F-ing Gamestop...tried to sell me a 'NEW' game with NO CASE/MANUAL

[karkyco]

So I go into Gamestop a couple of hours ago, and notice that they have Etrian Odyssey with a NEW sticker, priced at $19.99, in one of their stock DS boxes with the stock Gamestop wraparound.

So I take a chance that they actually have a new copy available and take the box up and ask the miserable looking, hates-her-life emo/goth girl behind the counter "do you have this new?"

She snaps back, "uh YEAH, that's why the box is on the shelf."

So I hand her the box and a used Metal Slug Wii, both games I can't find anywhere else, and tell her to ring me up. She proceeds to PULL OUT THE Etrian Odyssey card AND PUTS IT IN THE STOCK BOX AND TRIES TO RING ME UP.

I go, "what are you doing? I want a NEW copy of the game."

The manager says "well that IS new, it's just that the display boxes often get stolen."

Not my problem, ASSHOLE. Bad enough when they sell the gutted games as "new", now these cocksuckers are trying to sell GAME ONLY copies of games as NEW? Are you shitting me? Then on top of that the effing Metal Slug Anthology had NO MANUAL.

Fucking Bastards.

[chakan]

Welcome to 2 years ago.

You should never buy "new" at GS

[callmesteam]

yup... welcome to GameSh!t... they did the same thing to me with Cooking Mama a year and a half ago. told me they didnt have it unopened(this was minutes after their shipment arrived, on the release date for the game), sold me an opened new copy, sold the girl behind a sealed copy...

i haven't set foot inside GameSh!t since and, thanks to Amazon, haven't regretted my decision to stop giving them my business.

[ITDEFX]

Welcome to gamestop, where if you didn't buy it the first week of release or pre-ordered it, the chances of getting a non-gutted copy is slim. :(

[blackbird3216]

oh yeah. I was inside at GS the day after Christmas to check out the b1G1 free sale on used games(i think that's what it was), and the lady behind the counter was trying to sell a man with no knowledge of games a USED copy of some DS game for FULL price. they said "Oh, sure, this copy is new, everything's fine, the game card is brand new, except there's no manual and the case is open." ????

If it's open, and has no manual, then it ain't new. Too bad that guy lost his money. Their crooks. Selling used games as new.

[karkyco]

Yeah but the "New" game wasn't just gutted - IT WAS NOW A GAME-ONLY copy. NO ORIGINAL MANUAL, NO ORIGINAL CASE. NEW PRICE. What the hell?!?

It would be as if they handed you a disc only of any game and said "okay here's your new copy". How could they even consider charging new price? If they had the case and manual at the very least, I would grudgingly take their "new" copy. But without the case and manual, AND still trying to ring me up at new price?

[kell]

Yeah but the "New" game wasn't just gutted - IT WAS NOW A GAME-ONLY copy. NO ORIGINAL MANUAL, NO ORIGINAL CASE. NEW PRICE.

I hadn't been in a GS for a while, imagine why..., but I went to some looking for a Metal Slug Anthology when the price dropped. In most of the stores I noticed the disc only "New" copies were quite common.

One store had a sealed of MS. When I saw it, it was a reseal and I told them I didn't want it. One cashier said it was factory sealed...then I point out that the GS sticker was underneath the seal. Both cashiers looked at me in disgust, like I'm a freak, and rolled their eyes.

[Scorch]

Yeah but the "New" game wasn't just gutted - IT WAS NOW A GAME-ONLY copy. NO ORIGINAL MANUAL, NO ORIGINAL CASE. NEW PRICE. What the hell?!?

This is the first time in the history of the world that this has ever happened and there's not a ton of posts on here with people complaining about the exact same thing.

Shop elsewhere. They won't change their practices.

[Hybrid5006]

What's with all the GS hate? Is it their fault someone stole the case?

In a perfect society, they could put sealed games up on the wall and the problem of the "gut" would be solved. BUT NOO!!!! Society is full of shit and shoplifting is common. From a store that only sells games, they don't make much profit. They simply can not afford it because they only sell games, so if their games are stolen, they got nothing else. So don't complain that the games are "guts" or that there are no cases sometime, blame the d-bags who steal things!

[Jobbercho]

No Way!!!!!!!

[kell]

From a store that only sells games, they don't make much profit.

Net Income: $158,250,000

for period ending 02-03-2007

[karkyco]

What's with all the GS hate? Is it their fault someone stole the case?

In a perfect society, they could put sealed games up on the wall and the problem of the "gut" would be solved. BUT NOO!!!! Society is full of shit and shoplifting is common. From a store that only sells games, they don't make much profit. They simply can not afford it because they only sell games, so if their games are stolen, they got nothing else. So don't complain that the games are "guts" or that there are no cases sometime, blame the d-bags who steal things!

To hell with the douchebags that steal the empty game cases, yeah they suck, but Gamestop equally sucks ass for being so damn concerned with the bottom line that they don't just make photocopies of game fronts and backs, or put the games in plastic shells with theft deterrent magentized strips like all the other stores do.

As for those saying "well duh, they've been doing this forever..." I know damn well they've been selling opened and sometimes employee borrowed games as new for years now, but this is the first I've ever heard of them trying to actually sell a game, without the original packaging, as new.

Guess if you want to shop at Gamestop you need to buy the game only used copies, and if you want a case/manual for it, you need to steal that from another Gamestop. Ridiculous.

I even asked the bitch if the game was NEW, as in, COMPLETE. And she said yes then tried to ring that shit up. Absurd.

[chakan]

What's with all the GS hate? Is it their fault someone stole the case?

.... From a store that only sells games, they don't make much profit. They simply can not afford it because they only sell games, so if their games are stolen, they got nothing else....

This is the stupidest post I've read all week. Gamestop had RECORD earnings last year.

[dafoomie]

What's with all the GS hate? Is it their fault someone stole the case?
Its their fault for trying to sell a game they opened as new. Open is not new. No need to be angry, simply don't buy anything as 'new' if its not factory sealed.

What idiot puts the manual on display anyway?

[vanilla_shakin_it]

I wish I had responded to this thread earlier so that my snarky response of something along the lines of "welcome to two years ago now never shop there again" seemed a little fresh.
And I was pretty stupid because before I just stopped shopping there all together I actually fell for this a few times. The last and second time I did this was when I bought a wii and for some reason could not find twilight princess ANYWHERE except of course the one opened "new" copy at gamestop. So yeah, I was desperate. BUT NEVER AGAIN!

[mykevermin]

What's with all the GS hate? Is it their fault someone stole the case?

In a perfect society, they could put sealed games up on the wall and the problem of the "gut" would be solved. BUT NOO!!!! Society is full of shit and shoplifting is common. From a store that only sells games, they don't make much profit. They simply can not afford it because they only sell games, so if their games are stolen, they got nothing else. So don't complain that the games are "guts" or that there are no cases sometime, blame the d-bags who steal things!

Tell your bosses to order 'dummy cases.' That's what the TRUs around me do.

[CheapBastardToo]

What's with all the GS hate? Is it their fault someone stole the case?

In a perfect society, they could put sealed games up on the wall and the problem of the "gut" would be solved. BUT NOO!!!! Society is full of shit and shoplifting is common. From a store that only sells games, they don't make much profit. They simply can not afford it because they only sell games, so if their games are stolen, they got nothing else. So don't complain that the games are "guts" or that there are no cases sometime, blame the d-bags who steal things!


Where does this silly misconception about Gamestop not making much profit come from? Based on their financial data their profit margins are at least 20% for new, 40%+ for used. The company generates an amazing amount of profit. Yet people periodically bring up this "not much profit" assertion, as if Gamestop is some sort of a charity business.

[SlimJim0725]

What's with all the GS hate? Is it their fault someone stole the case?

In a perfect society, they could put sealed games up on the wall and the problem of the "gut" would be solved. BUT NOO!!!! Society is full of shit and shoplifting is common. From a store that only sells games, they don't make much profit. They simply can not afford it because they only sell games, so if their games are stolen, they got nothing else. So don't complain that the games are "guts" or that there are no cases sometime, blame the d-bags who steal things!


except we can blame gamestop. they make enough money to order "clamshells" like toys r us does. order in bulk like they probably do and they save on shipping too, i doubt they would lose much money at all. in fact, in the long run, i would imagine it would bring them in more money since it will get return customers for new games.

having worked at gamestop before, i know their practices and it is shady at best. as a gamer/collector of games, whatever you want to call me, once a games seal has been broken, it is no longer a new game and should not be considered one. they could do a number of things over gutting them that would work just as well. they could get glass cases along the walls for each new section and lock the games in there or they could put clamshells like i said before.

[YoshiFan1]

I have seen "new" games like that before as well, they are supposed to offer 10% off if it's a "new" disc/cart only game. Not that 10% off would convince me to buy a game like that.

[eliter1]

I hate when that happens. Although along time ago when the first Budakai GC game came out i bought it and got some game i cant remember free. They where "new". I played them both and then i decided they were not worth it so i went to return them without a recipt. They tried to give me trade in credit but i told the clerk they were new but i had got them like that. He then gave me a full refund on both games. I made like $40

[Demontooth]

So I go into Gamestop a couple of hours ago, and notice that they have Etrian Odyssey with a NEW sticker, priced at $19.99, in one of their stock DS boxes with the stock Gamestop wraparound.

So I take a chance that they actually have a new copy available and take the box up and ask the miserable looking, hates-her-life emo/goth girl behind the counter "do you have this new?"

She snaps back, "uh YEAH, that's why the box is on the shelf."

So I hand her the box and a used Metal Slug Wii, both games I can't find anywhere else, and tell her to ring me up. She proceeds to PULL OUT THE Etrian Odyssey card AND PUTS IT IN THE STOCK BOX AND TRIES TO RING ME UP.

I go, "what are you doing? I want a NEW copy of the game."

The manager says "well that IS new, it's just that the display boxes often get stolen."

Not my problem, ASSHOLE. Bad enough when they sell the gutted games as "new", now these cocksuckers are trying to sell GAME ONLY copies of games as NEW? Are you shitting me? Then on top of that the effing Metal Slug Anthology had NO MANUAL.

Fucking Bastards.

Did you buy the games?

[davyd]

I always wondered about the new stickers on the generic cases. I never thought about people stealing the display copies.

Seems to me like in this case it would be the store's responsibility to move that copy over to used status and just take the loss.

Just remember, people, most of the time it's *not* the clerk's fault when things like this happen. They're just following the rules they have to.

[karkyco]

Did you buy the games?

Oh hell no I didn't.

And speaking of buying extra clamshells, they MUST do that already! How else do they get the 'extra' DS cases and game cases to put their crappy "Used/New Game" wraparound in?

Does it really take that much effort and cost so much to make the damn color photocopies of the cover art? Hell, they could do it at a central location and distribute the sheets as necessary to individual stores.

[davyd]

There's probably a copyrights issue to the photocopy method.

[srad1968]

OK, here is some insider info from a Gamestop manager.

First of all just because you have a bad experience in one Gamestop doesn't mean that all Gamestops suck.

Here is what I do in my store when a case is stolen. I will take a look through my used stock to see if I happen to have a perfect used case/manual that I can use for the new one. If not I make the inventory adjustment from new to used. I will not sell a game for a new price with a generic case and/or no manual. I wouldn't buy it, so I wouldn't sell it. To me this is the right thing to do.

Now as for the comment about leaving the manuals in the cases, well I do that in my store. For two reasons...

#1 if my customer would like more information on the game all they have to do is open up the case and read the book.

#2 storing those books in with the disks would take up a bunch of space that I just don't have.

That being said I will admit that theft is not a huge problem at my store. Mainly because we actually get out from behind the counter and talk to our customers. Hard to steal when an employee is talking to you.

[b3b0p]

Best Buy doesn't have this problem. Wal-Mart puts their shit in a glass case.

Stopped shopping at Gamestop years ago. It's Amazon or bust for me.

[IAmTheCheapestGamer]

What's with all the GS hate? Is it their fault someone stole the case?

In a perfect society, they could put sealed games up on the wall and the problem of the "gut" would be solved. BUT NOO!!!! Society is full of shit and shoplifting is common. From a store that only sells games, they don't make much profit. They simply can not afford it because they only sell games, so if their games are stolen, they got nothing else. So don't complain that the games are "guts" or that there are no cases sometime, blame the d-bags who steal things!

Last time I checked, the Gamestops by me sold MANY other things other than 'just games', but yet there is NO excuse for not ordering the extra cases(or using the cases from those games they only pay .15-.30 for, like the yearly sports titles)and simply color copying the cover art from ONE copy of each title on the wall in the new section.

In this way, they only have ONE gutted copy for people to gripe about and they may actually make some collectors really happy by doing so.

However, Gamestop is all about the $$$$$, so anything that would take away from their bottom line is a big no-no.

Of course, back in the PS2/Xbox era they could've made an arrangement with Blockbuster, where a friend of mine worked as a manager. She told me they simply tossed out the cases after making their limited number of display copies and gave me a couple bags full of cases for the PS2/Xbox the one night from the new games they just got in that prior week.

[bigdaddybruce44]

However, Gamestop is all about the $$$$$, so anything that would take away from their bottom line is a big no-no.

Not for nothing, but what corporation isn't like this? Unsuccessful ones.

GS's margin for new stuff is quite small, so it is no surprise that they cut corners where ever they can. They make their real profits off of used stuff.

[joshnorm]

OK, here is some insider info from a Gamestop manager.

First of all just because you have a bad experience in one Gamestop doesn't mean that all Gamestops suck.

Here is what I do in my store when a case is stolen. I will take a look through my used stock to see if I happen to have a perfect used case/manual that I can use for the new one. If not I make the inventory adjustment from new to used. I will not sell a game for a new price with a generic case and/or no manual. I wouldn't buy it, so I wouldn't sell it. To me this is the right thing to do.

Now as for the comment about leaving the manuals in the cases, well I do that in my store. For two reasons...

#1 if my customer would like more information on the game all they have to do is open up the case and read the book.

#2 storing those books in with the disks would take up a bunch of space that I just don't have.

That being said I will admit that theft is not a huge problem at my store. Mainly because we actually get out from behind the counter and talk to our customers. Hard to steal when an employee is talking to you.

So then maybe you can answer the question as to why they sell both gutted games and attempt to sell games that have no case as new. Obviously the last one is rare and that manager should have had his magazine rack kicked over and glitter thrown.... But why does EB sell gutted games? Last time I checked other retail places don't do this (BB, CC, TRU, Wal Mart) so why does GS have to do this? if its because they want the cases there so people can look at them why don't they do the photocopied deal or use security cases. Just want to know the corporate stand on this

I have never bought a gutted GS game since its not new (most likely taken home by an employee to play or was scratched due to mis-handling) but I do frequent GS often.

[dafoomie]

OK, here is some insider info from a Gamestop manager.
My GS/EB has excellent customer service (usually) and will even go out of their way to shrinkwrap used games in new, unstickied cases if its a gift. They don't try to pull the open games as new thing, and the vast majority of their used selection includes case and manual. Others in the area, however, open every 'new' game and store the disc separately, and have next to no cases or manuals for used games. I've stopped visiting those locations.

Its true that there is great variation between each individual store.

[yukafls]

fucking Gamestop, I can sometimes get good stuff from there but otherwise I don't buy unless sealed

[ITDEFX]

fucking Gamestop, I can sometimes get good stuff from there but otherwise I don't buy unless sealed

Same here, but I usually don't shop there unless they have a 10% coupon up.

[gareman]

Why do they have clamshells and photocopied covers for games that haven't come out yet? But they don't for games that are actually released.

I got my first gutted 'new" game last week. I got skate with the 360 extra 10 bucks thing, and when he rang the game we both looked at each and I saw sadness in sales person's eyes (he's a really cool dude), and I looked at the case and manual and it was prestige, so I just said thank you and left.

I was being a pussy for not throwin' a fit.

[bigdaddybruce44]

Why do they have clamshells and photocopied covers for games that haven't come out yet? But they don't for games that are actually released.

I got my first gutted 'new" game last week. I got skate with the 360 extra 10 bucks thing, and when he rang the game we both looked at each and I saw sadness in sales person's eyes (he's a really cool dude), and I looked at the case and manual and it was prestige, so I just said thank you and left.

I was being a pussy for not throwin' a fit.

You actually have a great point there. For a corporation trying to nickel and dime us everyway they can, you would think they would skip out on the MULTIPLE displays boxes for pre-order games. I don't know what kind of market research they have done, but I cannot those things motivating a lot of people to pre-order. If anything, they probably disappoint people, making them think for a moment that the game is out.

That actually happened to me the other day with MLB 2K8. I saw the box out of the corner of my eye, and thought for a split second, "Maybe they moved up the release even further this year."

[phear3d]

OK, here is some insider info from a Gamestop manager.

First of all just because you have a bad experience in one Gamestop doesn't mean that all Gamestops suck.

yeah, like what, 3 or 4 out of 10 gamestops are good while the rest are shitholes? i dont mean to imply or disrespect towards your defense but when you have more stores that suck it tends to stick out more than the ones that doesn't.

your company should be concern towards bad business practices rather than just counting money and making their monthly or quarterly goals. i guess when you have so much money, nothing else matters. people will always shop at gamestop no matter how bad it is. they are at risk of being treated poorly.

for every bad experience at gamestop, you'll probably loose about 10 to 20 customers. for every negative gaming blog post or a website such as this, possibly a few thousand customers.

[bigdaddybruce44]

As much as I don't like GameStop, I will still shop there, so I guess I am part of the problem. I can't pass up some of their sales (especially the recent of 25% off used games coupons), and I tend to pre-order a few games through GS.com, when they have their free overnight shipping deals.

[R1V3R5]

Gamestop sucks. The one near me is full of ignorant prick fanboys who treat their customers like shit. I have only been there once since the Gears of War* incident and that was because they were offering bonus trades towards a preorder on The Orange Box. I had some games I didn't need and I wanted The Orange Box cheaply, so I bit the bullet and went there. Only then it was because I saw a deal there posted here on CAG.


*The Gears of War incident I'm talking about was them taking preorders a year ahead of time, hyping the game, and then not having the game on it's release. I got my money back and drove across the street where I promptly bought it at BestBuy. In my opinion, having a game as big as Gears Of War as soon as it comes out should be a priority for a store that specializes in games.

[bigdaddybruce44]

I'm going to assume that this GoW incident involved a knocked-over magazine rack and massive amounts of glitter...am I right?

[R1V3R5]

I'm going to assume that this GoW incident involved a knocked-over magazine rack and massive amounts of glitter...am I right?

LOL! Yes!

Actually, I was just shocked they never got it in while BestBuy had it in stock (literally) across the street. Thankfully I had preordered and paid cash, so I just got a refund. Gamestop having games on day one was (to me) a big selling point and a reason I frequented there. Why bother if BestBuy or Circuit City have it in stock and are actually just as easy to drive to. However, I seldom get that excited over a game anymore and can wait a day or two if need be.

[Gameboy415]

This is why you should only buy USED games at Gamestop.
New games can almost always be found cheaper elsewhere, and even hard-to-find games can be found online.

I've certainly bought my fair share of "new" games from Gamestop over the years, but anytime they tried to give me a gutted copy I made sure it was complete (with manual/inserts) and checked the disc before paying.

A gutted game once in a while I can deal with, but paying full price for an INCOMPLETE game??
That's insane.

[norkusa]

Stopped shopping at Gamestop years ago. It's Amazon or bust for me.

Amen, brother. People constantly complain about Gamestop but they still shop there. The only way they'll ever change is if people stop supporting them. Otherwise, they'll keep running things the same way they've always been.

I haven't been inside a Gamestop/EB in at least a couple years. Amazon is the way to go. No sales tax + free shipping FTW.

[liono55]

So then maybe you can answer the question as to why they sell both gutted games and attempt to sell games that have no case as new. Obviously the last one is rare and that manager should have had his magazine rack kicked over and glitter thrown.... But why does EB sell gutted games? Last time I checked other retail places don't do this (BB, CC, TRU, Wal Mart) so why does GS have to do this? if its because they want the cases there so people can look at them why don't they do the photocopied deal or use security cases. Just want to know the corporate stand on this

I have never bought a gutted GS game since its not new (most likely taken home by an employee to play or was scratched due to mis-handling) but I do frequent GS often.


