T take? Even if they only give you a dollar?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: KDR_11k on February 28, 2010, 03:18:10 PM
Probably ones they've got a serious overstock of or that are for old systems.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Kairon on February 28, 2010, 03:59:29 PM
I don't know. I remember reading one ex-Gamestop employee saying that one thing people don't take into account is the sheer number of used Maddens they have, that they can't unload, but that they still accepting trade-ins for anyway.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on February 28, 2010, 04:04:56 PM
I highly doubt you could get them to take Atari Jaguar games or something obscure like that.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on February 28, 2010, 04:20:40 PM
Is there any game that GameStop WON'T take? Even if they only give you a dollar?
You mean besides games for non-current systems? I don't think so. And a dollar isn't the least they will offer, they will give you a penny for most sports games if you do not have the case and manual.
As an aside, I don't even remember creating this topic...
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Dirk Temporo on February 28, 2010, 06:43:45 PM
You'd do better to sell your old games on ebay or something.
You wouldn't be helping to support a ridiculous corporation like GameStop then either. It's win-win!
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: D_Average on March 01, 2010, 01:18:44 PM
Craigslist is the best way to go. Fast, free, and no shipping. Just gotta pack heat when making the deal in case your buyer is a rapist wearing a hockey mask. But that doesn't happen much anymore
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Halbred on March 01, 2010, 02:01:23 PM
I've had more than a few instances on Craigslist where the dude gets to my house and is all like "Would you take (like 10% less than what I'm selling it for)?" I usually say yes, but there have been times where I've said no.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Rize on March 01, 2010, 03:55:00 PM
I find Best Buy is the superior place to buy games. Everything is right there on the shelves (and yet sealed since they have anti-theft devices), and they overstock too so you can sometimes find good deals (like when I picked up Assassins Creed a few weeks after release for 40 bucks, or older games in the bargain bin... it's like Wal-Mart with better selection).
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NWR_insanolord on March 01, 2010, 04:01:07 PM
Best Buy's also great because of the Reward Zone system. I've got $40 worth of certificates waiting for the next time I go to get a game there. That's a free game, just for buying things I would have bought anyway.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on March 01, 2010, 06:21:28 PM
Or use the game discs for coffee table coasters. ;)
I suggest using CDs/DVDs that don't have any actual value whatsoever for that purpose. Like those AOL trial discs, or Metallica albums.
But games, no... those actually have some value to them, even if you don't like them yourself you can always sell them to someone who might be interested. Of course, one exception is out-dated sports games like Madden or whatever. The only ones that have any value are the ones for the current year (and possibly the last as well). If its two or more years out of date then its worthless to anyone, and you can't even give them away.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Dirk Temporo on March 01, 2010, 06:55:48 PM
Best Buy's also great because of the Reward Zone system. I've got $40 worth of certificates waiting for the next time I go to get a game there. That's a free game, just for buying things I would have bought anyway.
The Reward Zone is garbage. You must have spent a shitton of money to rack up that kind of reward. I have never bought anything from Best Buy, because everything you can find there, you can get online for way cheaper.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on March 01, 2010, 06:56:49 PM
I was mostly referring to old Maddens when I said that. Though I ended up with enough coasters from burnt cds with errors on them over the years.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Halbred on March 01, 2010, 07:37:00 PM
Best Buy's also great because of the Reward Zone system. I've got $40 worth of certificates waiting for the next time I go to get a game there. That's a free game, just for buying things I would have bought anyway.
The Reward Zone is garbage. You must have spent a ****ton of money to rack up that kind of reward. I have never bought anything from Best Buy, because everything you can find there, you can get online for way cheaper.
...kind of like Club Nintendo!
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on March 01, 2010, 07:43:23 PM
Or use the game discs for coffee table coasters. ;)
I suggest using CDs/DVDs that don't have any actual value whatsoever for that purpose. Like those AOL trial discs, or Metallica albums.
Metallica should really market St. Anger and Death Magnetic like that!
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Ymeegod on March 03, 2010, 01:50:48 AM
Actually I have BB rewardzone credit card and you rack up points on anything, though you do get bonus points for buying it from them. Think I generate $20 each month just for using my CC. So every three months I get another game for free. BTW: I pay my balance each month in full :0.
I think it's something like for every 250 dollars you spend in BB you get $5 off. Think you have to spend $500 on other chargers to get another $5. I beats that "free" mileage **** anyday. I racked up nearly 1 million free miles just to find out one trip to NYC (less than 200 miles mind you) took 250K of those miles.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stogi on March 03, 2010, 02:08:33 AM
yeah but that varies from airline to airline. Plus having a **** ton of sky miles gets you free upgrades to first class (when its not booked) and access to the pimp lounges in the airports.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: KDR_11k on March 03, 2010, 01:38:05 PM
My nearest Gamestop has reorganized the floor plan and thrown the Wii into the ghetto corner the 360 previously occupied. The Wii section also seems to be missing games like New Super Mario Bros Wii. It's like they want to sabotage it...
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stogi on March 03, 2010, 08:32:12 PM
or sabotage themselves...
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on March 04, 2010, 01:22:40 AM
My nearest Gamestop has reorganized the floor plan and thrown the Wii into the ghetto corner the 360 previously occupied. The Wii section also seems to be missing games like New Super Mario Bros Wii. It's like they want to sabotage it...
Stores did this a lot during the GC years, and even though I didn't like it I could kinda understand why they did it, but with the Wii and its huge popularity this makes no sense at all...
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: KDR_11k on March 04, 2010, 07:34:40 AM
Yes, the main issue I see is that popular games were missing.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: D_Average on March 04, 2010, 10:06:27 AM
My local Walmart did the same thing to the PS3 section, previously held by the Wii. Now the Sony games are in a dark corner.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on March 04, 2010, 06:18:24 PM
If GameStop decreased the Wii section then it is probably because they don't sell as many Wii games as PS3 and XBox 360 games.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on March 04, 2010, 06:22:27 PM
Because they scared all of the casuals away with pressure to pre-order.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: EasyCure on March 04, 2010, 08:11:15 PM
I was at one the other day and bought the Miles Edgeworth game (i was in the area and actually wanted to pre-order Fragile for the soundtrack. I'm a loser, sue me) and the woman in front of me said something i found humerous:
"Hi, i need a game for my son. Its a star wars game but I dont remember the name of it.. it was something like 'Star Wars Light Saver Battle..?"
gamestop employee "uhm.. the only star wars game i can think of on wii is Lego Star Wars and i don't think thats the one you're talking about"
I turned to my girlfriend and LOL'd but she missed the conversation :(
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Ymeegod on March 04, 2010, 10:51:26 PM
Marketting--
Sometimes publishers give Gamestop bonus for selling X amount of units. My local GS rearranges the floor plan every other month. This month is a BIG push for PSP GO and GTA Chinatown Wars. The sad thing is while the bundle price sounds nice (both of them for $222) but they are giving you the UMD version of GTA which doesn't work on the GO. :(
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on March 05, 2010, 04:51:20 AM
Sometimes publishers give Gamestop bonus for selling X amount of units. My local GS rearranges the floor plan every other month. This month is a BIG push for PSP GO and GTA Chinatown Wars. The sad thing is while the bundle price sounds nice (both of them for $222) but they are giving you the UMD version of GTA which doesn't work on the GO. :(
LOL, talk about a failure in advertising. And a failure for GO.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: KDR_11k on March 05, 2010, 07:18:47 AM
Sometimes publishers give Gamestop bonus for selling X amount of units. My local GS rearranges the floor plan every other month. This month is a BIG push for PSP GO and GTA Chinatown Wars. The sad thing is while the bundle price sounds nice (both of them for $222) but they are giving you the UMD version of GTA which doesn't work on the GO. :(
LOL, talk about a failure in advertising. And a failure for GO.
You can't be serious. FAILure at retail for sure. I would be pissed if I bought that and probably try file some sort of false advertising on GameStop (ok, not really, but I would return it and then complain a lot on the internet)
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Sundoulos on March 05, 2010, 02:15:34 PM
Tried to pick up a Monster Hunter Tri demo from my local store today. Of course, the employee told me I had to pre-order the game first. Why on earth would I want a demo for a game I've already committed money to buy from them?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 05, 2010, 02:22:41 PM
I thought the demo wasn't out till the 8th.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: vudu on March 05, 2010, 02:38:19 PM
Officially, it's not, but some stores already have it and put it out early. It varies by location.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 05, 2010, 02:46:17 PM
And if they require me to pre-order the game, should I call Reggie on Speed dial and have him come kick some ass?
I'm pretty sure Nintendo said you will not be required to pre-order the game to get the demo.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: vudu on March 05, 2010, 02:47:31 PM
Reserve the game, collect your demo and then immediately cancel your preorder.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 05, 2010, 02:59:57 PM
Where in that do I get to speed dial Reggie so I can see him kick some ass?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Sundoulos on March 05, 2010, 03:37:16 PM
And if they require me to pre-order the game, should I call Reggie on Speed dial and have him come kick some ass?
I'm pretty sure Nintendo said you will not be required to pre-order the game to get the demo.
Capcom has said as much, anyway. (http://www.capcom-unity.com/jgonzo/blog/2010/02/24/monster_hunter_tri_demo__pre-order_clarification)
The problem with the cancellation of a preorder is that, normally, Gamestop still keeps that money as store credit, right? Normally, they just ask you to place the money elsewhere. I've never actually tried to get them to give the credit back, but I don't think I've preordered a game from them in a long, long time.
Still, it doesn't top the time that a Best Buy employee tried to charge me $40 for the Gamecube demo that had Wind Waker and Viewtiful Joe on it.When I asked her why they were charging for the disk, her reply was that it had four games on one disk. :confused;
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: vudu on March 05, 2010, 03:42:12 PM
It's all bullshit. That's why I just ordered my demo disc from the Monster Hunter website. This way I don't need to deal with GameStop's ****.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on March 05, 2010, 04:26:23 PM
We all know Gamestop sucks. Why would you ever consider pre-ordering from them? They want to be jerks, fine, but let's not give them any of our business then.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: GearBoxClock on March 05, 2010, 04:34:35 PM
I dunno, the EB games near my place is pretty cool.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Kairon on March 05, 2010, 04:38:52 PM
We all know Gamestop sucks. Why would you ever consider pre-ordering from them? They want to be jerks, fine, but let's not give them any of our business then.
But I want to increase the amount of orders that GameStop puts in for obscure third party games like, oh... Secret Files: Tunguska!
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on March 05, 2010, 06:34:36 PM
I'd take it up with the manager. You could also bring in a copy of the official press release stating it would be at Gamestop free without a pre-order and call the Better Business Bureau.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 06, 2010, 02:23:19 AM
So I went to Gamestop today and got my demo copy of MH3.
Of course they tried to tell me that I had to pre-order the game if I wanted the Demo and pointed to the demo as proof, to which I pointed out that it doesn't say that on the demo and that it was announced to be released for free no pre-order necessary. His co-worker/manager spoke up and was trying to say something, when I whipped out my phone and put Reggie on speaker phone.... long story short, I got my free demo of MH3 today. No pre-order placed.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: KDR_11k on March 07, 2010, 03:10:15 AM
Sometimes publishers give Gamestop bonus for selling X amount of units. My local GS rearranges the floor plan every other month. This month is a BIG push for PSP GO and GTA Chinatown Wars. The sad thing is while the bundle price sounds nice (both of them for $222) but they are giving you the UMD version of GTA which doesn't work on the GO. :(
LOL, talk about a failure in advertising. And a failure for GO.
You can't be serious. FAILure at retail for sure. I would be pissed if I bought that and probably try file some sort of false advertising on GameStop (ok, not really, but I would return it and then complain a lot on the internet)
I recall seeing a DSi + GH On Tour bundle being posted on the net...
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: EasyCure on March 07, 2010, 06:35:04 PM
so...
That last time I was at gamestop and picked up the Miles Edgeworth game, i ran in to an old 'friend' that works there. He was just going in to work, and i asked him about the Monster Hunter Tri demo; i forgot to pick it up when i preordered Fragile Dreams and asked if they had any and if i can pick one up in a few days (i had to rush off before my meter expired). He said he had them and to come in Sunday when he's back at work.
I go there today, we make some small talk, then goes "oh yeah, so you wanted to preorder Monster Hunter right?" No, thats not what i wanted to do. I wanted to pick up the demo so i could gauge my interest in the game (and even if i liked it i wouldn't preorder it). He said the saaame BS that was potsed above; You have to preorder the game to get the demo. WTF?
I told him straight up "no dude, thats Bull fed to you by GS because the official press release from capcom/nintendo states otherwise so.. just hand over the demo" He wouldn't unless i preordered, even though he was the only person working in the store and has known me since 2nd grade..
Really Gamestop? Really!?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on March 07, 2010, 07:47:02 PM
GameStop: Making childhood friends bitter enemies since it changed it's name from Funcoland.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on March 07, 2010, 07:47:37 PM
Typical of GameStop. It's really poor form of Capcom to have chosen them as an outlet instead of simply doing it all mail-order.
Maybe you should print out the information from Capcom and take it in with you? :P
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on March 07, 2010, 07:50:24 PM
Typical of GameStop. It's really poor form of Capcom to have chosen them as an outlet instead of simply doing it all mail-order.
Maybe you should print out the information from Capcom and take it in with you? :P:
Some people have reported that doing this helps them get a free copy. And from reading posts on Capcom-unity blog shows that the higher-ups are aware of the issue and looking into it.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: EasyCure on March 07, 2010, 08:31:19 PM
I shouldn't HAVE to go through that trouble though. Due to GS doing this, Capcom could potentially lose a sale from me. Hopefully the Capcom higher ups read this by some miracle of a chance and fix the problem.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 07, 2010, 08:51:23 PM
You should have threatened to call Reggie, then hold up your phone with your finger on the dial button.
Worked for me. ;)
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Shaymin on March 07, 2010, 09:33:10 PM
Anyone know if the free demo is running in Canada? I really don't want to add a fake phone # with a 360 area code to my phonebook to get it next week, but if I have to...
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: EasyCure on March 07, 2010, 09:40:56 PM
You should have threatened to call Reggie, then hold up your phone with your finger on the dial button.
Worked for me. ;)
He was the only one in the store, and he's scrawny. I coulda taken his name (and the demo) myself :P
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: iDraTion on March 10, 2010, 12:04:01 AM
So I was coming into this thread after getting my Monster Hunter Tri demo to say how desperately GS needs some form of quality control, and was pleased to see you all already talking about this. There's two GS's in my area, one is gay, and one is apparently not gay. And guess which one has a female employee? The gay one. I was hoping she wouldn't be working when I went there. She insisted that you had to pre-order to get the demo, and she's the same one who said she didn't have enough Ghostbuster shirts for my pre-order after I watched her open up and check a large box full of them. I just don't understand how they can just refuse to give out pre-order items and how they can just claim their own policies that are completely against the game publisher's. And I don't mean to bust on her too much because I know she's just trying to do her job with what she's been told to do, but why is she being told to do these ridiculous things?
So I went to the other GS in my area that I didn't know existed until today. Sure enough they had a whole stack of them in a Monster Hunter Tri display box on the front counter, free to take. Winded up chewin' the gaming fat with the guy for a while. Definitely where I will be buying my games from now on. Like night and day though. They really need a QA department or something to enforce consistency; but hopefully the good kind of consistency, not the customers-can-lick-my-balls consistency.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Kairon on March 10, 2010, 12:37:12 AM
Good GameStops exist. Despite the odds.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on March 10, 2010, 01:14:21 AM
I'm pretty sure I have like $60 or $70 store credit at GameStop...just no will to go there.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on March 10, 2010, 07:21:16 AM
I'm pretty sure I have like $60 or $70 store credit at GameStop...just no will to go there.
Better use it before it expires/Gamestop goes out of business. You might not think that could happen, but there used to be a place called Babbages where that ALMOST happened to me.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on March 10, 2010, 04:56:26 PM
Don't know what I should get...maybe they have a JTAG-able Xbox 360, that would rule.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on March 10, 2010, 05:40:04 PM
I'm pretty sure I have like $60 or $70 store credit at GameStop...just no will to go there.
Better use it before it expires/Gamestop goes out of business. You might not think that could happen, but there used to be a place called Babbages where that ALMOST happened to me.
Didn't Babbages get eaten by Gamestop?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on March 10, 2010, 05:42:00 PM
Babbages, FuncoLand, EB Games, and Software Etc. were all bought out by GameStop.
EB Games was the best one of them all. Their games weren't overpriced, actually in good condition, and they ddn't have lame store policies.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on March 10, 2010, 05:56:16 PM
I'm pretty sure I have like $60 or $70 store credit at GameStop...just no will to go there.
Better use it before it expires/Gamestop goes out of business. You might not think that could happen, but there used to be a place called Babbages where that ALMOST happened to me.
Didn't Babbages get eaten by Gamestop?
Yeah, but the store credit didn't transfer during that merger so anyone who had store credit at babbages was effed. Stuff like that happens pretty quick. I'm not saying it will happen, but tomorrow you might hear an announcement that Gamestop is filing for bankruptcy, or is being bought out by so and so. If that happens then all your credits, warranties, etc. will become void.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: jrlibrarian on March 10, 2010, 09:26:47 PM
I'm pretty sure I have like $60 or $70 store credit at GameStop...just no will to go there.
Better use it before it expires/Gamestop goes out of business. You might not think that could happen, but there used to be a place called Babbages where that ALMOST happened to me.
Didn't Babbages get eaten by Gamestop?
Yeah, but the store credit didn't transfer during that merger so anyone who had store credit at babbages was effed. Stuff like that happens pretty quick. I'm not saying it will happen, but tomorrow you might hear an announcement that Gamestop is filing for bankruptcy, or is being bought out by so and so. If that happens then all your credits, warranties, etc. will become void.
Yeah, that's why I used all of my store credit to finance my Gamecube purchases.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on March 10, 2010, 11:49:11 PM
I have $67 there, I wish I could just trade it for cash.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on March 11, 2010, 12:40:53 AM
I have $67 there, I wish I could just trade it for cash.
One thing you could do is use that credit to get stuff, and then turn around and sell that stuff on ebay or something for cash. You probably won't get the full $67 that way (in fact it would be very unlikely if you did), but you would get some cash.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on March 11, 2010, 04:10:14 AM
Babbages, FuncoLand, EB Games, and Software Etc. were all bought out by GameStop.
EB Games was the best one of them all. Their games weren't overpriced, actually in good condition, and they ddn't have lame store policies.
I thought Funcoland was the original chain and then they changed their name to GameStop and that was when the madness started.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: that Baby guy on March 11, 2010, 12:24:46 PM
I liked Rhino, a Southeast chain that hired knowledgeable local gaming enthusiasts. When they were bought up by GameStop, there was a definite degree of change in the way the employees acted and recommended products, and I took it as one sign of how GameStop corporate policy is bad for gamers similar to me.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on March 11, 2010, 05:52:57 PM
Gamestop employees are bullies that try to strong arm customers into buying warranties, player guides, and other garbage they don't want or need.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on March 11, 2010, 11:01:27 PM
Gamestop employees are bullies that try to strong arm customers into buying warranties, player guides, and other garbage they don't want or need.
Just like Best Buy, Radio Shack, and any other number of tech-related stores. Morons that are only told to sell warranties!
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on March 12, 2010, 07:00:02 AM
If I were to buy an RROD prone system like the 360 then getting a warranty thing might be worthwhile. But I only buy Nintendo stuff, and I've never once had a hardware failure. That's counting back to the original NES!
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Dirk Temporo on March 12, 2010, 03:18:14 PM
Gamestop employees are bullies that try to strong arm customers into buying warranties, player guides, and other garbage they don't want or need.
No, actually, they're paid employees who are making a living or just maintenance money at a job where they are required by their employer to offer those things. Stop making it so personal.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: GearBoxClock on March 12, 2010, 03:20:23 PM
It really depends on where you go.
Besides, if you consider asking if you want a warranty bullying customers, there's something a bit wrong.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NWR_insanolord on March 12, 2010, 05:11:34 PM
The guy at my GameStop must not care about keeping his job then, because he didn't even ask if I wanted to preorder Monster Hunter when I picked up the demo and another game. It made me think GameStop wasn't so bad, until about a minute later when I learned that the three GameStops in my area had received a combined one copy of Sonic Classics Collection for DS, which was at one of the other stores and had already been purchased.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on March 12, 2010, 05:45:11 PM
Gamestop employees are bullies that try to strong arm customers into buying warranties, player guides, and other garbage they don't want or need.
No, actually, they're paid employees who are making a living or just maintenance money at a job where they are required by their employer to offer those things. Stop making it so personal.
They get to choose whether or not to accept a job offer. If they had any shred of dignity they wouldn't do things such as this just to keep such a meager job.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on March 12, 2010, 06:07:58 PM
Besides, if you consider asking if you want a warranty bullying customers, there's something a bit wrong.
I know what you're saying, but in my experience they do a bit more than just ask if you want it. I've felt harassed when I went there, because they wouldn't take a no for an answer and just kept hassling me about it.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: EasyCure on March 13, 2010, 03:01:04 PM
Besides, if you consider asking if you want a warranty bullying customers, there's something a bit wrong.
I know what you're saying, but in my experience they do a bit more than just ask if you want it. I've felt harassed when I went there, because they wouldn't take a no for an answer and just kept hassling me about it.
They're like those dicks in anti-smoking/pot/drug ads that try to peer pressure **** on to you; "c'mon man, all you gotta do is $5 down on this game to pre-order it and you'll get a special code to unlock the most badass weapon in the game! You don't wanna be a LOSER do ya!?"
lol
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Sessha on March 13, 2010, 08:27:46 PM
I've had the same experience several times after saying no to a preorder or membership I've gotten whining or more pressure which to me is rude and uncalled for. The last time I was in a gamestop was to pick up cheap PS2 games I didn't have a member's card and was asked if I wanted one, I was going abroad for school in about a month so really didn't want to spend the extra money. I politely told the woman no but she continued to prod and at this point had stopped ringing up my purchases. I told her I wasn't interested and she continued telling me how it's "stupid" not to take the discount and if I came back in here without it I would be sorry, so I told her "if I ever did come back in here I would be sorry" and left, I have no plans to return to a gamestop anytime soon.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: EasyCure on March 13, 2010, 09:03:48 PM
I've had the same experience several times after saying no to a preorder or membership I've gotten whining or more pressure which to me is rude and uncalled for. The last time I was in a gamestop was to pick up cheap PS2 games I didn't have a member's card and was asked if I wanted one, I was going abroad for school in about a month so really didn't want to spend the extra money. I politely told the woman no but she continued to prod and at this point had stopped ringing up my purchases. I told her I wasn't interested and she continued telling me how it's "stupid" not to take the discount and if I came back in here without it I would be sorry, so I told her "if I ever did come back in here I would be sorry" and left, I have no plans to return to a gamestop anytime soon.
*claps* I've walked away from registers many a time (too bad not with my intended purchases). Once a manager musta saw what was going on because they chased after me before leaving the store to ask if there was anything they could do to make my shopping experience more pleasurable. I told him to hire someone competent and walked away.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: EasyCure on March 16, 2010, 07:33:44 PM
So..
I get off work at 4:30, make it to the GS I pre-ordered Fragile Dreams at by 5. I wait in line, behind 1 customer and one friend of the clerk. The clerk, Antwon, seemed like a nice guy. Sounded friendly, poked fun at his friend for owning a PS3.. hell when I finally got to the counter and was asked my phone number (he noticed my receipt in hand and knew what I was there for.. he's got MAD skillz) and saw I pre-ordered a Wii game, his friend was like "whats that? i never heard of it" and the dude replied something like "that's cuz it's not a whack PS3 game like the one you be playin' haha"
After some banter with his coworker, Jasmine I believe (I called the store prior to my departure from work to ensure it'd be there and not waste my time if it wasn't), I overheard that there were only 4 copies total in the store; 3 preordered (assuming) and one he mentioned was going to be "gutted", which I'm sure means it'll be the open display box game, the martyr of GS games.
