Just inducted into the "Stupid Things EBGames Employees Say" Club

[daphatty]

A friend and I just got back from a disappointing trip to acquire ESPN NFL 2K5. Went went to three different stores and none of them had it yet. This was disappointing enough. (You'd think the logistics of a game release would be second nature by now but NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!) Anyway, our first stop was EB Games. I walked in and noticed a huge crowd of would-be football players huddled around the PS2 kiosk enjoying ESPN 2K5. I figured this would be a good sign so I walked right up and asked the clerk for a copy.

"Uh, sorry but our delivery hasn't arrived yet."

Great. :roll: Naturally, I asked when it would be in.

"Not sure. It should have been here by now."

No shit, I thought to myself. Just as I was finishing that thought, the employee next to him chimes in.

"Did you preorder a copy?"

"No, why?"

"Well only the people who pre-ordered get a copy today. Everyone else has to wait until tomorrow."

:shock:

I gave him the "You must be out of your goddamned mind!" look and with an obnoxious "PSHHHH" I walked out.

[Squirms]

I gave the ole "PSHHH" to an EB employee that offered me $12 trade in for a game that they were selling used for $44.99. First, last, and only time I tried trading anything at that store.

[Rodimus]

I was flipping through a magizine while purchasing a game near closing time at EB. I was with my Girlfriend at the time and noticed some N-Gage ad in the magizine. The conversation went something like this.

Me: Ha, N-Gage who would buy that. (I was talking to my GF)

EB: What!!!!

Me:....... (I didn't want to start an arguement)

EB: What were you taling about?!

Me: N-Gage, it sucks.

EB: No!

Me: If you say so. (As I set down the magizine, grabed my game and left silently with my GF)

[suprsaiyanMAX]

Hate to break it to ya but that's standard operating precedures. Preorders get filled first...then they sell them to the masses. That way they don't run out for the people that actually preordered said game. About every game store I've been to does it the same way. Also, when a game is slated to ship on a certain day it often doesn't come til later in the afternoon (around 3 or 4) or til the next day.

[KurtCobain]

I once overheard one of the employees trying to convince a customer to buy an Xbox over a PS2, simply because "Xbox reads the DVDs better 'cause it has 2 disc readers" I was like.....uh.....wtf?

Another time, I walked into EB, after going to Gamestop and picking up the new Halo edition Xbox, I carried it into the store and the guy literally lept on me with a barrage of insults towards GS. Then he tried to con me into returning the Xbox and getting it at EB. :roll: I told him he was a ****ing idiot and he kicked me out. :lol:

[ebb]

here's my recent annoying EBgames employee story. This past Sunday I go there and ask if they have Tales of Symphonia. The guy at the register says "no, sold out" so i say "ok" and start looking at what games they do have. Someone calls up over the phone, also asking about Tales, and when the employee hangs up, he says to another employee "That's the 20th call about Tales, stupid people, they know the game will be sold out, why don't they preorder?" Hello, standing right here dummy! And if they know it will be sold out, why dont they secure more copies, it seems as if they are missing out on a lot of Tales sales!

So I leave and go to CompUSA. and find the game for $39.

at least on the postive side, Tales seems to be selling really well :)

[vanlandw]

at gamerush yesterday a guy bought the last copy from them...it does seem to be selling well

[ElfAngel7]

oh yah, i know what you mean. I remember getting KH, GTA:VC, SC2 and SoA:L early b/c i had a friend that worked at Planet X (gamestop), but all the other people had to wait several days later to buy it

[daphatty]

After that experience I walked over to BestBuy and even though they didn't have it either, they did have a huge stack of GGC's. So I bought my first one today. Guess who is getting my ESPN NFL 2K5 business?

[suprsaiyanMAX]

You should take one of the promotional Gamepro magazine things too from BB...it has a $5 coupon for any xbox live software.

[pimp tyranny]

the topic creator's story isn't that bad. i mean, they were kind of justified.

the N-Gage story was pretty funny.

[Wshakspear]

Hate to break it to ya but that's standard operating precedures. Preorders get filled first...then they sell them to the masses. That way they don't run out for the people that actually preordered said game. About every game store I've been to does it the same way. Also, when a game is slated to ship on a certain day it often doesn't come til later in the afternoon (around 3 or 4) or til the next day.

....Yes, product gets set aside for pre-orders...BUT, these places actually have more stock than that of preorders alone, so they are just giving priority to those who preorder, I dont mind that too much, except they are lying, and it makes you consider throwing 5 bucks at them 4 years in adavance...

[pdat2003]

The stupidest thing that I heard an employee say was about 6 months ago. I was at EB games and in typical fashion, an employee was trying to get me to pre-order a copy of Halo 2. Now this isn't stupid in itself, but the employee went on to say that I should pre-order a copy of Halo 2 because they would only be making enough games to fill the pre-orders and that was it. It told him that that was a bunch of crap considering that Halo was one of the best selling Xbox games and that Halo 2 would be widely distributed.

Also, why would I put down good money at that time when no one even new when the game would come out. They would probably fuck up the pre-order anyway.

These employees just talk to to hear their own voices.

[suprsaiyanMAX]

I don't know about the voices...most just seem like they'd step over their own mother to get you to preorder a copy of damn near anything.

[batman2million]

I had a run with a EB clerk about the N gage. I was talkinto my friend, who was interested in the new N gage ( the new model, whatever they call it).:

Friend: Man, the N gage is gonna be badass, I cant wait till it comes out!

Me: The N-Gage is just a piece of crap, nothing so amazing about it.

(the eb clerk rudly interupts)

EB: WHAT?! you have no idea what you talking about?

Me: what you mean? (asshole)

EB: The N-Gage is the most advace system out there...Its a phone, it can...(I stop payin attenion after he said that)

Me: Oh well, it doesn't mean its a good game system...it needs good games.

EB: OMG...you just don't know do you? N-Gage is the most Advance system in the market..i personally think there is no handheld system thats gonna beat it..

Me: What about the PSP?

EB: What about it?

Me: Nothing...Ok..i gotta go...one thing..u got a N-gage?

EB: No..

Me: you planning to get one?

EB: umm..well i dont know..

Jackass...

[dtcarson]

Now this isn't stupid in itself, but the employee went on to say that I should pre-order a copy of Halo 2 because they would only be making enough games to fill the pre-orders and that was it. It told him that that was a bunch of crap considering that Halo was one of the best selling Xbox games and that Halo 2 would be widely distributed.
....
These employees just talk to to hear their own voices.

Unfortunately, this kind of stuff isn't limited to EB.
Way back when, my wife and I were looking for a new computer. We went to Circuit City to 'play with' a new IBM Aptiva. The salesperson was putting the pressure on a couple who was there before us, saying 'You should go ahead and order now, because IBM will only start building them when they pre-sell X number of units, then they won't make any more until X more sales.' While certainly stock runs out, and demand can be unprecented, we found this odd. We didn't buy from her, but went home, and called my father in law. Who happened to be a VP at IBM. Who said 'Um, bullshit' then proceeded to call that Circuit City with the clerk's name [which we got before leaving] and ream them out for lying to customers.

Moral of the story:
Caveat emptor. Educate thyself.

[XboxMaster]

The EB employees where I live are great, as well as any other employee I've encountered that worked near video games. I consider myself lucky, but it would be fun to tell-off employees that try to feed me bullshit.

[Doylerulez]

Another Tales story, I was there browsing as my friend was ordering Madden (beyond my control) and asked if they had Tales of Symphonia, simple question, and he gave me the pre-order speel. He then takes it upon himself to tell me I should pre-order Doom 3 because he's been waiting years for it and how awsome it will be. I told him I hope it flops since I've gone through high school and college since Doom 2 and was running it on DOS the last time I played it. This must mean I'm not a real gamer as he explained how everyone is gonna buy it. Obviously my want of a Gamecube RPG means this is something I would want. Because he was being such a dick, my friend decided to go to gamestop instead, so I win I guess

[daphatty]

Yah I've had plenty of experiences like that especially trying sell me a freaking strategy guide *shakes head* On another note Phatty your in DC? Heh I live in Springfield VA just outside of DC. Been there a couple times avoid it like the plague.

r1s3n

Yea, only reason why I went down there is the metro. I had an hour to kill for lunch and they are just so conveniently located. Good thing the best buy was there. Now I will get the game for $15 instead of $20. :D:D:D:D

[Aryss]

When I worked at EB. they were shoving the N-Gage down our throats to sell. I refused to sell even one. I heard the EB Buyer that ordered them from Nokia resigned shortly after the launch because he ordered so many and failed. Not one store around mine could even get a pre-order. EB has not problem with lying to sell stuff, but the things I hear these idiots say is just funny.

I think my favorite line was that Gamecube disks have a harder plastic on them that makes them stronger and more resistant to scratches.

[BigBen]

While the employees at EB may spew some crap, for the most part, at least they know something about video games.

No one beats the employees at Best Buy when it comes to spewing crap, especially in the computer section and the home theater section. They will say anything to you to get you to buy their top of the line system even if you don't need anything on it.

Some of the crap that I've heard there:

"That computer will crash the internet"
"You can only get HDTV with a DVI input"
"You need these $120 video cables or the picture is going to be all fuzzy"

[dtcarson]

"You need these $120 video cables or the picture is going to be all fuzzy"

Let me guess: Monster.
The one time the droid was interested in helping me, when I was seriously looking at a ~2000$ TV, was when I mentioned I had to get some component cables as well.
"Oh, then you'll definitely want the Monster--they're a little more expensive, but it's like night and day! They're the only ones you want."

I have a lot more respect for someone who says 'I don't know, let's go find out' then someone who talks out of his ass.

[captainfrizo]

Almost every employee I've seen in either EB or Gamestop has no business working there.

At Gamestop I walked up to the counter and the guy there asked if I was ready to check out. I said yes and he just stared at me. About ten seconds went by and I asked if he was ready to check me out. He gave me a look as if I had suddenly appeared out of nowhere and did the usual "my bad" routine. I guess I missed the "We Hire Stoners" sign hanging with all the other crap outside the store.

At EB in a mall an employee was trying hard to sell Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow to some lady shopping for her son. The employee took control of a demo station and said "this is so cool, you can actually shoot out lights in this game." He walked up to a light in the game, aimed in first person mode, fired, and missed. He repeated that twice before he gave up. The lady didn't look too impressed and insisted she buy the game she had all along. My brother and I laughed our asses off. I guess you don't need any gaming experience to get a job there.

[Reality's Fringe]

Almost every employee I've seen in either EB or Gamestop has no business working there.

At Gamestop I walked up to the counter and the guy there asked if I was ready to check out. I said yes and he just stared at me. About ten seconds went by and I asked if he was ready to check me out. He gave me a look as if I had suddenly appeared out of nowhere and did the usual "my bad" routine. I guess I missed the "We Hire Stoners" sign hanging with all the other crap outside the store.


This tends to happen, especially after you've been working for 8 hrs, doing the same thing. I don't know about this guy, but if I do it (and I have) it's because I slip out of reality for a second. Just tired I guess. Not to mention the countless people who come up to the counter without anyhting and are like "I'm ready to check out now," and say nothing else.

To address the whole "Lack of adequate copies" on a launch day, let me tell you a little something I overheard from higher up (since the Dms and ZMs love to run their mouths so much). What I've heard is that they're slowly starting to only fill preorders on launch day, and not ship an adequate amount of extras until the next day. Why? Well, it' a simple concept and I'm sure you already know. The Managers/employees can then go into their "Well, you shoudla pre-ordered" spiel making it seem like a good option to the buyer. This makes it easier for a person to get an impulse reserve(Ie "Hmm, I wonder if this is any good..." "Well, if you put blh blah blah, I mean, you remember what happened with *X Game*?"). This started a while ago, but it was only on a few titles. Now, they're starting to do it more, and I bet, soon, that we'll all be wating that exra day.

[Doylerulez]

EB back in the day...
EB guy:"Buy a Genesis, it has blast processing"

cust:"what is blast processing?"

EB:"the thing that makes games go faster"

C:"then why does my SNES have much sharper graphics?"

EB:"it can't handle Sonic cuz he runs so fast"

C:"I'll make a note of it"

[Scorch]

A friend and I just got back from a disappointing trip to acquire ESPN NFL 2K5. Went went to three different stores and none of them had it yet. This was disappointing enough. (You'd think the logistics of a game release would be second nature by now but NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!) Anyway, our first stop was EB Games. I walked in and noticed a huge crowd of would-be football players huddled around the PS2 kiosk enjoying ESPN 2K5. I figured this would be a good sign so I walked right up and asked the clerk for a copy.

"Uh, sorry but our delivery hasn't arrived yet."

Great. :roll: Naturally, I asked when it would be in.

"Not sure. It should have been here by now."

No shit, I thought to myself. Just as I was finishing that thought, the employee next to him chimes in.

"Did you preorder a copy?"

"No, why?"

"Well only the people who pre-ordered get a copy today. Everyone else has to wait until tomorrow.

You must be out of YOUR mind. Read the site. It ships on the 20th. Not every store gets it in the day-of. Quit berating employees. It's not their fault.

