Official Bull Moose Music thread! [Bull Moose last post: 07/08/09!]

[3QGojo]

I've been wanting to do this for awhile, but considering that there only seems to be locations in Maine/New Hampshire I never wanted to waste a post.

I'll list the ten locations right here (taken from the About Us page from www.bullmoose.com):

Bull Moose #1
151 Maine Street
Brunswick, Maine 04011
Ph: 207-725-1289
Hours: 9:00am – 10pm Tues-Sun
9am – midnight Mon

Bull Moose #2
Windham Shopping Center
North Windham, Maine 04062
Ph: 207-893-1303
Hours: 9:30am – 11pm Mon-Thurs
9:30am – midnight Fri-Sat
10am – 10pm Sun

Bull Moose #3
151 Middle Street
Portland, Maine 04101
Ph: 207-780-6424
Hours: 10am – 11pm every day

Bull Moose 4
Lewiston Mall
Lewiston, ME 04240
Ph: 207-784-6463
Hours: 9am – 9pm Mon-Sat
9am – 5pm Sun

Bull Moose #5
82-86 Congress Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Ph: 603-422-9525
9:30am – 11pm Tues-Sat
9:30am – midnight Mon

Bull Moose #6
Center For Shopping
Sanford, ME 04073
Ph: 207-324-5786
Hours: 9:30am – 10pm Mon-Sat
9:30am – 8pm Sun

Bull Moose #7
Elm Plaza
Waterville, ME 04901
Ph: 207-861-5884
Hours: 9am – 10p Mon-Sat
9am – 8pm Sun

Bull Moose Music #8
Maine Square Mall
683 Hogan Road
Bangor, ME 04401
Ph: 207-262-0410
Hours: 9am-11pm Tues-Sun
9am – midnight Mon

Bull Moose #9
356-366 So. Broadway
Salem, NH 03079
Ph: 603-898-6254
Hours: 10am – midnight every day

Bull Moose #10
456 Payne Rd.
Scarborough, ME 04074
Ph: 207-885-9553
Hours: 9am – 11pm Tues-Sun
9am – midnight Mon

If people could post deals or any specials that are going on at certain locations. Also post which location you went to so we can figure out if they're YMMV for different stores or if all the store are kind the same prices/trade-in value. Another note of interest is that Bull Moose always has new games that just came out for around $45.xx brand new and might be good for price matching at BB or CC.

When I went to the one in Scarborough, ME a couple days ago I picked up a NEW copy of DDR: Mario Mix for $45.97.

I also traded in:

Future Tactics (GC) for $6 a copy (2 copies for $12 credit)
Twisted Metal III (PS1) for $4 credit
Total credit: $16 (paid $6 for all 3 games; gained $10)

I would've gotten less if I had taken ca$h, but I grabbed Mario Mix so I used it all that day anyways.

Plus, I had an old copy of Q bert 3 for SNES lying around and they would've given me $2 for and Robotech Battlecry (PS2) that they were going to give me $6 for, so I just kept those two games.

That's about it, please post any deals promotions that you find and at which locations. I'd also like to see if we could get a small trade-in list going for these stores.

EDIT(1): Edited the title to make this the "official" Bull Moose thread. :)
EDIT(2): Edited the title to say when the last time Bull Moose made a post.
EDIT(3): Edited the title to notify everyone of Wii Preorder Bundle.
EDIT(4): Edited the title to notify everyone that Wii Preorders are SOLD OUT!
EDIT(5): Edited the title by taking out the Wii Bundle being sold out.
EDIT(6): Edited the title to notify Bull Moose was back and posting again! :)

[Jaket]

bull moose is fucking sick...

[3QGojo]

So I take it you don't like Bull Moose eh Jake?

Still if anyone goes there, post your trade-in values for any games and report any deals going on.

[3QGojo]

Come on people, I know Bull Moose is expensive for used games, but they have some good prices for new stuff. Make some posts! :)

Any NH CAGS ever go to the Bull Moose stores down there?

[ryanbph]

I lived in mid coast maine for awhile, bull moose was my only savior for civilization/electronics. But they are expensive, and aren't that great

[Jaket]

no, i actually love bull moose

they have a shit ton of classic games at the outlet in scarborough

[lurknomore]

I love Bull Moose...at least that was abot 5 years ago. I went Bowdoin College, up in Brunswick, ME....and heading to Bull Moose was a weekly thing for me. I always thought that the prices were fair and the selection was above average for a Mom and Pop type business. Its only competition at the time was Strawberries (very over-priced), Newbury Comics, or headin to the Maine Mall. Good times.

[3QGojo]

I went ahead and bought the $10 3-pack at Wal-Mart and traded it in to Bull Moose to see what I could get for it. I got $4 a game ($12 total), so I only gained $1.50 in credit since the 3-pack cost me $10.50. Oh well, I figured it was worth a try. At least I gained $$ (even though it was only a $1.50 gain). Not really worth it IMHO, but I'll keep you guys updated in my future trade-ins.

[3QGojo]

I bought some other games to test out and see how much I could get for them at my local Bull Moose and here were the results:
Resident Evil 4 GC (x1) – Traded in for $18 credit at Bull Moose
Tekken 5 PS2 (x1) – Traded in for $13 credit at Bull Moose
Super Monkey ball 1&2 GC (x1) – Traded in for $9 and $14 respectively at Bull Moose
Killer 7 PS2 (x1) – Traded in for $14 credit at Bull Moose
Spent: $41.92
Total Credit: $68.00
Gained: $26.08

[Bull Moose]

On behalf of myself and everyone at Bull Moose, thanks for your business. As you all have noticed, we started off really not knowing what the hell we were doing with games in general. We still had our general Bull Moose philosophy (lots of stuff, competitive prices, etc.) but for games our lack of knowledge/experience definitely held us back for a while (and still is, frankly).

If anyone of you has advice for us, I would love to hear it. Here are the avenues we're currently pursuing in respect to gaming, so I'd love your opinion if these are good or bad ideas...And feel free to be blunt --- I have thick skin.

1. About 6 months ago I put a real gamer in charge of game buying (sounds obvious, I know, but it took me a while to get my head out of my ass and crank up our gaming area. I was spending too long dipping my toe in the water). So she has been aggressive at trying to get our new releases in a timely fashion and start getting everything possible in. We price our new stuff cheaper than BB and WallyWorld but still find it difficult to handle the massive onslaught of pricing changes.
2. I know that some of our used prices are sometimes f-ing way off. That's due to us not being hardcore in the business when those titles came out, so we have them at the wrong listprice. And, speaking as the guy who wrote our software, we had so little data analyzing used pricing that I started with the same modeling data that I had developed for DVDs and CDs. Yes, I know they're really different than games, but, hey, ya gotta start somewhere. So here's where it's like a double edged sword for gamers here --- if we sell used items for less, we'll most likely end up paying less for some items. I think that more quickly adapting to the market will help everyone, though, meaning that having a game that outta sell for 7 bucks priced at 19 doesn't help anyone at all.
3. So, after realizing that it will take years to develop decent modeling data on games, I figured out a way to jump-start it --- we wrote some code to start analyzing our pricing against online pricing of used items (like at Amazon's zShops) and places like that... That way we'll know when a title is crashing in price way faster than we do now... so we'll be able to adjust our buy and sell price more quickly.
4. Our game merchandising sucks. It's all over the place at our various stores --- some like our warehouse have a cool selection of defunct games (some poorly priced, but I still like the garage sale like effect of all the old games), while some of our stores have half the games behind glass... so I have a new person as of a few weeks ago who is working on merchandising overall --- she isn't just working on games, but that will definitely be part of it. I can't decide if having tons of playable machines is worth anything to real gamers, though, as it seems like in most stores it is almost a time killing machine (i.e. one person is always camped out on it)... Would you want those machines in stores if you knew it took away from selection? If you all want them, we'll definitely get 'em, but that space where they go is more space that we can't sell anything.

Brett
Bull Moose Music

[3QGojo]

Well I don't think playable machines would be worth it since I only play those when I go to the mall to kill time. As you've said I like going to Bull Moose because I can get more credit for some of my older/useless games because Bull Moose will sell them for like $16 for a used DBZ PS1 game...

That's fine with me because it allows me to pick up more games that I actually want to play because Bull Moose has such a wide selection of games.

I don't know how someone from Bull Moose stumbled across this thread and if you're just an employee or the owner of one...if so I live in Portland, ME and maybe I could help you with your pricing?

Your trade-in prices seem fair but some of your used prices are way off and that means you'll have stuff sitting on your shelf for ages. I bet some of the older games that I traded in will sit on the shelves forever. Like you said why pay more for a used game when you can get the same thing at either EB or some place online like Amazon.com for even less.

[3QGojo]

Well, I once again took advantage of Bull Moose since it seems to be the only place to offer decent (if any) trade-in values for PS1 games.

Traded in:
Drake (Xbox) for $6 (bought for $2.06 after tax)
Grind Session (PS1) for $2 (bought for 74 cents)
Shrek Treasure Hunt (PS1) (x2) for $4 (bought for 66 cents ea)
Power Play Sports Trivia (PS1) (x2) for $4 (bought for 66 cents ea)
==========================================
SPENT: $5.44
TOTAL CREDIT: $16
GAINED: $10.56

Overall not bad considering FYE or any other place around here doesn't take PS1 games trade in and if they do they never give more than $1 per game.

[Bull Moose]

Thanks for your reply! I stumbled across this because I have a program that searches for anytime "Bull Moose Music" is mentioned on the web. Games are a big priority for us right now, so we're spending quite a bit of time getting our act together.

You're right about some of those games you sold us sitting around for a while --- we sold your Cube/Super Monkey Ball the day after it came in, but both of the Cube/Future Tactics:Uprising you sold us are gathering dust... Our new analysis program is saying that we should have paid you about 2-3 bucks for those and have them shelved at 5.50 - 6.00 rather than paying you 6 bucks and having them out at 10-ish.

It'll be interesting how it plays out.... if we're more on top of our pricing, the intake price (the price offered to you) might decline somewhat on some items that we're overpaying for now, but the shelf price will also decline quite a bit so at least you'll save on anything you do trade for...

Well I don't think playable machines would be worth it since I only play those when I go to the mall to kill time. As you've said I like going to Bull Moose because I can get more credit for some of my older/useless games because Bull Moose will sell them for like $16 for a used DBZ PS1 game...

That's fine with me because it allows me to pick up more games that I actually want to play because Bull Moose has such a wide selection of games.

I don't know how someone from Bull Moose stumbled across this thread and if you're just an employee or the owner of one...if so I live in Portland, ME and maybe I could help you with your pricing?

Your trade-in prices seem fair but some of your used prices are way off and that means you'll have stuff sitting on your shelf for ages. I bet some of the older games that I traded in will sit on the shelves forever. Like you said why pay more for a used game when you can get the same thing at either EB or some place online like Amazon.com for even less.

[3QGojo]

Not to be mean or anything, but when is this new pricing system going to be implemented? If it's going to be soon maybe I should trade in more games to get the maximum amount of trade-in credit I'm able to before it turns over to the new sytem.

Here's my trade-in total so far:
Money Spent: $63.86
Total Credit: $112
=================
GAINED: $48.14

As you can see by spending $63.86 in games and then trading them in I was able to GAIN $48.14 in trade-in credit for those same games. So basically I'm able to get a new $50 game completely free considering they always sell new games for $47 or $45.

Another question if the person from BMM comes back, are you one of the workers that I've been trading in games to? If so then you may even know my face pretty good by now. :)

[mattyp33]

glad to hear you are working on your gaming pricing...I always come to you guys to price match BB or Circuit City and feel bad when you have to adjust a game way down...for example, I used the Circuit City ad recently to get Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal for $15 at the Scarborough Warehouse Store when it was still marked at $37 and change...keep us updated!

-matty

[guardian_owl]

I've passed up reading this thread for awhile thinking this was some joke topic featuring the mating calls of the Bull Moose :lol:

[3QGojo]

Wait...so BMM PM's other stores? If that's true...jebus...I never knew that...if anyone can confirm that they PM that might help me in my quest for glory! :)

[mattyp33]

they've always price matched for me...hence their "guaranteed low price" statement...just be sure to bring in that week's current ad that you want to match with...

-matt

[3QGojo]

That's cool...I'll keep that into consideration the next time I'm looking for some good games.

[alonzomourning23]

Glad to hear they price match. Not that I buy much advertised stuff, but its just another way to get my member card higher. I'm waiting till it gets to around 100 or 150, right now I can only get a $50 item for half price.

Though I've never had much of a problem with the pricing, mainly cause I'm selective. I just view the expensive stuff as things I had to ignore to get to the stuff that was underpriced.

Though two questions to the bull moose guy (if he still reads this). One is why are there all those "employees only" boxes under the racks? I asked someone once and they told me they were doubles, but I could clearly see many (if not most) weren't. I've had employees tell me I can't look in them before. I know that may seem obvious given the label, but they're are on the floor and often have different stuff so its hard not to look. I only go to the 2 in NH though (been to portland, maine once), so maybe the others don't do that.

The other question is how come you don't sell any games lower than $6? That's fine with the newer stuff but some of the older stuff is marked .99 or 1.99 at eb (the ones that carry old stuff) and gamestop (though they recently stopped carrying older things)? I know it seems cheap but compared to the way everyone else (eb, gamestop, ebay) prices things it seems rather odd.

[3QGojo]

Basically they need to change their prices on a lot of older games...if they do I'll pick some up...if not it might help with trade-in prices that I get on older games...it's win-win! :)

Also, about the member card...I was wondering if this card (I have one too) is it buying a $50 at half off just ONCE or can you do that multiple times as a reward for constantly shopping there...because I've been there a lot lately and I have about 11 points...so I can buy something for $11 at half price. I plan on saving to get to $40+ so I can geet DDS2 for around $25...that'd be nice!

I can't find much information on the card about it so if you know how that half off stuff works...like one time use or constant...would be nice (or if the Bull Moose guy could tell me).

[alonzomourning23]

Basically they need to change their prices on a lot of older games...if they do I'll pick some up...if not it might help with trade-in prices that I get on older games...it's win-win! :)

Also, about the member card...I was wondering if this card (I have one too) is it buying a $50 at half off just ONCE or can you do that multiple times as a reward for constantly shopping there...because I've been there a lot lately and I have about 11 points...so I can buy something for $11 at half price. I plan on saving to get to $40+ so I can geet DDS2 for around $25...that'd be nice!

I can't find much information on the card about it so if you know how that half off stuff works...like one time use or constant...would be nice (or if the Bull Moose guy could tell me).

Not sure why you think they'd permanently sell you stuff at half off. It works only once, but you can use it multiple times to use up that amount. For example, if you can buy a $50 item for half off and only buy a $25 for half off, then you still can buy another $25 item for half off.

[3QGojo]

Alright, that makes sense but it's still pretty sweet...because what you said about using the 50 points on 2 $25 games to get each of those half off is a great deal.