I proceed to pay, he gives me back my change and highlights the "www.tellgamestop.com" part of my receipt and tells me to have a good day. I'm missing something. I decide to play stupid and say "Isn't there a soundtrack that's supposed to come with this, because I pre-ordered?" and he promptly replies "No, not that I'm aware of". I follow with "hm.. funny, I could have sworn there was a pre-order bonus for this game.." to which he answers "well, here let me give you the store number so can call us up and find out.." I interrupt with "oh, I should have the store number on my receipt.. don't worry about it" and walk away.
Once outside, I call up my friend Carlos, the inside man I have at GS to vent to as well as try to find out if he knows if they ever received the soundtrack (we had a conversation about it a few weeks ago when he tried to make me pre-order Monster Hunter Tri just to get the demo...) AND find out when the manager would be in to call and vent to him too. He wasn't much help, but did say he'd be working the night shift and if he saw anything he'd lemme know. Good man, when he wants to be.
I get back to my car, call up another nearby GS that I've never really had a problem with and a young kid answers, unfortunately I didn't catch his name. I ask him if he knows anything about a pre-order bonus for Fragile Dreams, and guess what he does.. HE CHECKS HIS FUCKING COMPUTER OMGOSH! "Yeah, looks like there's a soundtrack, 'Moonlight Tracks', that comes with the game if you pre-order" Thank you. That's all I needed to hear. I did ask him if it'd be possible for him to supply me the number to a district manager (general manager woulda been too far?) and the poor kid sounded so nervous and confused. I reassured him I didn't want to complain, about him or his store and told him straight up "..it's the store in White Plains I have a problem with, you guys are fine. You gave me the info I needed and I don't think I've ever had a problem with your store". He sounded relieved, put me on hold and came back with an 800 number.. bah, Customer Service number of course. I knew I wouldn't get a direct number, but that just proves this kid knew how to do his job; if a customer wants a district/general manager phone number chances are its bad and if you give it out, your store manager will KILL YOU.
I call up the number given to me [800.883.8895 for future reference] and within a minute I reach a woman by the name of Tammy, nice gal. To sum up our conversation, she took down (what I'm assuming is the store # from my receipt) and some other information, of mine, and told me she'd pass everything along to their Promotional dept and they'd try to mail me a copy of the "physical" pre-order item but due to limited quanities I might not get one, they might send coupons or some crap in the mail. Before ending the call, I made sure to reiterate my initial problem for the call;
it wasn't that I didn't receive the soundtrack essentially promised* to me, it was the fact that when questioning the store employee about it he:
A. (Claimed) He didn't know what I was talking about. B. Had a snarky tone. C. Didn't bother verifying the information.
Especially when I call up another franchise of theirs not even a mile away and the employee I reached there took initiative and looked it up on his work terminal and was also helpful with an out of the blue request for their district managers phone number when he knows he did nothing wrong.
After that summary, I made sure to give kudos to the GS that was helpful and if possible to pass that along to their higher-ups. Now I'm home, with an unopened copy of Fragile Dreams that I will return should this issue not be resolved. I should hear something via email in 24-48 hours, according to Tammy, and have 30 days to return this unopened product. We'll see what happens..
*I'm sorry, I don't buy into the whole "while supplies last" bullshit. I remember when there used to be limits on pre-ordering games and if a pre-order gift was announced, you were garaunteed to get it as long as you picked it up within the timeframe alotted for the store to hold your pre-order before putting it on the shelf for anyone else to nab, that is unless an asshole employee took it for themselves before day 1 (like what happened to me back when I pre-ordred OoT and didn't receive my; tshirt, callendar, poster..).
I pre-ordered this fucking game 13 days before it was released, I shouldn't be allowed to do that ESPECIALLY if a gift is promised. Pre orders are supposed to give retailers data on how many copies of a game to orderso they can have X amount for the people that pre-order and X amount for shelf space. Once you have that data, and know X amount of people have already put $X on a game you pass that along to the game publisher who can manufacture X amount of the bonus, its not that fucking hard is it?
Instead of a gift offer being used as an incentive for a gauranteed sale (assuming that if you're interested enough in a game to pre-order it, you're definately gonna buy it), GS (at least, I've never heard of bonus offers from other retailers) use it to dupe customers. Thats my opinion anyway, because as a former manager of a retail chain myself I know the importance of customer service/satisfaction and making your entire staff aware of any and all promotions that drive up business. Instead of someone walking in to GS and suggesting a pre-order to a game with a gift to entice them, they outright HARASS you in to pre-ordering, ANY new game with or without a bonus gift, and the customer isn't aware a gift even exist either because the management did a shitty job in informing their employees, or the employee themself is too stupid to remember, or even worse - they think if they seal a pre-order without informing of the bonus, they can take it for themselves and sell it on eBay down the line.
Oh and the fact that GS uses their pre-order data to bea cheap and only order a minimum of games is bullshit too. I'd be really surprised if there were 2 other people in my area that pre-ordered this game, and the remaining three copies were all they ordered to fill their shelves. Though at the same time I wouldn't be surprised if they really did only get ONE shelf copy in, open it to put the box on display and sell the disc as "new" even though their employees are allowed to take the game home and play it, because any time I go in to a gamestop I see the (relatively) good games all on the Used shelf, while all the ones marked "new" are things like Imagine; Babiez Party..
/rant
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: TJ Spyke on March 16, 2010, 07:40:23 PM
I've had the same experience several times after saying no to a preorder or membership I've gotten whining or more pressure which to me is rude and uncalled for. The last time I was in a gamestop was to pick up cheap PS2 games I didn't have a member's card and was asked if I wanted one, I was going abroad for school in about a month so really didn't want to spend the extra money. I politely told the woman no but she continued to prod and at this point had stopped ringing up my purchases. I told her I wasn't interested and she continued telling me how it's "stupid" not to take the discount and if I came back in here without it I would be sorry, so I told her "if I ever did come back in here I would be sorry" and left, I have no plans to return to a gamestop anytime soon.
*claps* I've walked away from registers many a time (too bad not with my intended purchases). Once a manager musta saw what was going on because they chased after me before leaving the store to ask if there was anything they could do to make my shopping experience more pleasurable. I told him to hire someone competent and walked away.
Yeah, that's never happened to me or anyone I know. The cashier will ask 1 time, and then not mention it again.
insanolord, a lot of games will only get as many copies as pre-orders (meaning if 3 people pre-order the game at that store, the store will buy 3 copies from the publisher). This frequently happens with niche games that won't sell that well anyways.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NWR_insanolord on March 16, 2010, 07:44:37 PM
I understand that; my point is that it's a stupid policy, and that it's why I buy most of my games at Best Buy or on Amazon instead of at GameStop.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: that Baby guy on March 16, 2010, 08:08:29 PM
I suppose, had I really wanted the bonus, that I'd verify upon preorder that I'd be receiving the CD, especially since they said "While supplies last" in the press release and XSeed is a smaller company.
Still, I'd imagine it's should be a store's priority to know about pre-order bonuses, especially ones in exclusive promotions. I still can't figure out why the gaming industry treats GameStop so well, aside from the fact that they're the only major games-only company out there. I still think Sony needs to rev-up their "Sony Style" Playstation sections and have a dedicated employee just for them, and Nintendo needs to follow Microsoft's idea to make stores in malls and outlets to compete with GameStop.
The idea being that if the industry hardware makers open up shop, they'll see more of the profits, for one, and they'll likely over-expand, then close a few of the initial, though less profitable branches, creating a small void an independent could take advantage of.
I don't know, I just want SOME alternative for a dedicated video game store that sells new titles, and there's none.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: EasyCure on March 16, 2010, 08:17:03 PM
Nintendo needs to follow Microsoft's idea to make stores in malls and outlets to compete with GameStop.
I think they've flirted with the idea;
Last holiday season I noticed my local mall had a dedicated Nintendo Zone (or some other bad name, Experience maybe?). It wasn't a store with retail space, and I don't think they even sold product there.. it was out in the open, replacing two lame kiosk vendors (they were relocated, don't worry) and had about 6 Wii/Tv set-ups with various games for people to try out. Within the circle of Wii's there was a small information desk, and at least 3 other product demonstrators showing people how to play the various games they had. I noticed a wii wheel (mario kart) and balance board (wii fit) but no wii Zapper..
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: that Baby guy on March 16, 2010, 08:22:10 PM
I recall reading about it. I've been to the Nintendo World Store when I went to New York a few weeks back, and the experience was absolutely a blast. Having similar stores, though space consuming, could do leaps for public image, just like what Apple's done. I just hope they'll be year 'round.
And I'm seriously disappointed to hear you had it confirmed you'd get the pre-release soundtrack. That's not good to hear. Did you receive any slip or notification about your pre-order? Anything that has the date, or even went so far to have a promise about the CD?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 16, 2010, 08:40:29 PM
I'm still waiting for a Nintendo World Store in San Francisco. They should have opened it in the same building of old Sony Style store. That would have been way too funny though.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: EasyCure on March 16, 2010, 08:48:34 PM
I recall reading about it. I've been to the Nintendo World Store when I went to New York a few weeks back, and the experience was absolutely a blast. Having similar stores, though space consuming, could do leaps for public image, just like what Apple's done. I just hope they'll be year 'round.
And I'm seriously disappointed to hear you had it confirmed you'd get the pre-release soundtrack. That's not good to hear. Did you receive any slip or notification about your pre-order? Anything that has the date, or even went so far to have a promise about the CD?
All i got was the receipt for my miles edgeworth game that also showed i put a $10 deposit down for Fragile Dreams back on 03/03/10. I'm not gonna sweat it anymore though, because if I don't get the soundtrack before the 30 day return limit, I'll go get my money back and bring a copy of the email from their customer service dept and threaten to go to the top. :)
As for the Nintendo World Store, it was MUCH more awesome during Wii launch (when i worked there ;)) or when theres any other events held. Any other time, its actually kinda meh for what it could be. As for the dedicated mall area, what i saw was a good start for a mall venture. It was odd they weren't trying to sell products directly, as there wasn't much competition in the mall (the same GS i posted about above, and a shitty selection at Sears, thats it) but i guess it worked out better that way for one important reason:
You could see EVERYTHING.
And no, i'm not talking about the cute blondes they had working there showing people how to use WiiFit :P The whole set-up was out in the open, so anyone and everyone, on any floor, could happen to walk by and see a ton of people playing Wii and having fun. You just can't get that kind of exposure in an enclosed retail area, especially not in a mall, no matter how much space you have or how big the glass store-front is. The only con about what they did was that they didn't sell actual product.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on March 16, 2010, 09:18:41 PM
I want a Nintendo Store in Seattle area. NoA is right here in the area so it only makes sense, right?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: broodwars on March 17, 2010, 09:46:00 PM
Well, Gamestop in general has managed to put itself in my bad graces today. I had pre-ordered the Sega PS3 RPG Resonance of Fate, which supposedly released this week. For the first time in a while, I had to deal with that whole "ship date/street date" BS that meant the game would be released on Wednesday. Ok, fair enough but when I called them today they told me that they hadn't gotten the game in yet but to call back later. I did this several times and was eventually told that the official word is that the game had been delayed a day, and that I'd be able to pick the game up tomorrow. Ok, that screw-up's all on Sega, so fair enough given how utterly incompetent Sega's been with this release so far. No sense complaining to the GS people about it. Not an hour later, though, I received a text from GS telling me that my game would be arriving tonight, but when I called my GS again to verify I was told that they weren't getting it in. Apparently the left hand had no ****ing idea what the right was doing, in the process jerking me around for a couple days. Well, at least I didn't waste any gas driving out there, though they'd better get my game in tomorrow. ::)
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: D_Average on March 18, 2010, 08:02:12 PM
Looks like all of our Gamestop woes will be over soon: http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/gamestop-rewards-program-launching-this-may-in-four-markets/
Can't wait to see what the actual prizes are. I'm already foaming at the mouth....
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on March 18, 2010, 10:40:13 PM
Lame. Just another tracking card for marketing purposes. It'll probably even have an RFID tag in it so that the stores can instantly know who just entered the store and how likely they are to pre-order!
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: that Baby guy on March 18, 2010, 11:53:53 PM
You know, I went to a Wal-Mart the other day looking for Pokemon, and the employee there actually tried to convince me I should go to GameStop for my games over Wal-Mart, without any real reason why, except saying he knew employees there :/
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: EasyCure on March 20, 2010, 04:04:45 PM
Target Employee: "nah dude, **** this place we got shitty games; wallmart has them forl ike 3 cents cheaper anyway, go there.
Wallmart Employee: "yeah its like 3 cents cheaper here but you'd be better off going to GameStop and get a used copy for 3 WHOLE DOLLARS less, used of course. Besides, they have this cute working there now, go check her out."
Gamestop Employee: "Hi would you like to pre-order anything today?"
You: "actually i came to pick up.."
Gamestop Employee: "PRE-ORDER OR GTFO"
Bestbuy Employee "no, sorry we don't have that game. Try target"
Circle of life
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on March 20, 2010, 04:08:57 PM
Simple answer: Amazon.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: that Baby guy on March 20, 2010, 04:22:01 PM
Yeah, with any niche title I couldn't find at Best Buy, Target, or Wal-Mart, I'd just get it cheaper at Amazon, and wait a few days.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on March 20, 2010, 08:28:53 PM
Waiting a few days is a small price to pay when you consider the benefits: cheaper general price, larger selection, no tax, usually free shipping, save even more money by not wasting fuel in your car from driving to GameStop, save time (time=money, right?), etc, etc, etc.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 20, 2010, 10:56:11 PM
especially for people like me that peobably won't get around to playing a game on the first day I bough it anyway. Why spend the gas, time, energy and money(full price & tax) to go get it at the store when I can have it delivered to my house a few days later? \\
On Amazon, I could even use the money saved to have it shipped quicker, and in the case of pre-orders, use the savings to have it delivered on launch day.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on March 21, 2010, 08:12:55 AM
Target Employee: "nah dude, **** this place we got ****ty games; wallmart has them forl ike 3 cents cheaper anyway, go there.
Wallmart Employee: "yeah its like 3 cents cheaper here but you'd be better off going to GameStop and get a used copy for 3 WHOLE DOLLARS less, used of course. Besides, they have this cute working there now, go check her out."
Gamestop Employee: "Hi would you like to pre-order anything today?"
You: "actually i came to pick up.."
Gamestop Employee: "PRE-ORDER OR GTFO"
Bestbuy Employee "no, sorry we don't have that game. Try target"
Circle of life
You can bypass the circle of life by doing your **** online. That's why the internet was invented in the first place, so people wouldn't have to deal with life, lol. So go to Amazon or Overstock or wherever and you're good to go.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: EasyCure on March 21, 2010, 12:31:11 PM
Once I hear back from GS regarding my complaint, thats exactly what I plan to do. The only reason I go to retailers like Best Buy or Target (rarely go to Wallmart or GS) is because I'm usually in the area either way, so it's not a waste of gas/time/money.
For instance, the movie theatre I frequent is in the same building complex as Target. I'll go, get my tickets and have an hour to kill so my girlfriend and I end up walking around Target. If I'm in the mood for a new game, I'm already there so might as well right? Same goes for Best Buy, which is close to numerous restaurants. I either kill a few mins there if the wait is long or take a lap or two to walk off my meals. As for GS, again I just happened to be in the mall and remembered the pre-order so I figured, might as well while I'm here (instead of taking the 10 min drive after work the next day and using up my precious free time).
I'm in the same boat as BnM, I rarely play my games first day anyway so Amazon is looking better and better for me. I'm still hesitant about it; about spending more money than I should (because its so damn easy!) and package arrivals, but that doesn't have much to do with Amazon as it does my luck with parcels in general. I'm thinking of just having everythiing shipped to the business my girlfriends parents own, never had problems with that.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: D_Average on March 21, 2010, 03:25:26 PM
Did the GS employee end up being that cute?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: EasyCure on March 21, 2010, 03:28:21 PM
I wasn't being serious?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on March 22, 2010, 04:26:00 AM
Naw, everybody knows all teh gamer babes work at Game Crazy ;)
No one works at Game Crazy anymore. :(
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on March 22, 2010, 05:50:16 PM
Game Crazy is still around? Quite a few sprang up around here when the store chain was first founded, but ever since Hollywood Video went under, they've all closed up shop.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: vudu on March 22, 2010, 09:02:10 PM
Hence why UncleBob said "no one works at Game Crazy anymore".
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on March 23, 2010, 04:30:45 AM
They still exist. There's one in my area.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: KDR_11k on March 23, 2010, 06:10:55 AM
The new GameStop two blocks away hasn't opened yet, so $90 of April game purchases have just gone to Amazon via the affiliate link in TJ-Spyke's forum signature.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: UncleBob on March 24, 2010, 02:00:17 AM
They've closed (Well, officially, I think it's still open until the end of the month, but it's dead, Jim) my local GameCrazy. :(
Makes me sad.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on March 24, 2010, 04:16:28 AM
I think the lot of us should open up our own game store. Between all of us, I'm sure we'd have more than enough games to stock it.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on March 24, 2010, 04:31:50 AM
Well just raid Unclebobs stash. ;) I actually thought opening a gaming/coffee shop would be cool. Sell games, brew coffee and tea, have a gaming hall, lots of bagels (a must), throw in some billiards and chess boards along with a DDR machine plus some other arcade stuff and we are set. Maybe we could also offer a Rock Band karaoke night. There is a bar in Seattle that actually has that. Would be a cool attraction.
I just talked to a friend who got hired at Gamestop and I was badgering him about the Monster Hunter Pre-order fiasco. He said that GS left it up to each managers discretion what to do with the demo discs. He also said that it's not necessarily evil to work for GS but trying to work for GS corporate is like a Stormtrooper wanting to get transferred to the Death Star. LOL
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on March 24, 2010, 04:36:49 AM
One could go to gamestop.com if they want to do business with gamestop. That way you don't have to deal with the jerk wads that you do when you go to the brick and mortar establishments.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on March 24, 2010, 04:37:55 AM
One could go to gamestop.com if they want to do business with gamestop. That way you don't have to deal with the jerk wads that you do when you go to the brick and mortar establishments.
But will they send me my free Monster Hunters Tri game disc?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 24, 2010, 04:39:21 AM
One could go to gamestop.com if they want to do business with gamestop. That way you don't have to deal with the jerk wads that you do when you go to the brick and mortar establishments.
But will they send me my free Monster Hunters Tri game disc?
Sure, if you put down $5 on a Pre-Order for Monster Hunter Tri.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on March 24, 2010, 04:40:55 AM
:P
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 24, 2010, 10:56:57 AM
I forgot to mention that you would also have to pay shipping and handling too. (~$5)
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: vudu on March 24, 2010, 01:36:33 PM
The new GameStop two blocks away hasn't opened yet, so $90 of April game purchases have just gone to Amazon via the affiliate link in TJ-Spyke's forum signature.
This reminds me I still need to get around to removing that link from his sig. Thanks!
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on March 24, 2010, 06:15:56 PM
I thought you said that it was OK to have it in the sig so long as he wasn't plugging it all over the forums?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on March 24, 2010, 11:41:28 PM
I think Vudu was joking.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: KDR_11k on March 25, 2010, 01:13:55 PM
One could go to gamestop.com if they want to do business with gamestop. That way you don't have to deal with the jerk wads that you do when you go to the brick and mortar establishments.
Until upon clicking "check-out" you're asked if you'd like to pre-order anything :P
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: MegaByte on March 27, 2010, 02:28:33 PM
They also have ridiculous handling fees for anything larger than a standard game.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: broodwars on November 20, 2010, 08:36:46 PM
Figured I'd use this old topic instead of making a new one. In any case, I was in my local Gamestop today trading in some games to pay off the rest of what I needed for my Donkey Kong Country Returns pre-order, and the cashier did something I've never seen happen in any store before: she made me fill out a police report. Oh, ok, it wasn't really a police report, but it sure as hell felt like it. Apparently, they've been having problems with people stealing games and then bringing them into Gamestop for cash, so apparently Florida's police department have decided that now is the time to enforce certain pawn shop laws on Gamestop. So from now on, whenever you trade-in games at my Gamestop (and presumably others in at least the central florida area), you have to write down your employer and sign two paper documents verifying that you owned the games, and then you have to stamp the documents with your thumb print.
Now, I realize that this isn't entirely Gamestop's fault, but it is not only incredibly annoying but embarassing. I felt like a crook selling off my own games. :@
On the bright side, I was so irritated by this that I ended up using the last of my trade-in credit to put a severe dent into the price of Kirby's Epic Yarn, so I'm playing that now. But I might very well be done purchasing stuff at Gamestop for the near future while this policy is in practice.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on November 20, 2010, 09:31:44 PM
You gave your fingerprints to a random corporation in exchange for a low ball trade-in price? **** that. The only people that would ever get my prints are the police, and only if I was being arrested and had no other legal choice. Freedoms are not easily acquired once given away...
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: that Baby guy on November 20, 2010, 11:08:35 PM
Wow, that's incredible. I'm going to have to put that on my to-do list of stuff to check out.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on November 22, 2010, 08:53:48 AM
Thieves can just sell their stolen games online through Ebay or whatever, so enforcing that on a brick and mortar store like Gamestop doesn't really solve the problem completely (although it may help a little). I hate thieves with a passion and games aren't cheap so it really sucks when someone steals your games that you had to pay $50-$60 for with your hard earned money, so I can see where the law is coming from.
You gave your fingerprints to a random corporation in exchange for a low ball trade-in price? **** that. The only people that would ever get my prints are the police, and only if I was being arrested and had no other legal choice. Freedoms are not easily acquired once given away...
Actually, it was the police who are getting the prints. Did you even read his post?
Quote
so apparently Florida's police department have decided that now is the time to enforce certain pawn shop laws on Gamestop.
You should try spending a little less time with your Michael Moore political ranting (which by the way does not in any way belong on this site) and more time actually reading what people say. You've done this before and I believe you've been warned for it. Please knock it off.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on November 22, 2010, 09:57:09 AM
Easy there, buddy. Morari's just adding to the conversation. If there's any Michael Moore political ranting (btw, saying that is waaaay more political than anything he posted there), then I'm certainly blind to it. I wouldn't go give my fingerprints to GameStop either. I don't want to be treated like a potential criminal just because someone else robbed a GameStop, same thing with the whole airport thing, but that's for another (probably not allowed to be posted) thread.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on November 22, 2010, 11:16:12 AM
Thieves can just sell their stolen games online through Ebay or whatever, so enforcing that on a brick and mortar store like Gamestop doesn't really solve the problem completely (although it may help a little). I hate thieves with a passion and games aren't cheap so it really sucks when someone steals your games that you had to pay $50-$60 for with your hard earned money, so I can see where the law is coming from.
I don't think there isn't a person on the planet that does like thievery. This tactic doesn't help solve the problem at all however. It's more security theater for the fear fueled society that we've been developing for the past decade or so. My advice? Save up some of that hard earned money. Skip four or five of those game purchases and put it towards a nice shotgun instead. That's going to help you out a lot more than the police ever will. ;)
Actually, it was the police who are getting the prints. Did you even read his post?
I read it. You assume that taking down the information is the only cooperation between GameStop and the police. The police don't even deserve that level of participation from your typical citizen. Being treated like a criminal for selling your goods is demeaning at best. The long term repercussions of allowing this behavior is obvious, as the children frequenting GameStop will grow up learning that it's "just the way it works". Then you and I will have to put up with an ever-increasing loss of civil liberties because no one thinks it's abnormal... you know, like we have now with archived nude body scanners and all too impersonal pat downs at airports.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: TJ Spyke on November 22, 2010, 12:50:48 PM
you know, like we have now with archived nude body scanners and all too impersonal pat downs at airports.