[isaac]

EB:"it can't handle Sonic cuz he runs so fast"

:lol:

[fieldkillah]

I guess I'm lucky, all the guy at my local eb are great, they know what they are talking about and dont say a bunch of BS. The only problem was the dipshit manager, but he just quit, so its the best gamestore around.

[mmn]

When I was at EB trading in my 2 games to get ESPN free, I took some other games down there just to see how much credit I would get.

They wanted to give me 75 cents for NBA Live 2002. I understand it's an old sports game, and I didn't expect much, but 75 CENTS? The damn green case the thing comes in is worth more than that!

And I also talked to the guy about the N-Gage QD. I said I don't know anyone who would want one and he goes "we actually have gotten a lot of preorders for it."

"Oh yeah? How many?"

"8".

"So uh, 8 is a big number in the world of preorders?"

"Well, no, but for the N-Gage it is!"

Ugh.

[Arakias]

I dont think that saying pre-orders only can get their copies that day is stupid, there has to be some benefit to pre-orders. but granted if EB had the game, some other store in the area must have had it too.

[jimbodan]

Almost every employee I've seen in either EB or Gamestop has no business working there.

At Gamestop I walked up to the counter and the guy there asked if I was ready to check out. I said yes and he just stared at me. About ten seconds went by and I asked if he was ready to check me out. He gave me a look as if I had suddenly appeared out of nowhere and did the usual "my bad" routine. I guess I missed the "We Hire Stoners" sign hanging with all the other crap outside the store.


This tends to happen, especially after you've been working for 8 hrs, doing the same thing. I don't know about this guy, but if I do it (and I have) it's because I slip out of reality for a second. Just tired I guess. Not to mention the countless people who come up to the counter without anyhting and are like "I'm ready to check out now," and say nothing else.

To address the whole "Lack of adequate copies" on a launch day, let me tell you a little something I overheard from higher up (since the Dms and ZMs love to run their mouths so much). What I've heard is that they're slowly starting to only fill preorders on launch day, and not ship an adequate amount of extras until the next day. Why? Well, it' a simple concept and I'm sure you already know. The Managers/employees can then go into their "Well, you shoudla pre-ordered" spiel making it seem like a good option to the buyer. This makes it easier for a person to get an impulse reserve(Ie "Hmm, I wonder if this is any good..." "Well, if you put blh blah blah, I mean, you remember what happened with *X Game*?"). This started a while ago, but it was only on a few titles. Now, they're starting to do it more, and I bet, soon, that we'll all be wating that exra day.

I've been noticing this more and more as well. It seems only the game stores do this though, so if I want a game on release day and I don't want pre-order, I head over to Best Buy, Target, or Circuit City. They seem to almost always have plenty of copies even on or near release day.

[Kaijufan]

And I also talked to the guy about the N-Gage QD. I said I don't know anyone who would want one and he goes "we actually have gotten a lot of preorders for it."

"Oh yeah? How many?"

"8".

"So uh, 8 is a big number in the world of preorders?"

"Well, no, but for the N-Gage it is!"

Ugh.
8 preorders for an N-Gage seems like 8 pre-orders too many. Ill bet he was lying to you.

[Grave_Addiction]

Hate to break it to ya but that's standard operating precedures. Preorders get filled first...then they sell them to the masses. That way they don't run out for the people that actually preordered said game. About every game store I've been to does it the same way. Also, when a game is slated to ship on a certain day it often doesn't come til later in the afternoon (around 3 or 4) or til the next day.

I think the point of the story was that one employee told him that it hadn't arrived yet and another told him that they are already giving it out to the ones who preordered it.

[Duo_Maxwell]

I think the second employee was refering to the fact the shipment was supposed to arrive later that day, but he couldn't get a copy yet unless he preordered. Didn't seem like daphatty was pointing to any conflicting stories as the thing that mad him angry.

[Skylander7]

1) Stores that sell used products as new.

2) Forcing customers to pay in advance of a product if they want to recieve it on release date

3) Robbing customers of their games and reselling at often 3 times the value the customer recieved

How does EB and Gamestop not only stay in business without lawsuits, but also.. how have they not been prosecuted?

[dtcarson]

Preorderers should have 'first dibs' on the game, that's why they preordered. But a game that has a bunch of preorders, you'd think they'd order some overstock as well to account for the impulse/wait-till-release-day buyers. Better that, than they go to WalMart or Target to buy the game.

[Ledhed]

When I was at EB trading in my 2 games to get ESPN free, I took some other games down there just to see how much credit I would get.

They wanted to give me 75 cents for NBA Live 2002. I understand it's an old sports game, and I didn't expect much, but 75 CENTS? The damn green case the thing comes in is worth more than that!

And I also talked to the guy about the N-Gage QD. I said I don't know anyone who would want one and he goes "we actually have gotten a lot of preorders for it."

"Oh yeah? How many?"

"8".

"So uh, 8 is a big number in the world of preorders?"

"Well, no, but for the N-Gage it is!"

Ugh.

I remember seeing an article in some publication at the beginning stages of the 1st N-Gage launch. Many of you know that Nokia tried to imply that they had sold a huge amount of N-Gage's at launch, somewhere in the area of 40 or 50 thousand IIRC. This was not true. They had shipped that many units to retailers, but only about 5,000 sold in the first week of it's launch. Anyways, the article I saw was about a person inquiring both GS and EB about the N-Gage sell-thru numbers. When he asked the EB employees if they thought the N-Gage launch had gone well and had a large sell-thru, they both responded "Yes, we completely sold out of our store's stock. People are crazy for it. We can't wait to get more in." That same person then entered a GS and asked the same quesion. The employees working there, almost in unison, instantly said "No. Not a damn one sold." It's interesting to see what game store employees say when they are saked something they know nothing about. I'm glad I know my shit, because if I didn't, going to work everyday to lie to people would drive me insane.

[Sartori]

I dont think that saying pre-orders only can get their copies that day is stupid, there has to be some benefit to pre-orders. but granted if EB had the game, some other store in the area must have had it too.

The benefit is that your copy is secured. Only shipping preorders the first day is absolutely stupid.

[kaji7p56]

Pre-ordering is bullshit! I can remember all the times when EB or Gamestop employees were like "You gotta pre-order now man! If not, you won't be able to get a copy for weeks!" (This was for Metroid Prime, Super Mario Sunshine, Zelda, FFX) So like a dumbass, I believe them. Then I see the same games in BB, CC, and Fry's on the release date. Basically, if a game has a lot of hype and the publisher expects it to sell well, they will ship a SHITLOAD of copies everywhere regardless of "pre-orders". Also the other day I got into an argument with a Gamestop employee about pre-ordering Halo 2. He kept trying to push it on me.

[Scorch]

What's the difference if you preorder or not? Why do you care so much? It's not that big of a deal, you pay the same amount.. I don't see a reason as to why people don't preorder..

[suko_32]

I remember at my local eb that my friend wanted to trade in a game he just got at CC. Guess what they were offering? 50 cents. Come on! It's brand new!! Oh, it was a x-box game, not a sports game

Hey does anyone know what they do to thoes CC games when you trade them in at GS or EB?

[Duo_Maxwell]

What's the difference if you preorder or not? Why do you care so much? It's not that big of a deal, you pay the same amount.. I don't see a reason as to why people don't preorder..

I agree...if you already plan on getting something the day it comes out why not get a preorder? this way you are basically assured a copy the day it is out.

[Kaijufan]

I remember seeing an article in some publication at the beginning stages of the 1st N-Gage launch. Many of you know that Nokia tried to imply that they had sold a huge amount of N-Gage's at launch, somewhere in the area of 40 or 50 thousand IIRC. This was not true. They had shipped that many units to retailers, but only about 5,000 sold in the first week of it's launch. Anyways, the article I saw was about a person inquiring both GS and EB about the N-Gage sell-thru numbers. When he asked the EB employees if they thought the N-Gage launch had gone well and had a large sell-thru, they both responded "Yes, we completely sold out of our store's stock. People are crazy for it. We can't wait to get more in." That same person then entered a GS and asked the same quesion. The employees working there, almost in unison, instantly said "No. Not a damn one sold." It's interesting to see what game store employees say when they are saked something they know nothing about. I'm glad I know my shit, because if I didn't, going to work everyday to lie to people would drive me insane.
Anyone know how many units the N-Gage has sold so far worldwide?

[jimbodan]

What's the difference if you preorder or not? Why do you care so much? It's not that big of a deal, you pay the same amount.. I don't see a reason as to why people don't preorder..

If you absolutely know in advance you want it day of release, then yeah definately pre-order. For me anyways there are very very few of these must have games. I like to wait for some reviews and other people's opinion of the game before I buy it at full price, if it truely is a must have. Just ask all those people that pre-ordered driv3r if always pre-ordering is a good idea.

[Scorch]

I can't wait to see all the people fussing about not getting Halo 2 on release day because they didn't preorder. I started putting money down on the Halo 2 LE today.

[FREAKMIKE3]

Well, heres the catch. Say your local store knows before hand that they are getting in X amount of copies. When you come in looking for it, I tell you it arrives tomorrow, but I only have 6 more unclaimed copies left. If you reserve it, then you are golden for tomorrow. But if you blow me off, then when you come in the next day, dont expect me to have it. I should have scheduled myself to work tomorrow to see how many people get shafted out of ESPN because they didnt reserve it. Same thing happened last week for NCAA on Xbox. I dont really like it, as I do lose sales, but dont get mad at me cuz I wont sell you a copy.

[kristianator]

i remember i went to a gamestop looking into purchasing an x-box, and asked about the green halo xbox bundle coming out. the employee then proceeding to go on this nonstop mission to get me to preorder one. she told me "these things are gonna be VERY limited... so if you don't pre-order, you'll never get one..."

i told her i'd do a little more research on it on the net, and she went on to tell me that i shouldn't trust pre-ordering on the net. i asked "what about from gamestop.com?" then she sorta froze like a deer in headlights and she kinda sputtered "w-well, i guess that's more reliable..." and she went on real quick to saying i should pre-order in person anyway.

i ended up declining the pre-order, and coming back a few weeks later to buy one. i was hoping that girl would be there, but i didn't see her. then she COMES OUT of the back room and sees me, and doesn't recognize me, until i ask for one of the green xboxes sitting in the huge pile in the corner behind the counter. there was like a crapload of them.

[RedvsBlue]

Well, heres the catch. Say your local store knows before hand that they are getting in X amount of copies. When you come in looking for it, I tell you it arrives tomorrow, but I only have 6 more unclaimed copies left. If you reserve it, then you are golden for tomorrow. But if you blow me off, then when you come in the next day, dont expect me to have it. I should have scheduled myself to work tomorrow to see how many people get shafted out of ESPN because they didnt reserve it. Same thing happened last week for NCAA on Xbox. I dont really like it, as I do lose sales, but dont get mad at me cuz I wont sell you a copy.

Yeah and when we put $5 down on a game and then the week of release, say Target or Best Buy, has a free gift card or whatever, then we miss out on that deal or lose our $5 that we originally put down on the game. Now maybe if you guys matched offers or prices at Target or Best Buy then we could talk, but even then you won't accept my Target employee discount or the GGC for Best Buy...

Plain and simple I'd rather take a chance at having to wait for a new game than having to pay extra $$ for a game just to get it right away.

Don't tell me that they aren't going to be shipping plenty of copies for Halo 2 cause if you believe that there will be a shortage of it then I've got quite the bridge to sell you. Max Payne 2 anyone?

[bmulligan]

you can get your original $5 back from Gamestop or EB if you decide not to buy the game from them.

[eldad9]

1) Stores that sell used products as new.
This is illegal, and was the cause of a class action lawsuit. It's possible we'll see another one like it.

2) Forcing customers to pay in advance of a product if they want to recieve it on release date.
Customers can choose whether they want to accept to store's terms. There's nothing illegal here, and nobody's forcing anybody to do anything.


3) Robbing customers of their games and reselling at often 3 times the value the customer recieved
Customers can choose whether they want to accept to store's terms. There's nothing illegal here, and nobody's forcing anybody to do anything.

[FREAKMIKE3]

As stated above, you can ALWAYS get your money back on a deposit.
I doubt you will catch game stores price matching target, Best buy, etc. They sell a game at cost, or even take a loss, and make the money back by selling cameras, computers, refridgerators, etc. Also, dont forget GTA Vice City. I know that my friend had to wait a couple of days because EVERYONE was sold out, and most stores told people that they only had reserves only for first 2 shipments or such.

[bone_matrix]

FREAKMIKE3, do you have official figures to support the claim that they (CC, BB, etc.) sell games at cost or take a hit on them? If this were true, then they would drop games completely. If there is no profit in something, people don't do it. A gamer doesn't come in to buy a game and a refridgerator.

Sales are a different story though, but that is why they only last a week or so.

And, why wouldn't GS and EB pricematch? It's better to lose some cash than to lose the whole sale, isn't it?

edit: Didn't completely understand FREAK's last post at first.

[Reality's Fringe]

As stated above, you can ALWAYS get your money back on a deposit.

Yeah, but we're supposed to try and convince them not to, and to make it as dificult as possible. This was directed to me by management, by the way.

[RedvsBlue]

Target, Best Buy, etc. don't sell the games at cost, they buy in huge volumes. When you buy a lot at a time the manufacturer gives you a better deal per unit cost.

As far as always being able to get your reservation back, I point to the post directly above mine. ^

[dracula]

OH lets hate on the eb employees, it is like shooting fish in a barrel. A few weeks back i tried to get 1080 avalanche for $10(it was marked at $10 and I read about in here how guys got it at that price)

the dumb bitch working the counter told me that the game is $50 and that "SOMEONE must have switched the tags". I told her it wasnt me and the sale is legit. Then she pretty much calls me a thief or whatever, so I was like fuck it just give me the star wars episode one racer for $2,99 and went home. heh

[Hardware]

A friend and I just got back from a disappointing trip to acquire ESPN NFL 2K5. Went went to three different stores and none of them had it yet. This was disappointing enough. (You'd think the logistics of a game release would be second nature by now but NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!) Anyway, our first stop was EB Games. I walked in and noticed a huge crowd of would-be football players huddled around the PS2 kiosk enjoying ESPN 2K5. I figured this would be a good sign so I walked right up and asked the clerk for a copy.

"Uh, sorry but our delivery hasn't arrived yet."

Great. :roll: Naturally, I asked when it would be in.

"Not sure. It should have been here by now."

No shit, I thought to myself. Just as I was finishing that thought, the employee next to him chimes in.

"Did you preorder a copy?"

"No, why?"

"Well only the people who pre-ordered get a copy today. Everyone else has to wait until tomorrow."

:shock:

I gave him the "You must be out of your goddamned mind!" look and with an obnoxious "PSHHHH" I walked out.

You obviously are clueless when it comes to games being released. I don't work for EBGames and I don't like them much myself, but blambing them because they didn't get a shipment in yet is just retarded. On top of it, of course you should have preordered it if you wanted a copy on the launch date. I'm sick of people bitching when it's actually their own stupidity.

[Rodimus]

I overheard this conversation years ago when an EB employee was trying to sell someone Mortal Kombat 4 when it first came out for DC.

Customer: So whats makes it better than the others?

EB: It's has weapons that charcters can pull out, you can grab things anf throw them, new characters, plus it's 4-D!!

Customer: 4-D?, whats that?

Me: "thinking" (Huh, 4-D, I never knew you could time travel in Mortal Kombat 4?)

EB: Yeah you can punch your character at the TV screen cause it's 4-D.

Me: (moron....)

It's good to see EB employees use their imagination and make up terms to sell games.

[Empirestrikeszac]

I think i have you beat in the "stupid things said" contest for EB/Gamestop employees...

Kid in store- When are you getting Madden?

Employee- Did you Preorder it?

Kid-No

Employee- Well if you preorder it only putting 5$ down, it's only 45$ when you come to pick it up.

(Circular Logic)

:idea:

And then theres my adventures in getting ESPN2k5

If a game is only 20$ why would you order only 12 copies of it?!?!?!?!?!? Given I am a business major but the whole entire point of them cutting the cost to 20$ is to sell more copies; so in theory you'd go for the quantity and just make fewer profit per copy. Whatever brain in a jar running EB/GS obviously needs to catch up on their business model to know that for this whole thing to work you need to ORDER MORE COPIES. Glad i got my copy though! Didnt have to wait the week until they flood the stores.

FIRST POST!

ESZ :D

[jputahraptor]

I have a ton of stories. The first one happened when i went into eb with my friend because we were both bored outta our minds. While i was looking around my friend, who doesn't play video games, kinda just stands there waiting for me. After 10 seconds they put the pressure on and want to help you as if your new to God's green earth. Well I say im fine and then the guy goes to my friend and asks him to which he replies "I don't really play games". At that point the guy flips and starts asking him why he doesn't play video games and how everybody plays them. We both just just laughed and shook our heads and left.

I had the standard n-gage is crap discussion. "Is it better then GBA?" "Yes of course" "Because it can play old ps1 games?" I shut him down. The last story is about preordering. I get to the counter with my game and he asks me if i want to preorder anything. I say no because I don't want to pay full price for a game that will be half price in 3 months. I then mentioned this site, though not the name just that there is a site that searches for the cheapest prices for games and then he rants about how it's a ripoff. At that point i more or less turn my brain off and bolt for the door.

[Duo_Maxwell]

Cuz they base the figure of their 1st order around the number of preorders they get.

I don't think MK4 was "4-D"...but they have marketed games as being 4-D before (i.e. Broken Helix).

Also stores like BB do often sell at items at or below cost in the ad to get people in the store. Ever wonder why they try to sell you a guide with it or whatever? It's cuz the profit maragins are very thin. This doesn't happen as often for games as it does DVDs it comes to their release week, but games are usually placed at or below cost in a sale 3 weeks later.

[Rodimus]

.I don't think MK4 was "4-D"...but they have marketed games as being 4-D before (i.e. Broken Helix).

I guess the video game industry really doesn't know what 4-D means.

[Cornfedwb]

1) Stores that sell used products as new.

2) Forcing customers to pay in advance of a product if they want to recieve it on release date

3) Robbing customers of their games and reselling at often 3 times the value the customer recieved

How does EB and Gamestop not only stay in business without lawsuits, but also.. how have they not been prosecuted?

I'd like to mention your an absolute dumbass. An item that has not been sold previously can be sold as new.. granted it may be a bit shady, but its legal. If it was illegal, explain to me how you can buy a "new" car that's been test driven.

Next.. you do not have to leave a deposit to pre-order.. and they are WELL within their rights to offer that service to their customers. If you don't want to leave a $5 refundable deposit on a game you want on launch day.. well then wait a day, tough shit.

Third.. and this is where you really become an absolute dumbass. They have every right in this goddamn world to buy the item for a low price and re-sell it for a higher price.. that's captilism. If they want to buy the used game for 25 cents and resell it for $500, that's great for them if they can get a customer to agree to it.

EVERY business has the right to set their own store policies, their own markup percentage, their own price point, etc etc.. nothing they're doing is illegal.

And people.. do me a favor, grow up, take a class, and stop bitching about EB being the devil because they're making money.

[Machine]

I just want to know when "pre-order" became a word. When they ask me if I want to pre-order a game, I will say "No, but I will RESERVE a copy."

[dtcarson]

I don't preorder, or prebuy, or reserve, or whatever :)
because there are very few games I *need* to have on release day. And if I do, I'll keep an eye out for the ads and see what store i like has it for the best price [generally *not* EB]. Or I'll wait, like someone else said, and see what the general feeling about the game is [not that I live or die by reviews, but I like to hear the buzz about a game to see if it's something I'd enjoy]. Or of course wait for a price drop or used copies to show up.
I might consider pre-ordering if there's a good freebie that comes with it. The last thing i preordered was Arc the Lad collection direct from Working Designs.
That 'Put 5 bucks down, and it's cheaper on release day!' never made sense to me.

If EB offers 10 cents for FFXII with HD, then sells it for 89.00 as 'preplayed', whose 'fault' is it? EB for offering that low amount, or the customer for accepting it?

Regarding 4-d and Blast Processing etc, that's not so much the EB employees, but the game manufacturers who create buzzwords to hype their products. Maybe the salespeople shouldn't buy into it, but they're just shilling the products the way the company told them to.

[FREAKMIKE3]

As stated above, you can ALWAYS get your money back on a deposit.

Yeah, but we're supposed to try and convince them not to, and to make it as dificult as possible. This was directed to me by management, by the way.

Again, I don't know what to say about the actions in your store. I dont treat my customers that way.

[FREAKMIKE3]

FREAKMIKE3, do you have official figures to support the claim that they (CC, BB, etc.) sell games at cost or take a hit on them? If this were true, then they would drop games completely. If there is no profit in something, people don't do it. A gamer doesn't come in to buy a game and a refridgerator.

Sales are a different story though, but that is why they only last a week or so.

And, why wouldn't GS and EB pricematch? It's better to lose some cash than to lose the whole sale, isn't it?

edit: Didn't completely understand FREAK's last post at first.

Official? No, but I have been in retail long enough to know. Companies will sell products at a loss to get you in the store. They believe that once you are in, you will buy something else. While maybe not a fridge or a tv, they hope you will shop around and find something else. And for the most part, people do. Next time you go to BB, hang out for a while, and watch what people buy. Some will of course walk out with only the one thing they came for at a great price. But then there are people, myself included, who, once there, will look around and find something else that they want. I have been in lots looking for just a game, and walk out with a game and a few dvds as well. Again, they will do anything to get you in the store. Search around for laws being made everyday banning stores from selling merch at a loss. Its the WalMart business model. Advertise something dirt cheap, and then mark other things up to make up for the loss.

[Reality's Fringe]

Again, I don't know what to say about the actions in your store. I dont treat my customers that way.

I'm not trying to question your integrity, or try to start some baseless arguement, but I have to express my wariness to believe that. From the actions of the store I work in (for now), the actions of other stores in my district, and the reports I hear all the time around here form the country; I have a hard time believeing that there's one magical region that's completely free of dubious practices. Again, I'm not attacking you, but I'm attacking the ieda that your store doesn't do such things.

[daphatty]

A friend and I just got back from a disappointing trip to acquire ESPN NFL 2K5. Went went to three different stores and none of them had it yet. This was disappointing enough. (You'd think the logistics of a game release would be second nature by now but NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!) Anyway, our first stop was EB Games. I walked in and noticed a huge crowd of would-be football players huddled around the PS2 kiosk enjoying ESPN 2K5. I figured this would be a good sign so I walked right up and asked the clerk for a copy.

"Uh, sorry but our delivery hasn't arrived yet."

Great. :roll: Naturally, I asked when it would be in.

"Not sure. It should have been here by now."

No shit, I thought to myself. Just as I was finishing that thought, the employee next to him chimes in.

"Did you preorder a copy?"

"No, why?"

"Well only the people who pre-ordered get a copy today. Everyone else has to wait until tomorrow."

:shock:

I gave him the "You must be out of your goddamned mind!" look and with an obnoxious "PSHHHH" I walked out.

You obviously are clueless when it comes to games being released. I don't work for EBGames and I don't like them much myself, but blambing them because they didn't get a shipment in yet is just retarded. On top of it, of course you should have preordered it if you wanted a copy on the launch date. I'm sick of people bitching when it's actually their own stupidity.

Did you actually read my post? I wasn't bitching that they didn't get their shipment yet. Nor was I upset that my "lack of planning" left me high and dry (I didn't even care about the game until this weekend.) My gripe was with the stupid EB employee who basically fucked his franchise out of two sales because he opened his mouth and said the wrong thing. I could care less that they didn't have any copies. That's out of their control. What pissed me off is that he had the audacity to tell a potential customer that his money is no good. I would fire any employee for that and it sounds like you would be one of them.

On a positive note, I might be getting a free copy with Terrel Owens' autograph on it. I think I'll walk into EB and ask the smart ass how much he will give me in trade value just so I can scoff at his reply again. Well, maybe I wont but it would still be funny. :D

[FREAKMIKE3]

Reality's Fringe: Check your PM.

[eldad9]

Official? No, but I have been in retail long enough to know. Companies will sell products at a loss to get you in the store. They believe that once you are in, you will buy something else. While maybe not a fridge or a tv, they hope you will shop around and find something else.

Well, it worked. Last time I was at Fry's, I got the loss leaders - a 120 GB external USB drive for $100 AR, battery charger + 4 batteries for $10, and an extra 10 rechargables for 10 - but I also got a Rocky Road for 69 cents.

I only had half of it that day, though, because I really didn't need to devour the entire bar - so I guess the store did win there.

[Reality's Fringe]

Reality's Fringe: Check your PM.


I check, but I didn't see anythign from you. Would you please send again?

[sying]

1) Stores that sell used products as new.

2) Forcing customers to pay in advance of a product if they want to recieve it on release date

3) Robbing customers of their games and reselling at often 3 times the value the customer recieved

How does EB and Gamestop not only stay in business without lawsuits, but also.. how have they not been prosecuted?

How about not shopping there? What a freaking epiphany!

[sying]

Well, heres the catch. Say your local store knows before hand that they are getting in X amount of copies. When you come in looking for it, I tell you it arrives tomorrow, but I only have 6 more unclaimed copies left. If you reserve it, then you are golden for tomorrow. But if you blow me off, then when you come in the next day, dont expect me to have it. I should have scheduled myself to work tomorrow to see how many people get shafted out of ESPN because they didnt reserve it. Same thing happened last week for NCAA on Xbox. I dont really like it, as I do lose sales, but dont get mad at me cuz I wont sell you a copy.

And thats when I go to my good ol Independent Game Store or Wal-mart and storm out saying "Shaq-Fu you Bee-otch" while letting a humongeous wet fart.

[sying]

Well, heres the catch. Say your local store knows before hand that they are getting in X amount of copies. When you come in looking for it, I tell you it arrives tomorrow, but I only have 6 more unclaimed copies left. If you reserve it, then you are golden for tomorrow. But if you blow me off, then when you come in the next day, dont expect me to have it. I should have scheduled myself to work tomorrow to see how many people get shafted out of ESPN because they didnt reserve it. Same thing happened last week for NCAA on Xbox. I dont really like it, as I do lose sales, but dont get mad at me cuz I wont sell you a copy.

Yeah and when we put $5 down on a game and then the week of release, say Target or Best Buy, has a free gift card or whatever, then we miss out on that deal or lose our $5 that we originally put down on the game. Now maybe if you guys matched offers or prices at Target or Best Buy then we could talk, but even then you won't accept my Target employee discount or the GGC for Best Buy...

Plain and simple I'd rather take a chance at having to wait for a new game than having to pay extra $$ for a game just to get it right away.

Don't tell me that they aren't going to be shipping plenty of copies for Halo 2 cause if you believe that there will be a shortage of it then I've got quite the bridge to sell you. Max Payne 2 anyone?

I like it how they would rather lose the sale than reduce the price by a fraction. Generally they get thier games $35-$42 for thier $50 games. So not only are they losing the sale to the customer, they are losing the goodwill and they probally get the trade in of the title to that store. The upper management at EB are pure geniuses. Right up there with Enron, Tyco and the Umbrella Corporation.

[sying]

FREAKMIKE3, do you have official figures to support the claim that they (CC, BB, etc.) sell games at cost or take a hit on them? If this were true, then they would drop games completely. If there is no profit in something, people don't do it. A gamer doesn't come in to buy a game and a refridgerator.

Sales are a different story though, but that is why they only last a week or so.

And, why wouldn't GS and EB pricematch? It's better to lose some cash than to lose the whole sale, isn't it?

edit: Didn't completely understand FREAK's last post at first.

Let me preface this comment with two statements of fact:
1.) I hate uneducated teenage punks who dont know what the hell they are talking about.
2.) I am 1 class away from getting my degree in buisness finance from University of North Florida ( no its not some online, community college, or technical school); so I know what I'm talking about.



FREAKMIKE3, do you have official figures to support the claim that they (CC, BB, etc.) sell games at cost or take a hit on them? If this were true, then they would drop games completely.

Well im sure both BB and CC have official figures for thier competitor to see and act upon. Oh and there is a thing called inventory carrying cost, where there is a cost of storing items on the shelf (and the backroom warehouse). If they kept what they didnt sell, Madden '96 on SNES would still (and rightfully so) be sitting there. Its a term called "Inventory carrying cost". Say it with me now "Inventory Carrying Cost". You got to sell what you can to make way for the new stuff. (On a side note I should have bought those Samba De Maracas" Maracas Controllers while they had them)

A gamer doesn't come in to buy a game and a refridgerator.


The correct spelling of "refridgerator" is refrigerator . And I am looking for a refrigerator and a game, because unlike you I am moving out of my mothers house and I need both. Now only if they made a refrige-a-game or a gamer-ator, now that would be great.

Sales are a different story though, but that is why they only last a week or so.
The reason the don't want or seem to restock is that they know by statistics that games sell within the first few weeks of its release date. Case in point there is no demand for Madden 96.

And, why wouldn't GS and EB pricematch? It's better to lose some cash than to lose the whole sale, isn't it?
Well, thats the only good point you made. The plain fact is that they don't pricematch. When you grow up you should work there, I bet it would be a good match for you. And then you can give us give us a pricematch against corporate EB's wishes. That would be great.

[sying]

Cuz they base the figure of their 1st order around the number of preorders they get.

I don't think MK4 was "4-D"...but they have marketed games as being 4-D before (i.e. Broken Helix).

Also stores like BB do often sell at items at or below cost in the ad to get people in the store. Ever wonder why they try to sell you a guide with it or whatever? It's cuz the profit maragins are very thin. This doesn't happen as often for games as it does DVDs it comes to their release week, but games are usually placed at or below cost in a sale 3 weeks later.

Um, no I haven't had a BB employee try to sell a guide with the game. Your BB must be employeed with EB rejects. :fridge:

[sying]

Official? No, but I have been in retail long enough to know. Companies will sell products at a loss to get you in the store. They believe that once you are in, you will buy something else. While maybe not a fridge or a tv, they hope you will shop around and find something else.

Well, it worked. Last time I was at Fry's, I got the loss leaders - a 120 GB external USB drive for $100 AR, battery charger + 4 batteries for $10, and an extra 10 rechargables for 10 - but I also got a Rocky Road for 69 cents.

I only had half of it that day, though, because I really didn't need to devour the entire bar - so I guess the store did win there.

I always knew those batteries were a bitch to sell. :)

[redgopher]

EB = Fucktards.

Solution = Shop at Gamecrazy.

;)

[Moray]

Again, I don't know what to say about the actions in your store. I dont treat my customers that way.

I'm not trying to question your integrity, or try to start some baseless arguement, but I have to express my wariness to believe that. From the actions of the store I work in (for now), the actions of other stores in my district, and the reports I hear all the time around here form the country; I have a hard time believeing that there's one magical region that's completely free of dubious practices. Again, I'm not attacking you, but I'm attacking the ieda that your store doesn't do such things.

Not a magical region, but there are stores. I'm relatively certain that the employees at my store don't do this, but I'm sure there are stores in the district that behave this way. It's a difference between stores that are based on a customer service ideal and those that aren't. There's to much emphasis on hitting numbers and not enough on the rest of the job.

[Mospeada_21]

I thought by clicking on this thread, I would find something funny to read.

But wow! It's actually a full on debate. :shock:

okay, the 4-D story was funny! :D

[Mustang O-Line 75]

some crap about madden 96

I loved madden 96! last madden i really played

[Kulock]

I guess I'm lucky, all the guy at my local eb are great, they know what they are talking about and dont say a bunch of BS. The only problem was the dipshit manager, but he just quit, so its the best gamestore around.

I've dealt with my fair share of "wonderful" EB employees, but an EB Games opened up about a year and a half or so ago at a local shopping center (Heck, I'll even name it, the one at Georgesville Square in Columbus, OH), and the staff keeps current on game news, is knowledgeable, and generally quite friendly/polite with me. Yeah, they've had to push the "preorder" talk to me once or twice, but they don't flat-out lie about having extra copies past the preorder amount or not, at least to my experience.

I was amazed to be picking up a game one day and overheard them talking about Snake Rattle and Roll for the NES. That kind of clinched it for me, "Ah, people who actually know what they're talking about..." Quite refreshing.


you can get your original $5 back from Gamestop or EB if you decide not to buy the game from them.

You can also transfer it to other games... you can preorder one game to get the preorder bonus, and then transfer it to a different game you want. I did this once, unintentionally, because I preordered Crystal Chronicles, got the GCN-to-GBA Link Cable, then heard the reviews about how poor the Single Player mode was (which was mainly what I'd be getting it for), so I switched it to... Ninja Gaiden, I believe. Obviously, they didn't ask for the Link Cable back. I doubt you could switch to a second game with a preorder bonus and get that as well, or do it too often, but he's right in that you've not lost that prepayment if you change your mind.

[BigHow]

FREAKMIKE3, do you have official figures to support the claim that they (CC, BB, etc.) sell games at cost or take a hit on them? If this were true, then they would drop games completely. If there is no profit in something, people don't do it. A gamer doesn't come in to buy a game and a refridgerator.


I know it's already been addressed, but seriously, people, it's called a Loss Leader.

http://www.fact-index.com/l/lo/loss_leader.html

Even if you don't buy a fridge, the mere act of going to that store imprints BB as a place to buy electronics in your mind.

[snipegod]

I'm glad companies have loss leaders and such because I AM the person that goes to the store just to get the sale item and nothing else.

[wubb]

I was flipping through a magizine while purchasing a game near closing time at EB. I was with my Girlfriend at the time and noticed some N-Gage ad in the magizine. The conversation went something like this.

Me: Ha, N-Gage who would buy that. (I was talking to my GF)

EB: What!!!!

Me:....... (I didn't want to start an arguement)

EB: What were you taling about?!

Me: N-Gage, it sucks.

EB: No!

Me: If you say so. (As I set down the magizine, grabed my game and left silently with my GF)

Sounds like somebody used his employee discount on an N-Gage at launch :lol:

[howlinmad]

1) Stores that sell used products as new.

2) Forcing customers to pay in advance of a product if they want to recieve it on release date

3) Robbing customers of their games and reselling at often 3 times the value the customer recieved

How does EB and Gamestop not only stay in business without lawsuits, but also.. how have they not been prosecuted?

I've gotten what you guys call *gutted* before, when I bought new, but never a used product. (get over it guys) This has been griped about since they DID take back games just because you didn't like them. Exactly what did you expect them to do then?
I like the crack of a new game case as much as everybody else, but if it's the last few, so what. I'd guess it plays the same.

It's a convience thing, if you want to buy it at Walmart, go buy it at Walmart release day. If they are sold out....sucks you didn't put down 5 measley bucks.

I have the same outlook when I take a game I consider decent, but they only offer me a few bucks for it. My choice? Don't trade it in to them.


How do they stay in business? Easy.....a large bit of the population doesn't suck the couch up their a## about some of this stuff.

[mariomarino]

And thats when I go to my good ol Independent Game Store or Wal-mart and storm out saying "Shaq-Fu you Bee-otch" while letting a humongeous wet fart.[/quote]

This has got to be the funniest thing I have ever read in a forum. Actually I have an EB Games story.

I traded in 15 Gamecube and Ps2 games and ended up getting $70 store credit. So my 5 yr old son and I pick up a used copy of Mario Party 4 and Mario Golf. We go to check out and they are pushing Spiderman2 down my throat. I really dont want it, but if I pre-order it would increase the trade in value of some of my old games. Then if I did something else I could get a subscription to GMR ...blah blah blah. Needless to say 2 hours later, I had a preorder for Spiderman 2, GMR magazine subscription, some kind of credit card thing, 4 lbs. of literature and a new best friend name Kevin who is Jr. assistant night manager at EB Games.

Point of the story is , I dont freakin like spiderman.

[chubs189]

ok first off i work for a gamestop and the reason we have to gut some games is because the game companies are to cheap to send us displays for there games i mean how else do you expect us to display all the games we keep in stock leaving them out on the floor live i mean come on i hate the fact we do it to but its the only way.second bout the reserve things yea with certain games the reserves only thing is true i can say for my store with games like halo 2 and gta san adreas we will only be getting enough for our first shipment we are past the 300 mark on reserves for each title and we will probably open up at midnight for people to get it earlier.and from a person who worked almost a whole day cause of gta vice city i am positive we will only get enough for reserves the first few days now for other games yea u really dont have to but the cool thing is u do get freebies like right now we are giving a free street fighter collection shirt with the reserves for that which aint bad.plus does it really hurt to put money towards something u know ur gonna buy anyways ur not paying extra for it i just want to know what you guys think
oh and oh yea i hate having to offer the subsriptions also so if u get offered it its because if we dont push it we can lose our jobs so trust us we dont like it to as employees but we got bills to pay and hobbies to upkeep

[Reality's Fringe]

Don't worry man, I (we've) been through the employees' side of things. I don't have to worry about that anymore though.

[sying]

Don't worry man, I (we've) been through the employees' side of things. I don't have to worry about that anymore though.

What?!? No more grueling 3 hour shifts at Rapestop???

[Reality's Fringe]

It's tragic, I know. Hopefully I can get over it 8)

[lionheart4life]

I had my first ever stupid comment adventure last night at EB. Up until now they've been pretty harmless, never trying to push products. I went in to trade two $5 circuit city games that I got and didn't really like to get NFL2K5. The guy was cool on the phone, even looked up which games would be excluded to make sure these two weren't. I get there, trade them in, one was Munch's Oddysee, which I got in case one of my friends with an XBox wanted one, but none did. I ask for the game, and seeing that I trade an XBox game in, he asks if I want 2K5 for that system. I tell him I don't have an Xbox, but he still tries to push the game for it. Then he tells me that in the next month I might as well put my PS2 in the closet because it doesn't even compare with whats coming out for the 'box. He tells me how the PS2 is obsolete, blah blah. I didn't even say anything just signed my copy of the trade in form and left, while my friend was standing there laughing the whole time.

[mariomarino]

Finanlly an EB customer gets over.

Heres my tale.....Last night the five year old and myself go to EBgames to trade in 5 games. (Fairly Odd Parents PS2, Godzilla: Monster Melee GC, Mario Sunshine GC, Mario Party 4 GC, Spyro the Dragon GC) Granted they are all fairly old games and most even budget priced so I was expecting to get the standard 2 - 3 dollars each, maybe a little more for Mario Party 4. So we get there and as usual there is one guy working and 10 - 15 customers, and I hand him my games. He asks me what I want to trade towards and I say a used copy of Mario Party 5. Of course he doesnt have a used copy but I can put my $38.07 towards his one and only new copy. Noticing the impatience of my son I say ok. Well by agreeing to this transaction must have pleased the EB gods because it unlocked some sort of mysterious code that added 3 dollars to each of my trade in games. This confounds the employee to no end. He then calls 2 other EB games in the area and asks, what probably is the only employee working at that store, what the code means. Of course no one knows. I'm thinking I just hit the shaq-fuing EBgames Lottery, and this guy is raining on my parade. You wouldn't think the extra $15 would bring down such an empire. The guy is looking at me like I did something wrong. So after everything settles down, my games are now worth $53. So I get the Mario Party 5 and I still have $3.01 left, which for some reason can't be carried over into an account or just left there unwanted. So I have to use towards a Pre-order. so I throw down 2 bucks and now have $5 towards Paper Mario 2. Is it company policy not to let a customer leave the store without getting at least a dollar out you? Man I wish Bestbuy took trade ins.

[PsyClerk]

If you have credit left, they normally apply that to a gift card.

[mariomarino]

If you have credit left, they normally apply that to a gift card.

This was not the impression I got from the employee. Granted $3.01 was probably not enough to worry about putting on a gift card. I would have been content on just calling it an even swap. But, it was implied the transaction wouldn't go through unless there was a zero credit balance.

[sying]

Is it company policy not to let a customer leave the store without getting at least a dollar out you? Man I wish Bestbuy took trade ins.

No EB workers are mostly dumb and thier corporate office is always finding ways to give you the minimum amount. Not saying thats bad, its buisness, but we have a duty to go somewhere else that gives us more.


DOWN WITH EB

[GizmoGC]

Wow, don't come into my store for a game you didn't pre-order, I will flat out deny you if you are a regular. Case in point, Tales of Symphonia. We had 3 people pre-order, and had 15 people call the day before (because dumbasses always think that the SHIP dates must mean we get them) asking for it. Tales arrives, 5 friggin copies. I sell all 3 to pre-orders, and hold the other two in the back for people I feel are worthy. Then throughout the day people wander in asking for it, and I say "Sorry, didn't pre-order, were sold out".

Is that wrong? To me its not. Its called LEARNING. To people who put $5 down, it guaranteed for me to get 5 copies, where I would only get MAYBE 1 on release date. Why should I allow others who didn't pre-order the privlage of getting a game the day it comes out. Dosn't seem fair.

BTW, I do this for all major releases. When NCAA came out, I ONLY sold Pre-orders before and on release date. The day after, I put them out, and they were all sold that day (hence my store not loosing a single dime).

OH! I always kep a big stack right next to the register as well so the customers who didn't pre-order can see them and be like "Sell me one from there..." which I reply "Sorry, those are for people who put $5 down to guarantee there copy, oh and they also get a free shirt". SLAM!

[Mustang O-Line 75]

Wow, don't come into my store for a game you didn't pre-order, I will flat out deny you if you are a regular. Case in point, Tales of Symphonia. We had 3 people pre-order, and had 15 people call the day before (because dumbasses always think that the SHIP dates must mean we get them) asking for it. Tales arrives, 5 friggin copies. I sell all 3 to pre-orders, and hold the other two in the back for people I feel are worthy. Then throughout the day people wander in asking for it, and I say "Sorry, didn't pre-order, were sold out".

Is that wrong? To me its not. Its called LEARNING. To people who put $5 down, it guaranteed for me to get 5 copies, where I would only get MAYBE 1 on release date. Why should I allow others who didn't pre-order the privlage of getting a game the day it comes out. Dosn't seem fair.

BTW, I do this for all major releases. When NCAA came out, I ONLY sold Pre-orders before and on release date. The day after, I put them out, and they were all sold that day (hence my store not loosing a single dime).

OH! I always kep a big stack right next to the register as well so the customers who didn't pre-order can see them and be like "Sell me one from there..." which I reply "Sorry, those are for people who put $5 down to guarantee there copy, oh and they also get a free shirt". SLAM!

that sir, is very silly

I like to make up my mind on the spot about a game, that's why I won't ever preorder a game

this is why gamestores are the places where I go to buy games last

People make up their own mind about company policies and decide that they can choose who gets to buy the game

Well, I sure am glad that I don't have a gamecrazy around here, because I would hate to go into a store where you worked

[Duo_Maxwell]

Wow, don't come into my store for a game you didn't pre-order, I will flat out deny you if you are a regular. Case in point, Tales of Symphonia. We had 3 people pre-order, and had 15 people call the day before (because dumbasses always think that the SHIP dates must mean we get them) asking for it. Tales arrives, 5 friggin copies. I sell all 3 to pre-orders, and hold the other two in the back for people I feel are worthy. Then throughout the day people wander in asking for it, and I say "Sorry, didn't pre-order, were sold out".

Is that wrong? To me its not. Its called LEARNING. To people who put $5 down, it guaranteed for me to get 5 copies, where I would only get MAYBE 1 on release date. Why should I allow others who didn't pre-order the privlage of getting a game the day it comes out. Dosn't seem fair.

BTW, I do this for all major releases. When NCAA came out, I ONLY sold Pre-orders before and on release date. The day after, I put them out, and they were all sold that day (hence my store not loosing a single dime).

OH! I always kep a big stack right next to the register as well so the customers who didn't pre-order can see them and be like "Sell me one from there..." which I reply "Sorry, those are for people who put $5 down to guarantee there copy, oh and they also get a free shirt". SLAM!

I agree on the pre-order thing, but remind me never to shop at your store. I mean c/mon, sell the other 2 only to people you "think are worthy" get the other 2 copies. That's BS, how the hell do you deem someone worthy? Is there some height requirement or something I don't know about for buying games? The worthy person is the one who walks into your store first wanting the game. That's how a business is supposed to be run. You should appreciate all your customers, and clearly you don't, even your regulars apparently.

[King Bahamut]

Hate to break it to ya but that's standard operating precedures. Preorders get filled first...then they sell them to the masses. That way they don't run out for the people that actually preordered said game. About every game store I've been to does it the same way. Also, when a game is slated to ship on a certain day it often doesn't come til later in the afternoon (around 3 or 4) or til the next day.

Actually, when Wind Waker came out, I didn't preorder it and bought a copy which was supposed to be reserved for all preorders (they did not get any more copies that weren't already preordered, since Wind Waker had like 1.5 million preordered or some crazy figure like that) at the EB by my college.

[mariomarino]

Wow, don't come into my store for a game you didn't pre-order, I will flat out deny you if you are a regular. Case in point, Tales of Symphonia. We had 3 people pre-order, and had 15 people call the day before (because dumbasses always think that the SHIP dates must mean we get them) asking for it. Tales arrives, 5 friggin copies. I sell all 3 to pre-orders, and hold the other two in the back for people I feel are worthy. Then throughout the day people wander in asking for it, and I say "Sorry, didn't pre-order, were sold out".

Is that wrong? To me its not. Its called LEARNING. To people who put $5 down, it guaranteed for me to get 5 copies, where I would only get MAYBE 1 on release date. Why should I allow others who didn't pre-order the privlage of getting a game the day it comes out. Dosn't seem fair.

BTW, I do this for all major releases. When NCAA came out, I ONLY sold Pre-orders before and on release date. The day after, I put them out, and they were all sold that day (hence my store not loosing a single dime).

OH! I always kep a big stack right next to the register as well so the customers who didn't pre-order can see them and be like "Sell me one from there..." which I reply "Sorry, those are for people who put $5 down to guarantee there copy, oh and they also get a free shirt". SLAM!

This is the reason I buy 90% of my games at Target or BestBuy. The sooner one of the major retailers starts taking in trade ins and selling used games and runs these fools out of business the better.

[Grave_Addiction]

Wow, don't come into my store for a game you didn't pre-order, I will flat out deny you if you are a regular. Case in point, Tales of Symphonia. We had 3 people pre-order, and had 15 people call the day before (because dumbasses always think that the SHIP dates must mean we get them) asking for it. Tales arrives, 5 friggin copies. I sell all 3 to pre-orders, and hold the other two in the back for people I feel are worthy. Then throughout the day people wander in asking for it, and I say "Sorry, didn't pre-order, were sold out".

Is that wrong? To me its not. Its called LEARNING. To people who put $5 down, it guaranteed for me to get 5 copies, where I would only get MAYBE 1 on release date. Why should I allow others who didn't pre-order the privlage of getting a game the day it comes out. Dosn't seem fair.

BTW, I do this for all major releases. When NCAA came out, I ONLY sold Pre-orders before and on release date. The day after, I put them out, and they were all sold that day (hence my store not loosing a single dime).

OH! I always kep a big stack right next to the register as well so the customers who didn't pre-order can see them and be like "Sell me one from there..." which I reply "Sorry, those are for people who put $5 down to guarantee there copy, oh and they also get a free shirt". SLAM!

That's got to be the dumbest damn thing I've read in a long time.

Edit: I'm actually getting more mad each time I read this. If you ever happen to come by Wichita Falls, remind me to punch your ass in the face for being such a dumbass.

[Reality's Fringe]

I have to agree with Gizmogc to a certain extent. Thogh I don't work there anymore, I too know the horrors of having people come into the sotre and bitching at me because we only got enough copies to fill preorders. I can't do anything about it. TOS, when it came out, we got 4 copies. 4. That was enough to fill our preorders, and then I didn't see anymore before I quit. It made me angry to have people come up and say(2 days before its release) "Is *game* in yet?" and then tell me that they'd rather not preorder it and just "Pick it up the day it comes in". You're buying the damn game anyway, preorder it so we get some more copies! (Note: this is in reference to non-bigname titles such as TOS. Not somethign like Madden 05)What I disagree with is the elitism, there, Gizmogc. It should be on a first-come, first-serve basis with your remaining copies.

[Trakan]

A buddy of mine went to buy a gamecube the day metroid prime was released. He didn't pre-order and the guy wouldn't let him have a copy. So he told the guy he was going to buy the gamecube and the game somewhere else and the employee gave him one of the pre-ordered games that someone hadn't picked up yet.

[jkam]

Pre-orders are such a joke. The only time I have ever pre-ordered a game was to receive a bonus... such as Wind Waker w/ the Ocarina disc bonus. I mean if you really really want a game there are plenty of stores around that WILL have the game. Who here pays $50 for a game anyway?

[daphatty]

Wow, don't come into my store for a game you didn't pre-order, I will flat out deny you if you are a regular. Case in point, Tales of Symphonia. We had 3 people pre-order, and had 15 people call the day before (because dumbasses always think that the SHIP dates must mean we get them) asking for it. Tales arrives, 5 friggin copies. I sell all 3 to pre-orders, and hold the other two in the back for people I feel are worthy. Then throughout the day people wander in asking for it, and I say "Sorry, didn't pre-order, were sold out".

Is that wrong? To me its not. Its called LEARNING. To people who put $5 down, it guaranteed for me to get 5 copies, where I would only get MAYBE 1 on release date. Why should I allow others who didn't pre-order the privlage of getting a game the day it comes out. Dosn't seem fair.

BTW, I do this for all major releases. When NCAA came out, I ONLY sold Pre-orders before and on release date. The day after, I put them out, and they were all sold that day (hence my store not loosing a single dime).

OH! I always kep a big stack right next to the register as well so the customers who didn't pre-order can see them and be like "Sell me one from there..." which I reply "Sorry, those are for people who put $5 down to guarantee there copy, oh and they also get a free shirt". SLAM!

You sir, are exactly the idiot I was refering to way back when I first posted about this.

NOT ONLY did I buy my copy at Best Buy for $15 the following day (yes I used the GGC) but 10 minutes after I got home FedEx showed up with a package from Visual Concepts. I shared this story with a good friend of mine who works for them and he sent me TWO copies for FREE! Oh and I have a SHARPIE autographed Terrel Owens copy on the way as well so you can keep your piece of shit T-Shirts.

Who's the bitch now?

[/rant]

[Duo_Maxwell]

A buddy of mine went to buy a gamecube the day metroid prime was released. He didn't pre-order and the guy wouldn't let him have a copy. So he told the guy he was going to buy the gamecube and the game somewhere else and the employee gave him one of the pre-ordered games that someone hadn't picked up yet.

Ha, good tactic by your friend to trump them into giving it to him. Was it the next day or the same day it arrived? If it was the same day the game arrived, hopefully there wasn't some poor soul who came in 5 minutes before closing expecting his Metroid Prime preorder.

[Cornfedwb]

Wow, don't come into my store for a game you didn't pre-order, I will flat out deny you if you are a regular. Case in point, Tales of Symphonia. We had 3 people pre-order, and had 15 people call the day before (because dumbasses always think that the SHIP dates must mean we get them) asking for it. Tales arrives, 5 friggin copies. I sell all 3 to pre-orders, and hold the other two in the back for people I feel are worthy. Then throughout the day people wander in asking for it, and I say "Sorry, didn't pre-order, were sold out".

Is that wrong? To me its not. Its called LEARNING. To people who put $5 down, it guaranteed for me to get 5 copies, where I would only get MAYBE 1 on release date. Why should I allow others who didn't pre-order the privlage of getting a game the day it comes out. Dosn't seem fair.

BTW, I do this for all major releases. When NCAA came out, I ONLY sold Pre-orders before and on release date. The day after, I put them out, and they were all sold that day (hence my store not loosing a single dime).

OH! I always kep a big stack right next to the register as well so the customers who didn't pre-order can see them and be like "Sell me one from there..." which I reply "Sorry, those are for people who put $5 down to guarantee there copy, oh and they also get a free shirt". SLAM!

That's got to be the dumbest damn thing I've read in a long time.

Edit: I'm actually getting more mad each time I read this. If you ever happen to come by Wichita Falls, remind me to punch your ass in the face for being such a dumbass.

It's amazing isn't it? Everytime you read this you're just more and more ready to bitchslap him all over the room. Gizmogc.. you sir are an asshole.

[Trakan]

A buddy of mine went to buy a gamecube the day metroid prime was released. He didn't pre-order and the guy wouldn't let him have a copy. So he told the guy he was going to buy the gamecube and the game somewhere else and the employee gave him one of the pre-ordered games that someone hadn't picked up yet.

Ha, good tactic by your friend to trump them into giving it to him. Was it the next day or the same day it arrived? If it was the same day the game arrived, hopefully there wasn't some poor soul who came in 5 minutes before closing expecting his Metroid Prime preorder.

Yea it was on release day, but my friend got copy :)

[Smell]

this was actually at gamestop yesterday
as i was purchasing Time Crisis 3 and Knights of the Old Republic

Her: Oh Kotor do you know that their will be a sequel to it
me: yes
Her: would you like to preorder it only 5 dollars
me: let me play the first one then i will decide
her: come on only 5 dollars
me: no
her: i know you want to
me: no

they dont give up they are money leeches

[MeGaWC27]

Wow, don't come into my store for a game you didn't pre-order, I will flat out deny you if you are a regular. Case in point, Tales of Symphonia. We had 3 people pre-order, and had 15 people call the day before (because dumbasses always think that the SHIP dates must mean we get them) asking for it. Tales arrives, 5 friggin copies. I sell all 3 to pre-orders, and hold the other two in the back for people I feel are worthy. Then throughout the day people wander in asking for it, and I say "Sorry, didn't pre-order, were sold out".

Is that wrong? To me its not. Its called LEARNING. To people who put $5 down, it guaranteed for me to get 5 copies, where I would only get MAYBE 1 on release date. Why should I allow others who didn't pre-order the privlage of getting a game the day it comes out. Dosn't seem fair.

BTW, I do this for all major releases. When NCAA came out, I ONLY sold Pre-orders before and on release date. The day after, I put them out, and they were all sold that day (hence my store not loosing a single dime).

OH! I always kep a big stack right next to the register as well so the customers who didn't pre-order can see them and be like "Sell me one from there..." which I reply "Sorry, those are for people who put $5 down to guarantee there copy, oh and they also get a free shirt". SLAM!

That's got to be the dumbest damn thing I've read in a long time.

Edit: I'm actually getting more mad each time I read this. If you ever happen to come by Wichita Falls, remind me to punch your ass in the face for being such a dumbass.

It's amazing isn't it? Everytime you read this you're just more and more ready to bitchslap him all over the room. Gizmogc.. you sir are an asshole.

Fight, Fight, Fight ! :lol:

[mariomarino]

Wow, don't come into my store for a game you didn't pre-order, I will flat out deny you if you are a regular. Case in point, Tales of Symphonia. We had 3 people pre-order, and had 15 people call the day before (because dumbasses always think that the SHIP dates must mean we get them) asking for it. Tales arrives, 5 friggin copies. I sell all 3 to pre-orders, and hold the other two in the back for people I feel are worthy. Then throughout the day people wander in asking for it, and I say "Sorry, didn't pre-order, were sold out".

Is that wrong? To me its not. Its called LEARNING. To people who put $5 down, it guaranteed for me to get 5 copies, where I would only get MAYBE 1 on release date. Why should I allow others who didn't pre-order the privlage of getting a game the day it comes out. Dosn't seem fair.

BTW, I do this for all major releases. When NCAA came out, I ONLY sold Pre-orders before and on release date. The day after, I put them out, and they were all sold that day (hence my store not loosing a single dime).

OH! I always kep a big stack right next to the register as well so the customers who didn't pre-order can see them and be like "Sell me one from there..." which I reply "Sorry, those are for people who put $5 down to guarantee there copy, oh and they also get a free shirt". SLAM!

Maybe this prick doesn't even work at EBgames, he probably works for the competition and is trying to piss us off at EBgames. I guess it worked. EBgames sigity sucks

Sorry I had to edit this post, it just pisses me off. He says he only had 3 people preorder ToS. Maybe if he wasnt such a Jack On he would have had more preorders. What a horses ass.

[bignick]

If stores are changing their business model around preorders, they are stupid.

[doraemonkerpal]

today, i bought a game at eb and i checked the game outside to make sure it was in good condition. turns out, it didn't come with a manual (would've been nice if the employee told me that when she was putting the disc into the game case). i told her that i wanted to exchange the game, but unfortunately, it's pretty hard to find preowned unless i buy it online. i decided to walk out of the store and hopefully find it at another eb. as i was walking out (kinda annoyed), she yells at me, "we don't guarantee all our games have manuals!" i mumbled something about their online store and she yells back, "they don't either!" LMAO! ebgames.com guarantees that all the ps2, gc and xbox games come with manual and case. that employee is full of bs!

[fireball343]

i wish eb and gs had a system of complaining about employees more easily. and saying so and so helped a ton. if i ever work there i would end up showing someone a game and then saying, uh, Best buy has it on sale this week and you can use a GGC to get it cheapier. or if i worked at bb i wouldn't give them crap about pm and offers.

this is how we all want to be treated so once i start working there i'll act the way i want to be treated, the golden rule

[bignick]

i wish eb and gs had a system of complaining about employees more easily. and saying so and so helped a ton. if i ever work there i would end up showing someone a game and then saying, uh, Best buy has it on sale this week and you can use a GGC to get it cheapier. or if i worked at bb i wouldn't give them crap about pm and offers.

this is how we all want to be treated so once i start working there i'll act the way i want to be treated, the golden rule

Thats not what the company wants though.

[Mr. Anderson]

I swear to God, the next time a Gamestop clerk asks me to pre-order I'm going to drive my first into they're face. I went to pick up Burnout 2 and DOA 2: Hardcore. I go up to the counter and am asked if I want to pre-order anything.

Me: "No thank you"
Him: "You sure? Burnout 3 is gonna be sweet"
Me: "Nah, I'll do it the next time I come in"
Him: "Ok. What about Halo 2? We're only getting copies for the pre-orderees."
Me: "No, I dont have an Xbox"
Him "If you say so"
*He rings it up*
Me: "Crap, I forgot my ID. Can you hold these games, I need my aunt to pay for this"
Him: "Sure"
*I leave for 10 minutes*
*I come back*
*While shes paying...*
Me: "Oh, can you tell me when Fable comes out?"
Him: "September **.....wanna pre-order it?"
Me: "NO!"

[Duo_Maxwell]

Haha Gamestop's crazy about the preorders, at least compared to my local EB. But c'mon, asking when a game comes out is like stepping right in front of a moving train, cuz you just know the store employee will hit you up for a preorder. Anymore I just wait til I get home and check the websites or something. Though thankfully I've found that the GS employees here recongize me more and actually ask me less. You'd think they'd ask more, but I guess they caught onto the fact that I say no 98% of the time.

[shadylane]

ok i was ebgames and this blonde kid came up to me and asked me if he can help me with anything so i asked him how much the nes zelda gold case was so he looks up the price and says 149.99 and i'm like what!? and hes like yea for you to fall for that you would have to be the biggest idoit i guess i got shot down by a game nerd......oh well life will continue right?

[Jarrett]

i wish eb and gs had a system of complaining about employees more easily. and saying so and so helped a ton. if i ever work there i would end up showing someone a game and then saying, uh, Best buy has it on sale this week and you can use a GGC to get it cheapier. or if i worked at bb i wouldn't give them crap about pm and offers.

this is how we all want to be treated so once i start working there i'll act the way i want to be treated, the golden rule
If you did the first one often you wouldn't be working at that place very long... :lol:

When I worked at Blockbuster they used to pricematch and I myself would pick up a flyer from CircuitCity and match all their prices. And people did start coming every Tuesday to get the new releases from our store. My boss and her boss were actually happy with what I was doing and suggested other stores to do the same.

Oh and the posters complaining about the amount they get for trade-ins... :roll: Just don't sell you games back if you don't like the prices. I now work at an off-campus bookstore and people always are getting upset at the amounts they are getting for books. Uh... this is a business. We are not here as a non-profit org. I always give the most possible regardless of the person but when those idiots come in and start bitching about the prices.... they just seem to go lower and lower..... 8) Management actually tells us to give more to the complainers, but that doesn't make ANY sense in my opinion. They are going to complain no matter what.

[sying]

2 stories. 1st about EB.

Back when they had the B2G1F on the Playstation games. The Jacksonville EBGames have put stickers on the used games sold with a warning "Product is returnable within 14 days if seal is unbroken. Preorder Madden 2010" OK the preorder Madden 2010 isn't true yet, but I wouldn't put it past them to do it soon. Anyway, its an annoyance but I can deal with it except when this idiot at the Deerwood EB put damn stickers on both sides of the CD case. WTF!!! Do you expect me to open the game from the hindges?!?!?

I think at EB you have to be less than a 100 to even qualify to work there. Example theres this girl at EB that I swear is dumber than warm mayonase. The following conversation took place at the Regency EB during thier slow period where I was the only patron there and the manager was trying to play his Wario World 4. ( I don't blame him; minigames=adictive)

Me: "Do you have (blank) game?"
Ms. Stupid : "I don't know let me ask my manager."
Me: "How much is this controller here on the top shelf?"
(Off subject, EB usually has clearance stuff at thier mall locations on thier top shelf, controllers new PS2 $6.00, Recent haul Motorbike controller 64.99 value reduced to 9.99. SCORE)
Ms. Stupid: " I don't know, let me ask my manager"
After I strained to see the price (9.99 Clearance controller) I said:
Me: "I'll take that" Pointing to the CAG-a-liscous deal.
Ms. Stupid: OK
*After a good minute in which I am sure she was not staring at me for my good looks :) *
Me: "Can you get it for me?
I'll give you three guesses as to what she said to me.

Dispite her shaq-fuin retardedness, the manager was nice enough to answer all my questions and get the controller for me. Props to him

[crazytalkx]

My local EB used to be good, only annoying me once in a while to buy a stragety guide with the game, until the N-Gage came out, THEN they became pretty annoying.

[sying]

Now for my second story; in a second post because I am a post whore.

Gamestop Regency, in the same mall as Ms. Stupid. This particular Gamestop has gems once in a while but is ghetto and stupid all the time. Well they had a Steel Batllion box laying on the floor. WOW I thought, and lifted the box's lid to see what was there. Full setup, game, manuals and strategy guide. Mind you, all I wanted was the Strategy Guide as I already have 2 Steel Battalion setups: 1 sealed and one opened for play. I asked the person at the counter if they would sell the strategy guide seperate as they had seperate SKU stickers for every item in the bottom of the box, and of course they had to defer that question to his manager.

Let me take a minute to tell you about this manager. If anyone on these posts have read Reality Fringe's rants about his managers. Well, let me just say this guy trumps anything you've got Fringe. Aged 45 hanging glasses, smells of ass, piss and ciggarettes, brags about his immense anime knowledge and a shaq-fuing asshole.
Well, Mr. Old and Smelly tells me that I have to buy it as a set. In hindsight I should have bought the whole set with the GI discount card taken out the strategy guide, written "SHAQ-FU YOU ASSHOLE" in sharpie on the box and returned the game/controller, right in front of him. But I didn't think of that at the time. Instead I told him that I already had 2 sets and I just wanted to buy the book please. He said no with his breath-of-ass pitched me to buy the set and then you'll get the book. I said no "I'll go somewhere where asshole managers will not treat me like im a retard. Thanks for nothing asswipe. Next time I'm going to Orange Park Gamestop where they at least treat you with some respect, even though it's 15 miles away

Good news, that there is still a used Steel Battalion at the Regency Mall Gamestop

[mariomarino]

Let me take a minute to tell you about this manager. If anyone on these posts have read Reality Fringe's rants about his managers. Well, let me just say this guy trumps anything you've got Fringe. Aged 45 hanging glasses, smells of ass, piss and ciggarettes, brags about his immense anime knowledge and a shaq-fuing asshole

This is just a guess, but he is slightly balding, sweats even though it 65° in the store. Has permanant stains on his pants from pizza sause, hagen daaz and diet cokes. Probably still lives at home and has had numerous sexual encounters with a girl in the Niagara Falls area.

Dude thats the description of the manager at every videogame store.

[Reality's Fringe]

Just imagine working for the guy. Bleh. I don't think I'll be shopping at a Gamestop anymore, simply because they've become less and less competitive. EB and GS have quickly become a homogenous mixture of the same shit.

[ajh2298]

Let me take a minute to tell you about this manager. If anyone on these posts have read Reality Fringe's rants about his managers. Well, let me just say this guy trumps anything you've got Fringe. Aged 45 hanging glasses, smells of ass, piss and ciggarettes, brags about his immense anime knowledge and a shaq-fuing asshole

This is just a guess, but he is slightly balding, sweats even though it 65° in the store. Has permanant stains on his pants from pizza sause, hagen daaz and diet cokes. Probably still lives at home and has had numerous sexual encounters with a girl in the Niagara Falls area.

Dude thats the description of the manager at every videogame store.

Let me say this is now not true the new manager at my EB is a piece of ass. I was there on Tuesday morning to pick up Madden, it was just me and her in the store and we were talking about games and music. And I said I might be looking for a weekend job and she told me she would hire me in a second because I seemed to know what I was talking about. I was like cool I would let her know.

[Cornfedwb]

Let me say this is now not true the new manager at my EB is a piece of ass. I was there on Tuesday morning to pick up Madden, it was just me and her in the store and we were talking about games and music. And I said I might be looking for a weekend job and she told me she would hire me in a second because I seemed to know what I was talking about. I was like cool I would let her know.

Heh, every retail store likes to hire people for the weekends.. its the hardest shifts to fill (especially weekend only people). No offense to you, she may have really meant you seemed to know your stuff.

[sying]

This is just a guess, but he is slightly balding, sweats even though it 65° in the store. Has permanant stains on his pants from pizza sause, hagen daaz and diet cokes. Probably still lives at home and has had numerous sexual encounters with a girl in the Niagara Falls area.

Dude thats the description of the manager at every videogame store.

I live at home. You got something against people who buy and live in thier own homes? :x

[mariomarino]

This is just a guess, but he is slightly balding, sweats even though it 65° in the store. Has permanant stains on his pants from pizza sause, hagen daaz and diet cokes. Probably still lives at home and has had numerous sexual encounters with a girl in the Niagara Falls area.

Dude thats the description of the manager at every videogame store.

I live at home. You got something against people who buy and live in thier own homes? :x

Chill bro, I meant he still lives with his parents, in the basement, with his homo erotic hentai posters hanging above his bed.

I have much love for homeowners.

Hey sying did ya catch any of Charley?

[mdm]

that's captilism. ... take a class

Which class did you take? I need to know which one to avoid...

[Cornfedwb]

that's captilism. ... take a class

Which class did you take? I need to know which one to avoid...

Where the hell did you even quote that from? I can't find where I said that to even reference what I was talking about. Try quoting some more of the post so we have a clue what you're on about.

And if it had something to do with EB buying games low and selling them high (which it normally does).. don't bother going to school if you want to avoid learning such a basic rule of our economy. You'll do better doing lawn maintenance for the city for the rest of your life.

[sying]

This is just a guess, but he is slightly balding, sweats even though it 65° in the store. Has permanant stains on his pants from pizza sause, hagen daaz and diet cokes. Probably still lives at home and has had numerous sexual encounters with a girl in the Niagara Falls area.

Dude thats the description of the manager at every videogame store.

I live at home. You got something against people who buy and live in thier own homes? :x

Chill bro, I meant he still lives with his parents, in the basement, with his homo erotic hentai posters hanging above his bed.

I have much love for homeowners.

Hey sying did ya catch any of Charley?

No, Charlie was total weak sauce and made me delay my TRU shopping.
I say again, Charlie you bitch, rot in hell :evil:

[ukhoops]

Don't all the stores that take in trades buy low and sell higher? Isn't that how they make money? I know that some give more trade in on the front end, but that all do the same practice. Its called business and making money.

[mariomarino]

This is just a guess, but he is slightly balding, sweats even though it 65° in the store. Has permanant stains on his pants from pizza sause, hagen daaz and diet cokes. Probably still lives at home and has had numerous sexual encounters with a girl in the Niagara Falls area.

Dude thats the description of the manager at every videogame store.

I live at home. You got something against people who buy and live in thier own homes? :x

Chill bro, I meant he still lives with his parents, in the basement, with his homo erotic hentai posters hanging above his bed.

I have much love for homeowners.

Hey sying did ya catch any of Charley?

No, Charlie was total weak sauce and made me delay my TRU shopping.
I say again, Charlie you bitch, rot in hell :evil:

Thats good news, for I while there I thought I was going to get Shaq-fued

[mariomarino]

Don't all the stores that take in trades buy low and sell higher? Isn't that how they make money? I know that some give more trade in on the front end, but that all do the same practice. Its called business and making money.

I'm all for making money, but I traded in a copy of Wipeout Fusion and they gave me $0.75 for it. One week later it was on their shelves selling used for $19.95 I think that is a little excessive. Either they should have given me $3-$5 for it or sold it for $10 or less. This is not the only instance of this.

Let me be the first to say what most people are thinking " you didnt have to trade it in, no one forced you." Thats just crap and unfair.

[ukhoops]

Let me say something else everyone is thinking....If you feel its unfair dont do it either.

[mariomarino]

Let me say something else everyone is thinking....If you feel its unfair dont do it either.

No arguements from me. I would just feel like a tard for haggling with a guy over $2 or $3. Not to mention, I'm sure the 10 people behind me in line would be waiting patiently as I tried to wrangle myself another $2.

Maybe, I should purchase some stock in EBGames. Any company who can spend a dollar and return $20 must be making money. I hope the stockholders reap the benefits in dividends.

[EZMONEYCFB]

First to respond.

mariomarino
Finanlly an EB customer gets over.
Heres my tale.....Last night the five year old and myself go to EBgames to trade in 5 games. (Fairly Odd Parents PS2, Godzilla: Monster Melee GC, Mario Sunshine GC, Mario Party 4 GC, Spyro the Dragon GC) Granted they are all fairly old games and most even budget priced so I was expecting to get the standard 2 - 3 dollars each, maybe a little more for Mario Party 4. So we get there and as usual there is one guy working and 10 - 15 customers, and I hand him my games. He asks me what I want to trade towards and I say a used copy of Mario Party 5. Of course he doesnt have a used copy but I can put my $38.07 towards his one and only new copy. Noticing the impatience of my son I say ok. Well by agreeing to this transaction must have pleased the EB gods because it unlocked some sort of mysterious code that added 3 dollars to each of my trade in games. This confounds the employee to no end. He then calls 2 other EB games in the area and asks, what probably is the only employee working at that store, what the code means. Of course no one knows. I'm thinking I just hit the shaq-fuing EBgames Lottery, and this guy is raining on my parade. You wouldn't think the extra $15 would bring down such an empire. The guy is looking at me like I did something wrong. So after everything settles down, my games are now worth $53. So I get the Mario Party 5 and I still have $3.01 left, which for some reason can't be carried over into an account or just left there unwanted. So I have to use towards a Pre-order. so I throw down 2 bucks and now have $5 towards Paper Mario 2. Is it company policy not to let a customer leave the store without getting at least a dollar out you? Man I wish Bestbuy took trade ins.

Im a little confused. Are you complaining about getting $53 for games you say you exspected $10-15 for? Hmmm.
I guess some people are never happy.
Also the bonus you got, was for trading in 5 games. $15 extra for 5.
The bonuses at EB are mostly automatic so at the stores where people are a little, ummmm, not smart, stuff still gets done properly. And you still get the full benifit.

fireball343
i wish eb and gs had a system of complaining about employees more easily. and saying so and so helped a ton.

At EVERY EB store we have a phone number you can call to tell about amazing good, or bad service. I would post it on here, but you can see as well as me there are too many people on here that have too much time and not enough brains to make that fair to the people at EB HQ who check the machines.

Columbus Ohio is very close to me, they have great managers and a great DM. I am a manager in Toldeo, Oh. I have heard of "bad" stores, and bad employees. But keep in mind everyone that every company has weak links, otherwise noone would be better than anyone else.

To talk about pre-sells, reserves, whatever.
We at EB and the folks at GS ALWAYS have games before BB, TRU, CC, Wal-Mart, ect. I have managers from CC and BB that buy games from me on a constant basis because we have it 3-4 days before them. Pre-sells ensure that you will get that game on day 1. You dont need to run around looking for it, and you dont lose any money, so its win-win for you the customer. To complain about a service that HELPS you is crazy.
To speak about Tales of Sym. that game was and still remains in tight allocation. Namco is at fault, not the retailers. Reserves were filled, but other than that, there were not many extras made. Keep in mind at EB you CAN NOT lose your money. We keep your names in our computers, not on scraps of paper.

Also, maybe you all havent notice, but EB is a large company, around 2000 stores in size. We run TONS of specials to maximize the value customers can get at our stores. I have 7 years of exp. in this field, and the main thing I can say that sets us apart from the Big Boxs is simple. We will actually help you. I know sometimes you might not want help, but how often do you hear about people going into Wal-mart or BB and coming out saying " Wow, Steve really helped me out." I hear, and say alot more, " Did you even see a working in the <insert your dept. you needed help here>?" Case in point. Went into Best Buy looking for Aqua Teen #2. Spent 20 mins in the DVD dept. Never even got a glance. I asked someone for help from a neighboring dept, they dissapeared never to be seen again.
We might be persistant, but at least we are helping, or have a reason to say what we do.

Remember, if your local EB has good employees almost EVERYTHING they say will be to your benifit. BTW, Spiderman had a trade-in bonus, 5 games=$50. Sales,bonuses, and all other things to your benifit almost always have to be communicated by the workers.

If you want to complain about a specific person at EB or say great things about one, start a new string about EB service. I will check it and send important info in for you.

Dont respond about spelling errors ect. Not worth anyones time.

[sying]

First to respond.

mariomarino
Finanlly an EB customer gets over.
Heres my tale.....Last night the five year old and myself go to EBgames to trade in 5 games. (Fairly Odd Parents PS2, Godzilla: Monster Melee GC, Mario Sunshine GC, Mario Party 4 GC, Spyro the Dragon GC) Granted they are all fairly old games and most even budget priced so I was expecting to get the standard 2 - 3 dollars each, maybe a little more for Mario Party 4. So we get there and as usual there is one guy working and 10 - 15 customers, and I hand him my games. He asks me what I want to trade towards and I say a used copy of Mario Party 5. Of course he doesnt have a used copy but I can put my $38.07 towards his one and only new copy. Noticing the impatience of my son I say ok. Well by agreeing to this transaction must have pleased the EB gods because it unlocked some sort of mysterious code that added 3 dollars to each of my trade in games. This confounds the employee to no end. He then calls 2 other EB games in the area and asks, what probably is the only employee working at that store, what the code means. Of course no one knows. I'm thinking I just hit the shaq-fuing EBgames Lottery, and this guy is raining on my parade. You wouldn't think the extra $15 would bring down such an empire. The guy is looking at me like I did something wrong. So after everything settles down, my games are now worth $53. So I get the Mario Party 5 and I still have $3.01 left, which for some reason can't be carried over into an account or just left there unwanted. So I have to use towards a Pre-order. so I throw down 2 bucks and now have $5 towards Paper Mario 2. Is it company policy not to let a customer leave the store without getting at least a dollar out you? Man I wish Bestbuy took trade ins.

Im a little confused. Are you complaining about getting $53 for games you say you exspected $10-15 for? Hmmm.
I guess some people are never happy.
Also the bonus you got, was for trading in 5 games. $15 extra for 5.
The bonuses at EB are mostly automatic so at the stores where people are a little, ummmm, not smart, stuff still gets done properly. And you still get the full benifit.

fireball343
i wish eb and gs had a system of complaining about employees more easily. and saying so and so helped a ton.

At EVERY EB store we have a phone number you can call to tell about amazing good, or bad service. I would post it on here, but you can see as well as me there are too many people on here that have too much time and not enough brains to make that fair to the people at EB HQ who check the machines.

Columbus Ohio is very close to me, they have great managers and a great DM. I am a manager in Toldeo, Oh. I have heard of "bad" stores, and bad employees. But keep in mind everyone that every company has weak links, otherwise noone would be better than anyone else.

To talk about pre-sells, reserves, whatever.
We at EB and the folks at GS ALWAYS have games before BB, TRU, CC, Wal-Mart, ect. I have managers from CC and BB that buy games from me on a constant basis because we have it 3-4 days before them. Pre-sells ensure that you will get that game on day 1. You dont need to run around looking for it, and you dont lose any money, so its win-win for you the customer. To complain about a service that HELPS you is crazy.
To speak about Tales of Sym. that game was and still remains in tight allocation. Namco is at fault, not the retailers. Reserves were filled, but other than that, there were not many extras made. Keep in mind at EB you CAN NOT lose your money. We keep your names in our computers, not on scraps of paper.

Also, maybe you all havent notice, but EB is a large company, around 2000 stores in size. We run TONS of specials to maximize the value customers can get at our stores. I have 7 years of exp. in this field, and the main thing I can say that sets us apart from the Big Boxs is simple. We will actually help you. I know sometimes you might not want help, but how often do you hear about people going into Wal-mart or BB and coming out saying " Wow, Steve really helped me out." I hear, and say alot more, " Did you even see a working in the <insert your dept. you needed help here>?" Case in point. Went into Best Buy looking for Aqua Teen #2. Spent 20 mins in the DVD dept. Never even got a glance. I asked someone for help from a neighboring dept, they dissapeared never to be seen again.
We might be persistant, but at least we are helping, or have a reason to say what we do.

Remember, if your local EB has good employees almost EVERYTHING they say will be to your benifit. BTW, Spiderman had a trade-in bonus, 5 games=$50. Sales,bonuses, and all other things to your benifit almost always have to be communicated by the workers.

If you want to complain about a specific person at EB or say great things about one, start a new string about EB service. I will check it and send important info in for you.

Dont respond about spelling errors ect. Not worth anyones time.

If you don't like what they do, just dont shop there. Thats what I do. I tend to buy my games from the non EB or GS B&M stores. I agree they do not have fair trade in prices. Go to a mom and pop store, they will 98% give you more in both trade in and cash. If you don't like that there is always ebay. I agree EB is doing buisness, its just bad business.

And bullshit on the prebook and it will be here on day 1. Best buy has preorder sheets where you actually have a choice whether to preorder games no having a prepubescent boy trying to push a preorder for Madden 2010 just so he can get keep his misserable job. At BB they usually will guarantee that they will have the game on xx/xx/20xx date, which is 1 or 2 days after the release date.

Try again EZMONEYCFB.

[ukhoops]

EB and Gamestop do get games earlier than most everyone else as a rule. That is one benefit of preordering. The other being, with a few exceptions, the amount of a game the store gets is based on how many they preorder. Little or no preorders, very few games to sell. Thats why the smaller titles and sleepers sell out so quick, no one will preorder because "there are always plenty, I dont need to preorder"

If you dont like preordering, fine. Just dont whine and bitch when you can't find the game you want day 1. You could have had it guaranteed.

[EZMONEYCFB]

We get all the big New Releases on Tuesday.

Best buy gets shipments on Thursday. If they get the game out that day its a 2 day min. Usually where Im at its Friday they get the new games out, so thats 3 days.
Also for all the complaining people are doing about trades Im a little surprised that someone hasnt said how great they have done with trades.
When I am done with a game, and I mean I definitally will not play it again, I trade it in. You can get as much as $30-35 on a more recent title. $25 is usually the top, but thats still pretty good if you arent gonna be playing it any more.
Dont forget too, if you trade in a game, its not like we instantly sell it. The reason you sometimes dont get much is due to a little buisness term called supply and demand. I have games in my store that have been on the shelf for 2 years, and I am willing to bet will be there in 2 more, City Crisis PS2.
Overall, most people have good exp. in EB Games stores, hence why we have grown 1300 stores in less than 3 years. We dont "rob" people, car sales people do that on both sides of the ball. We offer more solutions for you to pay, with trades. And we have games first, at least 2 days. We offer a much bigger selection than the Big Box stores. Our people usually have actually played a game, or some games, unlike the help you find in Big Boxs.

Lastly, maybe its just me, but when are people gonna get smart and quit shopping at Wal-Mart. They are proven to break law after law, but people need to save that .12c on toilet paper? Child labor law infractions, more than ALL OTHER MAJOR employers in the USA last year. Look it up since your online, its true. The immagrant cleaning team, just horrible, yet I have Mex-Amer. friends who dont care. To shop at Wal-Mart is just asking for yourself to eventually get your job taken, and then to be offered the same by them for less pay. Ive seen alot of great private shops close due to Wal-Mart, and lots of people lose jobs or pay because of them.

BTW, working at an EB I can honestly say that if you go to WAl-Mart, or Best Buy, excuding the sales games they might have, we are CHEAPER on about 80% of the games they carry. Go into a Best buy ask how many games dropped in price that day....Then go into EB, youll hear a big difference.
Any game thats been out more than 2 months, will be way cheaper at EB. And if it wasnt as good as it was supposed to be, Rainbow 6 on PS2, it will be cheaper even faster still. We has a $20 store credit on that like 2 weeks after release.

Wal-Mart lovers, please look up the facts before posting flames on this.
I didnt even get into the facts about thier elderly help, or the fact Ive never been helped to ANY degree by a Wal-Mart employee in ANY dept.

[mariomarino]

We get all the big New Releases on Tuesday.

Best buy gets shipments on Thursday. If they get the game out that day its a 2 day min. Usually where Im at its Friday they get the new games out, so thats 3 days.
Also for all the complaining people are doing about trades Im a little surprised that someone hasnt said how great they have done with trades.
When I am done with a game, and I mean I definitally will not play it again, I trade it in. You can get as much as $30-35 on a more recent title. $25 is usually the top, but thats still pretty good if you arent gonna be playing it any more.
Dont forget too, if you trade in a game, its not like we instantly sell it. The reason you sometimes dont get much is due to a little buisness term called supply and demand. I have games in my store that have been on the shelf for 2 years, and I am willing to bet will be there in 2 more, City Crisis PS2.
Overall, most people have good exp. in EB Games stores, hence why we have grown 1300 stores in less than 3 years. We dont "rob" people, car sales people do that on both sides of the ball. We offer more solutions for you to pay, with trades. And we have games first, at least 2 days. We offer a much bigger selection than the Big Box stores. Our people usually have actually played a game, or some games, unlike the help you find in Big Boxs.

Lastly, maybe its just me, but when are people gonna get smart and quit shopping at Wal-Mart. They are proven to break law after law, but people need to save that .12c on toilet paper? Child labor law infractions, more than ALL OTHER MAJOR employers in the USA last year. Look it up since your online, its true. The immagrant cleaning team, just horrible, yet I have Mex-Amer. friends who dont care. To shop at Wal-Mart is just asking for yourself to eventually get your job taken, and then to be offered the same by them for less pay. Ive seen alot of great private shops close due to Wal-Mart, and lots of people lose jobs or pay because of them.

BTW, working at an EB I can honestly say that if you go to WAl-Mart, or Best Buy, excuding the sales games they might have, we are CHEAPER on about 80% of the games they carry. Go into a Best buy ask how many games dropped in price that day....Then go into EB, youll hear a big difference.
Any game thats been out more than 2 months, will be way cheaper at EB. And if it wasnt as good as it was supposed to be, Rainbow 6 on PS2, it will be cheaper even faster still. We has a $20 store credit on that like 2 weeks after release.

Wal-Mart lovers, please look up the facts before posting flames on this.
I didnt even get into the facts about thier elderly help, or the fact Ive never been helped to ANY degree by a Wal-Mart employee in ANY dept.

This commercial brought to you by EBgames. Now back to our regularly scheduled forum.

[Reality's Fringe]

It's true that EB/Gamestop drop prices on games more often but they don't drop them in large incrememnts baring a universal price change. Let's look at all those wonderful new release games that are $44.99. As for the whole preorder deal, I can see this to a degree on games such as Tales of symphonia; but when MAdden 2005 is pushed like there's no tommorow on a Preorder I sit back and laugh. I've been there and done that when i comes to the whole gamestore thing, and I can honestly say that the Used game market is the only thing I can see keeping those places in business.

[asuitor]

Dude a little insight into the world of pre-orders, Places like EB and gamestop only get "X"Amount of copies the more they get in presells that number goes up. If EB gets 1 presell they get like 20 copies of the game. No presells they get 3 copies if they get like 20 preorders they get 60 copies of the game. If no one preorders it the company thinks there is no interest in that area thus the low amount of copies of the game.

[mariomarino]

As long as EBgames employees are allowed to speak this thread will never die. This happened to me on 11/10/04......I went into EBgames and picked up my pre-ordered copy of Jak3 and thought I would take advantage of the deal they had where you trade in a working gameboy advance and get $25 off a gba sp. So I give the woman behind the counter the coupon and the old gba and she asks what color I want , blah blah blah. This woman is about 5' tall and the GBA SP's are on a shelf about 10-12' off the ground. She goes and gets one of those ladders on wheels and trys to snag one but they are stacked obout 8 high, and she can only just reach the bottom one. Her attempt to pull the bottom one out, while keeping the other 7 up was unsuccessful and 4 or 5 came tumbling down hitting her in the head and falling to the floor. The manager comes over and sees if she is ok and starts picking up the SP's off the floor and puts one on the counter for me to purchase. I say "Do you mind if I get one still on the shelf that didnt just take a 12' fall to the ground?" and he says "Oh they are made to take that kind of impact" and I say " Let me get this straight, Nintendo engineered the SP to take a 12' fall and hit a concrete floor and be O.K.?" and he says " Yep". I said could you please humor me and he got me one from the shelf. Then the smartass has the balls to ask me if I wanted to buy the extended warranty on it and I declined and he says with a smirk "Ya never know when you might drop it"

[guessed]

As long as EBgames employees are allowed to speak this thread will never die. This happened to me on 11/10/04......I went into EBgames and picked up my pre-ordered copy of Jak3 and thought I would take advantage of the deal they had where you trade in a working gameboy advance and get $25 off a gba sp. So I give the woman behind the counter the coupon and the old gba and she asks what color I want , blah blah blah. This woman is about 5' tall and the GBA SP's are on a shelf about 10-12' off the ground. She goes and gets one of those ladders on wheels and trys to snag one but they are stacked obout 8 high, and she can only just reach the bottom one. Her attempt to pull the bottom one out, while keeping the other 7 up was unsuccessful and 4 or 5 came tumbling down hitting her in the head and falling to the floor. The manager comes over and sees if she is ok and starts picking up the SP's off the floor and puts one on the counter for me to purchase. I say "Do you mind if I get one still on the shelf that didnt just take a 12' fall to the ground?" and he says "Oh they are made to take that kind of impact" and I say " Let me get this straight, Nintendo engineered the SP to take a 12' fall and hit a concrete floor and be O.K.?" and he says " Yep". I said could you please humor me and he got me one from the shelf. Then the smartass has the balls to ask me if I wanted to buy the extended warranty on it and I declined and he says with a smirk "Ya never know when you might drop it"

Please tell me you replied with "I'm not worried, I've been told that Nintendo manufactures them to withstand a 12-foot drop".

[mariomarino]

Please tell me you replied with "I'm not worried, I've been told that Nintendo manufactures them to withstand a 12-foot drop".

Doh! Damn that would have been a great comeback. Where were ya when I needed ya "Guessed"?

[sying]

Dude a little insight into the world of pre-orders, Places like EB and gamestop only get "X"Amount of copies the more they get in presells that number goes up. If EB gets 1 presell they get like 20 copies of the game. No presells they get 3 copies if they get like 20 preorders they get 60 copies of the game. If no one preorders it the company thinks there is no interest in that area thus the low amount of copies of the game.

Seems like a flawed metric to me. Its line EB employees are one small step above used car salesmen. Why would be sooo anxious to sell, nay push upon us a preorder, when maybe 75% of the people actually pick it up and the other 25% just use the store credit for something else. The damn preorders are only held for 48 hours anyway. Why not forecast better and not use a tactic that drives customers away.

[sying]

It's true that EB/Gamestop drop prices on games more often but they don't drop them in large incrememnts baring a universal price change. Let's look at all those wonderful new release games that are $44.99. As for the whole preorder deal, I can see this to a degree on games such as Tales of symphonia; but when MAdden 2005 is pushed like there's no tommorow on a Preorder I sit back and laugh. I've been there and done that when i comes to the whole gamestore thing, and I can honestly say that the Used game market is the only thing I can see keeping those places in business.

You also have to realize that the current gen of consoles are nearing the end of thier respective life cycles. The same thing happened with the N64 and PSX. The products in its early stages in its life cycle are more price rigid, whereas in the later stages its more subject to price changes

[zionoverfire]

It's true that EB/Gamestop drop prices on games more often but they don't drop them in large incrememnts baring a universal price change. Let's look at all those wonderful new release games that are $44.99. As for the whole preorder deal, I can see this to a degree on games such as Tales of symphonia; but when MAdden 2005 is pushed like there's no tommorow on a Preorder I sit back and laugh. I've been there and done that when i comes to the whole gamestore thing, and I can honestly say that the Used game market is the only thing I can see keeping those places in business.

You also have to realize that the current gen of consoles are nearing the end of thier respective life cycles. The same thing happened with the N64 and PSX. The products in its early stages in its life cycle are more price rigid, whereas in the later stages its more subject to price changes

You do realize that those quotes are 3 months old. :?

[Indiana]

Dude a little insight into the world of pre-orders, Places like EB and gamestop only get "X"Amount of copies the more they get in presells that number goes up. If EB gets 1 presell they get like 20 copies of the game. No presells they get 3 copies if they get like 20 preorders they get 60 copies of the game. If no one preorders it the company thinks there is no interest in that area thus the low amount of copies of the game.

Which makes sense for games that are not mainstream. But if I am getting a mainstream game like Halo2 or Madden 2005... I'm sure to find a copy at Best Buy... there is no need to preorder unless you are offerring some sort of bonus.

[mariomarino]

The only reasons I preorder anything is 1. They call me and remind me when the game is released and 2. I usually get it a day before its released to Target or BestBuy