[Bull Moose]

Thanks for the feedback.... Sorry to hear you were given some attitude about the employees only boxes---here's the challenge:

They should all be doubles. But, as you noticed, they aren't always doubles in our Portsmouth store --- you can see that store is crammed to the gills with stuff, and we're unable to keep one of every unique item in the bins. Now, it's wicked moronic to have something that we bought but is unavailable for sale. So, to rectify that, we're in the process of a remodel (in our Sanford store first) that should increase our capacity a lot --- and massively in games. As to what to do in the meantime, I'll talk to the Portsmouth store and see if they can eek some more space somewhere to at least let you and all of our customers look through those. The only reason they don't let everyone look through them right now is that they run into a serious upstocking problem with new CDs because for CDs they all are doubles, and folks put them back in the wrong place and when it comes time to upstock, it's impossible to find the correct item sometimes.

For Salem, the story is a bit different. They have the capacity, but pawning laws in Salem force us to hold items for 30 days after purchase. It is a pain in the butt.

So, I have good and bad news for you all. The good news is that within a few days, we will be repricing all of our used games --- first in our Portland store and then if that goes OK, the other nine will go next. Some prices will go down 90% or more (down to where they should have been all along as you all have pointed out). The current and future bought slower turning used games will immediately have a more competitive price than they used to. I'll post here if you want with the exact day it will be finished so you can get first shot at them ------ that's the good news. The bad news as you may guess is that it will be much less frequent that we'll be massively overpaying for used items.

The lowest price that this repricing will hit is 2.97 (this repricing will effect all Xbox, PS2, Cube, PS, N64, and Dreamcast used games that we stock). I'm still looking at pricing et. al. for the older systems/games, and I'll let you know when we go about changing those prices.

So I guess the concise answer to your second question is we don't sell the old games for .99 or 1.99 because we don't know what the heck we're doing yet. Getting there, but definitely not there yet!!



Glad to hear they price match. Not that I buy much advertised stuff, but its just another way to get my member card higher. I'm waiting till it gets to around 100 or 150, right now I can only get a $50 item for half price.

Though I've never had much of a problem with the pricing, mainly cause I'm selective. I just view the expensive stuff as things I had to ignore to get to the stuff that was underpriced.

Though two questions to the bull moose guy (if he still reads this). One is why are there all those "employees only" boxes under the racks? I asked someone once and they told me they were doubles, but I could clearly see many (if not most) weren't. I've had employees tell me I can't look in them before. I know that may seem obvious given the label, but they're are on the floor and often have different stuff so its hard not to look. I only go to the 2 in NH though (been to portland, maine once), so maybe the others don't do that.

The other question is how come you don't sell any games lower than $6? That's fine with the newer stuff but some of the older stuff is marked .99 or 1.99 at eb (the ones that carry old stuff) and gamestop (though they recently stopped carrying older things)? I know it seems cheap but compared to the way everyone else (eb, gamestop, ebay) prices things it seems rather odd.

[Bull Moose]

Ok, I read my own quote, and I hate when people overhype stuff. Sorry. The used stuff that's going down 90% is completely overpriced to begin with and the 90% reduction will not exactly be some wonderful bargain, but instead where it should have been all along. Also, looking at the majority of used games, they'll be going down a lot less than that. Still significantly, but more in the 20-40% range for a lot of them. I'll give more of an average breakdown or something if you all want to know, or you can just take a peek next time you're in the store after the markdown has occured.

Some prices will go down 90% or more (down to where they should have been all along as you all have pointed out).

[3QGojo]

I'd be very interested to know when this will kick in because I'd like to take advantage of this sale. I know some of the older games I would pick up at 90% off (maybe even some at 40% off). I'd also like to know dates and for what stores these pricing changes will take effect. I haven't traded in games at Bull Moose in a little while (been busy). I will miss the high amount of trade-in credit I was getting since Bull Moose was the only store left that I could gain tons of credit for older games since FYE changed their pricing system (and my BB isn't doing trade-ins).

However, this could be very good news if you sell some older stuff at lower prices (i.e. below $6 for some) because I bet some of that older stuff has been sitting there for a LONG time.

[3QGojo]

I'd very much like to know when the NEW prices go into effect so I can hit up the Portland or Scarborough Bull Moose! :)

[Bull Moose]

I will definitely keep you posted. I will post here when I give the store the go-ahead to reprice all used games. (At the same time they'll be repricing the new games, but while there are some issues there, they are nowhere near as severe as our used games... For the most part, our new games outta be a few percent cheaper than the competition, and if you use your FQB card, you'll end up getting back another 3 to 4 percent in half priced stuff... The real math being you get 1 point for every 12.97 spent, so you get $0.50 off per point... Therefore you save .50/12.97 percent or %3.855 -- not a ton, but something).

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to post the areas we need to improve. We'll get there, and I appreciate the feedback.

I'd very much like to know when the NEW prices go into effect so I can hit up the Portland or Scarborough Bull Moose! :)

[3QGojo]

Alright then, keep us updated! :)

[3QGojo]

Any updates from the Bull Moose guy?

[goatindaruffness]

Why don't you people get a job, and then use that money to buy video games, instead of penny pinching every cent you can get, especially out of smaller stores...
-Goatman

[acolyte]

Why don't you people get a job, and then use that money to buy video games, instead of penny pinching every cent you can get, especially out of smaller stores...
-Goatman

Well, with taxes being what they are, the only real industries being healthcare and tourism, and this site being cheapassgamer, it's to Bull Moose's credit that it's taking Mainers' interests to heart.

[alonzomourning23]

Why don't you people get a job, and then use that money to buy video games, instead of penny pinching every cent you can get, especially out of smaller stores...
-Goatman

Have you even looked at the average debt people have? Hell, college students average over 3k (not counting tuition). If people can buy 5 game for 70 or 5 games for 250 that, and continued savings, can play a significant role for those of us who don't make 6 figures. Everything adds up. I make less than most of my friends but I can buy more and am one of the ones who always has something to spend, it's not that odd for me to hear "oh, I can't go to X tonight cause I spent all my money".

[3QGojo]

Why don't you people get a job, and then use that money to buy video games, instead of penny pinching every cent you can get, especially out of smaller stores...
-Goatman

Are you serious? Please don't assume some of us don't even have a job because we don't like to pay full price on videogames (regardless of whether or not we're buying from a local business or not). In fact I have a job and I'm finishing up my last semester of college. However, that doesn't mean I'm going to pay $100 for 2 brand new games when I could pay $100 for lets say 4 or 5 brand new videogames. In fact that would just be idiotic to waste money like that. We can only make suggestions to Bull Moose on here and they can choose whether or not they want to implement those changes. Considering a lot of the used items are overpriced as it stands right now it would only make sense for Bull Moose to change some of their prices. Please think before you post next time. :)

[3QGojo]

Any updates yet?

[3QGojo]

Snagged a used/like new copy of Dinotopia (XB) at the Bull Moose in Scarborough for $7.97 + tax. It'll be good trade fodder for wherehouse.com for a quick $20. :)

[3QGojo]

Where did the Bull Moose Music guy go? Come back to us! :(

Give us updates!

[n8littlefield]

Quick BullMoose story - I went to the one in Lewiston recently to browse around and noticed a few of their DS games were pretty cheap. So - I grabbed Sonic Rush for 19.99 (normally 29.99) and Battles of Prince of Persia for 18.99 (normally 39.99). I got them to the register and he's like "this ring up higher, but no problem you get them for the cheaper price". I got them home and realized the sticker on Sonic was for Mario Sunshine and the one on Prince of Persia was for Elf Bowling. Apparently whoever did the pricing on their DS had been a bit off...

[3QGojo]

I've seen this as well, at my Bull Moose they have the newest Spung Bob game for the price of the newest Tony Hawk game...in fact the sticker says Tony Hawk and then the price.

This also happened when I bought my copy of Dinotopia (see above post), as there were two copies and one was marked at $14.97 and had the name Dinotopia on it and the other was marked at $7.97 and had a generic label on it of: used dvd/dvd. So someone is mislabeling stuff all the time to make it either cheaper or more expensive.

EDIT: This was the Bull Moose in Scarborough, ME.

[n8littlefield]

Does Scarborough carry anything older than PSone anymore? I know at one point they were taking in at least back to SNES and I was thinking about checking them this weekend for older games.

[3QGojo]

Yea, they have SNES, GENESIS, DREAMCAST, N64, even some SEGA CD and Atari games.

[3QGojo]

Needed a GC controllor in a pinch tonight because my other one stopped working...Bull Moose is open till 11pm (everywhere else was closed) and I picked up a Madcatz micro controller for $12.94 and used my points (I had 15 points) and I got the controller for $6.47. :)

Not bad considering I was desperate and I got a controller for under $7 in a pinch. But now I only have 2 points left so I gotta kinda start over. :(

[brewin]

What happened to the price matching? I used to walk in with BB or CC ads from this site and get the ad price no problem. Now they wont PM at all!

[3QGojo]

Dunno, I still haven't tried PM'ing at Bull Moose because there hasn't been anything worthwhile yet for me.

[n8littlefield]

Yea, they have SNES, GENESIS, DREAMCAST, N64, even some SEGA CD and Atari games.

Well, I guess I'm hitting there next weekend. I only really actively collect Atari and NES for older stuff - I'll be in Westbrook next weekend for a nieces birthday party - guess I'll hit the flea market at Pride's Corner and maybe Bullmoose.

Anyone know if Circuit City in S. Portland has anything good from the clearance sale left?

[3QGojo]

Didn't see much last time I went to CC, and Bull Moose also has NES games as well.

[n8littlefield]

Well, I guess I'll hit BullMoose on Saturday. I have enough points to get something up to like $16 half off, so maybe I can find a neat NES game there...

[3QGojo]

You could hit up CC and Bull Moose, they're so close to each other on that strip it's easy to hit both right in a row. :)

[n8littlefield]

That's true - that way I can check out the laptops at CC as well. I wish my Bullmoose carried retro games!

[3QGojo]

I'm wondering where the Bull Moose Music guy went to? I'm still waiting for the prices on the games to be adjusted so I can go and grab some more games. :)

[3QGojo]

I remember seeing this article awhile ago:

http://entertainment.mainetoday.com/qa/040916qanda.shtml

and I was wondering if the Brett from Bull Moose Music that was posting on this site was the same Brett from the article? If so, then it's very cool to see an owner so involved with the gaming community. :)

[3QGojo]

Anyone go to Bull Moose recently?

[n8littlefield]

Anyone go to Bull Moose recently?


Just went to the Scarborough one on Saturday looking for classic games. Their Atari 2600 stuff is ridiculously expensive ($6 for common games!!) and the NES stuff was pretty limited, but priced much more fairly. I ended up leaving with a PS2 game instead. They had Devil May Cry 3 Special Edition for $15, and I had enough points on my card that I could get it for half off. So, 7.50ish and I picked it up.

[3QGojo]

Cool beans man! :)

[ajumbaje]

pretty interesting that even though they probably didnt name the store after this, the bull moose party was the party that theodore roosevelt ran for against taft back in 1912. That would be pretty interesting if we see a Populist gaming inc. or Eugene Debs gaming co. I know, I'm a history nerd, but hey, it would be interesting.

[3QGojo]

I never knew any of that, I guess we could ask the Bull Moose guy if he ever comes back!

[dark-star]

pretty interesting that even though they probably didnt name the store after this, the bull moose party was the party that theodore roosevelt ran for against taft back in 1912. That would be pretty interesting if we see a Populist gaming inc. or Eugene Debs gaming co. I know, I'm a history nerd, but hey, it would be interesting.

LOL! I had never heard of Bull Moose Music before this thread, but when I first saw the title, Teddy Roosevelt's name popped into my head and I thought "Weird, naming a store after a defunct political party that barely 1 in 10 people would remember from their history classes"....then I saw they were from Maine and it all made perfect sense! :)

[3QGojo]

Anyone else have any comments on the stores name?

Maybe this is where it came from or maybe from something else?

Thoughts?

[Bull Moose]

When my school paper did a story on the store, the reporter said "I know why you named the store Bull Moose" and I said "really?".. She said "yeah, Teddy Roosevelt formed the Bull Moose party when he got sick of the other political parties screwing around, so you named it Bull Moose to signify that you were a new kind of store - one that doesn't screw around". Since that was so much better than the actual reason I named it Bull Moose, I said "oh, sure, you got it.". That 'fake' story behind the name ran in a number of different articles on the store as the 'real' reason behind the name.

The real reason is embarrassing at this point. I ran track and cross country in college and "Bull Moose" was the name of a running club that was so deep and intellectual that you joined by pounding a Rolling Rock beer out of your non-dominant hand and giving a current member a nickel. From that point forward you had to drink all alcoholic beverages out of your non-dominant hand or if caught in the wrong hand you would have to pound it. To anyone who owns something with our original logo on it (unlikely as there are only a couple dozen out there) if you look closely at the moose on it, the moose is wearing track spikes. So, now you know the real story!


pretty interesting that even though they probably didnt name the store after this, the bull moose party was the party that theodore roosevelt ran for against taft back in 1912. That would be pretty interesting if we see a Populist gaming inc. or Eugene Debs gaming co. I know, I'm a history nerd, but hey, it would be interesting.

[Bull Moose]

Sorry the lack of updates - I was at a conference (a yawner, let me tell you) and then I caught the flu on the way back... I'll drop you an update within a couple of days when I feel better.

I'm wondering where the Bull Moose Music guy went to? I'm still waiting for the prices on the games to be adjusted so I can go and grab some more games. :)

[n8littlefield]

Bull Moose - it's really cool that you post here, but I have to say if you are in any position with the day to day runnings of the stores, you really need to have your staff be more careful pricing. I mentioned the two DS games I got really cheap because they were mispriced giving me about 20-25 bucks off... Well, the copy of Devil May Cry 3 I bought in Scarborough rang up wrong as well...I checked my receipt and it ran up as Devil May Cry 1 - only a $5 difference this time, but they will start to add up. The Lewiston store was FULL of mispriced games last time I was there. Again, not being critical, I certainly don't mind getting a DS game for less than half off, but as a company it might start to hurt a bit!

Edit: I found the Bull Moose Sticker that was on it, sure enough, the original Devil May Cry.

[3QGojo]

I believe that this Bull Moose person...is in fact Brett the guy that started Bull Moose. If that's the case than it's fantastic that he posts here, and I look forward to any updates he has. Also, very good story about how the store name was created. Also, I noticed on the Bull Moose website that there's a place to enter in a coupon codes, maybe as an added bonus to CAG's we could get a 10% off coupon like with EB online...if not that's cool, but I'd like to be able to use my Bull Moose card online at least! If that's possible then great! If not then I'll wait till it is possible! :)

[3QGojo]

I tried my hand at trading some of the CC games in:

Tekken Tag (PS2): $4
Gungrave Overdose (PS2): $4
Backyard Wrestling (XB): $5
Rogue Ops (PS2): $2
Rogue Ops (XB): $2
TOTAL: $17 CREDIT

My CC is pretty much right next to my Bull Moose (by the Maine Mall)...it wasn't worth it, but at least I didn't loose any $.