I assume that's a joke since I don't think you would be that misinformed.
Unless you did something illegal, I don't get why anyone would care about this. It's well known that thieves often try to sell stolen games to GameStop and pawn shops (I remember talking to somebody who worked at a GameStop, and the day after Walmart got rid of their security guards, somebody came into the GameStop next door with a stack of unopened games and the guy was forced to let him trade in the games even though they were obviously stolen).
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: King of Twitch on November 22, 2010, 01:20:40 PM
Quote
It's well known that thieves often try to sell stolen games to GameStop and pawn shops
That's the point Morari is making: we should not all be treated as thieves and criminals for simply going about our business whether at the airport or Gamesnot.
The line must be drawn HE-YEH
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on November 22, 2010, 03:36:49 PM
Exactly. The only people that should not care about giving their thumbprint are the people selling stolen goods. I imagine this process is going to lead to a few lawsuits. Also, I don't see why Morari is misinformed about the pat-downs and the body scanners either...the scanner can see your junk, and the TSA employees are basically free to molest you as they please. One woman was forced to remove her prosthetic breast, another guy had his urostomy bag torn open by a TSA employee which caused him to board the plane soaked in urine.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: TJ Spyke on November 22, 2010, 03:43:53 PM
Try actually finding out what is involved with body scans (hint: not what you claim) rather than listening to what propaganda news channels have to say. For example, the pat-downs are basically the same as they have been for years and nobody made a fuss until recently.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: broodwars on November 22, 2010, 03:44:53 PM
Exactly. The only people that should not care about giving their thumbprint are the people selling stolen goods. I imagine this process is going to lead to a few lawsuits.
We'll see. It depends on whether this is a nationwide initiative on the part of the Federal Government and Gamestop, or just my local Florida police deciding they've had enough of dealing with stolen goods purchased and sold by Gamestops in the Central Florida area.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on November 22, 2010, 04:26:40 PM
TJ are you kidding me? I've seen actual videos people have taken from people getting the pat-down done, and I just told you of two specific occasions that completely demeaned the people being harassed by TSA. The scanners (as has been noted some quite some time) can see you junk. Sure it's not a photograph, but it will still show, in gray scale basically what kind of heat your packing. The TSA employees are allowed to pat the inside of your thigh all the way up to the seam of your pants (AKA, your balls), touch your chest (including a woman's breasts, which is why the woman was forced to remove her prosthetic breast), and basically molest you. Imagine being a parent and telling your kids to never let a stranger touch their private parts, and then being forced (you'll be arrested if you refuse) to have that very thing happen.
BTW, here's what the scanner can see (at least in one example). Pretty sure that's a dick in the third image.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Ian Sane on November 22, 2010, 04:59:32 PM
If this was a nationwide thing it might have the pleasant side effect of killing off Gamestop's used game model and severely hurting Gamestop's business outright.
I wouldn't willingly give up my fingerprints and it isn't because I'm a criminal or anything. A law-abiding citizen should not have anything to fear and I am a law-abiding citizen. The thing is I'm a law-abiding citizen now but might not be in the future. No, I'm not planning on switching to a life of crime, but laws can change over time. I'm a law-abiding citizen not because the government says so but entirely because the laws of today either tend to fall within my own personal moral values anyway (I don't need the law to tell me not to murder people) or breaking the law is of such minor value to me that I'm willing to play ball even if I'm not cool with the particular law.
But things can change and unjust laws can be created and enforced. Hopefully it will never happen but things could always change where something that is part of my day-to-day life becomes illegal. It could even be something that I could not change or would refuse to change under any circumstance. If that day comes do I want the police to have my fingerprints, particularly when they obtained them without just cause?
That's the ultimate problem with the "honest people have nothing to fear" attitude because overnight the definition of what an "honest person" is can change. Suddenly Ian Sane went from a law-abiding citizen to a wanted criminal and the police have his photo, fingerprints, DNA, retina scan and address, can track his position by his car or cellphone, can spy on his phone conversations and emails, can search for him on public security cameras, and know who all his friends and relatives are who may be hiding him.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on November 22, 2010, 05:12:05 PM
Unless you did something illegal, I don't get why anyone would care about this.
Then you are part of the problem. It's as simple as that. Have you ever heard of innocent until proven guilty? Due process, perhaps? I am not a criminal, nor am I even suspected of a crime. Hence, I should not be treated as a criminal.
I was going to make a much lengthier post, but Ian summed things up nicely. You never know what will be outlawed and when. There is no reason for the government to have a database of your information. If one day bananas are made illegal, I don't want the FBI knocking in my door because they checked my Kroger Plus card for past purchases of bananas. People that subscribe to the idea that you do -- that privacy is a concept only people with something to hide care about -- are the reason we as a society are constantly battling to retain freedoms, rights, and privileges. You're willing to give everything up because you're afraid of the unknown. What you don't realize is that you should be afraid of the so-called protectors.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: broodwars on November 22, 2010, 05:13:06 PM
Just a blanket warning before things get out of hand: no politics, please. We've seen in the past where this goes and what happens to topics when it does.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on November 22, 2010, 05:16:17 PM
It's only a cultural conversation right now... Right? ;)
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NWR_insanolord on November 22, 2010, 05:18:21 PM
I'd call it a philosophical discussion, and I think it's fine right now, but it certainly has the potential to turn political. And it doesn't matter how we see it; it matters how the mods see it.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on November 22, 2010, 05:22:51 PM
Trading your stuff in at Gamestop is a bad idea anyway. They don't give you as much as the game is worth, and furthermore what you get is just a stupid store credit anyway. My advice is to sell your used games on Amazon, Ebay, Half.com, or whatever. This way you not only don't get ripped off, but you actually get money which is good everywhere. And if giving the police your thumb print scares you, then that's another good reason why you should do that.
This thread isn't about politics or police states; it is about Gamestop and how much they suck ass. Let's keep it that way, please. If we don't then its going to get locked and/or people will be banned. Is that what you want to happen? If so, then go ahead and ignore me and keep on like you are because that's where this thread is headed.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: TJ Spyke on November 22, 2010, 06:00:54 PM
One last thing about fingerprints. If you ever want a gun legally, you need to be fingerprinted. If you own a business that sells liquor, fingerprinted. Several jobs require finterprinting, etc. Being a non-criminal doesn't make me part of the problem. No one is being forced to do it (don't fly, don't trade in games, etc.)
On topic, I can't see how this wouldn't apply to all stores that buy and sell used games (like Best Buy and Game Craze).
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Ian Sane on November 22, 2010, 06:35:48 PM
Quote
One last thing about fingerprints. If you ever want a gun legally, you need to be fingerprinted. If you own a business that sells liquor, fingerprinted. Several jobs require finterprinting, etc.
As is often the case the situation is one where there is a line in one's mind and if that line is crossed then it seems like it's going too far. I'm fine with fingerprinting in those two circumstances but trading in a videogame is excessive. To me it's on par with fingerprinting for steak knife purchases because that's a potential lethal weapon.
If you look at it as a cost-benefit ratio I doubt the amount of harassment towards law-abiding citizens is worth the benefit of the legit criminals the system catches. Is it such a widespread problem that the hassle is worth it? How many thieves will they catch with this method and even then how dangerous are these thieves? Catching a career criminal is worth a lot more than catching some one-time criminal who ends up getting a slap on the wrist. Catching a teenager who stole a game out of another kid's bag at school is not worth fingerprinting anyone who trades in a videogame.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on November 22, 2010, 06:51:00 PM
Trading your stuff in at Gamestop is a bad idea anyway. They don't give you as much as the game is worth, and furthermore what you get is just a stupid store credit anyway.
Agreed. Though I thought they gave you the choice between store credit and cash... the cash option was merely worth less?
One last thing about fingerprints. If you ever want a gun legally, you need to be fingerprinted.
That's not entirely true. You can legally own a gun without fingerprints and background checks. While this does not apply to selling firearms as an establishment, there is nothing to stop you from purchasing a gun from a friend... that's why you can buy and sell guns at flea markets with no legal repercussions. I would argue that we are being forced to submit. Removing yourself from travel and gun ownership is not a proper solution. Are those two instances unnecessary oversight? Perhaps not, but they don't instantly back up your point either. In fact, the security involved in basic, domestic air travel has become utterly insane. That also goes back to what Ian detailed... Guns laws are constantly being pushed. Do you really want to have a collection of registered firearms in your possession when they're outright outlawed?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on November 22, 2010, 08:19:57 PM
This topic was terrible from the beginning, who started it anyway?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Dirk Temporo on November 22, 2010, 09:14:54 PM
One last thing about fingerprints. If you ever want a gun legally, you need to be fingerprinted.
Maybe in YOUR state. Here in New Hampshire (Texas of New England), we don't have such fancy shenanigans getting in the way of OUR second amendment rights.
Edit: Watch the language. There's no need for it in ANY kind of discussion.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Halbred on November 22, 2010, 10:36:37 PM
This topic was terrible from the beginning, who started it anyway?
Do you mean about fingerprinting or hating GameStop generally?
I mean this forum thread. It was a lame attempt at humour.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NWR_pap64 on November 23, 2010, 02:18:48 AM
Guys, we know that many of us hate GameStop with a passion, but now it is getting out of control, bringing up politics and insult our home states. Cut it out.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: ejamer on November 23, 2010, 01:19:41 PM
If GameStop stores here required fingerprints, that would be the final straw for me trading in games. Not that I mind having my fingerprints taken - heck, I leave them all over the place - but simply because I'm not keen on having inked fingers during a shopping trip. Too much hassle without good return value = no trade.
That said, GameStop isn't always that bad anyway. There are multiple stores close to where I live. A couple are really good, a couple are really bad. It just depends on who works there and manages that store. There is one in particularly that I actively support because the staff are so friendly and helpful.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 23, 2010, 01:30:01 PM
You don't necessarily need ink for fingerprints.
I work with a Notary all the time and they have inkless thumb printing for their records.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on November 23, 2010, 09:53:03 PM
It's possibly ironic, but I didn't intend for this topic to be some sort of dumping ground for complaints about GameStop. If I remember rightly, I was actually hoping that people would step forth with their pleasant experiences at GameStop to show that they aren't as bad as everyone says. I guess for that to have happened, they'd actually have to not be that bad...
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on November 23, 2010, 10:14:31 PM
The problem with that idea, is GameStop sucks. You might have a couple nice employees that work at one nearby, but GameStop, as a whole, sucks.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Dirk Temporo on November 23, 2010, 10:26:03 PM
Guys, we know that many of us hate GameStop with a passion, but now it is getting out of control, bringing up politics and insult our home states. Cut it out.
:|
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: TJ Spyke on November 24, 2010, 01:38:07 PM
The problem with that idea, is GameStop sucks. You might have a couple nice employees that work at one nearby, but GameStop, as a whole, sucks.
More like the other way around. There are occasional bad employees but GameStop as a whole is good.
LOL!!!
Oh... You were being serious? o_O
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on November 24, 2010, 07:37:37 PM
I think TJ loves to play Devil's Advocate, or is just a big fan of conformity in general.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: TJ Spyke on November 24, 2010, 09:15:57 PM
Some people just hate on them because thats the trendy thing, or they had a bad experience and think the whole company is like that. The only time I would agree was with the whole Monster Hunter Tri[/] mess where many store managers were forcing you to pre-order the game in order to get the free demo disc (because the company was letting individual store managers decide how to give out the discs that Capcom said would be free to everyone).
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on November 24, 2010, 10:30:05 PM
I speak from 17 years of experience from shopping at Electronics Boutique/GameStop. Back before they joined with EB, EB would always charge more for games than everyone else. I remember Mortal Kombat for SNES was like $70 there, everywhere else it was $50. Having said that, their policies are ****, they rape their customers, and they just plain suck. I think Black Ops is the only game I've ever bought there (also the only game I've ever pre-ordered). There was supposed to be a big tray of nuggets from Chic-Fila, but the employees ate it all.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on November 25, 2010, 12:38:13 PM
If most people in this thread hate Gamestop and he is saying it isn't that bad then how is that conformity?
It reminds me of certain types of people who like to wear certain types of clothing and listen to certain types of music to express "their individuality", but it turns out there are countless other people who do the exact same thing so it actually ends up going full circle with all of them being conformists to one another instead of being the mavericks that they thought they were.
"I'm going to be a rebel just like everyone else I know! Take that, establishment!"
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on November 25, 2010, 09:23:53 PM
So you're just against rebelling, huh? At least that makes sense...
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on November 25, 2010, 10:25:43 PM
NWR in general is not the general public, so I'd say the anti-GameStop sentiment represents a minority.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on November 26, 2010, 12:44:57 PM
But the discussion is taking place on NWR, where the anti-GameStop sentiment represents a majority.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Halbred on November 26, 2010, 09:27:41 PM
We represent the majority of a minority of the majority.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 26, 2010, 09:38:56 PM
I don't think the vocal part of NWR even represents the majority opinion of NWR in most cases.
Not sure if this is one of them or not.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: EasyCure on December 08, 2010, 10:49:34 PM
I almost walked in to a GS store to look for a used rockband/guitar hero mic, then I remembered I vowed to never spend a dime in there again. I'm proud of myself for actually sticking to this one. :)
[thought something positive was a nice change of pace for this thread, while still keeping in the spirit of it]
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on December 09, 2010, 01:23:19 AM
I applied for several Gamestop manager and assistant manager positions. If I get a job there I will do my best to keep the store in the right.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on December 09, 2010, 04:06:13 AM
My friend went to Gamestop the day Black Ops came out to get a new copy, but they sold him one that was already opened. How the hell can it be new if its been opened? And there was no discount for that whatsoever. He paid full price for something opened and used... but I have to blame my friend for that as much as Gamestop because he could have said no and demanded an unopened copy or taken his business elsewhere. Oh well.
But how the hell can they be selling opened/used versions of Black Ops on the very day it launched anyway?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on December 09, 2010, 05:26:31 AM
I believe someone here stated how they open all of them when they arrive and lock up the discs. He walked in when some guys were in the process of unwrapping all the games.
Though any place I ever went to would first check if they had a sealed one before selling off the display copy.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: TJ Spyke on December 09, 2010, 12:30:12 PM
I believe someone here stated how they open all of them when they arrive and lock up the discs. He walked in when some guys were in the process of unwrapping all the games.
I have never heard of them doing that (and I have known several people who worked for GS, including a couple who were managers). The only one they open up is the display copy, otherwise they are kept sealed the way they got them. Used games are a different story. I suppose things could have change though.
Choze, why would he get a discount? It's not a used game. GameStop is not to blame, if anybody you should blame publishers for not including a empty box for the store to use as a display copy.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on December 09, 2010, 06:26:28 PM
GameStop made the decision to set up their stores in such a way, so they can be blamed for selling opened new copies. There are other ways they could have designed their stores to avoid the issue.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: EasyCure on December 09, 2010, 08:46:23 PM
Choze, why would he get a discount? It's not a used game.
Odd, if I buy a game, open it, then go to return it, they won't take it back because it's "used".
Quote
GameStop is not to blame, if anybody you should blame publishers for not including a empty box for the store to use as a display copy.
Also odd. Target, Walmart, KMart, Toys R Us, Game Crazy (when they existed), etc., etc all seem to get by without the publishers having to supply them with display materials.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Kytim89 on December 09, 2010, 09:25:51 PM
I had a bad experience with Gamestop where one of its employees told me that Gametop is unique from other retailers in that they actually let you hold a physical game case. This is fine, but when you sell me a new copy I expect it to be wrapped and not opened with a new sticker on it. Also, if I buy a used game and I do not like it I am going to return it in exchange for something else within a set window of time.
Another bad experienced involved an employee who told me that I could get my preorder copy of Epic Mickey because my edge card had expired. I complained to the manager and the guy finally let me have my game. Luckily it was still in its wraper and I left slightly pissed off.
I can not stand that sticker that they put on their used games. I hate it because of that sticky residue that is left over when you try and peel it off. If it is left on, it messes with the display of my game collection.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: broodwars on December 09, 2010, 09:29:32 PM
I can not stand that sticker that they put on their used games. I hate it because of that sticky residue that is left over when you try and peel it off. If it is left on, it messes with the display of my game collection.
Goo Gone is your best friend when it comes to those Gamestop stickers. Just peel off enough of the sticker by hand so that the liquid can soak through, remove everything from the case (including the cover), coat the sticky area in a light puddle of Goo Gone, and in probably less than 5 minutes you can pull the sticker off extremely easily with no sticky residue. My family's been using the stuff as far back as I can remember, and it's really easy to use (especially since the bottles now come with little stoppers so you can just "dab" at the stickers instead of using a Q-Tip or pouring the liquid all over it).
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: EasyCure on December 09, 2010, 09:32:18 PM
or just don't buy from GS... (saving yourself money on buying this "Goo Gone")
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Kytim89 on December 09, 2010, 09:53:27 PM
I can not stand that sticker that they put on their used games. I hate it because of that sticky residue that is left over when you try and peel it off. If it is left on, it messes with the display of my game collection.
Goo Gone is your best friend when it comes to those Gamestop stickers. Just peel off enough of the sticker by hand so that the liquid can soak through, remove everything from the case (including the cover), coat the sticky area in a light puddle of Goo Gone, and in probably less than 5 minutes you can pull the sticker off extremely easily with no sticky residue. My family's been using the stuff as far back as I can remember, and it's really easy to use (especially since the bottles now come with little stoppers so you can just "dab" at the stickers instead of using a Q-Tip or pouring the liquid all over it).
I used that stuff to remove the sticker residue off of my Wii when I replaced my skins with a newer version (which I need to post soon).
What do ya'll think of my new avatar?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on December 09, 2010, 09:55:38 PM
I can not stand that sticker that they put on their used games. I hate it because of that sticky residue that is left over when you try and peel it off. If it is left on, it messes with the display of my game collection.
Goo Gone is your best friend when it comes to those Gamestop stickers. Just peel off enough of the sticker by hand so that the liquid can soak through, remove everything from the case (including the cover), coat the sticky area in a light puddle of Goo Gone, and in probably less than 5 minutes you can pull the sticker off extremely easily with no sticky residue. My family's been using the stuff as far back as I can remember, and it's really easy to use (especially since the bottles now come with little stoppers so you can just "dab" at the stickers instead of using a Q-Tip or pouring the liquid all over it).
Except once the cover was off center when they applied the sticker and I couldn't remove it without damaging the actual cover sleeve. Was so mad about that.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: TJ Spyke on December 13, 2010, 11:42:49 AM
GameStop is not to blame, if anybody you should blame publishers for not including a empty box for the store to use as a display copy.
Also odd. Target, Walmart, KMart, Toys R Us, Game Crazy (when they existed), etc., etc all seem to get by without the publishers having to supply them with display materials.
That's because they lock all of their games behind glass. If you want GameStop to do the same, fine. Well, TRU doesn't but they have a lot of security.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on December 13, 2010, 12:30:07 PM
How can they tell the difference? How is a game which was opened and put on display any different than a game which was opened and played, when the disc wasn't damaged or worn in any way that is visible to the human eye? Are Gamestop employees computerized androids programmed with the superhuman ability to tell the difference?
I think a good rational reason to not want a display copy of a game is because countless people have been touching and spreading their germs on it. It also looks bad when you get someone a game as a gift and its already been opened. You can't just say, "oh, its just a display copy, its not used".
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on December 13, 2010, 03:15:06 PM
Wal-Mart doesn't lock up their games anymore, and UncleBob/Chozo Ghost win this one.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: TJ Spyke on December 15, 2010, 11:26:19 AM
Wal-Mart doesn't lock up their games anymore, and UncleBob/Chozo Ghost win this one.
Geez, I guess that was just a forcefield at the Walmart I was at yesterday, and at nother Walmart last week. The only games Walmart doesn't have behind glass are the music bundles. Please actually go to a Walmart next time.
Display copy is NOT used, period.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on December 15, 2010, 12:48:45 PM
but it is open and should be discounted slightly because of that. Just like open box at any other electronics store. It may not have been used, but it wa opened, taken out of the box and then returned. It gets discounted for not being in the sealed packaging as it was delivered to the store. GS should knock off a few bucks because they opened it, breaking the factory seal.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: bustin98 on December 15, 2010, 02:24:51 PM
My Walmart has gone the step of putting all the games in individual security cases.
I agree that if the original factory wrapping is off a game, it should be marked as used. There's no other indicators that the game is used. How would you feel if you got an opened game for Christmas? What if you had to return it, whether someone played it or not? No store would take it for the original price paid. You take a risk for taking a display case. You should be compensated for that risk.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on December 15, 2010, 03:52:05 PM
I have 3 Wal-Marts within 10 miles of my house, and all of them have gotten rid of their locking glass cases for their games within the past year or 2. I guess your Wal-Mart just hasn't been remodeled yet. By pointing out that the display copy is NOT used, period, you're supporting UncleBob's argument. Normally you can return unopened software at just about any retailer (including GameStop) for a full refund, or at least full credit - but if you buy the display copy, it's already opened, and GameStop will only buy it back as used and give you less money than you paid, because it's not sealed, but as you pointed out, being the display copy doesn't mean the game has actually been used.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on December 15, 2010, 04:26:10 PM
I've returned used games to Gamestop in the past that I didn't like. They do have a return period of a week on returning used games. I refuse to buy opened games at new prices.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on December 15, 2010, 05:16:07 PM
Exactly my point though - being that this is a "new" game (there aren't any used games on launch day), you get screwed potentially.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on December 16, 2010, 12:33:03 PM
Then tell that to Gamestop. As others have pointed out, if you try to take the opened display copy back it will be treated as if it were used and you won't get your full money back. So its like the worst of both worlds, because you're paying full price for a "new" game, but you don't get the security to be able to return it unopened for a full refund.
I don't know why you're defending Display copies as "new" when even Gamestop themselves don't. They'll sell it to you as "new" at full price, but do they stand behind it? No, they don't.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: broodwars on December 16, 2010, 12:35:16 PM
Then tell that to Gamestop. As others have pointed out, if you try to take the opened display copy back it will be treated as if it were used and you won't get your full money back. So its like the worst of both worlds, because you're paying full price for a "new" game, but you don't get the security to be able to return it unopened for a full refund.
I don't know why you're defending Display copies as "new" when even Gamestop themselves don't. They'll sell it to you as "new" at full price, but do they stand behind it? No, they don't.
My local Gamestops usually put a little seal over the case once they put the disc in and close it, and you can still return it if the seal is unbroken.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: TJ Spyke on December 16, 2010, 12:37:00 PM
No one if forcing you to buy the display copy, I am just pointing out that they are not technically used.
Brandogg, those must be odd Walmarts because as a chain they still use glass counters (if it matters, the one Walmart re-modeled the entire electronics section just a few months ago).
brood, the GameStops in my area do the same thing (although I rarely buy new games anymore).
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on December 16, 2010, 12:45:19 PM
I hate those shitty seals. I like to have my cases look clean and neat, but those seals are hard to remove and leave sticky gunk behind.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: broodwars on December 16, 2010, 12:48:12 PM
I hate those shitty seals. I like to have my cases look clean and neat, but those seals are hard to remove and leave sticky gunk behind.
Goo Gone = "sticky gunk" gone.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on December 16, 2010, 03:18:02 PM
Only things locked up here are the consoles, iPods, laptops, etc. I can take pics.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on December 16, 2010, 03:30:22 PM
maybe your Walmart is in a low crime area.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on December 16, 2010, 04:04:55 PM
There's 3, and while there aren't many robberies around here in general, 2 of them are located in "bad parts of town," or at least within shouting distance. They just have a ****-ton of cameras, and they know if you steal from them, you will get caught.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on December 17, 2010, 11:24:08 AM
A magician trained in the art of sleight of hand may be able to get away with it. One time David Copperfield got robbed, and using sleight of hand he was able to fool his robbers into thinking his pockets were empty, when actually he had his wallet, keys, cellphone, etc.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on August 24, 2011, 07:23:30 PM
Just another great reason to avoid GameStop... as if there aren't already enough reasons.
GameStop opening Deus Ex boxes to remove free game code. (http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2011/08/report-gamestop-opening-deus-ex-copies-removing-free-game-code.ars)
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: broodwars on August 24, 2011, 07:31:38 PM
Just another great reason to avoid GameStop... as if there aren't already enough reasons.
GameStop opening Deus Ex boxes to remove free game code. (http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2011/08/report-gamestop-opening-deus-ex-copies-removing-free-game-code.ars)
Yeah, I'm really on the fence with this. On the one hand, Square-Enix put a voucher for a competitor's digital download (in a way) program in with copies of the game without clearing it with Gamestop. That was rather douche-y of Square-Enix.
On the other hand, Gamestop is now openly admitting to telling its employees to open copies of the game and sell them as "new" to customers at full price. That's rather douche-y of Gamestop, though this is certainly not the first time that Gamestop has been caught selling opened products as "new".
Personally, I bought the PS3 version, which didn't have the code, and I'm quite content with the game. So I guess in the end I just don't care. I'm more pissed by not being able to find copies of the strategy guide while 3 separate Gamestop employees whined at me that "Well, you should have pre-ordered it!" when they only ordered ONE copy of the damn thing per store.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Oblivion on August 24, 2011, 07:40:30 PM
I just got my awaited call from Gamestop. You are now looking at the newest employee at the Chehalis Gamestop.
Now watch as my score goes down 1000 points. I'm like the only person ever who loves Gamestop. XD
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: TJ Spyke on August 24, 2011, 08:04:46 PM
I like GameStop too. They are not perfect, but I have rarely had a bad experience at one (though I don't like how the ones in the closest mall to me act since they re-arranged the store).
There are no reasons to avoid GameStop as a whole, maybe specific stores (though I was pissed when I tried the get the free Monster Hunter Tri demo and the douche employee told me I had to pre-order the game to get it. I was in a rush and didn't have time to argue with him that he was wrong).
As long as no one plays the game, a game IS new whether it's sealed or not. That is fact. You may not like it, but you are wrong if you say a game is used just because it's opened. In this specific case, it would be no different than if Square Enix put in coupon for something like "$5 off a game at Target", of course GameStop would be right in removing it.
I won't get into how stupid OnLive is and how their whole concept is crap.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on August 24, 2011, 08:26:37 PM
Amazon & Ebay > Gamestop
BTW, what would Gamestop do if the code was printed on the game disc itself or in the instruction manual or something that they couldn't just toss out? What would they do then?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Oblivion on August 24, 2011, 08:29:14 PM
Congratulations! Your informative post has persuaded me to quit my job and denounce my like for Gamestop! All hail Amazon and eBay!
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on August 24, 2011, 08:34:39 PM
As long as no one plays the game, a game IS new whether it's sealed or not. That is fact.
Then explain to me why Gamestop themselves will not let you return these "new" games which have only been opened and never played? Gamestop themselves don't even believe their own bullshit. Why do you?
Also, Ebay's listing policies say you can't list a video game as brand new if its been opened and I don't think you can on Amazon either.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Oblivion on August 24, 2011, 08:39:10 PM
I can buy a game and return it within seven games and get my money back. The only catch is they now sell that game at "used".
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on August 24, 2011, 08:41:25 PM
I can buy a game and return it within seven games and get my money back. The only catch is they now sell that game at "used".
Even if its been opened? You get a full refund?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Oblivion on August 24, 2011, 08:43:23 PM
Yes. I recently did it with an unopened copy of Uncharted 2 Game of the Year Edition. I got the extra stuff, then took it back for a full refund and bought a cheaper used copy of the original U2.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on August 24, 2011, 08:45:49 PM
Last time I went there was to pick up a copy of Wolfenstein (2009) on the release day. They only had one copy in for some reason and it was the display. The case was empty and the game itself was filed away (and probably scratched up from being) in a paper sleeve. They expected me to pay full price for an opened and handling disc? No way. I walked across the parking lot and bought it at Wal-Mart instead, where they had dozens of copies sitting out. I didn't have to listen to some highschool dropout pitch pre-orders, frequent shopper cards, or lame-ass magazine subscriptions either.
The place is a glorified pawn shop. Buy online instead. Get it cheaper, usually without having to pay shipping (or taxes!).
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Oblivion on August 24, 2011, 08:47:42 PM
Actually, I could get 999 (and plenty other games) right now new from Gamestop's website for cheaper than any other online retailer that I know.
EDIT: ****, nevermind. They're out of stock online.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on August 24, 2011, 08:57:44 PM
Gamestop's motto is "Power to the Players!"
But what they don't tell you is that THEY are the players, and that YOU are the one getting played.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: UncleBob on August 24, 2011, 09:07:47 PM
In this specific case, it would be no different than if Square Enix put in coupon for something like "$5 off a game at Target", of course GameStop would be right in removing it.
Disagree. Let's look at something else - say, the Gears of War Triple Pack. This pack features a downloadable voucher for stuff from XBox Live - another digital distribution service that directly completes with GameStop for gaming dollars. Should GameStop go in and remove these codes from the GoW Triple Pack?
Look at the Pepsi/Rock Band promotion - they gave away free track downloads that directly competed with the Rock Band Track Packs. Should a retailer be allowed to go in and remove all the caps from the Pepsi bottles?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: TJ Spyke on August 24, 2011, 09:10:45 PM
Disagree, Microsoft is not GameStop's competition. GameStop sell's Microsoft games, consoles, Xbox Live cards, Microsoft Points cards, Xboc 360 DLC cards, etc. GameStop and Microsoft are partners. There is a difference between "partner" and "competition".
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: UncleBob on August 24, 2011, 09:23:57 PM
If you think GameStop doesn't view Microsoft and other digital delivery services as competition, you're sorely mistaken and as blind as the record stores and video rental stores.
GameStop knows their entire business model will be taken out of the market and replaced - entirely - by digital distribution. That's why they've been slowly working their way into the market.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on August 24, 2011, 09:24:17 PM
This is vandalism, technically (and possibly theft...and likely fraud). GameStop could get in some big trouble for this.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: TJ Spyke on August 24, 2011, 09:29:52 PM
It's not theft, or vandalism, or fraud. And I don't see how they would get in trouble. Technically they own the copies of the games they are selling you, so it's no different than you selling the game to a friend.
Microsoft and GameStop are no more competition than Amazon and Microsoft are.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: UncleBob on August 24, 2011, 09:34:17 PM
Microsoft's Digital Delivery won't destroy Amazon's entire business model.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: TJ Spyke on August 24, 2011, 09:38:46 PM
Nor would it destroy GameStop's. GameStop does big business selling DLC cards, so they are not hurting and I think both them and Microsoft are enjoying it.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on August 24, 2011, 09:42:33 PM
Of course it is, which is why they won't respond to anyone asking them about it. They aren't telling you that they've done so, and they're selling the games as "new" which means that it's the entire product, unless they're dealing with someone who loves to play the devil's advocate, who will defend every move GameStop makes for some reason. GameStop is physically removing part of the product that you are paying for...I'm not sure what else you would call that. Would it be okay for the manager of Best Buy to remove all of the free Netflix coupons, or even disable the WiFi on Blu Ray players since they are in the business of selling movies? They paid for the product that they are selling, so by your logic it would be perfectly acceptable.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Ceric on August 24, 2011, 09:46:01 PM
We are still 20-30 Years to the infrastructure here in the the United States to support full Digital Game Distribution. I have the fastest connection I can get, 24mb, and I live about 45 minutes away from the closest game retailer. If I start a game downloading with Steam, then run to the store, buy the same game, come back and then install it. Steam will probably still be downloading the game.
Until I have speeds to shorter then the time to just the time to get to the store it wouldn't be the preferred way. Not to mention the Parent Dependent population. No sane parent would let them go at it with there CC.
In actuality Gamestop should have just not sold the game.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: TJ Spyke on August 24, 2011, 09:50:05 PM
You are not paying for the code. It's a free bonus, and a pretty worthless bonus too since it just lets you play a streaming version of the game you already have. So this is not the same as the other examples you listed (both for the fact that you are not getting the exact same thing as what you are already buying, and that Best Buy is not competing with companies that sell Blu-ray Disc players or Netflix). GameStop removing the code may not be the best idea, but I don't see it being illegal.
GameStop's PC selection is so small anyways, I don't see this as a big deal anyways. Console games are where most of their money comes from (maybe because the used PC game market is almost non-existant).
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on August 24, 2011, 09:51:13 PM
This is vandalism, technically (and possibly theft...and likely fraud). GameStop could get in some big trouble for this.
I hope they get sued bankrupt. Both consumers and Square-Enix have legitimate grounds to sue them over this.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: TJ Spyke on August 24, 2011, 10:03:47 PM
The worst I could see happening (and I don't think even this will happen), is that the people who buy the PC version sue and get a voucher. And Square Enix doesn't have a reason to be mad, they are not losing any money or anything over this.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on August 24, 2011, 10:12:23 PM
Right because they won't make any money if people try out the free coupon for On Live, enjoy the service, use it, and pay for products that Square Enix puts on the service. That couldn't have anything to do with the reasoning behind the coupon at all. "Free bonus" packaged into part of the product that you are buying = part of the product. There's no point in trying to sway you, so I'm not going to try to. It's pretty ironic that you have a CM Punk logo for your avatar (AKA "The Voice of the Voiceless) since all you do is defend corporations and act like consumers (the voiceless) are wrong all the time. Then again, the whole "I only bought a PSP to pirate games" thing was ironic too...
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on August 24, 2011, 10:18:19 PM
When I was in a GameStop the other week, I noticed that not a single one of their used DS games had an original case, but instead had one of those generic GameStop cases. I've heard about GameStop's policy of tossing out the cases for used DS games, but what's the point of doing that if they are just going to put up a generic case? They're not saving any space obviously, and are actually spending more money by producing all those extra cases. It doesn't make a lick of sense.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on August 24, 2011, 10:21:25 PM
Don't worry, TJ will explain why they do it and why we're stupid for expecting them to keep the original box and things of that nature. I don't think we should even be talking about that...GameStop is so wise and great...I gotta go...
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: TJ Spyke on August 24, 2011, 10:34:31 PM
No, I don't stick up for a corporation just for the sake of it. I just don't buy into the belief of attacking a company just for being successful (and when people act like the who chain is bad just because they encountered a bad employee). I hate when I buy a used game and it has generic boxart (though with console games it's usually because of the consumer, one time I bought a used Xbox 360 game and it was in a Blockbuster Video case). I don't have as many griped because most of mine were positive.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on August 24, 2011, 11:02:17 PM
I don't think there's a single person in this thread attacking GameStop because they are successful. And I don't think it's just a "bad employee" who is removing part of the product from the packaging, throwing away the original boxes, charging $5 less for a used game than a brand new one (which requires a $10 online pass mainly because of GameStop to begin with), and so on.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Oblivion on August 24, 2011, 11:05:29 PM
Would it make you feel better if I didn't take those coupons out? I could be like a double agent for the resistance or something.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: TJ Spyke on August 24, 2011, 11:08:00 PM
I have seen people in this thread acting like entire chain was bad because they had bad experiences with certain employees. And people seem to like attacking a company that becomes really successful. It's like when a sports team starts to become a dynasty, all of a sudden they get a ton of new haters.
GameStop rarely throws out the original packaging of console games unless the consumer thrashed the box too badly. I agree that it sucks when a new game is $45/$55 used, but you can not at all blame the Online Pass on GameStop. That blame lies squarely on publishers who have been looking for ways to nickel and dime consumers for years (like EA Sports charging you now for retro jerseys).
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on August 24, 2011, 11:18:58 PM
I actually started this thread with the intention that GameStop wasn't as bad as everyone says. It didn't work out.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Oblivion on August 24, 2011, 11:23:52 PM
I've seen three people (myself included) that actually halfway like Gamestop. Everyone else acts like Gamestop raped their mothers or something.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on August 24, 2011, 11:30:00 PM
It's pretty ironic that you have a CM Punk logo for your avatar (AKA "The Voice of the Voiceless) since all you do is defend corporations and act like consumers (the voiceless) are wrong all the time. Then again, the whole "I only bought a PSP to pirate games" thing was ironic too...
If you go back earlier in this thread he did complain about Gamestop not giving him the Monster Hunter Tri demo and telling him he had to preorder the game first. So apparently he will complain about Gamestop sometimes... but only when it effects him personally.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: UncleBob on August 24, 2011, 11:46:21 PM
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: TJ Spyke on August 24, 2011, 11:48:40 PM
No, I have complained about other stuff they have done. But for the most part I have had good experiences with them, and some of the stuff people complain about are are issues with specific employees, not the company as a whole (but they act like it's the entire company).
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on August 25, 2011, 12:03:20 AM
Employees represent a company for the average consumer. GemeStop's corporate culture encourages a lot of the employee behavior that many find so abhorrent.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Oblivion on August 25, 2011, 12:10:18 AM
nevermind
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on August 25, 2011, 12:11:08 AM
And people seem to like attacking a company that becomes really successful.
I remember when the Clinton administration went after Microsoft for anti-trust violations and people used that same argument. But the problem wasn't that Microsoft was successful, it was that it was anti-competitive and literally brought about the deaths of companies like Netscape because of anti-competitive and monopolistic practices. Now Gamestop's actions are similar. They are being anti-competitive by removing those vouchers for a competitor's service.
Nintendo has been successful. Have you ever seen anyone on here attack Nintendo just for being successful? I sure haven't. I've seen criticism for things Nintendo has done, but just them being successful? No. No one care if Gamestop is successful. We just don't want them to leverage their huge market share to crush competition and snuff them out the way Microsoft did with Netscape or BeOS or whatever back in the day. That's why Anti-trust laws exist, but unfortunately they are seldom enforced and even though Microsoft was found guilty by the courts, the Bush administration saved them by abandoning the whole thing.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: UncleBob on August 25, 2011, 01:18:56 AM
Okay, off politics and back on games... I just read that this game is a frickin' SteamWorks game?
Who here knows what that means?
It means the game comes with a code.... to download the software... from Steam... without the need of the physical disc at all.
Anyone care to explain how this is any different than the included OnLive code that GameStop removed?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: KDR_11k on August 25, 2011, 02:00:58 AM
If GameStop were to remove the CD key the game wouldn't work at all. And if they were to drop all Steamworks games from their stores they'd miss out on major titles like Call of Duty. It's a matter of who's big enough to blackmail who.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: UncleBob on August 25, 2011, 02:13:52 AM
If GameStop were to remove the CD key the game wouldn't work at all. And if they were to drop all Steamworks games from their stores they'd miss out on major titles like Call of Duty. It's a matter of who's big enough to blackmail who.
...but I thought it was about not promoting a competitor...
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: King of Twitch on August 25, 2011, 02:21:01 AM
If GameStop were to remove the CD key the game wouldn't work at all. And if they were to drop all Steamworks games from their stores they'd miss out on major titles like Call of Duty. It's a matter of who's big enough to blackmail who.
I'm big enough. I want this thread to produce some customer revenge ideas worthy of the Funhouse.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: ShyGuy on August 25, 2011, 02:27:11 AM
Here's how to get revenge on your customers: laugh and call them names when they trade in dumb games like Barbie's Horse Adventure.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: UncleBob on August 25, 2011, 02:34:43 AM
If GameStop were to remove the CD key the game wouldn't work at all. And if they were to drop all Steamworks games from their stores they'd miss out on major titles like Call of Duty. It's a matter of who's big enough to blackmail who.
I'm big enough. I want this thread to produce some customer revenge ideas worthy of the Funhouse.
This injustice can only be evened one way. Everyone should repeatedly call their local GameStop(s) and ask for Battletoads.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: KDR_11k on August 25, 2011, 07:09:24 AM
Here's how to get revenge on your customers: laugh and call them names when they trade in dumb games like Barbie's Horse Adventure.
You say that like trading that **** in is the wrong thing to do. Laugh at them when they trade games in that would sell for like 5x as much on eBay.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on August 25, 2011, 08:12:43 AM
Of course. It's just hilarious that now the Online Pass is the publishers trying to nickel and dime their customers, when in fact, if you buy a used game at GameStop, then you are NOT that publisher/developer's customer, only GameStop's. It's also exactly why the online pass exists to begin with, the companies that started the whole thing said it's because they don't make any money on used game sales. So, the people making the game are wrong for wanting to be paid by people who our buy their product, but GameStop is right for doing stupid things like removing coupons from games that you buy. All of this is clearly based on a single bad experience with a bad employee.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on August 25, 2011, 09:36:10 AM
People who buy used are just as bad as those dirty software pirates. No... even worse! Generally no one profits off of piracy. With used games however, places like GameStop profit directly off of the work of another, while completely cutting the developers out of the loop. Software developers are starving while GameStop fat cats buy gold plated Hummers!
:rolleyes:
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Oblivion on August 25, 2011, 10:43:19 AM
Honestly, I can shop where I want to shop. I've bought games from other places, like Amazon and etc, but I mainly go to Gamestop because I don't want to go through the hassle of selling my games online. Maybe in a couple years.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: TJ Spyke on August 25, 2011, 10:59:37 AM
People who buy used are just as bad as those dirty software pirates. No... even worse!
What? That is just plain wrong (hope you were just being sarcastic, but I have heard people really think that). I agree with Cliffy B's view on this, he says he has no problem with people buying used games or renting them. For one, it means somebody bought the new copy of the game before (unlike pirated games). Two, many people who buy used games DO buy DLC (I bought a piece of DLC for the used copy of Crackdown I bought, for example), doesn't happen with pirated games. There is also the fact that is is legal to buy any product used (and I don't see you complaining about people buying used books, cars, DVDs, clothes, etc.), while piracy is illegal.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on August 25, 2011, 11:14:09 AM
I don't see you complaining about people buying used books, cars, DVDs, clothes, etc.
It never came up before, but now that you mention it...
The literary industry has suffered heavily from small, used book stores. I'm glad that places like Amazon are putting the hurt to them and forcing them to shut down. Of course Amazon offers used books as well, but that'll be gone once the competition is dead. Thankfully DRM-riddled ebooks and locked down digital readers will make sure that no one is ever able to sell a used book again.
DVDs? No different than games. Hollywood usually looses a ton of money on every film they make. Buying flicks second hand is only putting people like Michael Bay further in debt. If you truly appreciate the artistis vision of such directors, then you'll make a real purchase and support them. Being cheap only benefits you, and is absolutely killing the industry. Lucky for us that Blu-Ray players have made great strides in keeping you locked into your store-bought media.
Cars, are you serious? You support the sale of used cars?! This is exactly why the auto industry has seen such hard times in the last several years. They had to be bailed out because people like you refuse to go into debt for years to have a nice, shiny new car! It ought to be illegal to own a vehicle more than five years old. You disgust me with this anti-Anerican behavior. If you don't support the corporations, who will?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Oblivion on August 25, 2011, 11:29:29 AM
All this subtle (or not-so-subtle) sarcasm is giving me a headache.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Ceric on August 25, 2011, 11:31:57 AM
Actually every time we have the used item discussion books come up eventually. Cars are new though.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: TJ Spyke on August 25, 2011, 12:07:27 PM
Square Enix admits that they put the code in without clearing it with GameStop and that they are OK with GameStop removing the code: http://www.industrygamers.com/news/square-enix-respects-gamestops-decision-to-remove-onlive-codes-from-deus-ex/
An attorney who writes about video games says it is probably legal what GameStop did: http://www.industrygamers.com/news/gamestop-removal-of-onlive-deus-ex-codes-probably-legal-says-attorney/
His reasons being 1)The promo code is not advertised on the box (so they are not deceiving anyone by selling it without the code). 2)Opening the box does NOT change the status of the game from new to used. 3)They are no removing any essential part of the game, and compares it to remove the Nintendo Power promo from games.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on August 25, 2011, 02:12:23 PM
It ought to be illegal to own a vehicle more than five years old. You disgust me with this anti-Anerican behavior. If you don't support the corporations, who will?
I'm picturing an update Logan's Run type movie here. A rogue repo-agent goes on the run with his great-grandfather's prized 1974 Duster. Directed by Michael Bay, of course.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Ceric on August 25, 2011, 03:33:41 PM
It ought to be illegal to own a vehicle more than five years old. You disgust me with this anti-Anerican behavior. If you don't support the corporations, who will?
I'm picturing an update Logan's Run type movie here. A rogue repo-agent goes on the run with his great-grandfather's prized 1974 Duster. Directed by Michael Bay, of course.
If you have all those old cars to destroy anyway, Might as well blow them up.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Fatty The Hutt on August 25, 2011, 03:38:26 PM
It ought to be illegal to own a vehicle more than five years old. You disgust me with this anti-Anerican behavior. If you don't support the corporations, who will?
I'm picturing an update Logan's Run type movie here. A rogue repo-agent goes on the run with his great-grandfather's prized 1974 Duster. Directed by Michael Bay, of course.
If you have all those old cars to destroy anyway, Might as well blow them up.
Amen, Brother!
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: noname2200 on August 25, 2011, 04:32:50 PM
On topic, I know full well that Gamestop's corporate policy is repugnant, but with few exceptions all the employees I've met have always been nice and usually helpful too. I don't mind shopping there. But stuff like this does make me loathe the place.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Oblivion on August 25, 2011, 05:27:15 PM
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NWR_insanolord on August 25, 2011, 05:37:16 PM
This thread is always great for making me feel good about buying almost all my games on Amazon.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on August 25, 2011, 05:47:46 PM
My main beef with the whole thing is they consider the opened games as "new". If they want to open all the games up and alter or remove stuff I wouldn't like it, but I'd have less of an issue with it if the games were then treated as used and sold at some sort of a discount. If they take something away you are getting a lesser product so you should get a discount.
Grocery stores sell damaged goods at a discount, right? So I don't see why Gamestop shouldn't either. Without the factory sealed shrinkwrap on it its a lesser product. And its also a lesser product when they throw things like manuals and cases away too.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on August 25, 2011, 09:14:56 PM
Oh a lawyer said it is probably legal, nevermind. Case closed.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: TJ Spyke on August 26, 2011, 01:10:28 PM
Looks like GameStop has decided to just not sell the PC version of Deus Ex: Human Revolution at all: http://www.industrygamers.com/news/gamestop-now-sending-deus-ex-pc-copies-back-to-square-enix/
They will honor any returns of the game from consumers.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on August 26, 2011, 01:30:11 PM
They barely stock PC games as is.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Ceric on August 26, 2011, 02:05:23 PM
Looks like GameStop has decided to just not sell the PC version of Deus Ex: Human Revolution at all: http://www.industrygamers.com/news/gamestop-now-sending-deus-ex-pc-copies-back-to-square-enix/
They will honor any returns of the game from consumers.
That is what they should have done from the beginning instead of tampering with the product and then lying and saying it was still new.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: TJ Spyke on August 26, 2011, 03:51:26 PM
Legally it is still considered new.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: broodwars on August 26, 2011, 04:02:55 PM
Gamestop is now offering (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/gamestop-deus-ex-apology/) a $50 GS Gift Card and a Buy 2 Get 1 Free Offer on Pre-owned games to those that bought Deus Ex Human Revolution on PC.
I now return you to your "EVIL CORPORATE ENTITY IS EVIL!" argument.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Ceric on August 26, 2011, 04:23:38 PM
I stopped in there today to see the used PSP prices. They were $10 more expensive then the local shop but they had Monster Hunter Freedom Unite for $12 bucks but, man was the sales person pushing. He like you like portables you should try the 3DS it just had a price drop. I pull out my 3DS from the TARDIS Pockets. Oh I see you have one. Must have paid more for it. Do you have a Wii? Kirby is coming out and Skyward sword. I mention I thought Kirby looked to similar to New Super Mario Wii for my taste and I probably be getting Skyward Sword. We then went are separate ways. I don't think there on commission but they might have certain goals now.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: UncleBob on August 26, 2011, 04:30:43 PM
Gamestop is now offering (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/gamestop-deus-ex-apology/) a $50 GS Gift Card and a Buy 2 Get 1 Free Offer on Pre-owned games to those that bought Deus Ex Human Revolution on PC.
I now return you to your "EVIL CORPORATE ENTITY IS EVIL!" argument.
Would said evil corporate entity have considered doing anything like this if their internal e-mail hadn't been secretly leaked to the internet and the civilized world united in disagreement with them?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on August 26, 2011, 04:34:06 PM
A judge would have to weigh in on that first. As far as I know that hasn't happened.
Also many people and organizations/entities do not consider opened items to be "New". Being legal isn't the only thing that matters. It would be in Gamestop's best interest not to piss people off and drive them away by doing shitty things even if those shitty things manage to stay on the edge of legality.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on August 26, 2011, 08:46:13 PM
Gamestop is now offering (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/gamestop-deus-ex-apology/) a $50 GS Gift Card and a Buy 2 Get 1 Free Offer on Pre-owned games to those that bought Deus Ex Human Revolution on PC.
Awfully nice of them to use this opportunity to make even more money off of you...
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: nickmitch on August 27, 2011, 09:05:49 PM
Yeah, the jerks should really have just let themselves go bankrupt with honor, like a man.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on September 13, 2011, 11:16:42 AM
A New Challenger is Approaching!
GameStop set to release their own gimped tablet device. (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2392849,00.asp)
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: UncleBob on October 18, 2011, 02:36:33 AM
While I recognize that one GameStop employee doesn't represent the entire company, I got a kick out of this.
After spending too much money at Toys R Us, I stopped by GameStop to see if they had an exclusive Skylanders figure (they didn't). The guy asked if I had the game yet and I replied that I did - he asked where I bought it... I said - quietly, as there were several customers around and I really didn't want to look like I was trying to drive their business away - "Toys R Us, because they have the Buy 2 Get 1 Free sale going on." He replied with "Yeah, they're dong that because they're getting out of the games business."
Wha...?
Toys R Us does this sale every year (sometimes twice a year). It's nothing new.
Douche.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Ceric on October 18, 2011, 10:28:19 AM
They regularly do Buy 1 get 1 half off. Which in my case would be the better deal.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: FZeroBoyo on October 18, 2011, 02:29:46 PM
I haven't had any terrible experiences with GameStop. I know what I'm looking for, go in, look for it, buy it, and then get out as fast as I can. I guess that's when the horror stories start flooding my mind.
When I bought Picross 3D a few months back, the cashier actually told me she thought it was good and that she put a good amount of time into it. Then about a month back, some woman was confused about the 3DS (thinking it was discontinued), and the clerk explained that it was just a price drop. Cleared things up there.
But yeah, taking 5 dollars of a "used" new game is probably not very nice.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: lolmonade on October 18, 2011, 03:03:27 PM
Biggest Problem:
Trying to sell me an opened game at new prices: I went in to buy a game, and I brought the "new" copy of the game from the shelf and handed it to the employee there. There was an actual new unopened case with the wrapping still on it, and then an opened case with some damage to the case & instruction booklet. The employee then proceeded to take out the opened copy and try to ring me out as a customer buying new. When I pointed this out and asked for the ACTUAL new copy, they then stated they could sell this used copy as new. I just found that insulting.
Other Gripes: -Gamestop exclusive pre-order content -Employees that try to pressure you into pre-ordering games coming out, paying for whatever VIP pass program they have, etc.
I would probably only consider purchasing from Gamestop through their website at this point if there was a used game I could find for a reasonable price. I don't understand pre-ordering games from them when any big-box retailer is going to have tons of copies (other than getting those pre-order bonuses). I honestly can say that my most uncomfortable retail experiences have all been from Gamestop, which is sad, because I remember enjoying going to Electronics Boutique back when they were called that.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Ceric on October 18, 2011, 04:29:25 PM
Because EB and Gamestop were competitors. Gamestop was always the worse of the two. I always like EB and Babbages for that matter.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Oblivion on October 18, 2011, 10:31:47 PM
Don't blame the employees for pushing games, exclusive content, strategy guides, etc. on you guys. Trust me, they hate saying it just as much as you hate hearing it. If I could I would either never say any of that or at least tell them I have to say it.
Plus, they get a bonus if you do the survey and you say that they pushed that crap on you.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on October 19, 2011, 12:16:25 AM
Don't blame the employees? Sounds like a Nuremberg Defense to me. No one is forcing them to be jerks, irregardless of company policy. They can quit at any time. Of course, being a tool is easier than taking on some personal accountability, right?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 19, 2011, 12:33:35 AM
Keeping a job is tough in this market right now.
They want to keep getting a paycheck, then they need to follow company policy regardless of how annoying the rest of us find it.
Of course they do have a choice of whether or not to work there.... but in this economy, do they really? If not them, it will be someone else. So they can either do it or be replaced by someone that will.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on October 19, 2011, 01:23:06 AM
Consumers are just as much to blame for Gamestop's practices as the employees who do them, because consumers are suckers who fall for it time and time again. If you get taken advantage of Gamestop once, then shame on Gamestop, but if you go there time and time again and keep getting taken advantage of then shame on you. You are the reason why they continue to stay in business and continue to drive all the more friendly "ma and pop" stores into oblivion.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on October 19, 2011, 02:13:06 AM
Has anyone used the website to see if a game was in stock at a store, and then it wasn't there when you went there? I know the website isn't guaranteed to be accurate and it also says to call the store to confirm, but I'm just curious how accurate it is.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: UncleBob on October 19, 2011, 02:21:13 AM
I haven't had that problem with games, although I haven't used it for games much.
I have, however, checked for GCN Component Cables or the GCN Broadband Adapter, just to get there and find out they have A.) "Universal" Component Cables that don't output component with the GCN, B.) Regular GCN A/V Cables, mislabeled or C.) The modem adapter, mislabeled.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: broodwars on October 19, 2011, 02:21:34 AM
Has anyone used the website to see if a game was in stock at a store, and then it wasn't there when you went there? I know the website isn't guaranteed to be accurate and it also says to call the store to confirm, but I'm just curious how accurate it is.
Yep, that's happened to me several times. Apparently, their website only updates once a day, and some used items will be listed as "in stock" when they can't be sold yet because they were traded in for cash (so there's a waiting period before they are allowed to sell them). It's incredibly annoying when that happens.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on October 19, 2011, 02:30:02 AM
I have, however, checked for GCN Component Cables or the GCN Broadband Adapter, just to get there and find out they have A.) "Universal" Component Cables that don't output component with the GCN, B.) Regular GCN A/V Cables, mislabeled or C.) The modem adapter, mislabeled.
I don't even see the option to check for those. It's too bad too because they have cheap prices on some accessories I'm still hoping to find, like the GBA > GCN link cable.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: UncleBob on October 19, 2011, 09:26:58 AM
I have, however, checked for GCN Component Cables or the GCN Broadband Adapter, just to get there and find out they have A.) "Universal" Component Cables that don't output component with the GCN, B.) Regular GCN A/V Cables, mislabeled or C.) The modem adapter, mislabeled.
I don't even see the option to check for those. It's too bad too because they have cheap prices on some accessories I'm still hoping to find, like the GBA > GCN link cable.
I may be one of the only forums members who bought the Broadband adapter when it was brand spanking new. I expected big things...
I wanted it when it came out... but I was waiting for a game that used it and that one of my few friends who owned a GameCube wanted to get too.
Now, I have five and I'm set. ;)
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: bustin98 on October 19, 2011, 11:25:18 AM
I bought the broadband adapter hoping if enough people bought it someone would take notice and actually make something for it. Vudu didn't like that idea. And it was so successful I bought 4 headbanger headsets because I know future Wii games will use it.
What a waste of money... I'll never learn.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on October 19, 2011, 11:57:04 AM
You can still get good use out of the broadband adapter if you run Linux on your Gamecube. With Linux and the broadband adapter there are tons of things you can do.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Oblivion on October 19, 2011, 02:40:59 PM
Don't blame the employees? Sounds like a Nuremberg Defense to me. No one is forcing them to be jerks, irregardless of company policy. They can quit at any time. Of course, being a tool is easier than taking on some personal accountability, right?
I'm assuming you have a nice, steady job in this economy. Many Americans don't. You expect someone to just walk away from a job because the company wants a fucking employee to say a few lines to their customers?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on October 19, 2011, 05:25:02 PM
I do expect that. Self respect is worth more than all the money in the world. Capitalism would lead you to believe otherwise, but it's simply not true.
I work for myself. I'm not a high-school dropout that thinks he has to work low level retail jobs in an attempt to feed my impulses.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Ceric on October 19, 2011, 05:41:28 PM
Self Respect and Self Esteem in your Puppy will stop them from Peeing on you when you come home.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NWR_insanolord on October 19, 2011, 10:00:00 PM
You can't feed yourself or pay the rent with self-respect.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on October 20, 2011, 11:58:02 AM
Nor can you feed yourself with credit cards. Only food will do. There is no reason to be a wage slave other than the desire for trinkets.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Ceric on October 20, 2011, 12:01:32 PM
I do expect that. Self respect is worth more than all the money in the world. Capitalism would lead you to believe otherwise, but it's simply not true.
I work for myself. I'm not a high-school dropout that thinks he has to work low level retail jobs in an attempt to feed my impulses.
Did you just call me a high school dropout?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: lolmonade on October 20, 2011, 08:19:15 PM
Don't blame the employees for pushing games, exclusive content, strategy guides, etc. on you guys. Trust me, they hate saying it just as much as you hate hearing it. If I could I would either never say any of that or at least tell them I have to say it.
Plus, they get a bonus if you do the survey and you say that they pushed that crap on you.
I don't recall specifically blaming the employees for having to do those things, I just stated the fact they do these things makes shopping at their stores an unbearably frustrating experience.
The thread is titled "So nobody likes Gamestop?", not "So nobody likes Gamestop employees?".
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on October 20, 2011, 09:43:39 PM
http://www.ebgames.com/accessories/gamecube-n64-component-cable-used/32149 (http://www.ebgames.com/accessories/gamecube-n64-component-cable-used/32149) (Ignore the "/N64" part on that second one.)
Oh wait, I found it. I thought the option was available only for products listed with the "Pick up at store" link. Sadly, both of them say "No stores with inventory within 100 mile radius." I checked for the GBA > GCN link cable too and the closest one is 87 miles away. I guess I won't be scoring any cheap GameCube accessories. There are a lot of GameCube Players around for $10 though, I thought that thing sold for higher than that so I may get one of those to have as a spare.
I may be one of the only forums members who bought the Broadband adapter when it was brand spanking new. I expected big things...
I would have bought one if a game were made for it that I wanted. I remember reading about the Phantasy Star online game in Nintendo Power, but I liked the concept more than the actual game so I never bothered.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Ceric on October 21, 2011, 10:01:40 AM
Phantasy Star Online is very much the precursor to Monster Hunter Spiritually. I loved PSO and was terribly sad when my Wife lost my copy. I hope they make a truly new one, Episode 2 was really just a reskinning of Episode 1.
Ironically the only reason I bought PSO was it was the only game to use the Broadband adapter. Miss opportunity Nintendo.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NWR_insanolord on October 21, 2011, 12:20:46 PM
They are making a Phantasy Star Online 2, but it's PC exclusive for some reason.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Ceric on October 21, 2011, 03:22:01 PM
They are making a Phantasy Star Online 2, but it's PC exclusive for some reason.
Seriously... Blah how are you even going to do the weapon timings. That be like Kingdom Hearts 2 being PC exclusive... *grumble*
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on October 21, 2011, 05:48:30 PM
The combat and general weapons timing worked just fine in the original PSO, regardless of platform. Still, there was something to be said about hooking up the Dreamcast and playing it silky smooth through that v.92 modem. :)
You guys can keep Kingdom Hearts. Blah. :P
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on November 01, 2011, 07:12:03 PM
Don't blame the employees? Sounds like a Nuremberg Defense to me. No one is forcing them to be jerks, irregardless of company policy. They can quit at any time. Of course, being a tool is easier than taking on some personal accountability, right?
I'm assuming you have a nice, steady job in this economy. Many Americans don't. You expect someone to just walk away from a job because the company wants a fucking employee to say a few lines to their customers?
You can not be a jerk and follow company policy. I've dealt with a number of GS employees that push pre-orders and such but are polite about it. Just ask once nicely at check out and if the customer says no thanks then they drop it.
It's the same with any low-level job. You could be a jerk at McDonalds asking if they want fries with that or they can just say their spiel and move on.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 14, 2011, 07:26:40 PM
Welcome to GameShop http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onEfmC6HRF4&feature=youtu.be (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onEfmC6HRF4&feature=youtu.be)
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on November 14, 2011, 11:17:37 PM
That pretty much nails it.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Oblivion on November 15, 2011, 12:05:02 AM
*sigh*
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: TJ Spyke on November 15, 2011, 12:14:37 AM
I have never had an experience like that. At most the guy asks me one time about something (either pre-ordering a big name game or subscribing to Game Informer, it varies) and when I say "no", that is it and they don't mention anything else.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on November 15, 2011, 12:31:40 AM
Then obviously said employee was not following company protocol. I almost traded in BLOPS when I got MW3, but I'd rather keep the game than take the $11 they offer so they can make a $34 profit (selling for $45 used last time I checked). I also had to say no to the new card, no to the strategy guide, no to the "recommended" disc protection plan (utter horse **** - especially since several publishers/distributors will exchange your disc if it ever becomes unplayable), and no to Game Informer.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: TJ Spyke on November 15, 2011, 12:48:00 AM
You mean the dozens of employees I have dealt with over the years. I think there is a serious misconception about GameStop based on the few who bitch about it online.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on November 15, 2011, 01:48:55 AM
I know you work there and I'm sorry if you are offended by all the hate people have towards Gamestop. I know its not your fault, and you may be one of the good ones... but that doesn't change the fact that much of the hate towards Gamestop is deserved. You work there so you should know what goes on and why people would be pissed off.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: oohhboy on November 15, 2011, 04:49:07 AM
Our equivalent of Gamestop here in NZ is EB games, which I think is owned by GS... I don't shop there purely out of economics, they are more expensive than anyone else out there, even the general electronic goods stores. I know some of the people who work there and they are pretty chill people, but you can feel the corporate under currents.
Then you run into the "Manager" who drinks the cool aid and **** does it get nasty. At the local Eb it's some Indian dude who saids he went to business school, whether it's true or not, it didn't matter, when I brought up the question of Ethics, he said it was irrelevant. I questioned him about some of the dodgy stuff like having Mario Kart DS sitting inside Recent Releases(At this point it had been out for years), he replied it didn't matter since they defined what recent meant. Given how amoral a bloody shift manager can be, I can only imagine what lengths corporate would do for a quick buck if given an inch.
I try not to not look poorly on the counter jockeys, but they are on the frontlines and will always be hit first. There is a problem with the job if you can't take some level of pride in.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on November 15, 2011, 04:56:28 AM
There used to be an Electronics Boutique at the local mall until Gamestop absorbed them. After that, it became a Gamestop. I don't know if they are any EB games places still open in this country, but I haven't seen any. Since Gamestop owns them it wouldn't really matter anyway.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on November 15, 2011, 08:37:05 AM
Last time I was in Virginia Beach there was a GameStop directly across from an EB Games in the Pembroke Mall. Yes, this was years after the merger/buyout.
There is no misconception about GameStop and what its employees do (I understand it is their job to be a tool) - your "pleasant" experiences are the exception to the rule - but you've always shown yourself to typically be on the side of the corporation, so you may just be blind to the horse **** that goes on there.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NWR_insanolord on November 15, 2011, 09:20:31 AM
There's still an EB Games in the local mall here, for basically the same reason Brandogg said: there's another GameStop in the same mall. Not right across from each other, though. They were both there before the merger, but the company still maintains both locations to this day.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: broodwars on November 15, 2011, 10:55:40 AM
I guess my experiences are just more "exceptions to the rule", because I've rarely been harassed at my local GameStops down here in Central Florida. I'll bring a game up, they ask if I want to pre-order anything (or sometimes get the guide), I'll say no, they ring me up, and I'm out the door. Sometimes depending on how busy they are, there's even light game chatter in there, which is usually pretty pleasant (even if sometimes I've caught a GS employee blatantly trying to B.S. me on a game I know much more about than them).
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Ceric on November 15, 2011, 12:03:59 PM
My last two visits were terrible.
The first one the associates got made because I helped a fellow customer and the second one they were pissy and screwed up my Super Mario 3D Land pre-order. I had two copies and they wanted to only give me 1.
The only reason I shop at Gamestop anymore is 2 reasons: Exclusives and there they only game shop I can sneak to in the mall.
Also for the record the key-chain is Raccoon Mario.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: UncleBob on November 15, 2011, 12:47:29 PM
There's still an EB Games in the local mall here, for basically the same reason Brandogg said: there's another GameStop in the same mall. Not right across from each other, though. They were both there before the merger, but the company still maintains both locations to this day.
I was at one mall that had an EB Games and a GameStop... then, right out side the mall was another GameStop. :D
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 15, 2011, 01:08:48 PM
My local Mall used to have an EB & a GameStop. Then GS bought out EB, so after about a year, it turned into 2 GameStops in the same mall and on opposite ends of the same floor.
The last time I walked through there (a few weeks ago), the store that used to be EB wasn't there anymore, but they co-existed for many many years as 2 GameStops.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: King of Twitch on November 15, 2011, 01:41:18 PM
The first one the associates got made because I helped a fellow customer
lol whatd you do, send them to another store?
They were wondering what the current Kirby games were and I just happened to know and was standing in front of them so I picked them up and told them about them.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: MegaByte on November 15, 2011, 01:59:07 PM
I was at one mall that had an EB Games and a GameStop... then, right out side the mall was another GameStop. :D
I lived at a place that had three for a while, two in the mall and one outside (previously were a GameStop, EB Games, and Software, Etc.)
Up until about a year ago there was a third one right outside the mall. The EB was an EB before the merger, and the other two were a Software Etc. and a FuncoLand earlier on. There's also another GameStop a couple blocks up the road, which is the one I go to on rare occasions when I don't buy things on Amazon, most recently the 3DS midnight launch.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Shaymin on November 15, 2011, 07:57:15 PM
All the Gamestops in Canada are going back to EBGames (for proof, try to go to Gamestop.ca). That makes sense, because EBGames still has a decent reputation here while Gamestop is the Evil Empire (tm).
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NWR_insanolord on November 15, 2011, 08:11:21 PM
It would be awesome if they were keeping the EB Games in my mall open to trick people who don't like the reputation GameStop has into thinking they're shopping somewhere else.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on November 15, 2011, 10:53:05 PM
The game store industry needs more competition. Ever since Gamestop purchased EBgames they've become a monopoly, which is never a good thing no matter how you slice it. Their only "competition" are small time ma and pop stores struggling to get by.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: broodwars on November 15, 2011, 10:59:57 PM
The game store industry needs more competition. Ever since Gamestop purchased EBgames they've become a monopoly, which is never a good thing no matter how you slice it. Their only "competition" are small time ma and pop stores struggling to get by.
I really don't see that happening. With the economy as it is and the game industry frequently moving towards consolidation, I think it more likely that a larger company like Walmart would acquire Gamestop (thus making it an unstoppable sales juggernaut) than Gamestop getting a legitimate competitor in the retail space.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Shorty McNostril on November 16, 2011, 06:27:07 AM
Are the franchises GAME, and Gametraders in the States? Or are they only Australia?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Dasmos on November 16, 2011, 06:42:46 AM
GAME definitely has a UK counterpart.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Ceric on November 16, 2011, 10:18:24 AM
And yet you are a fan of Utah Jazz? That's about as far from Florida as you can get. ;)
You think Pennsylvania is a big sports state? Try growing up in Salt Lake City Utah, where at least when I was a kid you were either a fan of the Jazz or you just didn't live there.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on November 19, 2011, 08:10:07 PM
Ah, I'm in Melbourne, about 45 minutes east-southeast of Orlando. Thought maybe we were secret neighbors.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 22, 2011, 03:05:25 PM
Looks like Gamestop is getting ready to make OnLive obsolete using console games (and probably PC games too) But they still require you to buy the console hardware to play your purchased software. http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2011-11-21-gamestops-game-slinging-service-ramps-up
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: King of Twitch on December 05, 2011, 05:23:54 PM
I was at Gamestop assembling a wishlist for Gamecube games and someone came in asking for that Chuck Norris game...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arKpdxjHamI
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on December 05, 2011, 06:06:02 PM
Most people don't realize it, but Chuck Norris is about 70 years old. He looks good and moves well for his age.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on December 05, 2011, 06:23:33 PM
Chuck Norris never really looked that great, nor moved that well. If it weren't for just how humorously bad his entire career has been, no one would even care about him.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: ShyGuy on December 07, 2011, 04:14:39 PM
SHUTUP ABOUT CHUCK NORRIS HE IS WALKER TEXAS RANGER
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on December 07, 2011, 05:17:52 PM
Point and case.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: TJ Spyke on December 07, 2011, 05:42:32 PM
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on December 09, 2011, 12:55:12 PM
No, the point was that he never was a badass. Has anyone ever actually watched Walker? It's a laughably bad show. That's where the humor in the Chuck Norris meme comes from. He's presented as a badass, while actually being about as lame as possible. ;)
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: lolmonade on December 09, 2011, 02:41:48 PM
No, the point was that he never was a badass. Has anyone ever actually watched Walker? It's a laughably bad show. That's where the humor in the Chuck Norris meme comes from. He's presented as a badass, while actually being about as lame as possible. ;)
There is no humor left in it. They were about 3 years late with the joke.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on December 09, 2011, 03:45:01 PM
That's why just like Sly and company, Chuck Norris has become Expendable Too
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on December 09, 2011, 09:07:55 PM
The best thing about Walker: Texas Ranger (besides Ricky Bobby naming his kids Walker and Texas Ranger) is the clip that they kept showing on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, once NBC got the rights to the show, where Haley Joel Osment says "they told me I have AIDs."
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NWR_insanolord on December 09, 2011, 09:17:04 PM
I totally forgot about that. The Walker Texas Ranger Lever was a really great running gag on Conan for a while there.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on December 09, 2011, 10:09:38 PM
No, the point was that he never was a badass. Has anyone ever actually watched Walker? It's a laughably bad show. That's where the humor in the Chuck Norris meme comes from. He's presented as a badass, while actually being about as lame as possible. ;)
So in other words, he is like Reggie?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on December 22, 2011, 10:39:34 PM
My brother just received RAGE and Dead Island as holiday gifts. Both were purchased several weeks ago at GameStop. Because they were PC titles, they only had the one display copy, hence the games are open but were sold as "brand new". Never mind that though. The real problem here is that both games require activation on Steam. Unfortunately for my brother, Dead Island's key has already been activated and Rage has had it's activation code sticker carefully removed from the inside of the case. It's pretty obvious that one of GameStop's booger-picking employees stole the codes to activate and download for themselves (or even sell?). What's more, the store won't replace the games. They were gifts and thus have no receipts to prove that they were purchased at GameStop. They will only give store credit for "new and unopened" games if no receipt is present. My brother is trying to go through Steam and Bethesda's customer service now instead.
His friends should have known better than to buy opened (used!) products. They should have known better than to buy anything from that hellhole of corruption that is GameStop. They should have known to buy the games on Amazon or right through Steam at half the price. Still, the root of the cancer is GameStop itself. Not only are their open-box practices deceptive and downright exploitative, but obviously promotes internal theft. Their store policies also neatly cover up for any such problems, too.
I told my brother that GameStop was lucky it wasn't me getting fucked over. Hell, they're lucky I wasn't with him when he tried to swap the items out. I would not have taken that ****, at all. Not from a bunch of high-school rejects making minimum wage.
**** you, GameStop
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on December 22, 2011, 10:50:58 PM
The fact the games are opened is inexcusable enough in its own right, but I think it would be hard for even TJ Spyke to try to justify Gamestop selling games with the activation codes already redeemed or removed.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Ymeegod on December 23, 2011, 01:00:34 AM
Actually that might not be an GS employee trick but Steam's. Had two retail copies (still sealed) and got the same message (already active) and had to go through Steam to get it fixed. Hackers can break Steam with key generators and theres a couple of Youtube videos of them doing just that. Though he had two copies of different games so the chances are pretty damn nill that it was just an hack job.
As for getting it resolve, without an receipt you're screwed, Steam won't even bother replying back.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on December 23, 2011, 10:06:01 AM
It certainly isn't a Steam trick when the actually sticker container the CD key has been carefully removed from the inner case from a an already opened game.
You're right though that Steam can fall prey to hackers, and innocents get caught in the crossfire. That's always been true fro any system that verifies things like CD keys though. Given the surrounding evidence though, I'm willing to bet that it was just outright taken by an employee.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on December 27, 2011, 04:58:21 PM
Update. Both games are now downloaded and linked on Steam. It took less than a week to get both games straightened out, and that's even with the holiday weekend.
Steam customer service just wanted to see a scan of the support ticket number written beside the CD key.
Bethesda wanted a photograph of the entire game contents, and then a scan of the original purchase receipt. Luckily my brother's friend was able to print out a copy of the gift's receipt through his bank's online login.
GameStop could really learn a lot from these guys in terms of customer service.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: lolmonade on December 27, 2011, 05:58:13 PM
Update. Both games are now downloaded and linked on Steam. It took less than a week to get both games straightened out, and that's even with the holiday weekend.
Steam customer service just wanted to see a scan of the support ticket number written beside the CD key.
Bethesda wanted a photograph of the entire game contents, and then a scan of the original purchase receipt. Luckily my brother's friend was able to print out a copy of the gift's receipt through his bank's online login.
GameStop could really learn a lot from these guys in terms of customer service.
My wife just asked me yesterday why I'd be willing to purchase something I don't have a physical copy of. And you just nailed it on the head. Gamestop once tried to sell me an opened copy of a game at a new price (it wasn't just a opened case that was in good condition, the case was tattered and ripped), and I never went back. You just don't do that.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on December 27, 2011, 07:20:16 PM
Was Gamestop always as bad as they are now? Or did this just come about in recent years with them having absorbed or annihilated their competitors and now they feel like they can be assholes just becasue they have a near monopoly? There used to be other places like Babbages and EB Games which would have been their competition, but Babbages is entirely gone, and EB exists only as a puppet which is owned by Gamestop. I can't think of anything else... oh wait, there was also Funcoland at one time. All that **** is gone now. There's still the main retailers like Walmart and so forth, but they don't specialize in video games and can't offer the same amount of selection.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on December 27, 2011, 08:27:04 PM
I can't say with any certainty whether or not GameStop was always as bad as they are now. I had never seen one until it bought out a local Electronics Boutique. The change in business practices was quickly noticeable, even while many of the same employees existed afterward.
The thing is, I don't think that GameStop really offers all that much better of a selection than your mainline department stores do. Perhaps you might find a few older titles, or the odd obscure game, but for the most part they're the same... if not worse. GameStop tries to create an artificial scarcity with much of its stock so as to bolster pre-orders and the illusionary bargain that is the used games section.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: nickmitch on December 28, 2011, 04:33:04 PM
Did you ever try bringing the printed receipt to GameStop? Most stores won't let you just return things without proof that you bought it there. Yeah, the store's policy of selling opened copies of brand new games is stupid, but a removed activation code is the fault of bad employees and (hopefully) not bad company policy.
Just playing devil's advocate.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on December 28, 2011, 05:10:06 PM
Gamestop could at least have the decency to reshrink wrap those opened games. Its not like its difficult or expensive to buy the equipment to do that. Not saying that would make it right, but at least the games would then have the outward appearance of being new.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on December 28, 2011, 10:42:45 PM
Did you ever try bringing the printed receipt to GameStop? Most stores won't let you just return things without proof that you bought it there. Yeah, the store's policy of selling opened copies of brand new games is stupid, but a removed activation code is the fault of bad employees and (hopefully) not bad company policy.
Just playing devil's advocate.
I didn't try anything. This wasn't directly my problem. My brother is an adult and can handle his own hangups. He didn't initially have the receipt though. It was apparently a bit of a hassle to get it. Even then, I have a hard time seeing the employees at GameStop simply swapping the title out. They don't care about customer satisfaction. They probably would have just accused him of being the code thief at that point. Their attitude is really just that bad, and their company culture promotes it.
Worse still, had they swapped it out, they probably would have then just turned around and sold it again as "new" to another unsuspecting customer. :P
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: jorgea on January 15, 2012, 09:21:20 PM
I don't think all the employees working at Gamestop all are bad. Just read the replies from other members here at http://www.nintendoworldreport.com
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on January 15, 2012, 09:41:00 PM
The only thing worse than Gamestop is Spambots.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: nickmitch on January 15, 2012, 11:56:48 PM
It'd probably the funniest comment in the thread though.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on February 21, 2012, 05:54:22 PM
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: oohhboy on February 21, 2012, 06:03:02 PM
I am sure that photo is completely out of context...
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: nickmitch on February 21, 2012, 06:03:58 PM
I'm under the assumption that it's purely for the lolz.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on February 21, 2012, 07:12:28 PM
If Gamestop got into the business of making pizza (or any kind of food for that matter), their employees would probably do horrible things to it that I don't even want to think about.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Shaymin on February 21, 2012, 07:35:43 PM
So in other words, they'd be like every other major pizza chain on the... planet?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Oblivion on February 21, 2012, 07:43:26 PM
We already do some pretty questionable things to the games discs. Or, at least the people with smalls dicks do so.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Soren on February 21, 2012, 11:58:45 PM
To be honest, you kinda need the pizza to play Yo Noid, and honestly where else are you going to find a used on that looks that good?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Adrock on February 22, 2012, 05:38:51 PM
I reserved Xenoblade today at Gamestop though I'm still hoping I can get it from straight from Nintendo's website.
The guy who was ringing me up said he never heard of Xenoblade and asked me about it but then his coworker interrupted and said Xenoblade is a sequel to Xenosaga. So, that happened. /facepalm
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on February 22, 2012, 06:25:45 PM
I reserved Xenoblade today at Gamestop though I'm still hoping I can get it from straight from Nintendo's website.
The guy who was ringing me up said he never heard of Xenoblade and asked me about it but then his coworker interrupted and said Xenoblade is a sequel to Xenosaga. So, that happened. /facepalm
Did you correct them? We all must do our part to help educate these highschool rejects.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Oblivion on February 22, 2012, 06:53:00 PM
Why are you all getting complete retards? Every single employee I've encountered (including current co-workers) are quite knowledgeable with video games. Granted, they may not know every single game out there, but who does? It seems like the employees in your area should not have been hired. Hell, your knowledge of video games is actually one of the things they look for on the resume!
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on February 22, 2012, 11:59:59 PM
Hell, your knowledge of video games is actually one of the things they look for on the resume!
I don't mean this to be snarky or funny, but I question how true this actually is, or at least what brands of knowledge they're looking for. I suspect, from experience, that even casual knowledge of Nintendo systems, at the least, is not really necessary.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stogi on February 23, 2012, 07:04:09 AM
I wish there was a game store that let me play any game I wanted to. I'd ask them..."Hey! I'm interested in _____. You think I could try it out for a bit?" And they'd respond happily and tell me to take a seat on the couch over there and wait for them to bring the game.
Like going to a winery, they'd let me sample all that I wanted until I made my decision and left with what I thought was the best game of all.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 23, 2012, 08:43:47 AM
I wish there was a game store that let me play any game I wanted to. I'd ask them..."Hey! I'm interested in _____. You think I could try it out for a bit?" And they'd respond happily and tell me to take a seat on the couch over there and wait for them to bring the game.
Like going to a winery, they'd let me sample all that I wanted until I made my decision and left with what I thought was the best game of all.
That was Funcoland back when they were still around. We had gaming stations setup, and if we had a used or store copy, then we would let you play it. That was my first and only retail job. I miss that place, had alot of fun there.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on February 23, 2012, 04:28:45 PM
There used to be a used CD store I went to that let you listen to any of the CDs you wanted before you decided whether or not to buy them. I'm sure something like that could be done with used video games as well, but the problem is Gamestop just isn't cool enough to think of that.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: TJ Spyke on February 23, 2012, 05:24:02 PM
If it's anything like demo stations at other stores (at least around here), you will just have people playing the game for like 10-15 minutes and not buying it. It also requires you to have a store copy of every single game, which leads to more likely situation of someone bitching that they have to buy a "open" copy of the game (especially if it's something like a Atlus game, which the store will already get only a few copies anyways).
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Morari on February 23, 2012, 05:47:25 PM
GameStop already rips open enough of their games to sell as "new"... they might as well put some of them to use in demo stations.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Chozo Ghost on February 23, 2012, 06:38:06 PM
Why would it require them to have every copy of every game in existence? The used CD store I went to only let you listen to the CDs they had available. They don't need to let you be able to demo every game in existence, because if its not something they have and are selling then what is the point of letting people demo it anyway? And I am talking about them letting you play used video games, so if they are used that means they are already opened so they don't need to open them up.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: UncleBob on March 08, 2013, 08:32:21 PM
MEGA BUMP.
While I won't take back everything bad I've ever said about GameStop, I have to give credit where credit is due.
I used their online tracker to call about 10 different stores that claimed they had the 3DS version of the Collector's Edition version of Adventure Time in stock. Finally found a store in Michigan that has it! And they're shipping it to a local store just for lil' ol' me. Thanks, GameStop!
($10 says it's an open copy that no one bothered to tell me about... but, whatever... beggars can't be choosers, eh?)
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Oblivion on March 08, 2013, 08:45:49 PM
I'll take you up on that offer. They did the same for me with FE: Awakening and I got a legit new copy.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Louieturkey on March 10, 2013, 04:48:56 AM
I'll take you up on that offer. They did the same for me with FE: Awakening and I got a legit new copy.
Glad you got that. The last time I bought new from them (outside Xenoblade), they only had the display copy, which was kept essentially in the same place as the used copies were kept. I refused to buy it and never bought new since until Xenoblade.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: pokepal148 on March 10, 2013, 12:52:44 PM
i almost walked out emptyhanded on FE because their two copies were on preorder, except one of the preorderers happened to be there and had canceled theirs two days beforehand because of the shipping fiasco and asked if they had updated their records(no). he did get his artbook when he canceled having gotten his copy at target...
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: UncleBob on March 13, 2013, 08:56:01 PM
I'll take you up on that offer. They did the same for me with FE: Awakening and I got a legit new copy.
Well... I guess we'll call this a draw. The Collector's Edition was open (and the cardboard wrap was horribly mangled due to stickers)... *but* the game inside was still sealed (inside is the game as if you bought it off the shelf) and it includes all the goodies that come with the Collector's Edition.
IF I was able to be picky, I would have passed on this copy if I saw it on the shelf. But, as I said before, beggars can't be choosers.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on April 18, 2013, 06:01:06 PM
This is probably a decent place to ask this: Has anyone here had experience with GameStop's resurfaced discs?
Throughout the past week, I took a chance and ordered a bunch of the heavily discounted GameCube games from their website as they went in stock. It was no surprise when I received them and came to understand why they are so cheap, as only about 7 or 8 of the 25 games I ordered actually work. Some of them are even cracked and should have been trashed a long time ago.
Anyways, with the ones that do work, I noticed that the system emits a strange, low volume, high-frequency noise when it plays these resurfaced discs. This happens in both a GameCube and a Wii, so it's clearly an effect of the discs. Is this normal? I don't want these things shattering in my system, are they safe to be played or should I just return them all?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Louieturkey on April 18, 2013, 06:58:13 PM
Is anything sticking out off of them? You never want your discs causing noise to happen in your system. Are the discs warped in an way?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on April 18, 2013, 10:07:41 PM
Resurfacing doesn't work if the scratch is on the label. Those scratches are typically much worse and can't be fixed.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on April 24, 2013, 05:40:12 PM
No, there's nothing wrong with the discs other than being resurfaced. They've probably been resurfaced several times, as they look a little thinner than normal GameCube game discs.
Resurfacing doesn't work if the scratch is on the label. Those scratches are typically much worse and can't be fixed.
I noticed that most of the ones that don't work do have scuffs or scrapes on the label side, and wondered if it could be part of the issue. A few of them even look like someone took sandpaper to the label.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: ymeegod on April 26, 2013, 07:16:27 PM
Scratches on label side doesn't matter. As for your noise issue, that's common with games that had been resurfaced--most likely the disc's still have "errors" in so it's not being read 100%. Since you just got them I would exchange them GS or have them "try" to resurface the disc again.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: oohhboy on April 26, 2013, 07:44:35 PM
The label side is where the data actually is. Have a look at a dics and the label side is far thinner than the read side. A significant scratch on the label side is more likely to deform the data layer rendering it useless so that no amount of resurfacing can fix.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Oblivion on April 26, 2013, 08:00:07 PM
What, seriously? So the years of me thinking it was safe to lay things on the label side was all a lie?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: ymeegod on April 26, 2013, 08:34:03 PM
No, GC/DVD works the same way and it's in a grove system (layer). You would have to scratch all the way throught the damn disc from the label side to effect any of the grooves. Hense why you can use sfuff like lightscribe on the label side--doesn't hurt it at all.
CD's are a bit more picky since they have deeper grooves that's closer to the label side so yeah you can scratch though a damage the reflective side--basically hold it up to light and if you see light though it then toss the disc because it's beyond repair.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: oohhboy on April 26, 2013, 09:15:57 PM
Scratch and using a light scribe label are two different things. A light scribe uses it's laser to activate special ink on the label side, it doesn't actually "Burn" the image on the label. It's closer to what a thermocouple printer(Receipts, fax machines) does.
A scratch on the label side can physically deform the data layer. The label side is a Lacquer (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compact_disc#Integrity), not the tougher polycarbonate and it's thinner.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: ymeegod on April 26, 2013, 09:52:10 PM
That's CDs...not DVDs....different format. DVD's are 1.2mm think which the read layer at .6mm.
Here's a nice pic:(http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=cd+optical+cover+layer&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=TCK30m74if0d9M&tbnid=WPpMUSN1OFEOjM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clir.org%2Fpubs%2Freports%2Fpub121%2Fsec3.html&ei=my97Ua-OF4j00gGq6IGACQ&psig=AFQjCNEHqiKRRZlMKvBnr6VWoqOSOPR8Xw&ust=1367113743703308)http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=cd+optical+cover+layer&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=TCK30m74if0d9M&tbnid=WPpMUSN1OFEOjM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clir.org%2Fpubs%2Freports%2Fpub121%2Fsec3.html&ei=my97Ua-OF4j00gGq6IGACQ&psig=AFQjCNEHqiKRRZlMKvBnr6VWoqOSOPR8Xw&ust=1367113743703308 (http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=cd+optical+cover+layer&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=TCK30m74if0d9M&tbnid=WPpMUSN1OFEOjM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clir.org%2Fpubs%2Freports%2Fpub121%2Fsec3.html&ei=my97Ua-OF4j00gGq6IGACQ&psig=AFQjCNEHqiKRRZlMKvBnr6VWoqOSOPR8Xw&ust=1367113743703308) (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ad/Comparison_CD_DVD_HDDVD_BD.svg/512px-Comparison_CD_DVD_HDDVD_BD.svg.png) (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ad/Comparison_CD_DVD_HDDVD_BD.svg)
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: oohhboy on April 26, 2013, 10:13:55 PM
Looks like we were both right and wrong. From your source.
Quote
3.5 Optional Surface Layer
An optional layer may also be added to a CD or DVD to provide a labeling surface (see "Disk Surface Printing," page 24). Such surfaces are of four types:
thermal-printable inkjet-printable silkscreen-printable a surface that will accommodate more than one type of printing
These layers are applied over the lacquer layer on CDs or over the polycarbonate substrate on a single-sided DVD. Some discs have an extra coating on which text or logos are printed. In many cases, the lettering appears to be stenciled, but it is not part of the coating; what one sees is the reflected surface of the metal rather than imprinted text or logos. Typically, one can see through this lettered area—and even through the metal—by holding the disc up to light.
Because these lettered areas are particularly susceptible to damage, it is most important to avoid writing on or scratching in these areas. The only disc surface area that is completely safe from writing or scratching is the clear inner hub or the "mirror band," since no data are recorded in these areas.
As far as I am aware all GC discs are of the "stenciled" type, hence why they are unreadable dispite the damage being on the label side.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: pokepal148 on August 22, 2013, 05:47:52 PM
im shocked that someone else didn't bump this thread
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Oblivion on August 22, 2013, 05:51:00 PM
Then why did you feel the need to?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: pokepal148 on August 22, 2013, 05:56:53 PM
because of the whole xenoblade thing.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: UncleBob on May 17, 2014, 07:38:51 PM
UncleBob bumps posts.
I stopped by GameStop today to try the Mario Kart demo. Guy there was pretty nice, but kept pushing me to pre-order. I thought I made it clear I wasn't interested in pre-ordering, but he kept bringing it up (we played three races - the place was dead). This, alone, wasn't bad, but dude tried to sell me that Nintendo was short-shipping games and that this one (and the new Smash Bros.) was going to be hard to get at launch. I left shortly after. Dude, I understand it's your job to try and sell preorders... I can live with that. But don't lie to me.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Oblivion on May 17, 2014, 08:26:24 PM
Unfortunately, management at GS encourages that sort of thinking.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on May 17, 2014, 08:37:50 PM
I wouldn't be surprised if management circulated "press releases" stating as such and some of the less informed GS folk are just parroting the talking points.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: marvel_moviefan_2012 on May 17, 2014, 09:02:11 PM
When they try that **** on me I just get in their face and tell them if they don't back off I will go somewhere else or buy the game online, they usually just change the subject but I can be intimidating in person. Yes I do hate going into Game Stop and only do so when they have big sales to load up on used games.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Oblivion on May 18, 2014, 02:33:20 AM
Sounds like you're the asshole. Take a chill pill. It's just their job.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: marvel_moviefan_2012 on May 18, 2014, 09:38:43 AM
I never denied that dude or have no not noticed on your own?
Still if they are being pushy no I have a right to tell them shut up or I will leave and shop somewhere else, same with telemarketers I tell them no once then if they don't get it I hang up I know what their job is but if people don't send them a message they won't take it they will never learn as a company either.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Oblivion on May 18, 2014, 11:14:56 AM
You don't send a GS employee a message by getting in their face and being threatening. That's something that'll get you kicked out.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Phil on May 18, 2014, 11:34:53 AM
Oh yeah... The Mario Kart 8 thingy! I need to see about going to that... Thanks for the reminder.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Oblivion on May 18, 2014, 11:42:23 AM
Another thing, marvel_moviefan, if you want to "send a message to the company" you don't send that message to the minimum wage slaves. You send it to the higher ups. Voice your opinion to the people who are in charge, not the associates that are getting fucked up the ass just as much as you are when you walk into the store.
Another thing, marvel_moviefan, if you want to "send a message to the company" you don't send that message to the minimum wage slaves. You send it to the higher ups. Voice your opinion to the people who are in charge, not the associates that are getting fucked up the ass just as much as you are when you walk into the store.
Agreed. Getting in employee's faces is how you get a letter or a call from police or a legal team. It is called harassment. You don't like it you leave.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: lolmonade on May 18, 2014, 03:23:29 PM
The level of harassment you get at a Gamestop is entirely dependent on the environment at that particular store. There's one a few blocks away from my place, and they're always friendly, only ask you if you're looking for something specific prior to leaving you alone to shop, and only asking once as you're checking out if there's anything coming up that you want to reserve.
I think the most effective way to "handle" excessively pushy GS employees is 1 of 2 things:
1) Don't ever go back to that Gamestop. 2) Tell that employee whose being pushy that their pushy nature is what'll keep you from ever buying something there, and then proceed to option 1.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: marvel_moviefan_2012 on May 18, 2014, 04:01:05 PM
[...]I just get in their face [...] I can be intimidating in person.
While you didn't explicitly say you were threatening anyone, you very much implied it.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: marvel_moviefan_2012 on May 18, 2014, 04:25:20 PM
then I will rephrase it, when they start their harassment I tell them in a stern voice to knock it off as I am not interested. It might be their job to sell me **** but I do not have to take it. I am not overly rude in real life but I am similar to what you see here, obviously I admit that. I also don't give a **** what people think of me I freely admit that too. I do however believe everyone should be true to who they are not not be so phoney which is what it sounds like people would want me to be. Anyways I don't care I never pre-order **** from them and I rarely shop there like I said only when they are having amazing clearance sales that are hard to pass up.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: marvel_moviefan_2012 on May 18, 2014, 04:40:01 PM
[...]I just get in their face [...] I can be intimidating in person.
While you didn't explicitly say you were threatening anyone, you very much implied it.
Oh the intimidating part, yes I am naturally a scary looking dude and I have one of those voices people cringe when I talk, it is a curse but I use it to my advantage as best as I can.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: UncleBob on June 18, 2015, 08:46:00 PM
gr.
I really feel that GameStop has been turning it around as of late. I've found a store with really good employees and they're sooooo much less naggity about preorders and cards and what have you.
Went in to my usual location tonight - GameStop has a "Skylanders Day" coming up and they're going to have to exclusives for this event. I wanted to see if I could get any info from the store w/r/t if they'd be holding the exclusives for the event, selling them early, etc. Guy asked if I was looking for anything. Said they had some new Skylanders stuff coming out I was curious about. "Oh, Superchargers? That's not due out for a couple of months." "Naw, there are two new GameStop exclusives for Trap Team coming out for a Skylanders event you have coming up." "I don't know anything about that, man." (okay, I don't expect you to know everything in the store. stop here and we're cool, man). "It's all a waste of money since you're going to have to buy a whole new starter kit in three months anyway.". "What? No, all the toys from the old games work with the new game." "Yeah, but you have to buy a new portal for the new game."
For those of you who don't follow - the new games retail for $75 each... and that's if you don't find them on sale. Game comes with three figures., portal, game disc. Most new games run $60. So, you're paying $15 for three figures and the portal. Even if..
"Naw, you don't have to get the new portal, you can useyour old portal and do the digital download..." "No, you can't. You have to get the new portal, even if you download the game." "No, trust me. You can use your old portal." "If you say so... but when you're in here buying the new portal at launch, I'll just give you a thumbs up."
Asshat. I'm pretty sure I know a bit more about Skylanders than you do.
I'll let my fellow forumers google if I'm right or not. (PROTip: I'm right.)
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Wah on June 18, 2015, 08:50:33 PM
normally I would say your right but I'm still pissed at you.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Triforce Hermit on June 22, 2015, 02:34:23 PM
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Soren on June 22, 2015, 05:34:03 PM
Those prices tho...
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: ThePerm on June 22, 2015, 06:53:20 PM
What's weird is how hard it is to find dreamcast games now a days...where did they all go?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Triforce Hermit on June 22, 2015, 06:59:35 PM
Gamestop is cheaper on some of the prices though. Otherwise, still par for the course here.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: ejamer on June 22, 2015, 07:25:01 PM
I still (mostly) like GameStop, and we have a store locally that usually does a really good job. But they pissed me off today.
Bought a few used games, and was getting checked out happily chatting to someone beside me. Dude ringing me up is like, "that comes up to $XX.XX, just swipe your card when you are ready". So I swipe and pay, finish my conversation and get ready to go, then stop. Wait, what was that total? Check the receipt and then complain: "hold up, I didn't ask for a warranty and don't want a warranty - you can't just charge me for something that is optional without asking".
The guy wasn't apologetic at all. "Oh, I mentioned that you're getting disc protection while you were swiping your card. It's ok, it's a great deal and you didn't say anything then."
Look, I know sales associates put up with a lot of crap from annoying customers and aggressive corporate policies/mandates. But adding extra fees at the cash without asking very much rubs me the wrong way.
"Dude, you can't charge me for something I don't want without asking. You didn't ask, you assumed and tried to slyly let it slip by - in fact, it would have slipped by unless I checked my receipt. That's not cool, you know it's not cool, and I want a refund."
The only good point: a few other people were in store and heard this. (I wasn't loud or obnoxious - just very matter-of-fact.) The others heard, agreed with me, and a guy getting rung up at the same time asked if they pulled the same thing on him (they did) and also complained.
So yeah... why tell the story? Because I wouldn't at all be surprised if this new approach to warranties is a corporate mandate and that other stores will try to pull the same BS. If you buy, pay attention when they ring you up and be sure to check your receipt.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: UncleBob on June 22, 2015, 08:26:05 PM
I highly doubt that is a corporate mandate. I would send that up though the district manager - that's some shady bull**** there.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: ejamer on June 22, 2015, 09:07:57 PM
I highly doubt that is a corporate mandate. I would send that up though the district manager - that's some shady bull**** there.
I wondered about doing that, but since it's never happened before and that store has built up a good reputation, wanted to give benefit of the doubt as long as it doesn't happen again.
("Benefit of the doubt" obviously won't stop me from complaining online though.)
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: nickmitch on June 22, 2015, 11:00:53 PM
Nothing has ever stopped anyone from complaining online.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: oohhboy on June 23, 2015, 01:02:56 AM
I don't know why anyone with a right mind would shop at EB (Our Gamestop). They run "Perpetual" sales which is illegal here but they somehow get away with it. Their selection is poor and laughable expensive. Some of their store managers are horrible people who have drunk the cool aide and go all Laissez Faire when you question their practices.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Dasmos on June 24, 2015, 05:32:10 AM
I never notice when EB Games has a sale.. (http://kotaku.com/there-is-a-sale-on-video-games-1712973081)
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on June 25, 2015, 09:11:41 PM
I feel that games being available in game stores helped keep the prices down, and then once they no longer dealt with a certain system then prices would start to rise since people on eBay would try to inflate everything. So in theory, having these games in more stores again could be a good thing... but it may be too late, as it seems they're still going to charge inflated prices for them. Though, maybe if it makes them more widely available again then it could bring down some prices.
I remember years ago when these stores had stuff like NES and SNES games at "cheap" prices. I wish I had the foresight to see how collectible and crazy expensive everything was going to get, so many deals I likely passed on...
I wonder if they're going to do GameCube and PS2, I still want more games for those systems.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on October 28, 2015, 07:36:24 PM
I couldn't agree with you more, Melinda!
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: michaelbaysuperfan616 on October 29, 2015, 02:09:24 PM
I love Gamestop they always have lots of cool stuff to look at. They might not have the best customer service, but you can't beat their selections or their prices.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: ejamer on October 29, 2015, 03:36:04 PM
I never notice when EB Games has a sale.. (http://kotaku.com/there-is-a-sale-on-video-games-1712973081)
I know right?! Over stating at the extreme! I'm sick of it it's literally EVERY OZ EB DOES THIS! And my local stores say stuff like that and turns out it's not even on anymore! eugh!
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: King of Twitch on January 15, 2017, 09:26:07 PM
Sales at GameStop fell 16.4% in the last nine weeks of 2016, the company said, compared with the same period a year earlier. Shares of GameStop tumbled 9% on the news, to $22.50.
haw haw.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on January 15, 2017, 09:58:39 PM
Good, it allowed me to walk into my local branch and pre-order a system at 11AM on Friday. No lines, no mess.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Phil on February 08, 2017, 01:20:43 PM
GameStop is getting a lot of crap for its Circle of Life sales shenanigans. A Reddit topic blew up and the story moved to the gaming press, such as on Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/new-gamestop-program-leads-employees-to-lie-to-customer-1791874332).
Now, Mega64 has their funny (at least to me) and all too true take on how shitty GameStop treats its employees (from my own experience), but this time it's involving Circle of Life!
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Order.RSS on February 09, 2017, 10:18:02 AM
GameStop is getting a lot of crap for its Circle of Life sales shenanigans. A Reddit topic blew up and the story moved to the gaming press, such as on Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/new-gamestop-program-leads-employees-to-lie-to-customer-1791874332).
Now, Mega64 has their funny (at least to me) and all too true take on how shitty GameStop treats its employees (from my own experience), but this time it's involving Circle of Life!
Haha that's pretty funny, though I must say the sales model employed here is a little perplexing. I understand that they make more money on used game sales than on new copies, but... Surely they make a profit on both? And some of those new copies you sell may eventually return to your store anyway as used copies which you can sell a second time?
I guess it's meant to boost their overall profit margins, but if the result is that employees feel pressured to lie to their customers... Maybe it's time to reconsider your store policies lol.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: lolmonade on February 09, 2017, 02:24:13 PM
GameStop is getting a lot of crap for its Circle of Life sales shenanigans. A Reddit topic blew up and the story moved to the gaming press, such as on Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/new-gamestop-program-leads-employees-to-lie-to-customer-1791874332).
Now, Mega64 has their funny (at least to me) and all too true take on how shitty GameStop treats its employees (from my own experience), but this time it's involving Circle of Life!
Haha that's pretty funny, though I must say the sales model employed here is a little perplexing. I understand that they make more money on used game sales than on new copies, but... Surely they make a profit on both? And some of those new copies you sell may eventually return to your store anyway as used copies which you can sell a second time?
I guess it's meant to boost their overall profit margins, but if the result is that employees feel pressured to lie to their customers... Maybe it's time to reconsider your store policies lol.
From the little I've looked into it, it appears to me that it was likely upper level management pushing an unrealistic goal for their stores, and those stores coming up with a short-sighted way to keep their numbers up. They make a much bigger profit margin on the used goods, from what I understand, so not surprised they're pushing the stores to encourage used sales.
For example, in high school, I had a friend who worked at Best Buy, and their employee discount was taking off whatever profit margin Best Buy had on the product when an employee buys the item. From what I understood, video game systems & games have very, very little profit margin.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Phil on February 11, 2017, 04:47:53 PM
*has interest in the Switch and enters into GameStop*
"CONGRATS! YOU HAVE LUCKILY BEEN PICKED AT RANDOM FOR THE SWITCH!"
"WHAT?!! AWESOME! YOU MEAN I GET A FREE SWITCH?!!"
"NO! EVEN BETTER! YOU GET A CHANCE TO PRE-ORDER A SWITCH AND GIVE US $300!!!"
So...are you one of the lucky winners or was that just a clever tool to convey the linked story? I want to be happy for you but I'm just not sure!
A tool to convey the linked story. Thanks for thinking it was clever! :D
I don't go to GameStop too much. I don't like the policy of opening new games and still pricing them as new. It's hard to get the price sticker off the case and I think an opened copy makes it used (at least that's how it would be seen on Amazon/eBay).
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Wah on February 12, 2017, 08:38:28 PM
Normally how I roll with an EB games is i check out Big W and Target first to see if the game is there (it's normally much cheaper there) and then i go there. Because it's pretty much Australia's only gamestore.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: oohhboy on February 17, 2017, 02:22:20 AM
I remember when contests used to give you stuff, not make you buy the "prize."
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Khushrenada on September 07, 2017, 09:13:12 PM
So, I got an e-mail notice from EBGames (owned by Gamestop) and it appears they have more Xenoblade Chronicles games to sell! (https://www.ebgames.ca/Wii/Games/312135/xenoblade-chronicles?utm_source=09072017%20Recycled%20Mailer&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=09072017%20Xenoblade)
What the heck? Is Gamestop just printing more of this game every 2 years to sell it? Are they actually still sitting on Xenoblade product? I don't get what is going on with this game and this chain.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on September 07, 2017, 11:26:36 PM
I love how they use the term "recycled" instead of pre-owned or used. Makes me feel like you are helping Captain Planet save the world when you buy their games.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on September 14, 2017, 12:13:49 PM
I was always confused how the Xenoblade agreement worked, so I don't know if GameStop has a right to produce copies. It wouldn't surprise me if the initial run of the game was actually millions, and they purposefully held back stock to drive up the price.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: ejamer on September 14, 2017, 03:28:03 PM
Wow... $70 for a Wii game? It's worth what they are asking, but I'm pretty sure GameStop is just printing new copies and selling for a higher price than it retailed at more than five years ago. Crazy!
Then again, maybe they want to take advantage of the Xenoblade 2 hype. It's just odd in that you have to think that fewer and fewer people will have the systems to play this great game. Anyone just buying into Wii (or Wii U) now probably isn't an enthusiast gamer who would be looking for a 100 hour RPG...
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: UncleBob on September 15, 2017, 02:31:03 AM
On the other hand, you can buy a used Wii for a fraction of that price...
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on September 16, 2017, 10:49:56 PM
Isn't it also available on the Wii U virtual console or something?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: NWR_insanolord on September 17, 2017, 12:22:15 AM
Not in North America, I don't think.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on September 17, 2017, 12:34:21 AM
Huh, I thought it was one of the Wii titles added along with Mario Galaxy, Metroid Prime Trilogy, and such. It should be added if it is not.
~One Google Search later~
According to Nintendo.com it is on the Wii U VC. (http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/xenoblade-chronicles-wii-u) It includes off-TV play too.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Khushrenada on September 17, 2017, 03:22:23 AM
Aw nuts! I love always correcting Insanolord's mistakes and showing everyone that he doesn't know anything but Donkos beat me to it.
What are you talking about? Xenoblade Chronicles has been on the Wii U VC for, like, a year, ya big dumb idiot. Why don't you go back to doing something more your speed like watching some grown men kick a ball around in a sport that mainly requires you just have to be able to count to 3 based on its usual scores. That's right, I'm talkin' about Nickmitch's favorite sport: man soccer!
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: ejamer on September 17, 2017, 10:17:40 AM
Xenoblade digital download on Wii U costs almost $30 in Canada - probably more once you add tax in, although that depends on where you live. Pretty sure that it has never gone on sale (unlike other regions), although there was a Club Nintendo discount available once. It's locked to a dead console that relies on special/expensive hardware.
If it ever gets a (normal) digital sale, I'd still buy the game for a third time... but there is some value to physical over digital in this case.
That off-screen Wii U digital play would be sweet though!
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: nickmitch on September 17, 2017, 07:56:06 PM
Couldn't you also just download and play it on an n3DS?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: rvbykyle on November 24, 2017, 01:31:38 AM
Couldn't you also just download and play it on an n3DS?
Sure. If you have a working n3DS. (I own the physical 3DS game, but my system is broken. Also, I'd rather be able to play on big screen TV when it's available and only switch to the smaller handheld screen when others are using the TV.)
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: King of Twitch on December 20, 2017, 07:25:43 PM
They should call it FunkoStop with all %#)$ bobbleheads they sell now.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: pokepal148 on January 09, 2018, 07:48:02 PM
It's fine in some of the larger stores where they have room for that kind of thing but there's a store in town that's half of the size of the one I usually go to and it's just a mess.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on January 11, 2018, 12:39:39 AM
They should call it FunkoStop with all %#)$ bobbleheads they sell now.
That would complete the circle for them, as their original name was FuncoLand.That was back when games were still viewed as "specialty toys".
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: lolmonade on January 11, 2018, 01:20:28 PM
For some perspective.
In my hometown (Western Illinois area on border of Iowa), has a handful of local places for pre-owned games.
Gamestop - We have half a dozen in the area. As described, they're half merchandise now, and their selection has actually dwindled quite a bit in recent memory. They must be pushing hard to have low stock-on hand and only retain games that are going to sell for a minimum of $10+, at least that's the impression i've gotten in my area.
Disc Replay - If you tried to trade-in your Grandma, this place would probably accept it. This place is known for the sheer volume of offerings they have and is a great resource for games if you have time to look, but it's disorganized because they put every box on the shelf, sell so much stuff that it feels more like an overstocked pawn shop than a game store, and isn't necessarily a pleasant experience.
Local game shop - We have a game store that's been here for over 25 years, that has always been a little more expensive, but usually had a robust offerings of systems and games across time, neatly organized, and friendly staff. Since I moved back 2 years ago, They've taken a baaad turn to straight-out price gouging, having hardly any games prior to Playstation 1, and the most egregious thing I see is they've resorted to selling SNES carts with ROMS of fan-made games on them.
So...given my options, I don't think Gamestop is so bad, if they have what you're looking for.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: King of Twitch on April 03, 2019, 01:59:48 PM
Gamestop: "I don't feel so good..."
The retail chain projected after U.S. markets closed Tuesday that sales will drop 5 percent to 10 percent this year.
The stock fell as much as 13 percent to $8.82 in New York trading Wednesday, adding to a 20 percent decline so far this year. That’s the lowest level since September 2004.
Also: Happy 10th anniversary to this thread~March 21, 2009
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Ian Sane on April 03, 2019, 02:31:24 PM
Gamestop is doing what I've seen other physical stores doing to try to combat digital distribution and online stores which I see as a dumb strategy.
Last Christmas I got one of my parents a book for Christmas. It was too close to Christmas for Amazon to ship it in time so I went to what used to be Chapters and is now calling itself Indigo. Chapters/Indigo is a big book store chain in Canada that I'm not sure is in the States. Anyway, I hadn't been to the this book store in about a year. The store was completely redesigned with almost 75% of the store focused on houseware knick knacks. The actual books were now all crammed in a corner. I found the book I wanted but the experiences was vastly inferior to what it had been in the past where I had this giant store wall-to-wall with books with clear sections defined. So to combat eBooks and online stores like Amazon this book store chain came to the conclusion that the key to survival was having LESS of a focus on books, which is the very thing that people would ever go into the store to begin with.
Gamestop is the same thing. I go into there now and most of the space is for Funko dolls and t-shirts and stuff like that. What I want to go to is a store that specializes in videogames. I want new and used games for current systems and used games for older systems. There are local stores that offer that I frequent them. I never bother with Gamestop anymore because I'm not interested in what feels like a videogame related gift shop full of useless junk.
Customers that have embraced digital downloads and online stores are not going to come into your physical store to buy stupid junk. If they want stupid junk they can still buy it online. A physical store is going to be more for someone that wants to go to a physical store to browse before buying and wants a physical copy. Having less books or less games is going to turn those people off because the store doesn't have what that person wants. And the online-only customers aren't going to show up at all aside from the odd scenario where they need something today and it can't be shipped in time (and if you don't have the product because the shelf space went to a knick knack that's not going to work for them either).
Gamestop at this point should be embracing being a used videogame dealer and try to be the place to go for people that want physical games from multiple generations. Instead it's the place for people that want Funko dolls and physical releases for current systems. That's a pretty narrow market and its no surprise they're struggling. The whole strategy seems like a move of desperation where you're just trying whatever in vain hope that it works out. I saw the same thing from HMV which was losing ground due to digital music and filled their store with band related merchandise and less CDs and they no longer exist when they probably should have embraced vinyl and positioned themselves as the store for people that want physical media for music.
One problem with all this though is that being a physical media specialized store doesn't generate the level of revenue that these stores used to generate 15 years ago and probably doesn't justify the sheer amount of these stores across the country. Instead of scaling back to be the smaller specialized chain they going to die trying to be a large chain with no purpose or identity.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: nickmitch on April 07, 2019, 12:46:10 AM
I think the deal with your bookstore example is that the books aren't selling like they used to, so the store has to fill itself with things people will actually buy. They're in an adapt-or-die scenario.
GameStop, on the other hand, also has bad sales practices bringing it down. But they've had those for years. Gamers now having more options than ever other than GameStop means they're strategy has to shift just as much, which is why they're a knickknack shop now. But they could certainly try and be better in the used video game sales space, even if that well is slowly drying up.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: UncleBob on April 07, 2019, 02:28:46 AM
A (small) part of the issue with GameStop and collectables is that some of their stores just flatly aren't big enough to stock all the crap they squeeze into them. We have a mall location that is basically a rectangle with the counter in the center, off to the side. From the customer edge of the counter to the opposite wall isn't even wide enough to squeeze two shopping carts going opposite directions (yes, I know they don't use carts, but one of my pet peeves is aisles in stores that are too narrow for passing carts). In the middle of this is Some kind of display with crap on it that is supposed to divide this area between an area for customers to check out and an area for customers to pass between the front and rear halves of the store. I seriously doubt this store is ADA compliant due to this... but it's just a hassle. Unless the other two are out of a thing I really want, I will skip this location every time.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: broodwars on April 07, 2019, 09:57:20 AM
So GameStop went to all the trouble of securing the exclusive rights to the physical version of the Borderlands remaster...and then proceeded to not stock it at their stores in my area. I recently attempted to acquire a copy after being literally bored to sleep (yes, I actually fell asleep once playing the game) by Yoshi's Crafted World, but apparently management only sent 2-3 copies to any store, and there isn't one in my area that has one in stock.
Stuff like this is why no one shops at GameStop anymore. There's just a total lack of competence.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: nickmitch on April 07, 2019, 09:01:49 PM
Gamestops were always far from future-proof. The small retail footprints were great at first, I'm sure, since the main product was basically smaller and smaller boxes. But yeah, the knickknack business model does not work for their retail space in most locales. There are some standalone gamestops in my area, but I never go to them. There's no reason to other than the Gamestop and there isn't even a reason for me to go to the Gamestop in the mall next to the Target that I visit on a weekly basis.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on April 07, 2019, 09:45:52 PM
I think there is a potential for the physical goodies Gamestop offers. A lot of folks love that stuff. Just not as prolific as their stores currently are. A Gamestop in a popular mall could fare well. Places like Spencers and Hot Topic do well in those settings selling fancy knick-knacks. And Disney has a number of retail locations. Haven't we all longed for physical Nintendo merch from time to time?
Another route they could go is with imports. Japan has a lot of great gamer-centric merch and there is a nice market for importing those goodies over here. They could try their hand at that to broaden their appeal.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Super KYTim89 on May 26, 2019, 07:22:40 PM
Gamestop has about a year, two at the most, before it goes the way of Blockbuster video. I just buy my gamessage digitally now, so Gamestop is useless.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: kaijugamer on May 26, 2019, 11:11:49 PM
I felt guilty that I only go to GameStop whenever they have a Pokemon code giveaway. I do hope they offer more Japan-exclusive merchandise so I wouldn't mind going there for some stuff from time to time.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: ejamer on May 27, 2019, 07:31:50 AM
I still go to the stores when one is nearby... then wonder why I waste my time afterwards. (Granted, part of the problem is that I'm mostly interested in retro games at this point in time - which likely isn't a viable business model for them either.)
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Adrock on May 27, 2019, 09:28:47 AM
I sometimes go into GameStop for the hell of it. Occasionally, it’ll have a decent hardware trade offer which helps when upgrading. Maybe I shouldn’t look for places that will enable this behavior? As far as games, I’ve been pretty good about only buying games I intend to keep. The exception was Fire Emblem Warriors, and I didn’t buy that for myself.
GameStop dug its own grave by just being so shiesty to customers and employees. Who doesn’t have their own personal GameStop horror story? It was only a matter of time before that caught up to the company. As the industry started moving toward digital downloads, GameStop couldn’t even fall back on its goodwill or superior customer experience because it had neither. I was in a GameStop several years ago and I witnessed a district manager really give it to the employees. I’ve worked in customer service before so personally, that’s a huge turnoff. The district manager then harassed me with overbearing customer service while I was browsing the store (I was trying to find some Wii games I missed out on like Silent Hill: Shattered Memories). Leave me alone, bro. NO ONE FUCKING LIKES THAT.
I’ve had a few great experiences with GameStop employees though those always felt in spite of GameStop, not because of it. They were genuinely good customer service people, and I hope they find/found better employers that truly appreciate what they bring to the table. When people don’t have to go to your store anymore for your primary product, how do you get people in the door? It has to be the customer experience. Best Buy figure that out, but it typically had good customer service before it restructured. It hired a CEO from a hospitality and travel company, downsized and focused on its strongest market (North America) then really leaned into its customer service. GameStop, on the other hand, now sells a bunch of fucking knick-knacks that take up a large portion of its floorspace. Not going to get it done, guys.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: broodwars on May 27, 2019, 10:32:11 AM
The irritating thing is that we NEED a retail space gaming specialty store like GameStop. Amazon and Walmart can't be allowed to control everything. GameStop has just consistently managed to **** everything up, and with great effort at that.
I don't buy anything at GS anymore if I can help it just because of all the bad experiences I've had there, not to mention the lack of price competition with online sites like Amazon. They have made some changes of late that could push them towards a better experience, such as shelling out $5 off coupons for members every month (no longer $5 off used coupons) and allowing game returns again. However, at this point it just feels like too little too late. There's an Amazon locker more or less on my way home, so I can usually have new or long-sought releases just sent there for free or cheaper than retail so I tend to do 99% of my entertainment shopping from there just by default.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Ian Sane on May 27, 2019, 12:40:28 PM
GameStop dug its own grave by just being so shiesty to customers and employees. Who doesn’t have their own personal GameStop horror story? It was only a matter of time before that caught up to the company. As the industry started moving toward digital downloads, GameStop couldn’t even fall back on its goodwill or superior customer experience because it had neither. I was in a GameStop several years ago and I witnessed a district manager really give it to the employees. I’ve worked in customer service before so personally, that’s a huge turnoff. The district manager then harassed me with overbearing customer service while I was browsing the store (I was trying to find some Wii games I missed out on like Silent Hill: Shattered Memories). Leave me alone, bro. NO ONE FUCKING LIKES THAT.
I really wonder who in management comes up with this sort of stuff. Have they never been in a store themselves and been annoyed by a pushy salesperson? Does this tactic actually drum up enough revenue that having effectively no costumer goodwill is worth it? My local grocery store does this thing where they will have some random product each week at the till and the cashier has to do a little spiel each time asking us if we want to buy it. Sometimes it is topical, like sunscreen in the summer, but often it's something random like toothpaste. It's always some item small enough that the cashier can have a little stack of them and oddly enough they're never impulse buys like snacks. All this does is slow down the process of paying for my groceries and the poor cashiers always look so embarrassed in bringing it up. It irritates the customers so I don't know why they think this is a good idea.
Why do I go to that specific grocery store when there are several of them in my town? Well this one is geographically the closest and often has the lowest prices. That's it. There is nothing else compelling me to go to this store. If they raised the prices in such a way that it financially made sense for me to drive a few more blocks to a different grocery store to save money, I would. There is nothing that personally connects me to the store but there are things they do that specifically annoy me. So why wouldn't the store try to make a personal connection and make me like the store and the way it treats its customers? Instead they do the opposite so I have no loyalty.
Gamestop has been like that for years. I only go there if no one else has the game I want. Literally it is the last place I look. Around the Gamecube era, Canada's release dates were unreliable so maybe on release date it was in stores or maybe you wouldn't see it until days later. Back then Gamestop often got my business for new games because they often had it first. But Canada's release dates became standardized with America's and Gamestop no longer had that advantage and they had done nothing but irritate me in terms of customer service so they became my last resort, even though the other stores don't get games in earlier and have the same price.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Order.RSS on May 27, 2019, 04:36:22 PM
I really wonder who in management comes up with this sort of stuff. Have they never been in a store themselves and been annoyed by a pushy salesperson? Does this tactic actually drum up enough revenue that having effectively no costumer goodwill is worth it?
It has to be worth it for them in some regard. Either economically (accelerated pace of pushing out these products they overstocked on/noticeable upticks in sales when something is being actively promoted), or it's worth it for someone's job. ("See Mr. Manager, we're trying for one extra sale on every purchase, which we didn't do before. Look how we're definitely innovating, please don't fire me.")
Admittedly I think this is probably most effective in grocery stores - what are you gonna do, just not buy groceries? They know their customers come in for low prices, so as long as they have those, you're gonna be coming back every week to listen to their newest upselling pitch.
I'd assume with video games, this is kinda borne out of the presumption that a lot of customers are relatively tech-inept and are thus easy marks for upselling. Sure you don't want our store warranty on this expensive gift for your kids which they might ruin? Can we interest you in this plastic tennis racket to attach to your Wiimote? Etc. Similar to how computer stores often try to push a new mouse/monitor/keyboard etc. on families, because some people don't really get that different brand devices can work in unison. Is that an outdated notion? Probably slowly becoming one, certainly in gaming (although the bloat in various online services must be a minefield for parents), but I think that might have been the reason such practices were introduced.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: nickmitch on May 27, 2019, 10:08:56 PM
Pushing magazine subscriptions probably worked for them. If you get one sale out of 100 asks, you generally keep asking. But I have to wonder if anyone there is monitoring their foot traffic and looking at reasons why it's going down, if it is (it should be). Like, it shouldn't cost much to have someone browse the internet to get a feel for GameStop's public perception.
Of course, there's always the possibility that they are and just concluding that people would rather buy games digitally.
Just two months after GameStop announced ambitious plans to breathe new life into its stores, the company has announced that between 180 and 200 stores around the world will be closing their doors for good before the year is out -- and more closures are coming.
The company's stock price is at $4.59 right now--it was $11.58 in mid-March, an outstanding ~2/3 drop in only 6 months. It was at $27.09 three years ago, about a ~5/6 drop: https://www.marketwatch.com/investing/stock/gme
Camelot331 (mentioned in a previous post above) just did a video going over their recent losses: a magnificent 415mil L O S S for the quarter that ended August 3: https://youtu.be/k4ARilbqv4I
Quote
Despite these closures -- and efforts to revamp the better-performing stores -- it's unlikely that GameStop's fortunes will change any time soon, thanks largely to the end of the current console generation and subsequent weaker title launches. As a result, Bell said, the company expects its year-over-year sales to be down for the next three to four quarters.
I need to pick up a few things from Party City before GS completely implodes. You all are welcome to drop by for my funeral-party.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: UncleBob on September 11, 2019, 05:34:26 PM
I watched some of Camelot's videos. From things I absolutely know to be the definitive truth, he is either absolutely misinformed or is a complete liar. I'm not sure which.
And I have no love for GameStop. But those videos are just... meh.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: King of Twitch on September 11, 2019, 08:43:30 PM
Hmm interesting. Isn't it time for an UncleBob youtube series?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: ejamer on September 11, 2019, 10:12:44 PM
Sounds like the GameStop era is coming to a close. It's a shame. I mean, the store had some issues... but it also helped to provide lots of awesome gaming moments for basically a whole generation of gamers.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: broodwars on September 11, 2019, 10:30:31 PM
Part of the big Gamestop news is that they're going to close around 200 "low performing" stores by the end of the fiscal year, and you know what? I don't feel an ounce of sympathy for any of the employees who are about to be laid off. I've had nothing but a string of bad experiences with GameStop lately.
Recently, I decided to clear out some space in my shelf and get rid of a bunch of lesser PS3 and PS4 games (along with Xenoblade & Tokyo Mirage Sessions, since they'll soon be getting Switch re-releases). Figured I'd use the credit to pick up that Walking Dead Re-remastered Collection that just came out, and put the rest on getting the price of the Link's Awakening remake down a bit.
So I came in last week after work, and lined up behind a guy with a dozen PS4 games and a PS VR headset. A few other people lined up behind me. There was one guy at the register doing the trade, and his manager was in the corner. As soon as she saw us, she left the store by the back door, leaving a crowd of now 4 people waiting behind the slowest trade-in process imaginable. She didn't returned until 15 minutes later when the trade-in was done, suddenly wanting to take people in line.
I made out pretty well in the trade-in credit, fully paying off Walking Dead & $40 out of Zelda. I stopped by yesterday on my lunch break to pick the game up, and once AGAIN there was another person with a console trade-in + stack of games. Thankfully, the person was kind enough to let me go ahead of them and spend the 5 seconds to pick up my reserved copy, but it's just such a lousy experience and this is pretty typical of GameStop. Just about every time I'm in there there's someone trying to get rid of hardware, and there's only one person at the register doing the slowest review process ever. If I wasn't getting rid of stuff, I'd never even bother with GS anymore. I've long since let my membership expire. Amazon is by no means perfect, but I don't have half the issues getting things through them as I do conducting any business with GameStop.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: pokepal148 on September 11, 2019, 11:36:06 PM
Part of the big Gamestop news is that they're going to close around 200 "low performing" stores by the end of the fiscal year, and you know what? I don't feel an ounce of sympathy for any of the employees who are about to be laid off. I've had nothing but a string of bad experiences with GameStop lately.
So basically because the handful GameStop employees you've had to deal with are shitheads that means that the hundreds of people who are getting laid off because of this news 100% deserve it and can go die in a fire for all you care? What a great take. That's totally not the number one most fucking disgusting thing I've read on these forums in a very long time.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: broodwars on September 12, 2019, 12:34:19 AM
Part of the big Gamestop news is that they're going to close around 200 "low performing" stores by the end of the fiscal year, and you know what? I don't feel an ounce of sympathy for any of the employees who are about to be laid off. I've had nothing but a string of bad experiences with GameStop lately.
So basically because the handful GameStop employees you've had to deal with are shitheads that means that the hundreds of people who are getting laid off because of this news 100% deserve it and can go die in a fire for all you care? What a great take. That's totally not the number one most fucking disgusting thing I've read on these forums in a very long time.
You say that like I should give a damn. I'm also just going to set aside that bit where you put words in my mouth regarding the employees committing suicide. There's a difference between "I have no sympathy for a bad situation" and "they should all go kill themselves." Perhaps you should learn to comprehend it.
I've been shopping in GameStop for decades across many different locations, in good times and bad. It's never been a great place to shop, and corporate mandates or not it's usually the employees that have been at the root of my issues with that store.
No, I have no sympathy for the employees at these LOW-PERFORMING STORES. They aren't like the folks at Game Informer that GameStop also laid off recently, who were always consummate professionals and put out quality work. It's generally well-known that there have been too many GameStop locations too close together ever since the EB purchase. They've been cannibalizing each other's sales for over a decade, and with the way that GameStop's been tumbling for the last few years if those people at the LOW-PERFORMING STORES haven't been polishing their resumes for a while now, then they're stupid as well as incompetent. It's a stronger jobs market now than it's been in quite some time. If they can't find a different job now, then chances are good that their long-term prospects were weak anyway.
Incidentally, according to Google there are 5,830 GameStops in North America. 200 closed is a drop in a bucket compared to how many they're probably going to have to close after their stock drops another 2/3 value in 6 months.
Part of the big Gamestop news is that they're going to close around 200 "low performing" stores by the end of the fiscal year, and you know what? I don't feel an ounce of sympathy for any of the employees who are about to be laid off. I've had nothing but a string of bad experiences with GameStop lately.
So basically because the handful GameStop employees you've had to deal with are shitheads that means that the hundreds of people who are getting laid off because of this news 100% deserve it and can go die in a fire for all you care? What a great take. That's totally not the number one most fucking disgusting thing I've read on these forums in a very long time.
You say that like I should give a damn. I'm also just going to set aside that bit where you put words in my mouth regarding the employees committing suicide. There's a difference between "I have no sympathy for a bad situation" and "they should all go kill themselves." Perhaps you should learn to comprehend it.
This is the #1 definition of the phrase "Die in a fire" that can be found on Urban Dictionary.
Quote
die in a fire A statement that shows such utter disgust, contempt, hatred, and/or loathing for a fellow human being that you wish for them to expire in an extremely painful(and one would assume spectacular and tragic) way. This is usually precipitated by someone so violating what the wisher considers basic human decency, morals, or intelligence that little other recourse is avaliable. 15yo_girl: hay guyz, free paris!! human_being1: Die in a fire.
Oddly, only of the definitions of that phrase listed there (the very last one) mentions suicide. The phrase is generally used to describe dying some horrific death in general, self inflicted or otherwise, and I was unaware there was even any direct association of the phrase with suicide. If you're going to accuse me of putting words in your mouth (which isn't something I'm going to dispute, I kind of am because it's the best way to point out the absurdity of what you're saying) than maybe you should learn what those words generally mean first. Otherwise you might just end up throwing rocks from a glass house.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Khushrenada on September 12, 2019, 02:37:59 AM
Yay.
A dumb fight.
I can't wait to step into this one pretty soon....
So much fun ahead in the direction of this conversation.
I think you severely overestimate how much I care in maintaining a semantic argument. I've said my piece, he's said his, and he's clarified his. I have no interest in escalating this further. People can go back to posting in the 2 Disney threads anyone uses anymore.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: ejamer on September 12, 2019, 11:09:02 AM
Do they have cats also?
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Adrock on September 12, 2019, 11:24:56 AM
For the people who are getting laid off, I’m sure some of them are decent employees. They may just be in a low performing store due to close proximity to another store. At one point there were three GameStop locations in the town I grew up in, two in the actual mall and another in a strip mall across from the mall. It used to be like a farm town they slowly built into a retail haven by giving ridic tax breaks to businesses. Funcoland, Software Etc., and Electronic Boutique all transformed into GameStop and corporate kept all of them for years, one of the mall locations was the first to go last decade. Ultimately, I stand by this:
I’ve had a few great experiences with GameStop employees though those always felt in spite of GameStop, not because of it. They were genuinely good customer service people, and I hope they find/found better employers that truly appreciate what they bring to the table.
It sucks they lost their job because losing a job sucks even if it’s “just a retail job.” Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise? Don’t toil away at an employer like GameStop. I walked into one not too long ago. It was just sad in there. Dude was still nice to me, probably because he wasn’t also getting harassed by his District Manager.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: MagicCow64 on September 12, 2019, 10:10:01 PM
I was visiting a friend the weekend before last, and we had a good chunk of the day to kill before going to a wedding. We hadn't played a game together in a couple years, and settled on picking up Control for PS4.
We walked to a Downtown Brooklyn Gamestop, and it took awhile to get the attention of the clerk. First he told us that Control for PS4 wasn't out. We said that it was. He dinked around on his computer for several minutes, before mumbling that they had only gotten a couple of copies in, because it "wasn't a triple-A game" and that we should have known to reserve it.
My friend was out the door and said he'd never go into a Gamestop again because he found the experience so confounding and uncomfortable. "What's a triple-A game? Why does a game store not have copies of a new game on the shelf?"
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: broodwars on September 12, 2019, 10:34:31 PM
I was visiting a friend the weekend before last, and we had a good chunk of the day to kill before going to a wedding. We hadn't played a game together in a couple years, and settled on picking up Control for PS4.
We walked to a Downtown Brooklyn Gamestop, and it took awhile to get the attention of the clerk. First he told us that Control for PS4 wasn't out. We said that it was. He dinked around on his computer for several minutes, before mumbling that they had only gotten a couple of copies in, because it "wasn't a triple-A game" and that we should have known to reserve it.
My friend was out the door and said he'd never go into a Gamestop again because he found the experience so confounding and uncomfortable. "What's a triple-A game? Why does a game store not have copies of a new game on the shelf?"
I'm seriously confused as to how a GameStop employee could think that Control wasn't a AAA game. Has that term seriously morphed into meaning "published by one of the big publishers?" Because 505 Games isn't exactly a new entity here.
Honestly, what he probably meant to say and didn't in the heat of the moment is that they didn't order many copies because Remedy games don't sell. And judging by how Control didn't even chart in the Top 20 NPD last month, I'd say they were right about that.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: MagicCow64 on September 12, 2019, 10:51:41 PM
I was visiting a friend the weekend before last, and we had a good chunk of the day to kill before going to a wedding. We hadn't played a game together in a couple years, and settled on picking up Control for PS4.
We walked to a Downtown Brooklyn Gamestop, and it took awhile to get the attention of the clerk. First he told us that Control for PS4 wasn't out. We said that it was. He dinked around on his computer for several minutes, before mumbling that they had only gotten a couple of copies in, because it "wasn't a triple-A game" and that we should have known to reserve it.
My friend was out the door and said he'd never go into a Gamestop again because he found the experience so confounding and uncomfortable. "What's a triple-A game? Why does a game store not have copies of a new game on the shelf?"
I'm seriously confused as to how a GameStop employee could think that Control wasn't a AAA game. Has that term seriously morphed into meaning "published by one of the big publishers?" Because 505 Games isn't exactly a new entity here.
Honestly, what he probably meant to say and didn't in the heat of the moment is that they didn't order many copies because Remedy games don't sell. And judging by how Control didn't even chart in the Top 20 NPD last month, I'd say they were right about that.
Yeah, I mean, "AAA" isn't an actual retail term, this was in all likelihood some gamer dude with weird forum ideas. Also a pretty weird thing to assume a customer knows about.
Didn't know Control bombed, but . . . maybe it would have done better if they had copies on the shelves of the biggest video game specific retailer? I don't know what's going on in the industry, but discs are cheap, and there really aren't that many notable physical releases fighting for space at this point. In book publishing, you print a load of books to get them on shelves and then return them when they don't sell, and eventually remainder or pulp them. I would think printing a book is more expensive than pressing a disc and slapping it in a case.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: UncleBob on September 13, 2019, 11:11:57 AM
Forget books, look at movies.
Stores will get shipped in hundreds of new release movie. They keep it for a few weeks/months, ship overstock back, get markdown dollars from the vendor to mark it down, ship them all back, get them back in with new, cheaper assortments, ship those back, get them back in for Black Friday sales. etc.
Video games are weird - and I think Nintendo is likely to blame. Once a store/chain orders games, they own it. It's said and done. Maybe they'll get markdown dollars at some point down the road, but overstock returns are unheard of.
If you read the book Game Over, it talks about Nintendo's early days dealing with an unnamed large retailer (probably Children's Palace, maybe TRU or K-Mart. Man, look at that lost of retailers) in the days of the Game and Watch. Now, the book is a lot of guesswork based on multiple interviews and here say, but the story goes that a retailer had a bunch of overstock Game and Watch units, so they phone Nintendo to inquire about markdown dollars. For those who don't know, it's common in the US (and many other countries) that a retailer buys a bunch of product (toys being a big category for this) from the vendor, then, if it doesn't sell, the vendor will basically give them $x/unit that didn't sell (or, at least, credit towards future orders based off this) so the retailer can mark the merchandise down. In Japan, this is unheard of - once the retailer buys it, they own it. So when the retailer contacted them to ask about markdowns, Nintendo was all "lol. whut. no.". The retailer supposedly then informed Nintendo that they would no longer be playing any future orders with them. So Nintendo caved.
I really think this is A.) Why movies are treated so vastly different from video games. Remember, Nintendo basically created the modern video game market. Pre-Nintendo was a completely different world. B.) Why you *rarely* see first party titles drop in price outside of Player's Choice releases, and C.) Why Nintendo really short-ships every new item, because they feel they were burned before and don't want to be again.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: broodwars on September 13, 2019, 12:14:22 PM
Stores will get shipped in hundreds of new release movie. They keep it for a few weeks/months, ship overstock back, get markdown dollars from the vendor to mark it down, ship them all back, get them back in with new, cheaper assortments, ship those back, get them back in for Black Friday sales. etc.
Video games are weird - and I think Nintendo is likely to blame. Once a store/chain orders games, they own it. It's said and done. Maybe they'll get markdown dollars at some point down the road, but overstock returns are unheard of.
If you read the book Game Over, it talks about Nintendo's early days dealing with an unnamed large retailer (probably Children's Palace, maybe TRU or K-Mart. Man, look at that lost of retailers) in the days of the Game and Watch. Now, the book is a lot of guesswork based on multiple interviews and here say, but the story goes that a retailer had a bunch of overstock Game and Watch units, so they phone Nintendo to inquire about markdown dollars. For those who don't know, it's common in the US (and many other countries) that a retailer buys a bunch of product (toys being a big category for this) from the vendor, then, if it doesn't sell, the vendor will basically give them $x/unit that didn't sell (or, at least, credit towards future orders based off this) so the retailer can mark the merchandise down. In Japan, this is unheard of - once the retailer buys it, they own it. So when the retailer contacted them to ask about markdowns, Nintendo was all "lol. whut. no.". The retailer supposedly then informed Nintendo that they would no longer be playing any future orders with them. So Nintendo caved.
I really think this is A.) Why movies are treated so vastly different from video games. Remember, Nintendo basically created the modern video game market. Pre-Nintendo was a completely different world. B.) Why you *rarely* see first party titles drop in price outside of Player's Choice releases, and C.) Why Nintendo really short-ships every new item, because they feel they were burned before and don't want to be again.
Yeah, I thought that was the case but wasn't sure and couldn't find hard facts on this, so I withheld saying as much sooner.
This is why companies push preorders so hard, not just because it gives them maximum profit but also because it ensures a larger number of initial orders and potential reorders. Amusingly, despite people liking to say they " support the developers by buying New", it really has no impact on the developers whether you buy a game New or Used. They don't see a penny either way, but it could affect whether a store orders more copies.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: UncleBob on September 13, 2019, 12:53:22 PM
And it could sway the publisher from greenlighting a sequel.
Also, to comment on the above, I think "AAA title" is fairly commonplace and equates to "blockbuster" in the movie business.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Ian Sane on September 13, 2019, 01:31:13 PM
Thinking of GameStop's history I realize that I don't have any nostalgia for THEM, I have nostalgia for Electronics Boutique. GameStop for the most part has kept the EB Games branding in Canada but any fond memories I have of the chain are from the N64/Gamecube time frame. Some quick research reveals that GameStop took over EB in 2005 and that's pretty much the cut off point for any fond memories I have of them. I'm not even sure how many games I've bought from the post-GameStop EB. Maybe five or six in 14 years.
This brings up an interesting thought - can you think of any videogame related company that you liked BETTER after a corporate merger or purchase? Obviously Gamestop was better as separate stores, Blizzard was better pre-Activision, Square and Enix were better than the merged Square Enix, no one thinks a company got better after EA acquired them, Sega Sammy is worse than Sega alone.
Does Nintendo actually own HAL? Because HAL is clearly superior post-Nintendo. When they were releasing independent games the best they had was Adventures of Lolo but with Nintendo they've got Kirby and SSB.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Stratos on September 13, 2019, 02:53:34 PM
This brings up an interesting thought - can you think of any videogame related company that you liked BETTER after a corporate merger or purchase? Obviously Gamestop was better as separate stores, Blizzard was better pre-Activision, Square and Enix were better than the merged Square Enix, no one thinks a company got better after EA acquired them, Sega Sammy is worse than Sega alone.
Does Nintendo actually own HAL? Because HAL is clearly superior post-Nintendo. When they were releasing independent games the best they had was Adventures of Lolo but with Nintendo they've got Kirby and SSB.
I don't think Nintendo can count because of how much the "Nintendo Effect" improves any team's output with their involvement. Silicone Knights, Factor 5, Rare, their outputs were vastly improved by Nintendo's oversight.
Other than Nintendo I cannot think of any other positive exceptions, though I suppose Minecraft can count, though I know some debate whether that change was a positive one.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: broodwars on September 13, 2019, 03:08:35 PM
I would argue that the studios Sony's acquired (in general) are putting out games as well or better than they did before the acquisition. I don't think anyone can seriously argue that Naughty Dog was at the top of its game when they made the Crash games compared to the Uncharted & Last of Us series. Likewise, Media Molecule's basically been allowed to dump millions of dollars into Dreams that Sony's never going to get back. Guerilla Games was basically nothing before Sony acquired them. I'm not the biggest fan of the Infamous games (and much prefer Sly Cooper), but between those & Ghost of Tsushima, they seem to be doing fine post-acquisition.
I think it helps that Sony is kind of known for leaving its devs alone, though the recent trend towards one style of game in all their 1st party titles makes that claim suspect. Sony has also closed their fair share of studios, but they're nowhere near the embodiment of Death that EA is.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Adrock on September 21, 2022, 02:01:12 AM
It's been a while, but I finally have a new "Once again, F GameStop" story.
Checked the GameStop website for the trade-in value for a Switch Pro Controller ($22 trade-in credit; $17 cash).
Also saw that New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe was on sale for $43.99 new.
Called the nearest GameStop to confirm they price match online prices. Yes to both.
Also confirmed that location had a new copy of New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe in stock.
Took the bus to said nearest GameStop two hours later.
Same rep I spoke to on the phone rang me up for a used copy of New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe for $54.99; $32.99 with the Switch Pro Controller trade-in.
Asked for a new copy and was told me they don't have it new and no store within 20 miles has it new either. I mentioned that I called and confirmed with him that they had a new copy in stock. He shrugged. I then brought up the website and showed him that it stated this location has the game "In Stock". He shrugged again. "I don't know what to tell you." I don't know, man. Maybe not that you have a game in stock when you don't. That's why I called first. We literally had a conversation about this.
Told him I didn't want the game used because it's actually priced higher than new. He still tried to complete the transaction for the trade-in. Yo, F this guy.
Left with my Switch Pro Controller and checked the GameStop website again. Another nearby GameStop shows the game "In Stock".
Called that other GameStop. The rep didn't check anything and immediately stated they don't have it new or used. Fine, maybe. It sounded more like he didn't feel like doing anything, but I'd rather that than he lie to me, say it's in stock, then I go there.
Checked the GameStop website again for a location in my hometown in New Jersey which also shows the game "In Stock". Nine miles away from the GameStop I took the bus to.
Called the GameStop in my hometown. The rep checked the system then the drawer. She confirmed they have several used. She checked the system again then the new game drawer. They have six new.
Confirmed they price match online prices.
Drove to that GameStop a couple days later, traded in my Switch Pro Controller, and bought New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe new for the online sale price. The rep was very nice in person as well.
Ultimately, a happy ending. One for three with GameStop reps is not an encouraging sign for the company. This is pretty much why I rarely go there. I have more bad experiences than good.
For the record, as frustrating as that was, I kept my cool. I've worked retail before so I'm never rude to staff anywhere. Still, as a former retail worker, I cannot for the life of me wrap my brain around doing this to someone. What was accomplished other than just being a dick to someone for no reason? Just say you don't have it, bro.
I don't remember the last time I traded anything in. If you're wondering what the reason was, I pre-ordered this new Switch Controller (https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Bluetooth-Controller-Charging-Gaming-Console/dp/B0B9BDMWWN/) strictly for the Hall Effect Sensing Joystick which will never drift. The Pro Controller I traded in didn't drift, but it was the one I bought at launch so it was only a matter of time.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: ThePerm on October 01, 2022, 09:39:13 PM
Sales culture in the United States is a fucking problem. Every job and company has taken it to such levels that it is highly uncomfortable, and causes an aversion reaction.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: Mop it up on October 02, 2022, 11:17:55 AM
I don't remember the last time I traded anything in. If you're wondering what the reason was, I pre-ordered this new Switch Controller (https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Bluetooth-Controller-Charging-Gaming-Console/dp/B0B9BDMWWN/) strictly for the Hall Effect Sensing Joystick which will never drift. The Pro Controller I traded in didn't drift, but it was the one I bought at launch so it was only a matter of time.
Interesting. I'm curious how well this will end up working out and if it might introduce new problems. I s'pose it might be a couple of years before we start seeing.
Title: Re: So nobody likes GameStop?
Post by: BeautifulShy on October 18, 2022, 03:12:27 AM