QFT!

Please oh please Mr. Insider tell us why must they open the dang cases! NEW means UNOPENED. PERIOD. No discussion around it, yet you have these clerks in the store getting mad at ME, because I'm requesting what they're "falsely advertising" for my hard-earned money! Wal-Mart, CC, BB, TRU don't have to open their cases to keep product from being stolen so these stores have no excuse, other than robbing the publishers/developers of their labor and time simply to profit and stay in business for THEMSELVES...very shady if I say so myself!

I understand it's a business and not a charity, and I never go into GS/EB looking for a hand-out (maybe a good deal though:D), but when there are ample, cheap solutions out there such as Best Buy's new practice of putting paper placeholders w/ cover art in a plastic case, then I have to wonder the continual intent on gutting games and calling them new. I refuse to purchase anything opened/not sealed, be it game, DVD, etc....they only get my money when the product is in that condition!

[opportunity777]

There's probably a copyrights issue to the photocopy method.

There must not be because I have seen stores do this.

What's with all the GS hate? Is it their fault someone stole the case?

In a perfect society, they could put sealed games up on the wall and the problem of the "gut" would be solved. BUT NOO!!!! Society is full of shit and shoplifting is common. From a store that only sells games, they don't make much profit. They simply can not afford it because they only sell games, so if their games are stolen, they got nothing else. So don't complain that the games are "guts" or that there are no cases sometime, blame the d-bags who steal things!

There's actually not enough hate going towards GS because they have been rakin' in the greenbacks for quite a while now.

From my own knowledge, this topic has been beaten to death at least a few dozen times. It's not hard to come with a ticket system (I'm not explaining, but think TRU of the late 80s early 90s) or something else to keep outsiders from stealing things (see mykevermin's or others posts).

Then, the only way someone could steal something is either A. work in the store or B. with a gun.

Problem solved.

The whole gutting and putting in the drawer is not even lazy. It's just unnecessarily stupid.

_____________________________

Just like Scorch and some others have mentioned that if someone doesn't like it, then he shouldn't shop there.

If enough people stop shopping there, then policy will change. It's never going to happen though because people are dumb, and the casual gamer / soccer mom / mentally-handicapped-when-it-comes-to-technology dad don't know or care about the situation.

Their business practices are a joke, and most GS employees treat their customers like dirt, but they don't have any real competition from other stores that exclusively sell games.

[srad1968]

I am not sure why Gamestop chooses to gut games. However I do know that they only sell the gutted copy when it is the last one. So it isn't like all the new games are gutted. Most new games that are sold at Gamestop are sealed. As a customer you always have a choice. If you go to buy the new copy and you are offered the gutted copy all you have to do is decline if this make you uncomfortable. I can fully understand that the game should be complete and in perfect condition if it is being sold as new. However, paying full price for an open game in perfect condition is not unreasonable (unless you were planning on keeping it sealed or wanted to save the cellophane). But like I said, if you are offered an open copy and you don't want it, just say "no thank you". Easy enough.

[bigdaddybruce44]

I am not sure why Gamestop chooses to gut games. However I do know that they only sell the gutted copy when it is the last one. So it isn't like all the new games are gutted. Most new games that are sold at Gamestop are sealed. As a customer you always have a choice. If you go to buy the new copy and you are offered the gutted copy all you have to do is decline if this make you uncomfortable. I can fully understand that the game should be complete and in perfect condition if it is being sold as new. However, paying full price for an open game in perfect condition is not unreasonable (unless you were planning on keeping it sealed or wanted to save the cellophane). But like I said, if you are offered an open copy and you don't want it, just say "no thank you". Easy enough.


While you make good points, you will inevitably be attacked for "spinning" things.

[Trenchalicious]

They are shady, you gotta keep those mofos on lock down. I always open the cases and check the condition of the manual and make sure their is one... if you don't, it's your fault if you get screwed. If they give you crap for it, you tell them ' do you want me to buy it or not?... Would you buy something without checking the condition?'... and they will leave you alone.

[liono55]

However, paying full price for an open game in perfect condition is not unreasonable (unless you were planning on keeping it sealed or wanted to save the cellophane). But like I said, if you are offered an open copy and you don't want it, just say "no thank you". Easy enough.


If it were only that simple and painless. You must have missed my line above about how they give you an attitude when you tell them that's not new and you would like a sealed copy. It's like you pulling teeth when they have to look in the drawer again, after trying to do a shady quick rang-up of the gutted copy, like that means I'm going to buy it! This type of response is irresponsible, because it takes too much into assupmtion. I have a backlog of over 170+ games, SEALED. I buy games, just like many others on CAG, because of the "deals of the moment" or when I think a game might become obscure and hard to find in retail. The reality stands, that I may never get to play most of these games, BUT I choose to purchase them now, rather than on Ebay or Amazon Mrkt later at mark-up. Now I have reciepts for all purchases, but guess what?? After 2-3 yrs sitting on my shelf at home, if I waltz into EB/GS, ANY store with that sealed copy and ask for a full refund and show them the dated reciept, they'll laugh me out the building as the time limit for return would have been long expired! But lo and behold, I have a SEALED copy, not a GUTTED one with a cheap sticker on the top of the case, so if I desire, I can put said game on Ebay, Amazon, Craiglist, etc, take a $5-$10 loss (maybe a profit if game is rare, in demand) instead of the paltry $15-for-game-I-paid-$50-for EB/GS will try to offer me and make MOST of my money back!

Now I'm a bit of a collector too, so I would never sell anything unless some unforseen financial crisis forced me to, but because that is always a possibility, my games MUST be sealed and unopened. The discerning gamer/collector such as myself, would never buy a PC or gutted game, and always welcome a sealed, mint copy, and not one posing as "new" with a damn sticker on the cover holding it together and leaving residue (We love the feel of fresh cellophane in the morning:mrgreen:). Since I know this, I make all purchases with the intent and hope that I'll get to enjoy them, but the harsh reality that if I have to let them go, I want to be able get MAXIMUM value for what I purchased. I will continue to shop at GS/EB because they have good price drops from time to time and there are so many around, it's easy to hit a bunch until I find my sealed copy, and I get my satisfaction in knowing I'm not supporting their used/gutted copy crap. GS/EB needs to stop "assuming" and follow Best Buy's system if their worried about theft and keep the games sealed for sale, simple as that...

[shinzero01]

I'm under the impression that a game is not new unless it has been unopened. I've been on the receiving end of scratched up "new" games from Gamestop that have come from their display copys. Even worse is when they sell you a copy that they let one of their employees take home to play. Not all Gamestops are like this, but the employees themselves are usually so detached from what they are doing that simply bringing their attention to the fact that you want a sealed copy seems to offend them. So far it seems like for every helpful employee at a Gamestop, theres three or four employees that will go out of their way to ruin your shopping experience.

I've actually seen a store manager harass an employees little sister when the employee went into the back room. The employee had helped his little sister choose Christmas gifts before the manager had called him to the back, then upon taking over the transaction, canceled the employee discount the guy gave to his sister and then try to convince her to buy used versions of the games she had chosen. The entire time he was harassing incoming customers for trade-ins. Now I dunno if the corporation is training these guys to be annoying, but this guy made me avoid Gamestop altogether for a few month.

I've also had positive experiences with them. Just last week I went to purchase Call of Duty 4 and the sealed copy turned out to be a floater. I had opened it in store and even the employees agreed that it was scratched up enough that they went and gave me a pristine display copy instead.


The Gears of War incident is something that happened to me as well. No Gamestops had the game, but then I went to Best Buy across the street and they not only had the limited edition, but they had tons of it.

[Allnatural]

I'm under the impression that a game is not new unless it has been unopened. I've been on the receiving end of scratched up "new" games from Gamestop that have come from their display copys.
Word. I might let the whole thing slide if the games still came in pristine condition, but more often than not (in my experience) the case is convered in greasy fingerprints, the manual is torn, and the disc looks as if it's been polished with a belt sander. When I decline such copies they have the gall to tell me "but it's never been played."

[bigdaddybruce44]

If it were only that simple and painless. You must have missed my line above about how they give you an attitude when you tell them that's not new and you would like a sealed copy. It's like you pulling teeth when they have to look in the drawer again, after trying to do a shady quick rang-up of the gutted copy, like that means I'm going to buy it! This type of response is irresponsible, because it takes too much into assupmtion. I have a backlog of over 170+ games, SEALED. I buy games, just like many others on CAG, because of the "deals of the moment" or when I think a game might become obscure and hard to find in retail. The reality stands, that I may never get to play most of these games, BUT I choose to purchase them now, rather than on Ebay or Amazon Mrkt later at mark-up. Now I have reciepts for all purchases, but guess what?? After 2-3 yrs sitting on my shelf at home, if I waltz into EB/GS, ANY store with that sealed copy and ask for a full refund and show them the dated reciept, they'll laugh me out the building as the time limit for return would have been long expired! But lo and behold, I have a SEALED copy, not a GUTTED one with a cheap sticker on the top of the case, so if I desire, I can put said game on Ebay, Amazon, Craiglist, etc, take a $5-$10 loss (maybe a profit if game is rare, in demand) instead of the paltry $15-for-game-I-paid-$50-for EB/GS will try to offer me and make MOST of my money back!

Now I'm a bit of a collector too, so I would never sell anything unless some unforseen financial crisis forced me to, but because that is always a possibility, my games MUST be sealed and unopened. The discerning gamer/collector such as myself, would never buy a PC or gutted game, and always welcome a sealed, mint copy, and not one posing as "new" with a damn sticker on the cover holding it together and leaving residue (We love the feel of fresh cellophane in the morning:mrgreen:). Since I know this, I make all purchases with the intent and hope that I'll get to enjoy them, but the harsh reality that if I have to let them go, I want to be able get MAXIMUM value for what I purchased. I will continue to shop at GS/EB because they have good price drops from time to time and there are so many around, it's easy to hit a bunch until I find my sealed copy, and I get my satisfaction in knowing I'm not supporting their used/gutted copy crap. GS/EB needs to stop "assuming" and follow Best Buy's system if their worried about theft and keep the games sealed for sale, simple as that...

Not for nothing, but it is that simple and painless. I go up to the counter, ask if they have a new copy of the game, and if they pull out the gutted copy and make for the case on the rack. I stop them. Easy as that. Could you potentially get an attitude? Yes. Oh, well. It never bothered me before, and it sure as hell doesn't bother me since I became a "cheap ass gamer." Asking people to scan things to see if the price is what some CAG said it was and then walking away when it isn't will get you some looks and nasty words. I'll live, as long as my wallet prospers.

[rainking187]

I tend to buy niche titles and I like to get my games on the release date, which are the only reasons I shop there. Most of the Gamestops I've been to will tell me they don't have any sealed copies of a game without looking, then continue ringing me up like I hadn't said anything. Wonder what their faces look like when I turn and walk out of the store.

[siderealshift]

You should never buy "new" at GSFixed.

[Green Goblin]

These is one other option that I'm surprised no one has brought up. Gamecrazy.

Gamecrazy keeps a long counter around about 60% of their store. On the back wall behind these counters, they have their new games on display IN THE CELLOPHANE. It's a simple way to display new games without having to worry about shoplifters. Same goes with Plastic shells, or glass cases around the new walls like Target. It's not that hard to do. Gamestop's just to lazy to rethink their new displays.

[bigdaddybruce44]

Gamestop's just to lazy to rethink their new displays.Sorry, but that isn't the case. They're too cheap. There's a difference. It is easy for us to say, "Do this, do that." It actually costs time and money to rearrange stores and/or install cases, get security devices, etc.

Right or wrong, it all comes down to money, and GameStop simply doesn't think it is worth it.

[Green Goblin]

Sorry, but that isn't the case. They're too cheap. There's a difference. It is easy for us to say, "Do this, do that." It actually costs time and money to rearrange stores and/or install cases, get security devices, etc.

Right or wrong, it all comes down to money, and GameStop simply doesn't think it is worth it.

Fair enough. Still reason enough for me to not buy there.

I go to Gamecrazy normally. Also, big name department stores like Target are pretty decent too.

[contej85]

I don't agree with GS, but to all you saying they should lock up games, or put devices on them, and all that, it's pretty well known in retail that every barrier put between a customer and a product decreases the chance of a sale. If they have to wait for someone to open a case, it's likely they may just leave. Once an item is in their hands, they are much more likely to buy it. GS won't change this practice anytime soon, as it is one of the many reasons they maintain such profitability.

These is one other option that I'm surprised no one has brought up. Gamecrazy.

Gamecrazy keeps a long counter around about 60% of their store. On the back wall behind these counters, they have their new games on display IN THE CELLOPHANE. It's a simple way to display new games without having to worry about shoplifters. Same goes with Plastic shells, or glass cases around the new walls like Target. It's not that hard to do. Gamestop's just to lazy to rethink their new displays.

No, they just enjoy being much more profitable. As said above, once a customer can hold a product, they are much more likely to buy it. Since you don't want to let them hold the actual disk, you simply gut them, creating a win-win for GS where you have product in hand, but everything of value remains hidden away. There's a reason GS makes so much more than GC.

[Green Goblin]

I don't agree with GS, but to all you saying they should lock up games, or put devices on them, and all that, it's pretty well known in retail that every barrier put between a customer and a product decreases the chance of a sale. If they have to wait for someone to open a case, it's likely they may just leave. Once an item is in their hands, they are much more likely to buy it. GS won't change this practice anytime soon, as it is one of the many reasons they maintain such profitability.

Those are usually the customers who buy used anyways (and, obviously, don't care if a game is gutted or not). Keep the used games on display gutted and they'll be fine. For people determined to get the game new (ie: UNOPENED), keeping them behind a long counter, or in plastic shells or behind glass would be a step in the right direction.

[contej85]

Those are usually the customers who buy used anyways (and, obviously, don't care if a game is gutted or not). Keep the used games on display gutted and they'll be fine. For people determined to get the game new (ie: UNOPENED), keeping them behind a long counter, or in plastic shells or behind glass would be a step in the right direction.

No it wouldn't. Catering to the 0.01% who actually cares about the seal being broken is not going to be a step in the right direction for them with regard to sales. Yes, it would be great if they cares about the customer, but GS cares about the stockholders, and letting customers be able to get the product in their hands is a huge deal in retail. Anyone is sales knows that letting the customer take "ownership" of the product is half the battle. Once they have it in hand, they associate it with being "theirs". Putting a counter between them and the product would only hurt sales for the 99.99% of customers who just want a game to play.

you're also forgetting that they want the used and new titles RIGHT next to each other, so you can see the price difference easily, and even if it is only $5, most people will still buy the used copy. If they don't see both, many people will just grab the first one they see, and then it's up to the salesperson to push the used copy. Problem is that person has taken "ownership" of the new one, making it harder to sell them anything else.

You wouldn't believe the psychology that goes into selling you things.

[Green Goblin]

No, they just enjoy being much more profitable. As said above, once a customer can hold a product, they are much more likely to buy it. Since you don't want to let them hold the actual disk, you simply gut them, creating a win-win for GS where you have product in hand, but everything of value remains hidden away. There's a reason GS makes so much more than GC.



Actually, game stores make the majority of their money on used games, used hardware and accessories (both new AND used). The reason why Gamestop makes more than Gamecrazy is quite simple.

There are very few standalone Gamecrazies. Most are attached to a Hollywood video. This hinders Gamecrazy's location as it can't be placed in malls or other smaller locations. And with the falling back of sales from Movie stores in general (due to online rental deals), Hollywood Videos are often closing left and right. The main thing that keeps the Movie Gallery company alive is teh Gamecrazy division.

[contej85]

Actually, game stores make the majority of their money on used games, used hardware and accessories (both new AND used). The reason why Gamestop makes more than Gamecrazy is quite simple.

There are very few standalone Gamecrazies. Most are attached to a Hollywood video. This hinders Gamecrazy's location as it can't be placed in malls or other smaller locations. And with the falling back of sales from Movie stores in general (due to online rental deals), Hollywood Videos are often closing left and right. The main thing that keeps the Movie Gallery company alive is teh Gamecrazy division.

Again, wrong. Even on a store-by-store basis on average GS locations remain much more profitable. It's because they understand retail, and know exactly how to push the most usits of the most profitable product. As said above, having new and used copies next to each other is very important, and separating them with a counter where new copies are behind it, would only hinder that strategy. Putting the games in anti-theft devices would only hurt sales. This isn't my opinion, this is what years and years of study has shown to be the case in any type of sales.

[bigdaddybruce44]

I don't agree with GS, but to all you saying they should lock up games, or put devices on them, and all that, it's pretty well known in retail that every barrier put between a customer and a product decreases the chance of a sale. If they have to wait for someone to open a case, it's likely they may just leave. Once an item is in their hands, they are much more likely to buy it. GS won't change this practice anytime soon, as it is one of the many reasons they maintain such profitability.

Indeed. I wanted to say something similar before, but it wasn't getting worded right. Like it or not, GS is very profitable, so they are not going to change their ways.

[joshnorm]

I am not sure why Gamestop chooses to gut games. However I do know that they only sell the gutted copy when it is the last one. So it isn't like all the new games are gutted. Most new games that are sold at Gamestop are sealed. As a customer you always have a choice. If you go to buy the new copy and you are offered the gutted copy all you have to do is decline if this make you uncomfortable. I can fully understand that the game should be complete and in perfect condition if it is being sold as new. However, paying full price for an open game in perfect condition is not unreasonable (unless you were planning on keeping it sealed or wanted to save the cellophane). But like I said, if you are offered an open copy and you don't want it, just say "no thank you". Easy enough.

Here is the issue. If you want to buy a new game and have the cellophane on it is not only because you want to a new game and the sure fire way of getting said new game is by opening teh cellophane :shock: shocking I know, also you don't want to get the feeling that a company trying to get over on you by selling said game that is used as new.

Now here is my question. Why is it that I have seen employees grab a game out of the "new" display case and sign out for it (multiple stores I have seen this at) saying they really want to go play said game. Now from the looks of the sleeve that the game disc was from a gutted copy of a game. So when I asked the employee what was going on and if it was a perk of working there, he responded yea we get to "try out" new games when they are released so they can suggest them. Honestly that doesn't seem too new to me srad even if you guys are really careful when you are playing someone dolts yet to be bought gutted "NEW" copy of Lost Odessy or DMC4 it still isn't new. It has been used.

Srad I understand that the consumer has the right to say no but at the same time there are people that don't want to cause a scene or put up a fuss and just take the shit that is put in front of them which is wrong. There are plenty of people out there that would just take the gutted copy (people like my wife who bless her bought a gutted copy at a EB that was definatly played before) because they are told its new. Its a awful practice, you should at least admit to that.

[Green Goblin]

No it wouldn't. Catering to the 0.01% who actually cares about the seal being broken is not going to be a step in the right direction for them with regard to sales. Yes, it would be great if they cares about the customer, but GS cares about the stockholders, and letting customers be able to get the product in their hands is a huge deal in retail. Anyone is sales knows that letting the customer take "ownership" of the product is half the battle. Once they have it in hand, they associate it with being "theirs". Putting a counter between them and the product would only hurt sales for the 99.99% of customers who just want a game to play.

Last time I checked, Walmart and Target both sell more games than Gamestop. Both ONLY sell new AND keep their games behind glass cases.

you're also forgetting that they want the used and new titles RIGHT next to each other, so you can see the price difference easily, and even if it is only $5, most people will still buy the used copy. If they don't see both, many people will just grab the first one they see, and then it's up to the salesperson to push the used copy. Problem is that person has taken "ownership" of the new one, making it harder to sell them anything else.if the new one is behind something, it's not theirs yet. From there, the clerk can say "we've also got this pre-owned if you wanna save 10 bucks." If anything, that helps my point about putting them behind the glass. The person would be less attached to the new, and more to the used, which is available for them to grab

You wouldn't believe the psychology that goes into selling you things.I must admit, I'm finding this rather interesting.

[joshnorm]

As said above, having new and used copies next to each other is very important, and separating them with a counter where new copies are behind it, would only hinder that strategy. Putting the games in anti-theft devices would only hurt sales. This isn't my opinion, this is what years and years of study has shown to be the case in any type of sales.

Really, since I know that Best Buy and others aren't hurting in the game sales department. And last time I checked you have to take said game up to the counter anyway so having it in a small case that would trigger an alarm that needs to be removed wouldn't impeaded the sales and still be able to show the compaison between new and Used.

[contej85]

Last time I checked, Walmart and Target both sell more games than Gamestop. Both ONLY sell new AND keep their games behind glass cases.

That is true, BUT, neither company could survive just selling games. They make barely a dime selling those games. They can keep them behind a counter because frankly, they could care less if you buy that game. GS has to turn a profit only selling games, while Target and Walmart will sell you that game, some groceries, a new couch, and some new clothes. You can't compare the 2.

if the new one is behind something, it's not theirs yet. From there, the clerk can say "we've also got this pre-owned if you wanna save 10 bucks." If anything, that helps my point about putting them behind the glass. The person would be less attached to the new, and more to the used, which is available for them to grab

That clerk is a barrier to the sale. They want EVERY chance to sell you a used copy. Look at it this way: Let's say that there's a 50% chance that someone will take the clerks advice and buy used. So if a customer asks for a new game, there's a 50% chance GS makes a used sale.

Now, let's say they put the new and used games out together. Now let's also say theres a 50% chance the customer will simply grab the used copy and be done with it after comparing the prices. Now, that means that half the people will try to buy a new copy. THEN GS can push used copies on 50% of those remaining people, meaning instead of 50%, 75% of customers leave with the used copy.

These numbers are of course bogus, but the point is GS would rather not have to rely on clerks to sell used copies. They are just another part of the machine for selling used games. [/quote]

I must admit, I'm finding this rather interesting.

As someone who was part of specialty retail management for years, I'm glad to help shed some light on this.

[jollydwarf]

Haven't set foot in a GameStop since the morning of November 19th, 2006. Don't have any plans to ever again.

Amazon + Liongames + eBay + the occasional Best Buy deal* for this asterisk addict!

*--And probably Steam in the future, I guess.

[contej85]

Really, since I know that Best Buy and others aren't hurting in the game sales department. And last time I checked you have to take said game up to the counter anyway so having it in a small case that would trigger an alarm that needs to be removed wouldn't impeaded the sales and still be able to show the compaison between new and Used.

2 things:

Stop comparing GS to big box retailers. BB, CC, they use games to bring you in, in the hopes they can sell you profitable items like cables and Geek Squad services. They don't use games as their bread and butter. You have to compare GS to other specialty retailers. You know why GS sells new games? To help ensure they have a supply of used stock rolling in later, so they can actually turn a profit. Much different from BB.

2, you just don't understand the mentality of the average consumer. If an item is in a theft prevention case, in their mind they don't take "ownership" of said item. The item still belongs to the store. When they are holding an item without that, in their mind, the item becomes there's very often, and they are unwilling to leave without it.


And now, I'm off to work. Can't wait to see where this thread ends up when I get back from using these very strategies to make tons of money this evening.

[Green Goblin]

As someone who was part of specialty retail management for years, I'm glad to help shed some light on this.


You honestly make valid points. From a corporate standpoint, I can understand the psychology involved. And obviously, I don't think the general consensus cares that much. There's still just that little pang in the back of my head that keeps going "this isn't new, damnit!!". I work at a Gamecrazy and quite a few of our customers were people dissatisfied with the service and products at Gamestop. Either it's the "new" games or them selling games that were scratched to hell and back (I still don't see why they don't have a disc cleaner in stores).

I know as a company, we don't make as much as Gamestop, but I still get paid more than the average gamestop employee, I get more hours, am allowed to give my own opinion on a game in front of my DM and don't have to lie through my teeth for shit-fifty an hour.

There's a genuine feeling of satisfaction when I've helped someone and I know that I've just made a new return customer.

[bigdaddybruce44]

2 things:

Stop comparing GS to big box retailers. BB, CC, they use games to bring you in, in the hopes they can sell you profitable items like cables and Geek Squad services. They don't use games as their bread and butter. You have to compare GS to other specialty retailers. You know why GS sells new games? To help ensure they have a supply of used stock rolling in later, so they can actually turn a profit. Much different from BB.

2, you just don't understand the mentality of the average consumer. If an item is in a theft prevention case, in their mind they don't take "ownership" of said item. The item still belongs to the store. When they are holding an item without that, in their mind, the item becomes there's very often, and they are unwilling to leave without it.


And now, I'm off to work. Can't wait to see where this thread ends up when I get back from using these very strategies to make tons of money this evening.

Right on...again...

[lanleague]

Why don't you just buy games at Walmart? They're sealed and cheaper than any other retail store. They also price match. You really can't go wrong with them.

[GuilewasNK]

What's with all the GS hate? Is it their fault someone stole the case?

In a perfect society, they could put sealed games up on the wall and the problem of the "gut" would be solved. BUT NOO!!!! Society is full of shit and shoplifting is common. From a store that only sells games, they don't make much profit. They simply can not afford it because they only sell games, so if their games are stolen, they got nothing else. So don't complain that the games are "guts" or that there are no cases sometime, blame the d-bags who steal things!

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/8971/picardfacepalmlt5.jpg

[NOXER]

I've been sold a new display copy of skate, at the time it wasn't a big deal but no case or manual WOW.

[Thomas96]

gamestop let their employees indulge in the video game stock way too often. I remember when Warhawk came out.. first day, they're trying to sell me an unsealed copy of the warhawk package. I could see the ear wax on the used ear piece. I left that shit right there.. the manager didn't want to give me a discount either.. weak sauce.

[bigdaddybruce44]

gamestop let their employees indulge in the video game stock way too often. I remember when Warhawk came out.. first day, they're trying to sell me an unsealed copy of the warhawk package. I could see the ear wax on the used ear piece. I left that shit right there.. the manager didn't want to give me a discount either.. weak sauce.

LOL...that would just be disgusting...

[SolidMetal]

So I go into Gamestop a couple of hours ago, and notice that they have Etrian Odyssey with a NEW sticker, priced at $19.99, in one of their stock DS boxes with the stock Gamestop wraparound.

So I take a chance that they actually have a new copy available and take the box up and ask the miserable looking, hates-her-life emo/goth girl behind the counter "do you have this new?"

She snaps back, "uh YEAH, that's why the box is on the shelf."

So I hand her the box and a used Metal Slug Wii, both games I can't find anywhere else, and tell her to ring me up. She proceeds to PULL OUT THE Etrian Odyssey card AND PUTS IT IN THE STOCK BOX AND TRIES TO RING ME UP.

I go, "what are you doing? I want a NEW copy of the game."

The manager says "well that IS new, it's just that the display boxes often get stolen."

Not my problem, ASSHOLE. Bad enough when they sell the gutted games as "new", now these cocksuckers are trying to sell GAME ONLY copies of games as NEW? Are you shitting me? Then on top of that the effing Metal Slug Anthology had NO MANUAL.

Fucking Bastards.
This happened to me as well.
I went in and bought my nintendo ds lite and needed a game and so i bought mario kart ds, but they tried to sell it to me with no game case and no manual, wait how is that new!? I think they took off 5 bucks but im still kindof pissed about that.

[lanleague]

Though, it's important to remember that no one is forcing you to buy the game. Rather than be outraged just say "No thank you."

[bigdaddybruce44]

Though, it's important to remember that no one is forcing you to buy the game. Rather than be outraged just say "No thank you."

Hello, exactly! - Dirk Diggler, Boogie Nights

[GizmoGC]

Now THIS is a very original thread. Thanks OP!

[SolidMetal]

Well if you thinks that retarded wait til you hear this.
Back when Star Ocean - Til the end of time was first released we went up there and my dad complained and even asked the lady if the game was in the box. She said that it had to be in there, and told us some shiz about how kids think they're stealing the game when they're really just stealing the boxes. And so we buy it, 50$, we go out to the car, I open it, no discs.
Now how did you think I felt about my experience at Ebstop then?

[Legolas813]

Why do people continue to shop at GameStop? They are overpriced, sell used games as new, and have lousy employees. Shop somewhere else!

[bigdaddybruce44]

Why do people continue to shop at GameStop? They are overpriced, sell used games as new, and have lousy employees. Shop somewhere else!

1) 25% (+ 10% Edge) off used games coupons

2) Niche titles

3) Abusing the 10% "Welcome" coupon

Unfortunately, there are still some reasons to go there...unfortunately...there are...unfortunately...

Also, not for nothing, but what retail store doesn't have lousy employees?

[srad1968]

If it were only that simple and painless. You must have missed my line above about how they give you an attitude when you tell them that's not new and you would like a sealed copy. It's like you pulling teeth when they have to look in the drawer again, after trying to do a shady quick rang-up of the gutted copy, like that means I'm going to buy it! This type of response is irresponsible, because it takes too much into assupmtion. I have a backlog of over 170+ games, SEALED. I buy games, just like many others on CAG, because of the "deals of the moment" or when I think a game might become obscure and hard to find in retail. The reality stands, that I may never get to play most of these games, BUT I choose to purchase them now, rather than on Ebay or Amazon Mrkt later at mark-up. Now I have reciepts for all purchases, but guess what?? After 2-3 yrs sitting on my shelf at home, if I waltz into EB/GS, ANY store with that sealed copy and ask for a full refund and show them the dated reciept, they'll laugh me out the building as the time limit for return would have been long expired! But lo and behold, I have a SEALED copy, not a GUTTED one with a cheap sticker on the top of the case, so if I desire, I can put said game on Ebay, Amazon, Craiglist, etc, take a $5-$10 loss (maybe a profit if game is rare, in demand) instead of the paltry $15-for-game-I-paid-$50-for EB/GS will try to offer me and make MOST of my money back!

Now I'm a bit of a collector too, so I would never sell anything unless some unforseen financial crisis forced me to, but because that is always a possibility, my games MUST be sealed and unopened. The discerning gamer/collector such as myself, would never buy a PC or gutted game, and always welcome a sealed, mint copy, and not one posing as "new" with a damn sticker on the cover holding it together and leaving residue (We love the feel of fresh cellophane in the morning:mrgreen:). Since I know this, I make all purchases with the intent and hope that I'll get to enjoy them, but the harsh reality that if I have to let them go, I want to be able get MAXIMUM value for what I purchased. I will continue to shop at GS/EB because they have good price drops from time to time and there are so many around, it's easy to hit a bunch until I find my sealed copy, and I get my satisfaction in knowing I'm not supporting their used/gutted copy crap. GS/EB needs to stop "assuming" and follow Best Buy's system if their worried about theft and keep the games sealed for sale, simple as that...

Actually I didn't miss that part about the attitude. This does go back to what I was talking about in an earlier post, it has to do with how the store is run (and should be run). An employee should not be giving you an attitude just because you are requesting a sealed copy.

As for changing the system, well don't hold your breath. Gamestop is a publicly held company. So they answer to the stockholders. The expense of installing locking cases all around the store in 5000 stores would be enormous. That is part of the problem about a company being so large. That is a problem that Best Buy, Circuit City, Target, and even Wal-mart don't have.

New software sales have kept increasing every year. This year Gamestop expects about a 17-18% increase in software sales over last year.

One thing that Gamestop does try to do is to replenish stock before we run out. This way we don't have to sell the gutted copy. Remember that only time we sell the gutted copy is when we are selling our last one (or last 2 if we double gut a new release. Of course this doesn't always happen, but that is the goal.


I also want to respond about employees borrowing out new games. This is something that I am not a big fan of. The company policy on this is that employees can borrow out new games for up to 4 days but they must be returned in perfect condition or they have to pay for the game. My employees rarely borrow out new copies of a game because they know if they get the smallest little scratch on it, they buy it. So usually they wait until we have it used. Again this falls into the category, of how well the store is run.

[contej85]

This has remained surprisingly civil. Well done people.

[IAmTheCheapestGamer]

gamestop let their employees indulge in the video game stock way too often. I remember when Warhawk came out.. first day, they're trying to sell me an unsealed copy of the warhawk package. I could see the ear wax on the used ear piece. I left that shit right there.. the manager didn't want to give me a discount either.. weak sauce.

See, this is why you SHOULD NOT even attempt to buy 'new' copies of ANY game that comes with a headset or dance mat of any kind, since you never know WHO may have 'borrowed it' from Gamestop's stock.

Hell, I was even leery when I bought a copy of SOCOM brand new and sealed that maybe someone 'tried out' the headset, which was just stuffed into the oversized outer box.

[viking2112]

yeah i just got it too! Me and My Katamari labeled new with no book and to make it even better the damn game dont even work.

[phear3d]

Why do people continue to shop at GameStop? They are overpriced, sell used games as new, and have lousy employees. Shop somewhere else!
they do have 5,000 stores and adding more every month. maybe we'd wish that there is that perfect game store somewhere where prices are right and employees are friendly. but you usually get one or the other with independent stores and other franchise stores.

the fact is, you pretty have no choice but to shop at the store, no matter what.. although i agree that the experience with each stores are YMMV. there are still stuff to get at gamestop that you wouldn't normally get from a indie or other franchise stores. and thats what keeps these people, complaining or not, coming back to GS.

and for most of these people, they still continue to shop at their GS's.. as sad as that may seem. all we really want is for the the company to change the way they treat customers.

[liono55]

Actually I didn't miss that part about the attitude. This does go back to what I was talking about in an earlier post, it has to do with how the store is run (and should be run). An employee should not be giving you an attitude just because you are requesting a sealed copy.

As for changing the system, well don't hold your breath. Gamestop is a publicly held company. So they answer to the stockholders. The expense of installing locking cases all around the store in 5000 stores would be enormous. That is part of the problem about a company being so large. That is a problem that Best Buy, Circuit City, Target, and even Wal-mart don't have.

New software sales have kept increasing every year. This year Gamestop expects about a 17-18% increase in software sales over last year.

One thing that Gamestop does try to do is to replenish stock before we run out. This way we don't have to sell the gutted copy. Remember that only time we sell the gutted copy is when we are selling our last one (or last 2 if we double gut a new release. Of course this doesn't always happen, but that is the goal.


I also want to respond about employees borrowing out new games. This is something that I am not a big fan of. The company policy on this is that employees can borrow out new games for up to 4 days but they must be returned in perfect condition or they have to pay for the game. My employees rarely borrow out new copies of a game because they know if they get the smallest little scratch on it, they buy it. So usually they wait until we have it used. Again this falls into the category, of how well the store is run.


Appreciate the response. There are 9 GS/EB in my shopping circle to hit up on the regular, so I guess I must have picked a bad bunch, because they'll all act the same way. Not once has any clerk at anyone of them acted like they wanted me to have what I requested. Everytime it's "Why do you want it sealed", "That's the display copy, untouched and good as new", "But you can save three measely dollars if you just buy it used", etc. Just once I'd like to take the cover up to the counter, ask for it new and they pull out a sealed copy to sale me, but it always ends up in strange looks, unfriendly tones, and general discomfort between both them and me. I'm sorry, but I don't buy that line about them only selling you the gutted copy if its the last one. It's just like many others have noticed, they'll ring up that gutted mess faster than you can say "I don't want it like that", simply because they're too lazy to turn around and open a drawer or even worse, they know some suckers will feel obligated to take it since they rang it up. That just reeks of unprofessionalism and a desire to willingly "cheat" the customer out of their money.

Just yesterday, I stopped by GS, while waiting for my takeout at a nearby resturant. The girl behind the counter says the usual "welcome to GS", I say how you doing and proceed to browse. I wasn't really going to buy anything, as I was just killing some time til my food was ready, but I saw the display case for Jericho and figured what the heck. This was the GS Limited edtion tin, which was the only reason I was interested, and I had a feeling it was the last one (it always is!), but showed it to her anyway hoping for the best. Without making an attempt to even check (guess she kept a mental inventory of all games), she said it was the last one and I say "No thanks, have a good one". As I'm heading to the door, she asks what's wrong with the one I showed her and I said it wasnt new and sealed. I would have been back to the resturant by then, but she went into the usual shtick about those evil display copies and how I could save buying a used copy they had. I didnt have enough time to explain to her what I previously wrote about collecting/resale value, so I said "Thanks, have a nice day" and walked out. Now why couldnt she just take the hint and let me be? None of them ever do and feel they must always tell you what you should be buying instead:bomb:

I could care less about GS/EB bottom line, stockholders, psychological marketing warfare, whatever. The more barriers of protection to keeping my game sealed in pristine condition and out of other's hands, the better I say. If they worried about saving a nickel fine, because I'm worried about saving one too and I can do just that, if they have some sealed copies to sell, otherwise they gets nada from me! And yes, as long as those prices keep dropping, I'll continue to shop there......gutted copies, attitude clerks and all;)

[MotzCTG]

That stuff happens more often then you would think, and here is the reasoning. People either steal cases from the stores, or they will get misplaced around the store. However every day employees have to perform TOH (titles on hand) counts, which means they go around the store and scan a certain department to ensure that all games are being properly gutted and displayed on the floor. When you can't find a case, you simply just make a new case using a generic sleeve, this way now technically it is being displayed and you wont get hurt next time you scan that section. Now most stores will discount the game 10%, and for some people they are happy with that, but most gamers are not. So simply don't buy it, we have to do it for a reason, and it sucks, but it isn't really the employees fault. It is their fault however if they are idiots and don't explain it to people correctly.

[obirano]

It is annoying. One of the most annoying things that happend to me at Gamestop was when I bought a used copy of a game and returned it less than a week later. I didn't care for it and they charged me a disc cleaning fee when it looked exactly like it did when I had received it. Didn't notice until I was out of the store and on my way somewhere else or I would've argued about it.

[scott2hotcott]

One thing that Gamestop does try to do is to replenish stock before we run out. This way we don't have to sell the gutted copy. Remember that only time we sell the gutted copy is when we are selling our last one (or last 2 if we double gut a new release. Of course this doesn't always happen, but that is the goal.


Then please tell me why I have seen 4 gutted copies of Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles at multiple Gamestops? You can't tell me that DXC is a big enough release to warrant that many gutted copies.

[MotzCTG]

Then please tell me why I have seen 4 gutted copies of Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles at multiple Gamestops? You can't tell me that DXC is a big enough release to warrant that many gutted copies.


There could be multiple reasons for this. The store may have been sent a lot of copies and they needed to fill a new release section. During Christmas the big push was "Gut Everything" because people want to be able to grab cases, which is stupid, so they might have just gutted all they had. By now they should have re-gutted/un-gutted (depends on how you think about it) them. It is always by store and by their employees. When I get new games in I always try to gut as few as possible, but everyone is different.

[Methadon]

Gut nothing, I say!

What's so bad about printing out the cover, and putting it in an empty case?

Seriously.

Also, there's a lot going back and forth about Wal-Mart/Best Buy/Circuit City game sales volumes versus Game Stop's. To all those who say "stop comparing them", I'm sorry; it's a valid arguement.

Large retailers DON'T use games to bring you in. They use SALES to bring you in, because technically, they have EVERYTHING. Most of the people patronizing BB/CC/Wally aren't going JUST for games (although BB/CC have larger percentage of gamers, of course). Game Stop, however, ONLY has game-stuff. The fact that the large retailers are trying to sell you more stuff, only reflects the fact that they are all larger companies, as well as larger establishments with a larger number of employees, as well as larger expenses (Wal-Mart's monthly electric bill alone totally dwarf's a Gamestop's rent). Furthermore, consider the following:


Wal-Mart, (and more than likely BB/CC) pay LESS for stock than GS
Wally/BB/CC all move MORE stock than GS:blunt:

[ryoga79]

These is one other option that I'm surprised no one has brought up. Gamecrazy.

Gamecrazy keeps a long counter around about 60% of their store. On the back wall behind these counters, they have their new games on display IN THE CELLOPHANE. It's a simple way to display new games without having to worry about shoplifters. Same goes with Plastic shells, or glass cases around the new walls like Target. It's not that hard to do. Gamestop's just to lazy to rethink their new displays.

The closest REAL Gamecrazy to me is over 2 hours away (there is a fake one in one of the Hollywood Videos here that is just a small case of new games and a rack of used games with printed HV art on all the used games), while there are 8 Gamestops within a 15 mile radius. Yes, EIGHT (2 in the mall, 3 within less then 1 mile of each other), and yet I've had to go to the farthest one away to get GOOD stuff used because no one else had what I wanted (like Dead Rising with art/manual). Sometimes GS is the only option for some people who want it now and cheap and blah blah blah. Yes, I shop there, but I don't do gutted new anymore. The last new game I got from GS that wasn't a present (KOFXI) was King of Fighters Neowave, and that's only because none of the GS's in Raleigh had any copies except the one closest to me.

I hate giving money to Walmart, and I don't go into BB/CC anymore then i have to, but damned if I won't just look around a GS when I get off work because I"m bored.

Oh, and my local TRU still uses tickets to this day. Very very VERY annoying.

[bigdaddybruce44]

^ I agree totally. As bad as I think GameStop is sometimes, there is not a legitimate contender in my area. There is no close GameCrazy, and big boxes constantly disappointment me.

At the end of the day, I think a lot of the hate we have GameStop stems from the fact that isn't what we think it should be. Does the corporate have its problems? Yes. But plenty of people...including plenty of CAGs...still go there for certain things. It is still very profitable. There has been a reason for it, and it is well beyond soccer moms buying Disney games for their kids and trading them in pennies.

[Herbsnverbs]

Yeah but the "New" game wasn't just gutted - IT WAS NOW A GAME-ONLY copy. NO ORIGINAL MANUAL, NO ORIGINAL CASE. NEW PRICE. What the hell?!?

It would be as if they handed you a disc only of any game and said "okay here's your new copy". How could they even consider charging new price? If they had the case and manual at the very least, I would grudgingly take their "new" copy. But without the case and manual, AND still trying to ring me up at new price?

Well hopefully you didn't go through with the purchase then...

I have had them try and sell me new copies that are open before, but refused to take a new copy of a game if it's case was not sealed.

Like another CAG said, the 25-30% extra for trade in plus my edge card 10% makes if I want to buy a game locally, the best deal.

I hardly ever buy NEW at GS, only if I pre-order a game as I want it on launch day. (COD4 and Halo 3 to be the latest 2)

If I have the cash on me, and don't feel like buying online or waiting for a trade .. then more than likely I will go to GS. Don't get me wrong I always do my research on there prices and prices online, if it's that big of a difference then I wait. If I am going to pay around or MORE for the same thing online, here or anywhere else .. I'll buy locally more than likely used at GS + 10% edge card. I always search through the cases for a manual, inspect the case, and then inspect the game disc at the counter ..

I have received pretty good deals w/ the extra 30% in trade in and the 10% edge card that has been cheaper then what I would pay on eBay, amazon, or on any video game trading sites.

I would have to say I have been lucky w/ certain customer service. Out of the 3 local GS's I have found 1 that actually has good customer service reps, the other two are shitty and have the same dipshit employees everyone talks about.

If I go to GS, I go to the one that I know I will not have to deal with the fucking retarded staff .. and again, search and inspect everything prior to purchase.

[Chacrana]

Last time I went to Gamestop was in August for the Bioshock LE... haven't been there since and haven't missed it or its annoying-as-fuck employees at all.

[Thomas96]

See, this is why you SHOULD NOT even attempt to buy 'new' copies of ANY game that comes with a headset or dance mat of any kind, since you never know WHO may have 'borrowed it' from Gamestop's stock.

Hell, I was even leery when I bought a copy of SOCOM brand new and sealed that maybe someone 'tried out' the headset, which was just stuffed into the oversized outer box.

Of course, but at the time I was desperate, but all it got me was nothing but wasted gas. There is one gamestop that I go to and i've always had good experiences there, when I go in the morning and deal with the managers. The one's i've met have been pretty nice, actually 3 stores around my area, I have pretty good rapport with the managers and they're always nice to me. This store I was talking about was a new store, and I figured they'd be on the up and up but instead i find its running like crap from the grand opening.

they do have 5,000 stores and adding more every month. maybe we'd wish that there is that perfect game store somewhere where prices are right and employees are friendly. but you usually get one or the other with independent stores and other franchise stores.

the fact is, you pretty have no choice but to shop at the store, no matter what.. although i agree that the experience with each stores are YMMV. there are still stuff to get at gamestop that you wouldn't normally get from a indie or other franchise stores. and thats what keeps these people, complaining or not, coming back to GS.

and for most of these people, they still continue to shop at their GS's.. as sad as that may seem. all we really want is for the the company to change the way they treat customers.

you got a good point, and that's why I'm still willing to visit a GS. But honestly, nowadays GS, can be your last option when you really want a hard to find game. Cause most of the time, they're missing manuals, cases, they take trade ins that have been damaged, which basically ruins the entire trade in system. But I think that [in the miami area] toys r us, is pretty good in terms of having those hard to find titles in stock. Looking back, I got most of my hard to find titles in places other than GS...

Marvel vs capcom 2 - Half.com,
Okami - Toys r us
Digital Devil Saga - Delux box set - toys r us
Digital Devil Saga 2 - toys r us
DDS Nocturne - GS [w/ no manual] :(
ICO - half.com
Skygunner - GS [no problems]

[Hitze]

I was amazed when I was in GS the other day and they had new stickers on games with the generic GS boxart. Never seen anything this ridiculous, though.

[IceBlueShoes]

I used to work at a game store where we took out the discs cause people would steal them. Even with signs up saying, all games are empty.
We would always tell the person, the games are empty because they get stolen. We'd almost NEVER have any complain about it. But the thing is we'd tell people "this is the last copy and its opened because the games get stolen". We'd also put the games in jewel cases so they wouldn't get scratched. However at the same time, we weren't putting out 10 copies on display.
Just my experience.
I don't know about GS though, since we only have EB's here in Canada. I do hate how EB games come molested with stickers though...

[SaraAB]

Why do people continue to shop at GameStop? They are overpriced, sell used games as new, and have lousy employees. Shop somewhere else!


Sometimes gamestop IS actually cheaper than amazon, they have touch detective 2 1/2 for 14.99 and amazon has it for 19.99. Also if you order from the website it costs the same as going to the store and you are pretty much guaranteed a sealed copy of the game you order, plus it also ships free using the SAVER code. I go wherever is the cheapest, simple as that.

Walmart the cheapest for games, I think not. They are almost always more expensive than the other stores and they NEVER have games on clearance or even price drop when they should. Besides all the retail stores here have the poorest selection of games, there are also next to no PSP games on the shelves, and the DS games are all kiddie games, so for game shopping, I do most of my shopping online.

[karkyco]

Amen, brother. People constantly complain about Gamestop but they still shop there. The only way they'll ever change is if people stop supporting them. Otherwise, they'll keep running things the same way they've always been.

I haven't been inside a Gamestop/EB in at least a couple years. Amazon is the way to go. No sales tax + free shipping FTW.

I hear you on this, but unfortunately check out Etrian Odyssey on amazon. I can't find that game anywhere. So I got my hopes up only to have them dashed to pieces when Goth-zilla tried to charge me FULL NEW PRICE for the cart only plus a generic GS case.

[hec204]

I agree gamestop can suck sometimes... A few years back I reserved a copy of Metal Gear Solid 3 for PS2, I went to the store on the day of release at around 3PM and they said they didn't have it yet... I was PISSED, they told me they would get it in a couple hours, they had to pick up the shipment at the airport or something... So I come back at around 10PM, they STILL don't have it, So I just call game crazy, I ask "Do you have any copies of MGS3?" Response: "Yep we have about 40 copies left we got a shipment in this morning" So I went and bought it, then I went to GS the next day and got my refund, I haven't bought anything from GS since then, the only times I would is when I'm buying a used game or something

[karkyco]

These is one other option that I'm surprised no one has brought up. Gamecrazy.

Gamecrazy keeps a long counter around about 60% of their store. On the back wall behind these counters, they have their new games on display IN THE CELLOPHANE. It's a simple way to display new games without having to worry about shoplifters. Same goes with Plastic shells, or glass cases around the new walls like Target. It's not that hard to do. Gamestop's just to lazy to rethink their new displays.

Not really an option for me since there are very few around LA.

As for the whole Gamestop fiasco, yes I've been well aware of their dirty sales tactics for years, accustomed to it and it comes with the territory of shopping at GS. I only use them when absolutely necessary, since usually I don't buy used games at all. But for those hard to track down titles I may have missed, it's usually the only choice since there are few independent game stores left in LA that are worth going to.

Since there are so many GS's, the locations are convenient since they tend to be the best for rarities. But most do suck in every conceivable way - from the lack of service and pathetic, bitter "game snob fanboy" attitude of the minimum wage peon workers (WTF is up with that???), to the extremely shady corporate approved and encouraged tactics, to the often not "all that" selection. They're definitely one of the absolute worst retailers out there...the tragic part is that's not really saying all that much, because most retailers out there suck massive ass.

[srad1968]

Then please tell me why I have seen 4 gutted copies of Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles at multiple Gamestops? You can't tell me that DXC is a big enough release to warrant that many gutted copies.

I would love to answer that question... but since I don't work at any of the Gamestops that you have visited you will have to direct that question to the stores that you saw that at. By the same token, I don't know that they didn't have 10 sealed copies available for purchase either.

What I can tell you is this... MOST new games that are sold at Gamestop are factory sealed. This is an undeniable fact. So let's not have a few people blow it out of proportion. From 2 years of experience of managing a video game store I can tell you that MOST people do not have a problem buying a gutted game in PERFECT condition. MOST people who buy a game rip the cellophane of immediately. So they really don't care.

I fully understand that some people do want it sealed. The way I see it, it is your money so you should buy what makes you happy. But from my experience I can tell you that the average consumer does not care about it being factory sealed or not. You guys might think that you are a representation of the average consumer, but CAG members are far from being the average game consumers (that is a compliment by the way).

[gareman]

I would love to answer that question... but since I don't work at any of the Gamestops that you have visited you will have to direct that question to the stores that you saw that at. By the same token, I don't know that they didn't have 10 sealed copies available for purchase either.

What I can tell you is this... MOST new games that are sold at Gamestop are factory sealed. This is an undeniable fact. So let's not have a few people blow it out of proportion. From 2 years of experience of managing a video game store I can tell you that MOST people do not have a problem buying a gutted game in PERFECT condition. MOST people who buy a game rip the cellophane of immediately. So they really don't care.

I fully understand that some people do want it sealed. The way I see it, it is your money so you should buy what makes you happy. But from my experience I can tell you that the average consumer does not care about it being factory sealed or not. You guys might think that you are a representation of the average consumer, but CAG members are far from being the average game consumers (that is a compliment by the way).

Why does everyone who defends the 'gutted" eb/gs policy miss the point completely? it doesn't matter if its "mint". It doesn't matter if the costumer does not care. It does not matter if they knock off 5% or even 10%. What matters and you cannot deny is that any open item no matter the condition, price, or feelings of the buyer is not a "New" item. Bottom line......

A gutted copy is not new. Just like a driven car is not new. Just like a shirt that has been worn is not new. Just like an action figure with a tapped package is not new. The problem is GS/EB selling the product as new. I don't care if you over charge on it or under charge on it. Just do not slap a sticker on it that says new.


I know most of you are just going to say...well, don't buy there. That doesn't mean I should ignore their bad business practices (maybe even illegal), and just shut my mouth.

[pcktlnt]

Isn't it hypocritical that they will try and sell a gutted item new, but buy a sealed item used? ^__^

[davo1224]

I thought about this thread when my friend picked up NBA Live 08 on Saturday. I thought he was gonna get a gut but they busted out a sealed one.

[diaeresis]

They "miss the point" because they're trying to defend the indefensible.

Most people don't care if there are 5 or 35 miles on the odometer when they drive a new car off the lot. Most people don't care if a new book has a dent in the cover. Most people wouldn't even know if you spit in their burger. That's a totally different question from whether your company makes SpitBurgers and slaps a "100% Spit Free" sticker on them, and charges accordingly.

[Green Card200]

I got lucky a few days ago. I was able to get a sealed copy of KoF 02/03 for xbox for like 9 bucks. I was surprised they had a sealed one because they almost never do (outside of game release).

[rmb]

What I really don't get is a GS by me put a gutted DMC collectors edition up for display. I understand why they gut 1 copy, but why the CE? I don't agree with selling guts for full retail and thus don't accept them. Gutting a copy in their view is providing the customer a better experience as many people enjoy checking out the manual. Me personally I have already read about the game when purchasing and could care less.

[letsgetacid]

Where does this silly misconception about Gamestop not making much profit come from? Based on their financial data their profit margins are at least 20% for new, 40%+ for used. The company generates an amazing amount of profit. Yet people periodically bring up this "not much profit" assertion, as if Gamestop is some sort of a charity business.

I'm assuming it's because when you walk into a Gamestop (around me at least), it certainly looks, and smells, like a charity business.

[DrunkTigerWoods]

I haven't shop there in years cause the people who work there were really condescending. Like they are fucking special to work at gamestop. Plus they tried to sell me a "new" game by putting sticker on an opened box. They lost me as a customer for life, I will never shop there again.

[karkyco]

UPDATE!

I went to a couple of other Gamestops yesterday, including one that was so strange I must have been on Bizarro world. It was clean,well organized, and EVERYTHING was in alphabetical order, including the clearance bins (cheap PS2 and Xbox games). It was seriously unreal. Unfortunately, they didn't have much in the way of rare games, and didn't have any of the games I was looking for, but I will probably use them in the future.

Then I went to the Gamestop by the WeHo gateway where there's the Target and Best Buy. God there is a little shit that works there, with serious attitude. His nametag says "ATOM". Don't be bitter that you're a scrawny dork working minimum wage retail, bro. More on him in a moment.

So I found Etrian Odyssey used at this location, complete and minty condition. $17.15 or so with Edge card, done deal. I ask the little douchenozzle if they happen to have any copies of Metal Slug Anthology on any system but preferably Wii, and he just laughed. YOU THINK THIS IS COMEDY, YOU LITTLE SHIT? DO I AUMSE YOU? He quickly apologized and I told him he better get his attitude adjusted REAL FAST, and to not take it out on the customer simply because his life was pathetic and miserable. Don't worry, I'm calling corporate - customer AND investor relations later today about you, punk ass bitch. Don't care if they do anything about you or not, but next time I see you, you had better be on your best behavior or I will reach over the counter and THROTTLE YOU, YOU BETTER BELIEVE THAT. I'm not playing, I will bitch slap you and make you cry for your momma.

So no go on Metal Slug Anthology, effing Circuit City just couldn't have any copies when they went on clearance, could they?

So while another guy is ringing me up, this other brother comes in and wants some air combat game for the Wii. The little shit Atom tells him, "oh that's my last copy, can you hand me the case from the shelf?" So the guy brings over the case, and attempts to ring up the open case aka gutted 'new' game. The dude is like, "uh, that's an open game. I want it new." and the little poofer goes into the standard Gamestop brainwashing koolaid propaganda about it being a 'new' game, this goes back and forth for a couple of minutes, Atom will not give a discount since "it's new and has never been played (yeah right!)", and gives the guy an ultimatum "what do you want me to do?". Dude says, "give me a discount on that one or give me a new sealed game". Can't do it, so the guy walks.

And of course Atom has the nerve to mumble some shit under his breath after the brother is out the store. HAHAHA, and you say only .1% of customers of Gamestop have a problem with the gutted 'new' games, HELL NO. Huge amounts of their customers balk at that bullshit, and walk away. They lose tons of sales because of this policy.

[karkyco]

I haven't shop there in years cause the people who work there were really condescending. Like they are fucking special to work at gamestop. Plus they tried to sell me a "new" game by putting sticker on an opened box. They lost me as a customer for life, I will never shop there again.

HAHAHA, yeah Atom told the dude "well I'm going to put a sticker on it to seal it and ensure that you can return it as new".

[bigdaddybruce44]

And of course Atom has the nerve to mumble some shit under his breath after the brother is out the store. HAHAHA, and you say only .1% of customers of Gamestop care about the gutted 'new' games, HELL NO. Huge amounts of their customers balk at that bullshit, and walk away. They lose tons of sales because of this policy.

And yet, they continue to do it. So, they obviously don't feel it would be more profitable to do something else. Over and out.

[karkyco]

And yet, they continue to do it. So, they obviously don't feel it would be more profitable to do something else. Over and out.

Hey I hear you BigDaddy (and the other gentleman with sales data/research).

Certainly they feel it wouldn't be more profitable to keep the "new" floor copies (i.e. gutted ones) sealed, because their profit margin on the new games is not much, at least nowhere near their bread and butter, said used copies.

Yes they simply think it's not a problem or cost effective to keep those "new" floor cases sealed, however while I haven't crunched numbers or done case studies etc. I definitely think it would lead to more long term profit to change this policy, as it turns people off and pisses them off when they get into these arguments. Not to mention the time wasted that could be better spent ringing other customers up or helping them with their shopping and influence of said arguments on other customers in the store.

That buyer had a very negative experience with Gamestop, chances are he's not going to be coming back. Eventually this sort of thing will end up biting Gamestop in the ass. Repeat customers are their lifeblood, because those are the ones that are coming in to trade in used games (and get raped in the process on the trade in value). Gamestop can't grow its business let alone sustain itself with one time only customers, i.e. the mainly clueless non-gamers and soccer moms buying games as gifts.

If they continue to act like the stereotypical comic book shop guy from the Simpsons, they will eventually have such bad publicity it will definitely affect sales. It already has quite a bit.

[bigdaddybruce44]

The only thing I disagree with is this theme of a "very negative" experience. Though I do think a good portion of gamers want a sealed game (most of the time, I do), I really don't think that many people would be that annoyed with being offered an opened game. If that is all they have, and you don't want it, you simply turn it down and walk away. I could see the experience being very bad when employees give you a hard time and an attitude about the "new" copy they are trying to sell. Of course, that is YMMV and has nothing to do with corporate policy. That simply has to do with bad employees. Every time I have been offered an opened copy, the cashier clearly informed me that they don't have sealed copies and asked if I wanted the opened one.

Also, even though they obviously tried to push a gutted copy on you, the vast majority of opened "new" games at GameStop are not gutted.

[ZeroHP]

What other stores are better than GameStop/EBGames anyway? There's only 2 other I can think of in general. I know Play&Trade's and GameCrazy's exist, never been to one, but how are they?

There aren't any really good chain gaming stores that I know of. Sticking to online is the best way imo.

[sasukekun]

What other stores are better than GameStop/EBGames anyway? There's only 2 other I can think of in general. I know Play&Trade's and GameCrazy's exist, never been to one, but how are they?

There aren't any really good chain gaming stores that I know of. Sticking to online is the best way imo.

I usually buy from amazon.com or BestBuy B&M

[eau]

When I want a new game from EB/GS, I would ask the dude "if you have a factory sealed copy of this game".

[srad1968]

UPDATE!

And of course Atom has the nerve to mumble some shit under his breath after the brother is out the store. HAHAHA, and you say only .1% of customers of Gamestop have a problem with the gutted 'new' games, HELL NO. Huge amounts of their customers balk at that bullshit, and walk away. They lose tons of sales because of this policy.

This thread has been pretty civil, but I really have to question your logical thinking at this point. You are basing your statements that Gamestop is losing "tons of sales" off of your one experience at a random Gamestop and your personal feelings. How about letting a few facts sink in! Gamestop's sales increased by almost 50% in 2007. That is a fact, not based on feelings or one single personal experience.

You certainly have a right to your opinion, we all do. But before you start spouting statements you should have a few solid facts.

[karkyco]

This thread has been pretty civil, but I really have to question your logical thinking at this point. You are basing your statements that Gamestop is losing "tons of sales" off of your one experience at a random Gamestop and your personal feelings. How about letting a few facts sink in! Gamestop's sales increased by almost 50% in 2007. That is a fact, not based on feelings or one single personal experience.

You certainly have a right to your opinion, we all do. But before you start spouting statements you should have a few solid facts.

Certainly their sales have been up, two main reasons for that - they've been expanding heavily and the also merged with EB Games last year.

[THoward7382]

Certainly their sales have been up, two main reasons for that - they've been expanding heavily and the also merged with EB Games last year.

They have been one company for 2 years now. Next month when they report their earning it will smash last years sales again when they were one company.