Bought all those games for $2.96/ea = $15.55

CREDIT: $17
SPENT: $15.55
DIFF: $1.45 GAINED

Definately not worth it IMHO. Although it was interesting that a game like Backyard Wrestling (XB) gets $5!

EDIT: I went back to CC to get the games I got price adjusted and another free game (since I got 5). It went smoothly and I got $3.11 back + another game!

So...

SPENT: $15.55 - $3.11 = $12.44
CREDIT: $17
SPENT: $12.44
GAINED: $4.56 (and 1 free game)

Slightly better but still not that great. I'll use the money at a place like Bull Moose, but CC doesn't deserve it. Still not worth it to do it again, but at least I got more money back! I was in the area anyways for a job interview so it wasn't out of my way either.

[3QGojo]

Anyone else do any trade-ins at Bull Moose?

Man I wish we could get a trade-in list going.

[Bull Moose]

Thanks for the constructive criticism - it is helpful and I appreciate it. You're right, that we have some serious staff training issues in regard to games... Our folks are used to spotting if a Pearl Jam CD is the limited or non limited version et. al., but with games a few of our stores are not trained well enough to spot the correct version of a game. Games that have barcodes and scan correctly don't have the issue, but when they look up games in the database, it's clear that frequently errors are being made.



Bull Moose - it's really cool that you post here, but I have to say if you are in any position with the day to day runnings of the stores, you really need to have your staff be more careful pricing. I mentioned the two DS games I got really cheap because they were mispriced giving me about 20-25 bucks off... Well, the copy of Devil May Cry 3 I bought in Scarborough rang up wrong as well...I checked my receipt and it ran up as Devil May Cry 1 - only a $5 difference this time, but they will start to add up. The Lewiston store was FULL of mispriced games last time I was there. Again, not being critical, I certainly don't mind getting a DS game for less than half off, but as a company it might start to hurt a bit!

Edit: I found the Bull Moose Sticker that was on it, sure enough, the original Devil May Cry.

[Bull Moose]

Right now our website is outsourced, so it sucks pretty bad. We're in the process of inhousing it, and when we do that, I'll have much more freedom over pricing/attaching FQB cards/etc.. It's a few months before it will all be ready --- I'm not making any promises, but I'll definitely keep CAGs in mind.


I believe that this Bull Moose person...is in fact Brett the guy that started Bull Moose. If that's the case than it's fantastic that he posts here, and I look forward to any updates he has. Also, very good story about how the store name was created. Also, I noticed on the Bull Moose website that there's a place to enter in a coupon codes, maybe as an added bonus to CAG's we could get a 10% off coupon like with EB online...if not that's cool, but I'd like to be able to use my Bull Moose card online at least! If that's possible then great! If not then I'll wait till it is possible! :)

[daschrier]

As a NH native I love Bull Moose. I currently live in Boston but ALWAYS drive up to salem to go to Bull Moose. I only buy my CD's there now as I'd rather support a small store who likes music and games rather than Best Buy or Circuit City, plus the bull moose card is a nice incentive. I will admit I do go to Newbury Comics if I can't find something I want...:p
I have gotten lucky on games there, and have found quite a few harder to find games, as many people don't know about Bull Moose and that they carry games.

Any plans for a Boston store so I don't have to drive?? :D

[n8littlefield]

Yeah - I have to say I love Bullmoose. During Christmas, I had them special order some stuff and the speed that it arrived was absolutely insane. Just to give you an idea, my wife wanted Punky Brewster Season 2 (I know, I know...) and not only was Bullmoose $4 cheaper than any online store, but I ordered it Sat and it arrived by Tuesday. Absolutely blew me away.

In fact, the wife just bought my copy of Guitar Hero from them!

As a sidenote, I don't know if this was a company change or just change in personel at the local store - but I had actually stopped shopping at Bullmoose for awhile because it was so frickin' loud in the Lewiston store. For some reason they were always blaring German heavy metal (which I don't mind on occassion, but not while I'm out shopping). It was to the point that my wife wouldn't go in the store! I went back for the first time in months over the holidays and found it was much quieter in there and have been back alot more than I ever had. So kudos if that change was made on purpose!

[daschrier]

Sometimes the music can be objectionable for small kids, but since I don't have any kids it doesn't bother me, but for some parents it might.

[n8littlefield]

No - not objectionable in content, just objectionable in the volume and obnoxiousness level. I like Ramstein - but it certainly isn't the music I'd use to get people to stay awhile and browse and shop! It's been a ton better lately, more towards alternative or jazz even on occasion.

[3QGojo]

Yea, I went to the Portland store and the music was pretty bad, however, the Scarborough one seemed to play good stuff.

[3QGojo]

Any updates on anything from anybody?

I still have $17 credit at Bull Moose I have to use some time. I'll get around to it some day I'm sure.

[beregarii]

Hey there,
I'm from Augusta and I love Bull Moose. Is there any chance of an Augusta location now that Sam Goody is moving out of the Turnpike Mall?

[n8littlefield]

I hit the Bullmoose in Lewiston this weekend. I had picked up some games at the Circuit City clearance, played a bit of them but decided to trade them. I had about $25 in store credit (as opposed to the $13 that Gamestop offered me) and got Tony Hawk DS for $27ish. I hit Sam Goody in Augusta the weekend before last to see if they had any good clearance sales - even going out of business they're expensive!

[3QGojo]

If they did put a Bull Moose in Augusta I doubt they'd put it where Sam Goody is located (middle of nowhere). The place they'd put it is prolly the BIG shopping area where WAL-MART and everything else that has anything good can be found.

Hey there,
I'm from Augusta and I love Bull Moose. Is there any chance of an Augusta location now that Sam Goody is moving out of the Turnpike Mall?

[3QGojo]

Went to Bull Moose by the mall tonight and picked up a used/like new copy of Super Bust a Moove 2 for PS2 (complete) for $11.97! Best price I've seen for this game in a long time! :)

[n8littlefield]

If they did put a Bull Moose in Augusta I doubt they'd put it where Sam Goody is located (middle of nowhere). The place they'd put it is prolly the BIG shopping area where WAL-MART and everything else that has anything good can be found.

I really don't know where they could put one in Augusta. Over by Walmart makes sense, but there's already a Strawberries and an EB in that area, so music and games are already pretty well covered (plus I think Barnes & Nobles carries limited music/DVDs). I would say it would have to be on the side of town w/ Sears and Kmart, but not way out at the Turnpike Mall where Sam Goody was.

Maybe in the strip mall with Kmart would be best.

[beregarii]

I really don't know where they could put one in Augusta. Over by Walmart makes sense, but there's already a Strawberries and an EB in that area, so music and games are already pretty well covered (plus I think Barnes & Nobles carries limited music/DVDs). I would say it would have to be on the side of town w/ Sears and Kmart, but not way out at the Turnpike Mall where Sam Goody was.

Maybe in the strip mall with Kmart would be best.
Actually, word on the street is that Christmas Tree Shops and Bed Bath and Beyond are moving into where Ames used to be at the Turnpike Mall so that should help that spot out. And, as far as music being covered in the area, we have Strawberries but they are way overpriced, Barnes & Noble that are the same and Wal*Mart who I loathe plus their selection is limited.

[3QGojo]

I do agree that a Bull Moose in Augusta would be great. I go to Video Game Exchange in downtown Augusta for any videgame purchases when I'm up there now.

[3QGojo]

Any questions/updates/comments?

[n8littlefield]

No - I'm on a buying hold for the time being. I have a huge backlog that I have to kill a few games from before buying anything else. My copy of Ouendan for the DS just arrived and that's my last purchase until at least half my backlog is played.

[3QGojo]

I'll keep you guys updated on any shopping or trading I do at Bull Moose and how I make out. I've gotten so many good deals there in the past few months that Bull Moose is becoming one of my favorite stores along with TRU since these 2 places are where I get my best gaming deals.

[daschrier]

I still say Bull Moose in Boston!!!

[3QGojo]

Went to the So. Portland Bull Moose and picked up a copy of Street Fighter Alpha 3 (used/like new/complete) for $11.97. :)

EDIT: It was for the GBA :)

[3QGojo]

I keep checking in on the So. Portland one recently because I don't go there as much, so I feel like I'm missing out if I never go there. The Scarborough warehouse does have certain games that I've seen that are half off. Most of these are PS1 games and are priced at $25+ so half off of that has still made me want to pass.

Anyone else get any good deals lately?

Also, where did Brett go? I know he's prolly busy and all, but I miss his inside info, and I'm still waiting to hear about when they're going to change over to some new prices for the older games (so I can pcik some up)! :)

[3QGojo]

I keep checking in on Bull Moose every other day or so it seems. I've really become addicted. I've gotten some cheap games that I traded in at wherehouse.com for some good credit. I was gonna go back and pick up the copy of Futurama my GF found, but when I went back to get it it was gone. :(

[n8littlefield]

I traded in a few games and a DVD today at Bullmoose in Lewiston, got $40 in store credit. Picked up a CD and a copy of Age of Empires DS ($28).

[alonzomourning23]

Hey, if the bullmoose guy reads this, I know some bullmoose stores have records, are they inventoried or anything? I'm trying to finish off my phil ochs collection and I'm having difficulty with a few, was wondering if I went to a store if they could check and see if any others had the records in stock. I'd rather find them then buy them off ebay.

[3QGojo]

Yes, I was wondering where Brett went. Come back to us Brett! Gives us updates about your stores!

[Beanage]

Looks like Scarborough Bull Moose has started price drops. Some rough prices on the classic stuff:

N64 $8
SNES $5
Genesis $4
NES $4

Don't remember the prices for the SegaCD/Saturn/SMS/Atari stuff, but I think they're a couple bucks cheaper than before.

Too bad the selection on all those is mainly common crap/old sports games that are worth about $1.00.

I picked up DC Metropolis Street Racer for $9, when it was marked $12.

[3QGojo]

Too bad the selection on all those is mainly common crap/old sports games that are worth about $1.00.

Then there probably hasn't really been any price drops because Brett said he was going to be pricing everything normally to what they are actually worth. If those games are worth about $1 then it was my understanding that they are going to price them as such.

[3QGojo]

Went to Bull Moose by the mall today and scored a copy of Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast for the Gamecube. It is complete/mint condition and I bought it for $28.97! I also picked up a Star Wars Bounty Hunter: Limited Edition cover used/complete (PS2) for $11.97. Overall not a bad day at my local Bull Moose!

[n8littlefield]

Then there probably hasn't really been any price drops because Brett said he was going to be pricing everything normally to what they are actually worth. If those games are worth about $1 then it was my understanding that they are going to price them as such.

No - he's right, alot of their classic games are priced much more than they are worth. I went in looking at NES and Atari games and they had Pacman for the Atari priced at either 4 or 5 bucks, when really the thing goes for between .50 to $1. The NES stuff was also overpriced, I think I saw like 15 copies of Double Dribble for about 3-4 bucks each, I had picked mine up for .95 - like pretty much all NES sports games in my collection.

They really could stand to hire someone that knows classic gaming to come in like once a week and price according to what they are worth - wanna hire me? I'll come down every weekend and re-price stuff that's come in...heck, I'll even work for store credit and first dibbs at the Atari and NES games that come in! :)

[3QGojo]

No - he's right, alot of their classic games are priced much more than they are worth. I went in looking at NES and Atari games and they had Pacman for the Atari priced at either 4 or 5 bucks, when really the thing goes for between .50 to $1. The NES stuff was also overpriced, I think I saw like 15 copies of Double Dribble for about 3-4 bucks each, I had picked mine up for .95 - like pretty much all NES sports games in my collection.

They really could stand to hire someone that knows classic gaming to come in like once a week and price according to what they are worth - wanna hire me? I'll come down every weekend and re-price stuff that's come in...heck, I'll even work for store credit and first dibbs at the Atari and NES games that come in! :)

NOOOO! Hire me, I live right in Portland and could go to either the Scarborough or the So. Portland store! I'll work for $$ or that store credit incentive sounds good too! Anyways, to be honest I saw a "NOW HIRING" sign in the Bull Moose in Scarborough by the Mall.

[n8littlefield]

Hey, 3qgojo - I have to ask - where do you/did you go to high school - the picture in your profile looks insanely familiar to me.

[3QGojo]

Hey, 3qgojo - I have to ask - where do you/did you go to high school - the picture in your profile looks insanely familiar to me.

I went to Cony High School in Augusta, ME but that picture was taken my Soph. year in college at USM.

[n8littlefield]

That's funny. I taught at Cony High School, math and computers to be exact. I don't teach anymore though.

Do you by any chance remember wasting alot of study hall time with a four way chess board?

[beregarii]

This gets weirder and weirder. I, too, graduated from Cony. In '91, to be exact...

[n8littlefield]

That's really bizarre. I taught at Cony for 2 years, from 2000 - 2002. The really weird part is that if 3Q is who I think he is (and unless he has a brother who looks EXACTLY like him, I think I'm right) - I actually had him in a few of my classes...

Of course - that was before I quit teaching for the high life and wealth of customer service :) . I quit teaching when I left Cony - I was just too young and fresh from college at the time to be overly "teacher-y".

[jlarlee]

That's really bizarre. I taught at Cony for 2 years, from 2000 - 2002. The really weird part is that if 3Q is who I think he is (and unless he has a brother who looks EXACTLY like him, I think I'm right) - I actually had him in a few of my classes...

Of course - that was before I quit teaching for the high life and wealth of customer service :) . I quit teaching when I left Cony - I was just too young and fresh from college at the time to be overly "teacher-y".
hey where did you go to high school? I knew a nate littlefield but that last name is kind of common up there. I graduated out of carrabec in 96 but went to skowhegan my first two years

[n8littlefield]

I actually graduated from Vinalhaven High School in 1995, then went onto Farmington for college until 1999, taught at Cony from 00 - 02, now I'm in Lewiston. I'm actually likely to go back to teaching in the fall, hoping to move back up towards Farmington.

[3QGojo]

MR. LITTLEFIELD! OMG YOU WERE THE BEST TEACH EVER! I UNDERSTAND YOUR NAME NOW (N8 FOR NATE)! OMG!

Okay...I'm calm now...wholly f'ing cow though! How's it going? I haven't seen you in awhile! Where are you living, somewhere in Portland? Man Computer Basic + Study Hall were good times. I remember my friend Josh Mitchell had you for math and he thought you were awesome as well. I don't know if Cony was sad when you left, but I would've been sad (if I was graduating when you left anyways). But as you said teaching didn't pay jack and no I haven't forgotten you AT ALL! This is cool, I never thought I meet someone on CAG that I knew in REAL LIFE. :)

EDIT:

BTW this is odd:
YOU JOINED 12/29/04
I JOINED 12/15/04

[3QGojo]

I actually graduated from Vinalhaven High School in 1995, then went onto Farmington for college until 1999, taught at Cony from 00 - 02, now I'm in Lewiston. I'm actually likely to go back to teaching in the fall, hoping to move back up towards Farmington.


Nevermind about the where you live part of my insane speal...I see you live in Lewiston. :)

[n8littlefield]

I thought it was you!

I would have to say this is the weirdest thing I've had happen online for awhile. Last night, when I noticed the picture, it totally screwed with my head. I mean what in the hell are the chances that someone on here would be someone I actually knew?

I work for Unumprovident in Portland (insurance) but I actually work from home in Lewiston for right now. Are you still at USM? What major?

I'd ask if you're still playing games, but I guess that goes without saying. I'm actually gaming more than when I taught - since I don't have to correct papers and crap in the evenings...I do miss the vacations though!

[alonzomourning23]

Since everyone seems to know everyone else I may as well ask about someone that just popped into my head. I used to know a kid names russel littlefield who lived in new hampshire. Does n8littlefield know him?

[3QGojo]

I thought it was you!

I would have to say this is the weirdest thing I've had happen online for awhile. Last night, when I noticed the picture, it totally screwed with my head. I mean what in the hell are the chances that someone on here would be someone I actually knew?

I work for Unumprovident in Portland (insurance) but I actually work from home in Lewiston for right now. Are you still at USM? What major?

I'd ask if you're still playing games, but I guess that goes without saying. I'm actually gaming more than when I taught - since I don't have to correct papers and crap in the evenings...I do miss the vacations though!

Yeah, I'm still at USM and I'm graduating in May! Only a month or so away now! I'm a Business major (Marketing Concentration) and I hope to be gainfully employed soon. :)

I don't play online games as much, but I still play PS2 mostly (Final Fantasy/Metal Gear type games).

This is weird, but it's also great! Now I have an extra incentive to check CAG all the time.

[jlarlee]

I thought it was you!

I would have to say this is the weirdest thing I've had happen online for awhile. Last night, when I noticed the picture, it totally screwed with my head. I mean what in the hell are the chances that someone on here would be someone I actually knew?

I work for Unumprovident in Portland (insurance) but I actually work from home in Lewiston for right now. Are you still at USM? What major?

I'd ask if you're still playing games, but I guess that goes without saying. I'm actually gaming more than when I taught - since I don't have to correct papers and crap in the evenings...I do miss the vacations though!
go on myspace and this kind of thing happens weekly. Did you have any relatives in Norridgewock

[3QGojo]

Everyone's on myspace nowadays, except for me...I'm protesting!

[n8littlefield]

I don't know of any relatives in Norridgewock - but truthfully, my father's family is a bit big and I can't keep track of them, so it is very possible.

I'm not on myspace either. I think I'm too old for that, and I'm not nearly trendy enough. Isn't it required that you either be a goth or all emo for those things? My hair doesn't fall down in front of my face, and I'm not good at taking pictures of myself at odd angles and writing poetry. Basically, I don't have enough drama in my life to justify a page of my own.

I'm an old fart now, with a kid and a job and all that crap. I basically just hang out on a few message boards while I work and write game reviews for a small DS website or playing Guitar Hero.

[3QGojo]

You write game reviews? I want to do that! Are you getting paid for it? Also, how come I have this sudden urge to call you Mr. Littlefield? (LOL!)

I remember that you had a wife in school while you were teaching correct? But I think the kid is new, how is he/she?

[n8littlefield]

Just as a hobby. I haven't reviewed much lately because our entire website crashed, so right now I'm helping re-write the website itself. It involves learning a new programming language at the same time so it's going to take a little while. It's a site that's just for DS/PSP reviews. I don't get paid, we're too small for that - but I do get free review copies of games, so that's nice :)

I only do the DS reviews, I don't have a PSP - just a bit too rich for my blood right now.

I was married when I taught, but didn't have a kid. He's 1.5 years old now, named Lucas (after George Lucas naturally.)

I have a feeling I'll be Mr. Littlefield again in the fall. Probably try to end up in a smaller school than Cony if I do. Cony was just too f'n big for me. I've been doing insurance for 3.5 years now, and it's pretty mind numbing - I've got to do something that requires actual thought - so maybe teaching. Plus, it would be nice to (finally) get out of Lewiston.

Where are you planning to look for work - within the state or elsewhere?

[3QGojo]

Just as a hobby. I haven't reviewed much lately because our entire website crashed, so right now I'm helping re-write the website itself. It involves learning a new programming language at the same time so it's going to take a little while. It's a site that's just for DS/PSP reviews. I don't get paid, we're too small for that - but I do get free review copies of games, so that's nice :)

I only do the DS reviews, I don't have a PSP - just a bit too rich for my blood right now.

I was married when I taught, but didn't have a kid. He's 1.5 years old now, named Lucas (after George Lucas naturally.)

I have a feeling I'll be Mr. Littlefield again in the fall. Probably try to end up in a smaller school than Cony if I do. Cony was just too f'n big for me. I've been doing insurance for 3.5 years now, and it's pretty mind numbing - I've got to do something that requires actual thought - so maybe teaching. Plus, it would be nice to (finally) get out of Lewiston.

Where are you planning to look for work - within the state or elsewhere?

Within the state for right now, I figure I'll spend at least 1-2 years in Maine before I go anywhere else. This is where my mom (Augusta), dad (Portland), and brother (Portland) all live so I figured why not stick around for a few years...cept I am having trouble finding a job and it's getting closer to May so I'm getting kinda nervous. My dad has actually suggested that I work as a sales rep at Unum...but I really don't want to work in sales (even though I'd prolly get a ton of money). I'd rather do something that I enjoy a lot more. As far as teaching goes I say hey do what makes you happy! Also, you were a VERY good teacher and you were still young enough to relate to your students (which I thought was fantastic). If more teachers were like you this world would be a better place.

Another side note: Could I do some reviews for this site as well? I would do it if I got to keep the games that I got to write reviews about (that's payment in iteself).

Anyways, that's pretty much what's been going on in my life. I'm excited about graduating, but at the same time I'm a little nervous to be venturing on to the working world Full-Time every single week. I just hope I can get an okay job and not become a homeless bum on the street. :)

[n8littlefield]

Once we get the site back up and running I'll put your name in for reviews. We actually think once we start back up we will be shorthanded so I'm sure you'll be able to get in. For right now, we're not even getting copies of games in until we relaunch the site. It's all handheld gaming - do you have a GBA, DS, or PSP?

We're at the point where we can afford to have me be a teacher again, and we have friends up towards Farmington, plus April (my wife) is going back to school to get her teaching certificate, so it looks like we're going to head north in the fall. Plus - I have to admit, I REALLY miss having summers off!!

UNUM is a pretty decent place to work, they pay well and they have really good benefits. I'm work for the call center, making more money than I was teaching, working from home, and taking calls on disability claims and policy questions for life insurance. It's not a bad job, just gets mind numbing really quickly. I took it purely for $$ reasons, but I think everyone has to do that at some point. I'm sure you'll be able to fall into a job pretty easily - especially since it sounds like you could look both in Portland and Augusta.

[3QGojo]

Once we get the site back up and running I'll put your name in for reviews. We actually think once we start back up we will be shorthanded so I'm sure you'll be able to get in. For right now, we're not even getting copies of games in until we relaunch the site. It's all handheld gaming - do you have a GBA, DS, or PSP?

We're at the point where we can afford to have me be a teacher again, and we have friends up towards Farmington, plus April (my wife) is going back to school to get her teaching certificate, so it looks like we're going to head north in the fall. Plus - I have to admit, I REALLY miss having summers off!!

UNUM is a pretty decent place to work, they pay well and they have really good benefits. I'm work for the call center, making more money than I was teaching, working from home, and taking calls on disability claims and policy questions for life insurance. It's not a bad job, just gets mind numbing really quickly. I took it purely for $$ reasons, but I think everyone has to do that at some point. I'm sure you'll be able to fall into a job pretty easily - especially since it sounds like you could look both in Portland and Augusta.

I have a GBA, but I've contemplating getting a DS/PSP...it's just that I'm happy enough with the GBA for now. That sounds pretty awesome about going back to teaching because you were the shiznit! Anyways, now that you mentioned that 4-way chess board I might have to go find one myself (since that one was Nate's). Although those times in study hall with you, nate, myself, and blackie were awesome! I don't even remember that blackie kid's name, but we just named him that because he always choose black, haha. Good times good times...

On a another note: Anyone go to Bull Moose lately? I haven't been because I've gotten so many good deals on games lately, there's been no reason. I have been thinking about going to check out CC to see what they have left though. :)

[n8littlefield]

I'm going to hit Bull Moose this weekend, I think. I get a bonus at work this week, and I think we'll end up hitting the "big city" then. I'll post if/when I hit them (I'm especially curious about the price drop on NES games!)

[3QGojo]

Cheers to CAG for reuniting a teacher and his student! Seriously though I love the Bull Moose by the mall it has the best selection of games/cd's/dvd's. It says they're hiring and a part of me wants to work there just so I can get a discount on stuff.

[3QGojo]

I found a copy of Resident Evil 3 (PS1) NEW/SEALED for $14.72 in the clearance rack. The funny thing is that there were NEW/SLEAD copies in the regular racks for $25-$30...and somehow this one got into the clearance racks for half off and I snatched it up. Also got a copy of Simpsons Skateboarding (PS2) for $11.97 mint/complete.

I swear everytime I go to Bull Moose I find something good. Next I'm going to check out TRU on thursday and see if there's anything good left on green tagged. At 90% off there's gotta be something.

EDIT: It was $14.72 after the 50% was taken off...so it was an okay price. :)

[n8littlefield]

That's cool, usually if you see a PS1 game still sealed it's because it's a game no-one would want!

I really have to stop buying game for awhile (I've got too many to play right now), but I know I won't be able to resist hitting at least the Lewiston store this weekend. I just ordered Metroid and Castlevania 3 for my NES from another message board, so I think that will be it for classic games until yard sale season starts!

[3QGojo]

Starting to drink and it's St. Patty's day! Alright, cya later everyone...

[n8littlefield]

I hit the Bullmoose in Scarborough today. Traded in a few older games, picked up Capcom Classics for the PS2 used for $11, Mega Man Classics used for $18 and Vice: Project Doom and Xenophobe for the NES for $4 each.

Got home and my copies of Castlevania 3 and Metroid had arrived, so it'll be a busy night tonight!

[3QGojo]

Alright, come on now Brett! Did you forget about us? :(

I'm sure you're very busy, but we haven't heard from you in awhile and I got distracted from meeting my former teacher.

I haven't been to Bullmoose in a few days, but I'm sure the next time I go I will report any happenings on here.

[3QGojo]

Hey, if the bullmoose guy reads this, I know some bullmoose stores have records, are they inventoried or anything? I'm trying to finish off my phil ochs collection and I'm having difficulty with a few, was wondering if I went to a store if they could check and see if any others had the records in stock. I'd rather find them then buy them off ebay.

BTW, interesting note since I was in the Scarborough Warehouse store last. Someone asked if their vynl records were inventoried and the person working the counter said that they weren't...don't know if that helps any. I would say from overhearing that conversation that they aren't inventoried.

[3QGojo]

Any updates from anyone? :)

[Bull Moose]

Any updates from anyone? :)
Sorry I disappeared for a while. If anyone lives in the Sanford area, yesterday we completely refixtured our Sanford store to fit about twice as much stuff as it used to.

As for the questions --- we do inventory some vinyl but not all vinyl. The reason (and this holds for videogames also) that we don't inventory every item is that we get our vendors to give us computerized lists of their inventory so we don't have to hand type every single item into our database. However, since we now have four other companies using our software, the date is rapidly approaching where it will make sense to hand type in more and more of that stuff. Honestly, vinyl is not up there on the list, but some older video games are likely to get hand keyed at some time in the near-ish future.

For the specific question, if we had them in stock, we would inventory vinyl of Phil Ochs' Broadside Tapes or Toast to Those Who Are Gone, but unfortunately we have not carried either of those on vinyl ever. The rest of his catalog would not be inventoried on vinyl if we had it (which is unlikely).

On new features news, we're also going to allow you the ability at some point to query our stores directly to see if we have an item and if it's new and/or used before you go there. Or allow you to "special order" an out of print item, and get alerted if we ever buy it back used from somone. These will not be for public consumption for the near future, but we'll have beta code going within a few months. If any of you guys would like to test querying for titles to see our price and if we have them used at all before going to the store, I'll invite you to be part of our beta test if we go that route --- it will be beta, so the UI (user interface) will suck, but it will close to feature complete.

As for pricing games, your instincts have been right --- we've been moving forward on a lot of stuff, but haven't gotten anywhere near to all the systems/areas yet. We are also moving out limited amounts of overstock stuff through amazon --- if you search the zShops there, you can see a full listing of the videogames we have up there and their pricing. But the shipping cost would make it not a good deal in some cases, so you'd want to watch out for that... we don't control the shipping they charge, and it seems kind of unfair that the shipping doesn't go down if you buy multiple items from one vendor (since we could, of course, ship them in one box). It's too bad that they can't let us sell them without shipping and make them available for pickup...

[3QGojo]

Brett's back!

I like that "available for pickup" idea because I could do that no problem. However, selling stuff on Amazon gives people outside of ME/NH a chance to try the fine products that Bull Moose provides so I can't say it's a bad idea. I think it's just better to have your own website setup that you can do different things with. Of course I know that would take time, but I'd be willing to participate in any beta testing you'd want to do. :)

[3QGojo]

Oh, and one more thing...you could sell stuff on here to CAG's if it's overstock that you really need to get rid of. There's a trading forum and you can post stuff for sale or trade there. Everyone on here (including myself) has done some trading/selling/buying.

[n8littlefield]

I was just in Bullmoose in Lewiston and was told they were cutting back on what they were paying out for used DVDs and games because they were getting so much in right now. Kind of a shame, I was using them for all my tradeins, but may have to stop (one game I brought in was worth $24 at Gamestop but only $8 at Bullmoose now...)

[3QGojo]

I was just in Bullmoose in Lewiston and was told they were cutting back on what they were paying out for used DVDs and games because they were getting so much in right now. Kind of a shame, I was using them for all my tradeins, but may have to stop (one game I brought in was worth $24 at Gamestop but only $8 at Bullmoose now...)

That's sad really...I used to use Bull Moose for a lot of my trade-ins, but I don't think I'll get much for them anymore. I think the key for trading stuff in for me is...to look and see what the game for sells new/used and then take a % of that and kinda guess what they might give you for it...I'm not exactly sure how it works...maybe if the Bull Moose guy could enlighten us on how their system works we could help make changes or give input...because it seems as though some games aren't worth the trade-in value that they get, while others are worth more than what their trade-in values are.

[n8littlefield]

That's sad really...I used to use Bull Moose for a lot of my trade-ins, but I don't think I'll get much for them anymore. I think the key for trading stuff in for me is...to look and see what the game for sells new/used and then take a % of that and kinda guess what they might give you for it...I'm not exactly sure how it works...maybe if the Bull Moose guy could enlighten us on how their system works we could help make changes or give input...because it seems as though some games aren't worth the trade-in value that they get, while others are worth more than what their trade-in values are.

I do know they rank things by what type of condition they are in, the guy told me that too. The manager at the Lewiston store warned me before scanning my stuff in that I might be disappointed because chain wide they just reduced the percentages of what they are paying. Oh well, they were overpaying on some stuff - but $8 for a game that still retails for $50 really surprised me (especially if Gamestop offered $24, and they are usually really cheap!)

[Bull Moose]

Thanks for posting that and bringing it to my attention. What Peter told you is, well, to put it bluntly, completely full of poo poo. Our maximum credit on top tier games is now higher than it has ever been. It -is- true, however, that outdated/antiquated games are now offered at closer to their real market prices --- so we do offer less for them but are also selling them for way less too.

What was the game that you were only offered 8$ for? And, if you can be honest about it, was it in horrible condition or anything? Because we do grade items... Here is our grading system:
A: Very Good to Like New/New
B: Good - very, very likely to play and unlikely to cause a customer not to buy it
C: Average - probably will play, but also likely to cause a customer to think twice about buying it
D: Unlikely to play

And here are the percentages of maximum credit that you get:
A: 100%
B: 80%
C: 40%
D: almost nothing... we end destroying these.

So, I think that the person doing the buyback downgraded your item to a C grade... If you would be so kind as to give me a list of what you wanted to sell, I can get to the bottom of this so another customer isn't inconvenienced the way you were. Again, I'm sorry that we didn't offer you fair prices and thank you for bringing it up so that we can fix the issue.

Seriously, I think you may have just answered why our Lewiston store has had the worst performance on videogames out of all of our stores.


I do know they rank things by what type of condition they are in, the guy told me that too. The manager at the Lewiston store warned me before scanning my stuff in that I might be disappointed because chain wide they just reduced the percentages of what they are paying. Oh well, they were overpaying on some stuff - but $8 for a game that still retails for $50 really surprised me (especially if Gamestop offered $24, and they are usually really cheap!)

[3QGojo]

Thanks for posting that and bringing it to my attention. What Peter told you is, well, to put it bluntly, completely full of poo poo. Our maximum credit on top tier games is now higher than it has ever been. It -is- true, however, that outdated/antiquated games are now offered at closer to their real market prices --- so we do offer less for them but are also selling them for way less too.

What was the game that you were only offered 8$ for? And, if you can be honest about it, was it in horrible condition or anything? Because we do grade items... Here is our grading system:
A: Very Good to Like New/New
B: Good - very, very likely to play and unlikely to cause a customer not to buy it
C: Average - probably will play, but also likely to cause a customer to think twice about buying it
D: Unlikely to play

And here are the percentages of maximum credit that you get:
A: 100%
B: 80%
C: 40%
D: almost nothing... we end destroying these.

So, I think that the person doing the buyback downgraded your item to a C grade... If you would be so kind as to give me a list of what you wanted to sell, I can get to the bottom of this so another customer isn't inconvenienced the way you were. Again, I'm sorry that we didn't offer you fair prices and thank you for bringing it up so that we can fix the issue.

Seriously, I think you may have just answered why our Lewiston store has had the worst performance on videogames out of all of our stores.

Everything I've traded in has either been New/Like New. I haven't tried to trade-in anything recently so I don't know what I'd get now.

[n8littlefield]

Well, the movies I brought in I understood why they didn't bring much credit - they were the Lord of the Rings extended editions and I knew they were fairly heavily returned by alot of people. I figured I'd never have time to sit down for 12+ hrs again (having a 1.5 yr old son!) so I'd trade them in now and buy a nice boxed set later. Apparently a lot of people felt that way so I was offered like $5, $6, and $8 for them if I remember right - kind of low for the extended versions, but understandable. And truthfully, Gamestop offered almost the exact same for them.

The game was Starwars Battlefront 2 (PS2). As far as I know it hasn't dropped to $20 or anything like that, I know I paid $50 for it when I got it, and like I said I hit Gamestop about 20 minutes later and was offered $24. I haven't traded it in yet, because either way I couldn't come up with enough credit for Metroid DS or Tetris DS :)

The condition of my stuff (and I'm probably going to sound somewhat arrogant here) is pristine. I'm older (29) and take really good care of my electronics. When I bring my stuff into places like EB/Gamestop/Bullmoose, I actually get compliments on how nice my stuff is as they never have a scratch, always have all the booklets/inserts/etc.

And yes, it was Peter that told me that chainwide your tradein values have dropped over the past few days. Truthfully, I had never seen Peter before, so I noticed his name just because I'd never seen anyone at your Lewiston store my age or older so it surprised me!! If you don't mind checking those DVD's and game for me - if he wasn't offering me full value I'd be really tempted to hit Scarborough this weekend to try it there.

Thanks for posting that and bringing it to my attention. What Peter told you is, well, to put it bluntly, completely full of poo poo. Our maximum credit on top tier games is now higher than it has ever been. It -is- true, however, that outdated/antiquated games are now offered at closer to their real market prices --- so we do offer less for them but are also selling them for way less too.

What was the game that you were only offered 8$ for? And, if you can be honest about it, was it in horrible condition or anything? Because we do grade items... Here is our grading system:
A: Very Good to Like New/New
B: Good - very, very likely to play and unlikely to cause a customer not to buy it
C: Average - probably will play, but also likely to cause a customer to think twice about buying it
D: Unlikely to play

And here are the percentages of maximum credit that you get:
A: 100%
B: 80%
C: 40%
D: almost nothing... we end destroying these.

So, I think that the person doing the buyback downgraded your item to a C grade... If you would be so kind as to give me a list of what you wanted to sell, I can get to the bottom of this so another customer isn't inconvenienced the way you were. Again, I'm sorry that we didn't offer you fair prices and thank you for bringing it up so that we can fix the issue.

Seriously, I think you may have just answered why our Lewiston store has had the worst performance on videogames out of all of our stores.

[Bull Moose]

Thanks for taking the time to post back!

There is no way that you should have to drive to Scarborough to sell anything back (unless you wanted to go to Scarborough) --- I will be sure our staff follows buying back things appropriately - I'm sorry again that that wasn't the way you were handled initially.

For the Star Wars Battlefront 2 we should have offered you $21 --- I know that's less than the $24 at EB, so it looks like I've got some tweaking to do on that to get so we beat them! --- we would sell it for 28.97 (where they sell those for what, almost 40 bucks used?), so we should probably be offering a bit more and selling it a bit higher --- my goal is to make it so we are always offering at least a tiny bit more than them while at the same time selling them cheaper... We can get away with that successfully and still make a decent profit because by being locally owned, we have wicked low overhead.

The DVDs appear to be closer to the correct range (it would depend on the exact UPC of the one you have), like some of them are being brought in at 13 to 15 bucks, but it depends on the specific version (by the way, I'm with you on the kid thing, I have two young kids and I can't remember the last time I could get away with watching a whole fantasy or sci-fi film)

As for selling them and getting the wrong price, at Bull Moose, our computer should be pricing them consistently across our locations, so the fact that the manager decided to override things to give you unfair prices is a problem that will be rectified today.

And, the BS line you were given about being offered less chain wide is patently false because I am the one who personally writes the code that sets the buy and sell prices for used items! And that code is the same across all our stores.

Again, thanks for posting your problem in the store.

For anyone else who has had any issue, I have very thick skin and genuinely appreciate constructive criticism.



Well, the movies I brought in I understood why they didn't bring much credit - they were the Lord of the Rings extended editions and I knew they were fairly heavily returned by alot of people. I figured I'd never have time to sit down for 12+ hrs again (having a 1.5 yr old son!) so I'd trade them in now and buy a nice boxed set later. Apparently a lot of people felt that way so I was offered like $5, $6, and $8 for them if I remember right - kind of low for the extended versions, but understandable. And truthfully, Gamestop offered almost the exact same for them.

The game was Starwars Battlefront 2 (PS2). As far as I know it hasn't dropped to $20 or anything like that, I know I paid $50 for it when I got it, and like I said I hit Gamestop about 20 minutes later and was offered $24. I haven't traded it in yet, because either way I couldn't come up with enough credit for Metroid DS or Tetris DS :)

The condition of my stuff (and I'm probably going to sound somewhat arrogant here) is pristine. I'm older (29) and take really good care of my electronics. When I bring my stuff into places like EB/Gamestop/Bullmoose, I actually get compliments on how nice my stuff is as they never have a scratch, always have all the booklets/inserts/etc.

And yes, it was Peter that told me that chainwide your tradein values have dropped over the past few days. Truthfully, I had never seen Peter before, so I noticed his name just because I'd never seen anyone at your Lewiston store my age or older so it surprised me!! If you don't mind checking those DVD's and game for me - if he wasn't offering me full value I'd be really tempted to hit Scarborough this weekend to try it there.

[n8littlefield]

Wow - thanks for the response. I certainly don't mean to stir up a bees nest. I'll feel kind of foolish bringing in the same tradeins, but maybe I'll give it a go over the weekend and see what happens. And truthfully $21 vs $24 is no big deal to me at all, since what I can get with credit at Bullmoose goes much farther since you do price the used stuff MUCH more fairly. I would say that if that game is $50 new, EB/Gamestop probably have it at $40 used!

It sounds like maybe by accident he priced them at lower quality than they are...$8 is almost 40% of $21 - so if he said $8.50 and I missed the .50 that would be about right. I'm sure it was an honest mistake on his part if that's what happened. I'll just tell them a mysterous post on the internet made me think I was given the wrong price on the game!

BTW, do you folks have the ability to special order games? They didn't have Metroid or Tetris for the Nintendo DS in yet, and I thought if I had enough credit to pick one of them up, I might have it ordered...

Edit: FYI, on the chainwide pricing being consistent - last weekend I had some stuff worth $34, but couldn't find anything in the Lewiston store I wanted, so I waited to trade them in. We went down to Scarborough and I was given the exact same amount of store credit - so I would say it works quite well - must have been a one time mistake by the Lewiston store. Just don't let them know I was a pain in the a$$ - I don't need my Bullmoose card revoked :) !

[Bull Moose]

Don't worry, you're not stirring up a bees nest --- we just like hearing areas that we can improve or areas where errors are made... I've done a bit of research and it seems that the store may have been confused by a change that we made a few months ago --- what we did was increase the amount of money someone would get in credit, but didn't want to increase the cash amount --- so since we boosted the credit, we increased the cash 'discount' price from 20% less to 25% less. But since the credit price was higher, then the cash price would be the same as before while the credit price is higher than before. As I type this I can see why someone could get confused over it! And that combined with the fact that the antiquated games that we were way overpaying for in the past are now bought and sold at more reasonable prices (we still have a lot of work to do in that area too, though!) --- I can see how someone could put 2 and 2 together and come out with the wrong conclusion about our pricing... And I agree with you that the misgrading could just be an error (although the "A" key on the keyboard is not exactly close to the "C" key), but it's clear that our training needs to be a bit better ... The whole clan in Lewiston are good people and I'm sure Peter (who has been our manager there for years) didn't mean any harm, but helping make sure errors are minimized is something that everyone (including me!) needs to keep working on.

As for the two DS games, I asked our buyer and those came from a more distant warehouse than normal (this issue I guess that won't be rectified on DS games until the beginning of April), so they got delayed at least a day --- they will be in store today. The quantities coming in are small, so if you want one help, PM me and I'll have them hold either of them (PS there is no obligation if we hold it, I'd just ask if we do hold it and you don't want it to please let us know so we can put them out for sale.)... When they're in I'll post back the price so you can make whatever call you want on 'em...

Thanks again for the feedback! It helps us improve our training and service and minimize our errors --- don't worry, feedback doesn't get someone in trouble per se, instead it helps us get better at selling games! And since we've got a ways to go before we're crushing the competition at all facets of selling games (we don't just want to beat them on price like we do now --- we want to crush them on selection, service and price), all the feedback is helpful!




Wow - thanks for the response. I certainly don't mean to stir up a bees nest. I'll feel kind of foolish bringing in the same tradeins, but maybe I'll give it a go over the weekend and see what happens. And truthfully $21 vs $24 is no big deal to me at all, since what I can get with credit at Bullmoose goes much farther since you do price the used stuff MUCH more fairly. I would say that if that game is $50 new, EB/Gamestop probably have it at $40 used!

It sounds like maybe by accident he priced them at lower quality than they are...$8 is almost 40% of $21 - so if he said $8.50 and I missed the .50 that would be about right. I'm sure it was an honest mistake on his part if that's what happened. I'll just tell them a mysterous post on the internet made me think I was given the wrong price on the game!

BTW, do you folks have the ability to special order games? They didn't have Metroid or Tetris for the Nintendo DS in yet, and I thought if I had enough credit to pick one of them up, I might have it ordered...

[n8littlefield]

Thanks for the response again. I send off a quick PM on reserving one of the games. I really appreciate it. There really is a huge advantage of doing business with a smaller chain.

One last question - is the Scarborough store the only one that carries classic games?

[Bull Moose]

No prob!

Yeah, for now the Scarb store probably has 99.9% of all of our classic games...


Thanks for the response again. I send off a quick PM on reserving one of the games. I really appreciate it. There really is a huge advantage of doing business with a smaller chain.

One last question - is the Scarborough store the only one that carries classic games?

[3QGojo]

Thanks for taking the time to post back!

There is no way that you should have to drive to Scarborough to sell anything back (unless you wanted to go to Scarborough) --- I will be sure our staff follows buying back things appropriately - I'm sorry again that that wasn't the way you were handled initially.

For the Star Wars Battlefront 2 we should have offered you $21 --- I know that's less than the $24 at EB, so it looks like I've got some tweaking to do on that to get so we beat them! --- we would sell it for 28.97 (where they sell those for what, almost 40 bucks used?), so we should probably be offering a bit more and selling it a bit higher --- my goal is to make it so we are always offering at least a tiny bit more than them while at the same time selling them cheaper... We can get away with that successfully and still make a decent profit because by being locally owned, we have wicked low overhead.

The DVDs appear to be closer to the correct range (it would depend on the exact UPC of the one you have), like some of them are being brought in at 13 to 15 bucks, but it depends on the specific version (by the way, I'm with you on the kid thing, I have two young kids and I can't remember the last time I could get away with watching a whole fantasy or sci-fi film)

As for selling them and getting the wrong price, at Bull Moose, our computer should be pricing them consistently across our locations, so the fact that the manager decided to override things to give you unfair prices is a problem that will be rectified today.

And, the BS line you were given about being offered less chain wide is patently false because I am the one who personally writes the code that sets the buy and sell prices for used items! And that code is the same across all our stores.

Again, thanks for posting your problem in the store.

For anyone else who has had any issue, I have very thick skin and genuinely appreciate constructive criticism.


It's nice to know that all the prices are the same in all of the stores. I'm not sure if I've had much trouble with trade-ins because I've always gotten more than what I initially paid for the game (which is better than renting IMHO). I mean if I can buy a game and try it out to see if I like it and then just return it to Bull Moose for a higher amount of trade-in credit than why not? It's like renting for free and Bull Moose ends up with basically a New/Like New game.

You are also right about Gamestop selling it for more money (usually $40 or $44) and they only give you $3 more too...I've always like the fact that if someone trades-in a new title at Bull Moose then I can get it for basically half off $50 (for around $28 or so). So I'd do the same thing and trade it in to Bull Moose for $21 because the money would go father there than at GS.

Another note I must mention. I noticed that a lot of the classic stuff was marked down which shows that you're going in the right direction for older stuff, but what about newer stuff? I remember the last time I was there I saw a copy of Geist (GC) for around $40+? Best Buy has it for $9.99 and so didn't Toys R Us. Also, Gun (PS2) was $28 for a new copy? It's been $19.99 everywhere for awhile now...probably since Christmass...

I like the fact that you come out with new games at other stores that are $50 at a price of like $46 or $45, but when they stay there forever and don't drop in price with other stores that's when I get kind of annoyed. However, I figured I could use it as a good thing like I posted earlier by trying out these games and then trading them in for more credit then I originally paid for them.

I could come up with a whole list of titles that are overpriced compared to other stores, then again I seem to find a lot of rare and hard to find stuff at Bull Moose so it evens out. For example I got my first copy of DDR: Mario Mix at Bull Moose for $45.xx when everywhere else it was sold out! So, I guess just like any store I've seen Bull Moose as one that does some good things and some bad things, but overall I seem to find more "good games" or "rare stuff" at Bull Moose rather than at Wal-Mart or Bestbuy. The only other place I seem to find good stuff all the time is Toys R Us.

So overall, I'd say keep going with these changes and help improve your stores. I'd really like to see you get to the best pricing/trade-in system possible. I'd also like to see a new/improved revamped Bull Moose website with the option to use the Bull Moose card (I know I said that before, but I'm still hopefull). I appreciate everything that you're doing and the interest that you're taking in your customer, thanks Brett! :)

EDIT: BTW, I've bought two copies of Resident Evil 3 (PS1) at Bull Moose (one for me and another for a friend). I initally just bought one because it was about $30 for a new copy. When I went up to the register however it rang up for $25...and then later that week I went back and got another new copy and it rang up for $30...again it was the same game New/Sealed. I didn't care much since the game was worth it...but I was browsing Bull Moose recently and found ANOTHER one for $29 in the CLEARANCE section for hald off so I paid $14-$15 for the New/Sealed copy this time around, which I thought that was a great price. So I ended up buying 3 copies one for $30, $25, and then $15...which doesn't make sense to me...I can see pricing used games differently depending upon condition, but having New/Sealed copies for various different price points when they were all pretty much the same condition (all of them had shelf wear) was insane to me.

One more note: Another time I saw a used copy of eJay Clubworld (PS2) for $22 used (way overpriced BTW) and then sitting right next to it was a used copy for $5.xx (which is because it was more beat up probably) but that was still a HUGE price difference.

BTW, all of these price mismatches were found at the Scarborough Warehouse store.

[Bull Moose]

About our mispricing of games that get reduced in price...
That has been a big problem for us --- with music and movies, the list prices change much more slowly, and we generally don't have to hit the floor to reprice inventory... but for games, as you rightfully point out, there are HUGE changes in list prices sometimes within a month or two of release.

So at first we had trouble getting the price changes from the publishers in a timely fashion --- then we fixed that issue...

After we got that info then we really really sucked at changing the prices as they happened because we never had a system to do it --- meaning that it's one thing to tell people to reprice stuff, but it's another thing entirely to have the management in place to make sure it's done and to have it scheduled so it's not overlooked.

So, we now just really suck at it instead of really really sucking. It will take us another month or two to get it together completely.

Sorry to hear about your three different prices, we're getting better at it but haven't gotten through fixing it yet... I can give you a hint on how to try to get the correct lower price if something wasn't repriced correctly. Now don't get me wrong, a customer shouldn't be expected to have to do this by any means and it is TOTALLY our fault for not getting it done right, but in the meantime if you want the correct price on a "should be marked down" title, you can ask our staff to scan the BACK barcode (the UPC) instead of our barcode. I'm almost sure they'll do it --- you can say that you heard it went down in price and can they scan the back to check ---- if it did go down in price, they will definitely give you that lower price --- if it didn't scan at a lower price, let me know 'cause then we have a data problem... I'd appreciate if you didn't let on how you know about the back scanning of the barcode --- because it would be better to not have a million people trying to scan the back barcode and then the staff thinking, hey maybe I should check every single one on the way out rather than correcting the ones out on the floor!! The point, of course, being that the price that you see should be correct and you shouldn't have to ask someone to check it each time! But I pass on this "psuedo" secret to you guys in hopes you'll keep it relatively under wraps. But anytime you see anything mispriced (I know there are tons) feel free to let me know --- we're working on it --- gotta ways to go, that's for sure, but we are improving...






It's nice to know that all the prices are the same in all of the stores. I'm not sure if I've had much trouble with trade-ins because I've always gotten more than what I initially paid for the game (which is better than renting IMHO). I mean if I can buy a game and try it out to see if I like it and then just return it to Bull Moose for a higher amount of trade-in credit than why not? It's like renting for free and Bull Moose ends up with basically a New/Like New game.

You are also right about Gamestop selling it for more money (usually $40 or $44) and they only give you $3 more too...I've always like the fact that if someone trades-in a new title at Bull Moose then I can get it for basically half off $50 (for around $28 or so). So I'd do the same thing and trade it in to Bull Moose for $21 because the money would go father there than at GS.

Another note I must mention. I noticed that a lot of the classic stuff was marked down which shows that you're going in the right direction for older stuff, but what about newer stuff? I remember the last time I was there I saw a copy of Geist (GC) for around $40+? Best Buy has it for $9.99 and so didn't Toys R Us. Also, Gun (PS2) was $28 for a new copy? It's been $19.99 everywhere for awhile now...probably since Christmass...

I like the fact that you come out with new games at other stores that are $50 at a price of like $46 or $45, but when they stay there forever and don't drop in price with other stores that's when I get kind of annoyed. However, I figured I could use it as a good thing like I posted earlier by trying out these games and then trading them in for more credit then I originally paid for them.

I could come up with a whole list of titles that are overpriced compared to other stores, then again I seem to find a lot of rare and hard to find stuff at Bull Moose so it evens out. For example I got my first copy of DDR: Mario Mix at Bull Moose for $45.xx when everywhere else it was sold out! So, I guess just like any store I've seen Bull Moose as one that does some good things and some bad things, but overall I seem to find more "good games" or "rare stuff" at Bull Moose rather than at Wal-Mart or Bestbuy. The only other place I seem to find good stuff all the time is Toys R Us.

So overall, I'd say keep going with these changes and help improve your stores. I'd really like to see you get to the best pricing/trade-in system possible. I'd also like to see a new/improved revamped Bull Moose website with the option to use the Bull Moose card (I know I said that before, but I'm still hopefull). I appreciate everything that you're doing and the interest that you're taking in your customer, thanks Brett! :)

EDIT: BTW, I've bought two copies of Resident Evil 3 (PS1) at Bull Moose (one for me and another for a friend). I initally just bought one because it was about $30 for a new copy. When I went up to the register however it rang up for $25...and then later that week I went back and got another new copy and it rang up for $30...again it was the same game New/Sealed. I didn't care much since the game was worth it...but I was browsing Bull Moose recently and found ANOTHER one for $29 in the CLEARANCE section for hald off so I paid $14-$15 for the New/Sealed copy this time around, which I thought that was a great price. So I ended up buying 3 copies one for $30, $25, and then $15...which doesn't make sense to me...I can see pricing used games differently depending upon condition, but having New/Sealed copies for various different price points when they were all pretty much the same condition (all of them had shelf wear) was insane to me.

One more note: Another time I saw a used copy of eJay Clubworld (PS2) for $22 used (way overpriced BTW) and then sitting right next to it was a used copy for $5.xx (which is because it was more beat up probably) but that was still a HUGE price difference.

BTW, all of these price mismatches were found at the Scarborough Warehouse store.

[3QGojo]

It's good to hear about the barcode on the back being the "real" (i.e. retail price) for the game. However, what would I tell the guy at the desk, that I heard it from Brett online? He would think I'm crazy, right? Or least he prolly won't believe me...but I can give it a shot. Worse comes to worse I could always price match other places as well, correct? I mean does Bull Moose price match anything? And if so, do they do so by flyers only or could I make the associate call the other store (more time consuming).

Another thing I wanted to ask was about the "Now Hiring" sign in the Scarborough Warehouse. I was wondering how much the employee discount is? Maybe I could even help out with games? Anyways, maybe that's not the best idea since I'll be graduating in May and I'll need a Full-Time job pretty soon that'll pay the soon to be bills.

About our mispricing of games that get reduced in price...
That has been a big problem for us --- with music and movies, the list prices change much more slowly, and we generally don't have to hit the floor to reprice inventory... but for games, as you rightfully point out, there are HUGE changes in list prices sometimes within a month or two of release.

So at first we had trouble getting the price changes from the publishers in a timely fashion --- then we fixed that issue...

After we got that info then we really really sucked at changing the prices as they happened because we never had a system to do it --- meaning that it's one thing to tell people to reprice stuff, but it's another thing entirely to have the management in place to make sure it's done and to have it scheduled so it's not overlooked.

So, we now just really suck at it instead of really really sucking. It will take us another month or two to get it together completely.

Sorry to hear about your three different prices, we're getting better at it but haven't gotten through fixing it yet... I can give you a hint on how to try to get the correct lower price if something wasn't repriced correctly. Now don't get me wrong, a customer shouldn't be expected to have to do this by any means and it is TOTALLY our fault for not getting it done right, but in the meantime if you want the correct price on a "should be marked down" title, you can ask our staff to scan the BACK barcode (the UPC) instead of our barcode. I'm almost sure they'll do it --- you can say that you heard it went down in price and can they scan the back to check ---- if it did go down in price, they will definitely give you that lower price --- if it didn't scan at a lower price, let me know 'cause then we have a data problem... I'd appreciate if you didn't let on how you know about the back scanning of the barcode --- because it would be better to not have a million people trying to scan the back barcode and then the staff thinking, hey maybe I should check every single one on the way out rather than correcting the ones out on the floor!! The point, of course, being that the price that you see should be correct and you shouldn't have to ask someone to check it each time! But I pass on this "psuedo" secret to you guys in hopes you'll keep it relatively under wraps. But anytime you see anything mispriced (I know there are tons) feel free to let me know --- we're working on it --- gotta ways to go, that's for sure, but we are improving...

[Bull Moose]

Naw, you probably shouldn't drop my name - yeah, I can see where it might feel weird to ask someone to scan the back barcode --- Since I've never documented it, probably not all of our staff knows how the barcodes work. The front barcodes have the printed price encoded into the price tag... What this means in English is that if you scan the front and the item says 29.99 the barcode on the front has that 29.99 encoded along with the UPC so no matter what it will sell it at that price... Why? Because we want to make sure we never overcharge anyone --- back from the music business when I first wrote the software, it was way way more common for prices to go up, not down, so I wanted to make sure that people got the quoted price on the CD ... Where if you scan the back, the system looks up the -current- price on the item. Since I can see where it might be weird to ask someone to scan the back, I'll see if I can program something to check if there is currently a lower price and give that price to every customer if it is lower... I'll post here when I've written that code... Until then, you are correct that we do price match all nearby-ish physical competitors (i.e. best buy, cc, eb, wal-mart etc.)

As for the job posting, I'm not sure if it's for the retail or warehouse part of the store, but you should definitely mention your knowledge of games if you do apply. The retail manager is Jay and the warehouse manager is Lucas. Both are great guys, and the staff in both areas of the store is filled with really good people. Our discount is a great one - you get stuff basically at cost (the reason I say basically, is that it's the physical cost of the item plus an estimate of what it cost us to get it shipped to the store and accept payment from you)...



It's good to hear about the barcode on the back being the "real" (i.e. retail price) for the game. However, what would I tell the guy at the desk, that I heard it from Brett online? He would think I'm crazy, right? Or least he prolly won't believe me...but I can give it a shot. Worse comes to worse I could always price match other places as well, correct? I mean does Bull Moose price match anything? And if so, do they do so by flyers only or could I make the associate call the other store (more time consuming).

Another thing I wanted to ask was about the "Now Hiring" sign in the Scarborough Warehouse. I was wondering how much the employee discount is? Maybe I could even help out with games? Anyways, maybe that's not the best idea since I'll be graduating in May and I'll need a Full-Time job pretty soon that'll pay the soon to be bills.

[3QGojo]

I guess I'll either wait until you write that code or I'll just price match stuff, but can I price match without a flyer? I mean could I just go up to the counter with a game and price match another store by having them call the other store or whatnot? I'd rather give my business to Bull Moose, but maybe that's just me.

[n8littlefield]

Well, I'll report that I picked up Metroid DS and Tetris DS for $32.xx and $28.xx respectively. I would have posted earlier, but I've been too busy playing :)

[3QGojo]

Well, I'll report that I picked up Metroid DS and Tetris DS for $32.xx and $28.xx respectively. I would have posted earlier, but I've been too busy playing :)

Cool beans to know that you can PM Brett on here and pick up some stuff if you wanted to. :)

[n8littlefield]

Well, he just offered it to me as a one time thing because of the mistake they made in pricing my stuff. Turns out, it was a pretty significant amount as I did get quite a bit more going back. I had Metroid put aside, but then I brought in a few extra games to trade and picked up Tetris too (I'm weak). Normally, I'd have never asked him to do that - he's likely a much busier person than I am! But, quantities being limited, and my work phone not making outbound calls, I took him up on the generous offer.

I really like getting my games at Bullmoose. It's so nice to go in, pick up a game, and not have someone try to presell me an Xbox360/PS3/Revolution or whatever the game of the week to pimp at EB is. It's so much more relaxing at Bullmoose that you can actually browse without them trying to sell and presell you everything under the sun.

I just wish the Lewiston store had retro games (although my wallet is pretty happy they don't). Lately, most of my gaming purchases have been for my NES/Atari. Tetris DS is fricking amazing though - and it has single cartridge multiplayer which is great (we have 2 DS's, so me and my wife can play against each other).

[n8littlefield]

Does anyone know what Bull Moose's policy is on used games and manuals? The Lewiston store, for example, doesn't seem to buy used gameboy games w/out box and instructions, but yet the Scarborough store sells loose gameboy games. I have a PSone game that's still worth quite a bit of $$, I was going to see what they'd offer, but the back cover is in hard shape and the front page of the manual is off, so I wasn't sure if that was an issue.

[3QGojo]

Does anyone know what Bull Moose's policy is on used games and manuals? The Lewiston store, for example, doesn't seem to buy used gameboy games w/out box and instructions, but yet the Scarborough store sells loose gameboy games. I have a PSone game that's still worth quite a bit of $$, I was going to see what they'd offer, but the back cover is in hard shape and the front page of the manual is off, so I wasn't sure if that was an issue.

I tried to trade in some of my old PSX games that didn't have the back inserts and the Scarborough store didn't take them. They told me that they had to be complete.

[3QGojo]

Whooo! Found a great score at the Scarborough Warehouse store! I got a copy of Magna Carta: Tears of Blood Deluxe Box Set used/good condition for $28.97! I swear if I didn't go to this store every week, then all the good deals would be bought by someone else besides me!

I have 16.50 points now as well! Once I get between 25-50 points I plan on blowing it on something good! :)

[3QGojo]

One more thing about the scanning of the back barcode (I haven't done it yet), but the question is if I wanted to buy a game for example like God of War (PS2) that is priced at $28.xx and have them scan the back of it will it come up the MSRP ($19.99) since it's now a Greatest Hits game? From what you're saying it should come up at $19.99 by scanning the back. I guess the question is should I get that price or a slightly lower price (since Bull Moose always has slightly lower price points).

Another thing that I'd like to mention that I'm sure the average consumer might not know about (but the average CAG does). There is a coupon at Best Buy called the "Gamer's Gift Card" that has a $5 off any $19.99 game and up on the back of it. Meaning thatit turns any game in Best Buy into $19.99--->$14.99 and so on. It basically knocks $5 off any game priced at $19.99+. I don't expect Bull Moose to compete by having it's own coupon, but I do go to Best Buy to get some games for even a little bit cheaper. If a game comes out for $39.99 and I can get it for $34.99 at Best Buy and Bull Moose is selling it for $36.90 (which is still a great price) I sometimes tend to go to Best Buy (since I might be going to the mall anyways).

So I guess what I'm asking is if there is anyway for us CAG's to get any exclusive deals/previews/info before it comes out. Although, I guess that's what you're already doing by posting on this site and giving us some very helpful information. All in all I commend your efforts to turn your gaming section around and I will continue to support your store! :)

BTW, I don't know if you store information in the database for the Bull Moose Card, but my name is Michael King and I was wondering if you do store my inforation on the card? Props to you guys at Bull Moose and keep improving the store!

About our mispricing of games that get reduced in price...
That has been a big problem for us --- with music and movies, the list prices change much more slowly, and we generally don't have to hit the floor to reprice inventory... but for games, as you rightfully point out, there are HUGE changes in list prices sometimes within a month or two of release.

So at first we had trouble getting the price changes from the publishers in a timely fashion --- then we fixed that issue...

After we got that info then we really really sucked at changing the prices as they happened because we never had a system to do it --- meaning that it's one thing to tell people to reprice stuff, but it's another thing entirely to have the management in place to make sure it's done and to have it scheduled so it's not overlooked.

So, we now just really suck at it instead of really really sucking. It will take us another month or two to get it together completely.

Sorry to hear about your three different prices, we're getting better at it but haven't gotten through fixing it yet... I can give you a hint on how to try to get the correct lower price if something wasn't repriced correctly. Now don't get me wrong, a customer shouldn't be expected to have to do this by any means and it is TOTALLY our fault for not getting it done right, but in the meantime if you want the correct price on a "should be marked down" title, you can ask our staff to scan the BACK barcode (the UPC) instead of our barcode. I'm almost sure they'll do it --- you can say that you heard it went down in price and can they scan the back to check ---- if it did go down in price, they will definitely give you that lower price --- if it didn't scan at a lower price, let me know 'cause then we have a data problem... I'd appreciate if you didn't let on how you know about the back scanning of the barcode --- because it would be better to not have a million people trying to scan the back barcode and then the staff thinking, hey maybe I should check every single one on the way out rather than correcting the ones out on the floor!! The point, of course, being that the price that you see should be correct and you shouldn't have to ask someone to check it each time! But I pass on this "psuedo" secret to you guys in hopes you'll keep it relatively under wraps. But anytime you see anything mispriced (I know there are tons) feel free to let me know --- we're working on it --- gotta ways to go, that's for sure, but we are improving...

[3QGojo]

I got a chance to go to the Bangor Bull Moose this weekend (was up there visiting my gf's parents anyways) and I scored a BRAND NEW copy of Disgaea: Hour of Darkness for $46.xx. Not a bad price considering GQD has been sold out and it's still pretty expensive (as far as I've seen). That's all for now! :)

EDIT: I just looked at the price tag and it said $43.52 so even better! :)

[Bull Moose]

Yes --- except hopefully it will be priced right (in this case 18.31) to begin with! We're getting better at it, but you're right for the ones we've blown that scanning the back will in almost all cases get the right price. But hopefully you won't have to do that!

As for the questions about policy with booklets/etc., it sounds like from the varied experience that you all have had means that we may not have a standardized policy --- when I'm back at work next week, I'll check into it for you, and if we don't, this is a good opportunity to decide on a reasonable policy for that.


One more thing about the scanning of the back barcode (I haven't done it yet), but the question is if I wanted to buy a game for example like God of War (PS2) that is priced at $28.xx and have them scan the back of it will it come up the MSRP ($19.99) since it's now a Greatest Hits game? From what you're saying it should come up at $19.99 by scanning the back. I guess the question is should I get that price or a slightly lower price (since Bull Moose always has slightly lower price points).

Another thing that I'd like to mention that I'm sure the average consumer might not know about (but the average CAG does). There is a coupon at Best Buy called the "Gamer's Gift Card" that has a $5 off any $19.99 game and up on the back of it. Meaning thatit turns any game in Best Buy into $19.99--->$14.99 and so on. It basically knocks $5 off any game priced at $19.99+. I don't expect Bull Moose to compete by having it's own coupon, but I do go to Best Buy to get some games for even a little bit cheaper. If a game comes out for $39.99 and I can get it for $34.99 at Best Buy and Bull Moose is selling it for $36.90 (which is still a great price) I sometimes tend to go to Best Buy (since I might be going to the mall anyways).

So I guess what I'm asking is if there is anyway for us CAG's to get any exclusive deals/previews/info before it comes out. Although, I guess that's what you're already doing by posting on this site and giving us some very helpful information. All in all I commend your efforts to turn your gaming section around and I will continue to support your store! :)

BTW, I don't know if you store information in the database for the Bull Moose Card, but my name is Michael King and I was wondering if you do store my inforation on the card? Props to you guys at Bull Moose and keep improving the store!

[n8littlefield]

Thanks for the feedback on booklets. I wonder if maybe the Scarborough store takes Gameboy games w/out but the others don't as Scarborough just takes the GBA games w/out books and prices them at one flat price regardless of title. I visited the Scarborough store a few weeks ago and have to say, I've never seen so many N64 games in one store! I hate to think how long it's going to take them to get rid of all of those!

Bull Moose - I hate to put you on the spot like we seem to be doing over and over again :) but you mentioned the Lewiston store doesn't sell as many games as others. I was in there the other day (and will be back on Tuesday as a new Wiggles DVD comes out...) and noticed that it just feels like the games section doesn't get a whole lot of attention.

In that, I mean, the other areas of the store (sections your employees probably are really knowledgable about) have staff suggestions, some have handdrawn dividers, if a band has a DVD out, it might be displayed with their CD's sometimes, etc. The games just kind of are there shoved in the corner. Have you considered maybe on the opposite wall (with the staff suggestions) putting some suggested games? Or maybe even have some themed sales, like Handheld month, Classic Gaming Month, Sports month...something to actually get that area noticed? I mean, your prices are REALLY good (the best by FAR for the Lewiston/Auburn area) it's a shame that it's hard to notice as all the games are lined up against a wall with no real push.

The rest of the store just has so much personality and has such a personal touch by the workers (toy rats smoking on the counter, posters drawn on by staff, all the staff recommendations throughout the store) that the games area just doesn't have that same "Bull Moose" feeling, if you will. Just the 2cents of a fairly regular shopper, no need to reply if it's way off base :)

[3QGojo]

That's a good suggestion Mr. Littlefield! Making the gaming section more attractive with suggested titles might help some (although I usually know what I want when I go in). However, others like my step-dad might do some impulse purchasing. However hard it may seem to keep up with game prices, I really commend the efforts Bull Moose is putting into the stores and I for one NEVER want to see Bull Moose stop selling games. I do pick up a DVD/CD there every now and again, but to be honest I've been doing a lot of game shopping there lately. I'm at 19.80 points and I can't wait to get between 25-50 points so I can get something for real cheap!

Thanks for the feedback on booklets. I wonder if maybe the Scarborough store takes Gameboy games w/out but the others don't as Scarborough just takes the GBA games w/out books and prices them at one flat price regardless of title. I visited the Scarborough store a few weeks ago and have to say, I've never seen so many N64 games in one store! I hate to think how long it's going to take them to get rid of all of those!

Bull Moose - I hate to put you on the spot like we seem to be doing over and over again :) but you mentioned the Lewiston store doesn't sell as many games as others. I was in there the other day (and will be back on Tuesday as a new Wiggles DVD comes out...) and noticed that it just feels like the games section doesn't get a whole lot of attention.

In that, I mean, the other areas of the store (sections your employees probably are really knowledgable about) have staff suggestions, some have handdrawn dividers, if a band has a DVD out, it might be displayed with their CD's sometimes, etc. The games just kind of are there shoved in the corner. Have you considered maybe on the opposite wall (with the staff suggestions) putting some suggested games? Or maybe even have some themed sales, like Handheld month, Classic Gaming Month, Sports month...something to actually get that area noticed? I mean, your prices are REALLY good (the best by FAR for the Lewiston/Auburn area) it's a shame that it's hard to notice as all the games are lined up against a wall with no real push.

The rest of the store just has so much personality and has such a personal touch by the workers (toy rats smoking on the counter, posters drawn on by staff, all the staff recommendations throughout the store) that the games area just doesn't have that same "Bull Moose" feeling, if you will. Just the 2cents of a fairly regular shopper, no need to reply if it's way off base :)

[Bull Moose]

Awesome ideas - thanks!!

Thanks for the feedback on booklets. I wonder if maybe the Scarborough store takes Gameboy games w/out but the others don't as Scarborough just takes the GBA games w/out books and prices them at one flat price regardless of title. I visited the Scarborough store a few weeks ago and have to say, I've never seen so many N64 games in one store! I hate to think how long it's going to take them to get rid of all of those!

Bull Moose - I hate to put you on the spot like we seem to be doing over and over again :) but you mentioned the Lewiston store doesn't sell as many games as others. I was in there the other day (and will be back on Tuesday as a new Wiggles DVD comes out...) and noticed that it just feels like the games section doesn't get a whole lot of attention.

In that, I mean, the other areas of the store (sections your employees probably are really knowledgable about) have staff suggestions, some have handdrawn dividers, if a band has a DVD out, it might be displayed with their CD's sometimes, etc. The games just kind of are there shoved in the corner. Have you considered maybe on the opposite wall (with the staff suggestions) putting some suggested games? Or maybe even have some themed sales, like Handheld month, Classic Gaming Month, Sports month...something to actually get that area noticed? I mean, your prices are REALLY good (the best by FAR for the Lewiston/Auburn area) it's a shame that it's hard to notice as all the games are lined up against a wall with no real push.

The rest of the store just has so much personality and has such a personal touch by the workers (toy rats smoking on the counter, posters drawn on by staff, all the staff recommendations throughout the store) that the games area just doesn't have that same "Bull Moose" feeling, if you will. Just the 2cents of a fairly regular shopper, no need to reply if it's way off base :)

[Bull Moose]

Sorry I missed the second part of your message here...

I will definitely consider the BB gamer card thing --- so I'm guessing that savvy shoppers like you guys go and buy a gift card and then immediately go and buy a game at 5 bucks off? How does that work - do they make you wait to use it or can you go and use it immediately?

Also, about the FQB card thing, yes, we do store that data. It is our own point of sale system, so your sales data/phone/e-mail/whatever are kept totally private by us unless you ask us to reveal something...So if you ever need a listing of what you've bought and/or sold back, I can give it to you.




Another thing that I'd like to mention that I'm sure the average consumer might not know about (but the average CAG does). There is a coupon at Best Buy called the "Gamer's Gift Card" that has a $5 off any $19.99 game and up on the back of it. Meaning thatit turns any game in Best Buy into $19.99--->$14.99 and so on. It basically knocks $5 off any game priced at $19.99+. I don't expect Bull Moose to compete by having it's own coupon, but I do go to Best Buy to get some games for even a little bit cheaper. If a game comes out for $39.99 and I can get it for $34.99 at Best Buy and Bull Moose is selling it for $36.90 (which is still a great price) I sometimes tend to go to Best Buy (since I might be going to the mall anyways).

So I guess what I'm asking is if there is anyway for us CAG's to get any exclusive deals/previews/info before it comes out. Although, I guess that's what you're already doing by posting on this site and giving us some very helpful information. All in all I commend your efforts to turn your gaming section around and I will continue to support your store! :)

BTW, I don't know if you store information in the database for the Bull Moose Card, but my name is Michael King and I was wondering if you do store my inforation on the card? Props to you guys at Bull Moose and keep improving the store!

[n8littlefield]

I haven't shopped as much for CD's or DVD's as I used to either. This week, like I said, a new DVD comes out that I'm picking up for Lucas (my son) and I think I have enough points to half price it.

I have pretty much switched over to shopping for games completely at Bull Moose as well. Except for my classic games, I hit Video Game Exchange in Augusta for those. It's as much for the good prices as it is for not being hastled. I don't know how Gamestop/EB are down there in Portland Mike, but up here it's "Preordering anything today?" "Why don't you trade in your DS for a PSP?" and all sorts of other stuff that their corporate people make them ask you. I'd rather just browse and be left alone!

Rumor is saying Best Buy is coming to Auburn - I don't know how that will work out, but even if it does, I'm expecting a smaller one (like the one in Bangor if you've been there). It will be nice to actually be able to buy computer stuff without heading to Portland though.

Edit: To Bull Moose, the Best Buy Gift Card thing is basically a gift card that gives the user $5 off any game over $20. In theory, it's so that when someone is given a gift card, it's a nice little extra bonus. However, a lot of gamers buy one, then go back in line and buy a game with that card to get $5 off. I think Best Buy was in the process of getting rid of them because of that, but I could be wrong.

[acolyte]

I have pretty much switched over to shopping for games completely at Bull Moose as well. Except for my classic games, I hit Video Game Exchange in Augusta for those. It's as much for the good prices as it is for not being hastled. I don't know how Gamestop/EB are down there in Portland Mike, but up here it's "Preordering anything today?" "Why don't you trade in your DS for a PSP?" and all sorts of other stuff that their corporate people make them ask you. I'd rather just browse and be left alone!


I may be looking to unload some of my NES games. I went up to Video Game Exchange last week, and was a little bummed that they don't really have anything for any of the niche systems. Their prices on games are nice, but the selection is really lacking.

The EB in Augusta is hands down the worst for pushy salesmen. The last time I was in there, after I told one I was just looking around, a salesman proceeded to hand me an ad and say "You can look through this, circle what you want, come back, and I'll help you find it." Whatever happened to "OK, if you need anything, let me know?" It's their job, but good lord, is it ever annoying. I haven't been back there since.

[n8littlefield]

Video Game Exchange generally doesn't have a lot for the niche systems. I've seen Saturn games there, and I've seen a Jaguar system and games as a set (and almost brought it home) but I just don't think he gets them in that often. I really only collect actively for NES and Atari 2600 (which he doesn't have). I basically hit them for NES and the Pride's Corner Flea in Westbrook for NES/Atari. I did find a few NES games I needed at Bullmoose last time I was in the Scarborough store - I don't know what they have for niche systems though - maybe Bull Moose could answer what systems they'll take games for.

I haven't been to the EB in Augusta for quite awhile. I usually stick to the EB/Gamestop in Auburn if I have to get something there - they have to push stuff like presales, but they aren't nearly as bad as Portland. To me, the worst is EB in South Portland, by far the worst in terms of pushing stuff you don't want and following you around if they smell money - I will not buy there again unless they have a major shift in management/workers.

[3QGojo]

Well, as far as EB/Gamestop go I've always hated Gamestop and now since EB is owned by them, I have reason to hate EB as well (example: not being ablt to stack coupon codes on EB's website anymore). The EB in the mall isn't too bad, it just depends on who is working there. If it's that long haired freak that looks like he's from Rocky Horror stay away! Anyways, the Gamestop over by Target is the only one that I can stand since they're more like the old EB than anything. I haven't had much trouble with the EB in the mall or the GS over by Target, but I went to the Gamestop up in Bangor and boy do they suck, they asked me for everything, so yea I can see what you mean about being bugged. Places like Bull Moose and Video Game Exchange don't bug people about preorders and such, which is fantastic.

To Bull Moose:
What the GGC basically is:
It's a gift card that you can put money on, and on the back there's a $5 off any videogame $19.99 and up. I wasn't sure if they'd be back in stock as Mr. Littlefield stated above, but the last time I went to the Best Buy in the mall I saw them. Last year they were green and this year they are blue. I believe there's a thread about them somewhere on this forum as well. I'm not sure if they've changed how much you're able to put on the card because last year they told me I could put any amount on it (so I ended up putting on 1 cent per card), which was great because I didn't end up using all of them. However, I was allowed to use it on the day I bought it so it didn't matter what amount I put on it, meaning that I could go to the register and buy the card and put let's say $5 on the card. Then I'd go pick up a videogame for $19.99 and use the $5 coupon to knock it down to $14.99 and then use the gift card (since it;s basically cash) ro knock it down to $9.99 and then just pay the rest with actual cash. So, you end up getting a game for $5 off whatever the price is. So someone like me would end up paying slightly less at a place like Best Buy than Bull Moose.

I haven't shopped as much for CD's or DVD's as I used to either. This week, like I said, a new DVD comes out that I'm picking up for Lucas (my son) and I think I have enough points to half price it.

I have pretty much switched over to shopping for games completely at Bull Moose as well. Except for my classic games, I hit Video Game Exchange in Augusta for those. It's as much for the good prices as it is for not being hastled. I don't know how Gamestop/EB are down there in Portland Mike, but up here it's "Preordering anything today?" "Why don't you trade in your DS for a PSP?" and all sorts of other stuff that their corporate people make them ask you. I'd rather just browse and be left alone!

Rumor is saying Best Buy is coming to Auburn - I don't know how that will work out, but even if it does, I'm expecting a smaller one (like the one in Bangor if you've been there). It will be nice to actually be able to buy computer stuff without heading to Portland though.

Edit: To Bull Moose, the Best Buy Gift Card thing is basically a gift card that gives the user $5 off any game over $20. In theory, it's so that when someone is given a gift card, it's a nice little extra bonus. However, a lot of gamers buy one, then go back in line and buy a game with that card to get $5 off. I think Best Buy was in the process of getting rid of them because of that, but I could be wrong.

[n8littlefield]

If it's that long haired freak that looks like he's from Rocky Horror stay away!

That's exactly the guy I'm talking about. There also used to be a manager there with glasses that used to bug the heck out of me. But mostly it's that guy with the long stringy hair that makes me never shop there!

[acolyte]

The closest store to me is Bull Moose in Lewiston, but most of the time I'll go the EB in Auburn. I've given up on browsing for the most part; I'm about ready to switch hobbies over to board games.

[n8littlefield]

If you switch to board games, make sure you give your old NES games a nice, loving home (in other words PM me if you start selling off your games :) )!

Edit: BTW Mike, was that your school that was evacuated today? We got an email at work that one of the colleges campuses had to be evacuated due to threats - was that you folks?

[3QGojo]

Yes, it was USM becuase of a Bomb threat. USM classes before 4:00PM were cancelled on Monday beause of a bomb threat, but I don't even have class on Mondays, so it's just another wasted cancellation for me. We had 2 snow days this year, one on Monday and another on Wednesday...and I only have classes on Tuesday/Thursday thinking that if I pack all my classes in on two days then there's a higher chance of getting a snow day on one and having to only go to class one day that week *sigh* but it didn't work out that way. :(

If you switch to board games, make sure you give your old NES games a nice, loving home (in other words PM me if you start selling off your games :) )!

Edit: BTW Mike, was that your school that was evacuated today? We got an email at work that one of the colleges campuses had to be evacuated due to threats - was that you folks?

[n8littlefield]

Edit: I'm going to go ahead and remove my complaint from here - I decided this really isn't the place. Basically, I posted a story about an issue I had (well, actually my wife had) with a Bull Moose employee that kind of ticked me off. I went back to delete, or at least soften up :) my post, and realized Bull Moose was already online reading it - so it was pretty much pointless.

I went ahead and PM'd Bull Moose and let him know I am removing the story, and told him to feel free to do the same. This board is more to post store reports, not me bitching about a worker that annoyed me.

Except that guy at EB in South Portland, he's still fair game!

[Bull Moose]

I'll say that you are definitely NOT out of line for posting it here - I appreciate it! If anyone has an issue with any of my stores and is just lurking here, I would much rather know about it so we have the chance to correct it rather than not know. In some ways the kindest thing a customer can do is to let a merchant know when they have gone wrong.

I am very sorry for how poorly your wife was treated.

So, we really screwed that up - since you say you like to hear how these things work behind the scenes, here goes:

Probably 99% of the new releases that we carry that come out on Tuesday, we receive either the Friday afternoon or Monday before "streetdate". However, the Wiggles DVD was originally not ordered for the Lewiston store. When I saw your post mentioning the Wiggles DVD yesterday I checked in our computer and saw it wasn't on order, so I let our buyer know to please bring in a Wiggles DVD for the store. She placed the order with our overnight carrier (normally we order from a specific supplier, but in a pinch we can pull stuff in overnight). So, the Wiggles "It's Time to Wake Up Jeff" DVDs arrived in North Windham, Portland, Portsmouth, Bangor and Salem today, but at none of the other locations. So our carrier/one stop blew it on the delivery. When I saw your message, I dropped a query to our overnight carrier to see what went wrong.

That's why the DVD isn't in the store, but, of course, it doesn't even begin to excuse the horrible customer service your wife received.

I've got a few promotional children's VHS and DVDs that I'll drop into the mail for you and your family (I'm assuming your address is correct on your FQB card) that I hope you'll accept with our apologies for our poor service.



OK - I'm going to vent for a moment. Please forgive me Bull Moose and please don't feel obligated to respond to this, but I'm really, really annoyed and well, this is where I would normally post my gripe...

So, as you folks read, a few weeks ago, I took some stuff into the Lewiston store and was not offered what I felt was a fair tradein by the store manager. Well, I took them back (on Bull Moose's advise) and sure enough it was a mistake and I got a much better amount.

Well, today was Wiggles day in the Littlefield household. A new Wiggles DVD was coming out, and since it was on the Bullmoose website, I figured what a great chance to use the points I had accumulated and pick it up on the cheap.

My wife went into the Lewiston store and looked in the kids section and didn't see it, so she asked about it at the desk. She had the same gentleman I had dealt with before and he couldn't find it listed. She gave them the name it was released under, she gave him the title it was listed as on the bullmoose website (it had a name change just prior to release), and he still couldn't find it.

At one point he even said (quite abruptly according to her, but I wasn't there, so I can't really say) "Well, I guess you don't really know the name of it then." She said "It's on your website, it is under this title, but was renamed to this title like a week ago. But it's on your website, I could go home and order it". He told her being on the website meant nothing. Finally, he found the most recent release and told her it was backordered. It just came out today! She went four doors down to Sears of all places, and guess what - they had a copy that she bought.

I REALLY hate to bitch about this knowing that someone from Bull Moose will probably read this, especially given how incredibly helpful Brett has been in the past. Mike can vouch for me, I'm really a very low key, mellow guy :) I love the Lewiston Bull Moose normally, but I have to say, this manager is driving me apenuts.

Edit: BTW, if someone thinks I'm being out of line in posting this here, let me know by PM and I'll gladly remove it. Like I said, I was really unsure about posting it given how incredibly nice Bull Moose has been, but I felt that I wouldn't think twice about posting this if it were Gamestop or EB so I went ahead and posted.

[3QGojo]

I would agree that posting problems here isn't a bad idea at all. In fact it's a great idea, this thread was originally started about what deals were going on at Bull Moose and the variety in pricing ect...however it's turn into something even bigger and better since Brett has come to us and is constantly taking our suggestions to heart. This is the reason why I love Bull Moose, because if they do something wrong, then they want you to tell them about it so they can correct the problem. They aren't like other companies that seem faceless and seem to not really care about the average customer.

I know Mr. Littlefield wouldn't post unless it was something he felt that was important, and obviously getting this DVD on the day it was released and being excited about using his points to get it half off was even better. In the end he was disappointed that Bull Moose dropped the ball on this one and on top of that didn't even own up to it.

This thread has turned into so much more than what it was originally, and for the better too. I feel that with Brett constantly visiting our site (aside from having a local celebrity in our midst) we also have someone that is in a position to make changes at Bull Moose, and on top of that he's willing to listen to us and make changes because he knows that Bull Moose is lacking in the videogame department and he is making an effort to correct any issues that may come up.

I say as long as no one goes so far as to start a long drawn out rant (like a flame) then everything can be construde as constructive criticism. I wouldn't want to see anyone totally bash Bull Moose, but what you did is provide feedback for Brett. I think if every store was as actively attentive as Bull Moose the world would be a better place.

I'll say that you are definitely NOT out of line for posting it here - I appreciate it! If anyone has an issue with any of my stores and is just lurking here, I would much rather know about it so we have the chance to correct it rather than not know. In some ways the kindest thing a customer can do is to let a merchant know when they have gone wrong.

I am very sorry for how poorly your wife was treated.

So, we really screwed that up - since you say you like to hear how these things work behind the scenes, here goes:

Probably 99% of the new releases that we carry that come out on Tuesday, we receive either the Friday afternoon or Monday before "streetdate". However, the Wiggles DVD was originally not ordered for the Lewiston store. When I saw your post mentioning the Wiggles DVD yesterday I checked in our computer and saw it wasn't on order, so I let our buyer know to please bring in a Wiggles DVD for the store. She placed the order with our overnight carrier (normally we order from a specific supplier, but in a pinch we can pull stuff in overnight). So, the Wiggles "It's Time to Wake Up Jeff" DVDs arrived in North Windham, Portland, Portsmouth, Bangor and Salem today, but at none of the other locations. So our carrier/one stop blew it on the delivery. When I saw your message, I dropped a query to our overnight carrier to see what went wrong.

That's why the DVD isn't in the store, but, of course, it doesn't even begin to excuse the horrible customer service your wife received.

I've got a few promotional children's VHS and DVDs that I'll drop into the mail for you and your family (I'm assuming your address is correct on your FQB card) that I hope you'll accept with our apologies for our poor service.

[3QGojo]

Figured I'd quote myself, I didn't know if you saw my reply on the Gamer's Gift Card that Besbuy offers.


To Bull Moose:
What the GGC basically is:
It's a gift card that you can put money on, and on the back there's a $5 off any videogame $19.99 and up. I wasn't sure if they'd be back in stock as Mr. Littlefield stated above, but the last time I went to the Best Buy in the mall I saw them. Last year they were green and this year they are blue. I believe there's a thread about them somewhere on this forum as well. I'm not sure if they've changed how much you're able to put on the card because last year they told me I could put any amount on it (so I ended up putting on 1 cent per card), which was great because I didn't end up using all of them. However, I was allowed to use it on the day I bought it so it didn't matter what amount I put on it, meaning that I could go to the register and buy the card and put let's say $5 on the card. Then I'd go pick up a videogame for $19.99 and use the $5 coupon to knock it down to $14.99 and then use the gift card (since it;s basically cash) ro knock it down to $9.99 and then just pay the rest with actual cash. So, you end up getting a game for $5 off whatever the price is. So someone like me would end up paying slightly less at a place like Best Buy than Bull Moose.

[n8littlefield]

Actually, if he had just said "sorry, it'll be in later this week" that would have been fine. I'm not really that upset that Bullmoose didn't have kid's DVD on the day it was released. It was more how my wife felt she was treated. She admits that in the end, she was giving it right back to him (she's not one to back down). But, I was just ticked that he would accuse her of not knowing the name of the DVD she was looking for.

One of the reasons that I felt pretty bad about my rant was knowing the guy was in fact the manager meant it was someone Brett knows personally, and I know I'd feel pretty crappy if I went on the web and read stuff about my coworkers/friends/acquaintances accusing them of being rude to a customer. I know I don't always provide perfect customer service, but normally I get great service at Bullmoose so it really surprised me.

If anything it's a compliment to Bull Moose that I was shocked when we didn't receive amazing service. The workers there are always great - insanely knowledgable about music, and to me are the reason that Bull Moose is a relaxed, friendly place to shop. I think that's why I was so surprised.

[3QGojo]

I checked out the Bull Moose in Windham today, nothing that spectacular there. I was in the area for a job interview, so I figured I'd check out the local Bull Moose. I think that I'm spoiled by all the good deals that I find at the Scarborough Warehouse that I just expect all the others to have such a wide selection and variety. Oh well, at least I live close to the Scarborough store! :)

[3QGojo]

Also, I have a question for Bull Moose:

Have you updated your trade-in prices on most of your older games yet? Because I'm trying to figure out how much I would get for certain games by how they're priced on the front barcode that Bull Moose puts on it. Meaning that if you sell a new copy of game A for $46.xx and the used copy of game A for $28.xx (seems like your newer games that are used are always 28, which is awesome by the way), then how much would I get for game A if I brought it into the store? If it goes by the front bardcode for trade-ins then would it give me $21? Seeing how the front Bull Moose made barcode isn't on it when I trade it in I wonder if it goes by the back barcode? I'm assuming it does, but you've told me in a previous post that the back barcode will show the actual retail price.

So here's the scenario:
After noticing the pricing on game A (as stated above) I bring in a used copy of game A (in fantastic condition like all my games are, so condition isn't an issue). Now when I bring in game A would I get between $14-$21 for it, since the sticker on the shelve says it sells for $28.xx used, or would it ring up as saying that game A has been priced wrong for awhile now and that a new copy should go for $26.74 and a used copy should sell for $22.90 (thus lowering the trade-in value offered to me to around $6-$12). Does the computer do this or not? After I'm offered the trade-in price (if I accept the $6-$12) would the associate then marked the game down to the correct price (or even keep it the same higher price)?

EDIT: The "game A" I was referring to is Geist for the Gamecube that sells for $9.99 at Bestbuy and $9.98 at Toys R' