Topic: Why do people buy from EB/GameStop!?

[Artimus]

I'm looking at today's GameFaqs poll and seeing over 50% of respondents buy their games at EB/GameStop. Why on Earth would ANYONE do this? The only time I ever buy there is if they have a game no one else does or for some special promotion. But regularly? Never. They're more expensive for one thing, they're also ignorant and rude, their stores are small, everything is badly kept, their used games and trade in scheme is offensive to the consumer, etc. etc. I can't think of a single reason. It's not like someone who objects to the big box retailers is doing any good by going to EB/GameStop, they're just as corporate. I just don't get it?

[KDR_11k]

Probably because they've got "game" in their name leading many people to assume they're the best store for games.

[nitsu niflheim]

I order from them mostly because of convenience (sp?)  I shop online and they are really the best I have found, other places may be a little cheaper, but like amazon.com, they don't charge set shipping prices (well unless it's special or over 75.00)  

[Nick DiMola]

I hate shopping at EB/Gamestop. The guys who work in there rarely know anything and constantly guide customers to buy sh!tty games. They are a$$holes if they realize you know more than them and they constantly pressure people into preordering. I just hate the way the business is run and their crappy policies on trade ins, sales and everything else really. I usually go to Best Buy where I can shop in peace.

[KDR_11k]

Never encountered bastard cashiers in a Gamestop but the cramped conditions and high shelves make these stores just plain uncomfortable to browse. Usually I leave before I examined every shelf.

The local Gamestop has put the Wii in the front right corner, next to the glass. While that makes it clear they have Wii software it makes browsing that very cramped.

[couchmonkey]

I buy there because the only other places that sell used games in the city charge like $60 for a copy of Super Mario Bros. 2.  Basically if I ever want Soul Calibur 2, it's the only place I'm going to find it at a decent price (except Ebay, but EBGames has a better return policy than some dude in Iowa).

[UltimatePartyBear]

During my Wii search, I found a Gamestop that actually had plenty of floorspace and a decent human being behind the counter.  Whenever I feel like looking for used games, I'll probably go there again.  It's just too bad it's so far out of my way.  I might go there for new games, too, if it were closer.

The other Gamestop in the area as well as the EB are terrible, hot, cramped pits of despair, and I feel the same way you all do about those places.  That other Gamestop is in a mall, too, which makes it a pain to even get to.

[couchmonkey]

Employees depend on the location, too.  I was never upsold on anything at EBGames until I went to a certain mall near my work, and there's one store in particular where I've found the staff is pretty cool.

[Ian Sane]

EB/Gamestop is a place that actually specializes in games.  Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Toys 'R' Us are all bigger stores that just feature a game section.  So I think as a result EB/Gamestop gets more business because them being specifically a games store gives the illusion of them being the experts.  They have undeserved credibility.

Plus it's not like Best Buy and such have used games.  For a lot of people that's the only place in town to get out-of-print games.  I'm fortunate in that I have Willow Video, a local store that has a used game selection that crushes everything else and is very affordable (used games are always at least 20 bucks off the new price).  But they don't pre-order so if there are pre-order goodies I'm stuck going to EB.

[vudu]

People have already touched on it, but a lot of people buy used games almost exclusively.  If that's the case, you're forced to shop at Gamestop/EB.  If the question was worded differently ("where do you buy most of your new games?") I'm sure we'd see a different response.

[KDR_11k]

I avoid used games as much as possible and the last time I bought used the game wouldn't keep saves so I had to return it.

[UltimatePartyBear]

I used to avoid used games, and I still do for cartridge or memory card based games.  Then I decided to buy a PS2 and see what I missed out on for all those years.  I also like to think that I'm not contributing to Sony's bottom line directly when I buy used games.

[GoldenPhoenix]

I buy from Gamestop because I love the employees in there, especially the manager and assistant manager. They are great people that are pretty knowledgable about games (though I don't really ask for much help myself since I pretty much know what I'm looking for lol).

[Nick DiMola]

I must say some good things about Gamestop after last night. I went in there to buy a plain white Wii game case so I could house WiiSports in something other than that crappy cardboard insert. I was regretfully informed that they do not sell them and as a result could not sell them to me. Then the clerk says, "Well, is it only one case you are looking for?" I answer yes. Clerk, "Well I think Gamestop can spare one case." Went in the back and grabbed me a Wii case for free! Coolest thing a Gamestop employee has ever done for me.  

[Sir_Stabbalot]

I'm forced to because there's no other store nearby. For PC games I can get around it with a digital download purchase, which can be great (Galactic Civilization II's system) or not (Steam).

[Ceric]

I had a Gamecrazy in my town long before an EB.  I don't mind Gamecrazy as much.

[Mysticspike]

do you own a game buissiness better then EB/GameStop?! didn't think so lay off the crack

[Bloodworth]

No need to sweep in on dead threads and start bashing people.

[Shift Key]

Quote
Originally posted by: Bloodworth
No need to sweep in on dead threads and start bashing people.

But its the only time he wins! Give him some satisfaction!

[Ceric]

Quote
Originally posted by: Artimus
I'm looking at today's GameFaqs poll and seeing over 50% of respondents buy their games at EB/GameStop. Why on Earth would ANYONE do this? The only time I ever buy there is if they have a game no one else does or for some special promotion. But regularly? Never. They're more expensive for one thing, they're also ignorant and rude, their stores are small, everything is badly kept, their used games and trade in scheme is offensive to the consumer, etc. etc. I can't think of a single reason. It's not like someone who objects to the big box retailers is doing any good by going to EB/GameStop, they're just as corporate. I just don't get it?

Actually, ironically enough, if you do a number of store comparison.  EB/Gamestop is bigger then Walmart and therefore all the other big name retailers of that type.

Upon rereading this thread.  I like to get used games through GameFly because I get a chance to play it first, the used prices are normally pretty good, and the box and manual are mint for the most part.

[wandering]

Quote
Originally posted by: nitsu niflheim
I order from them mostly because of convenience (sp?)  I shop online and they are really the best I have found, other places may be a little cheaper, but like amazon.com, they don't charge set shipping prices (well unless it's special or over 75.00)

Shipping is free at amazon with souper savior shipping. Amazon also has used games.

[vudu]

Quote
Shipping is free at amazon with souper savior shipping. Amazon also has used games.

This quote is misleading.  Used games are sold via Amazon Marketplace and aren't eligible for Super Saver Shipping.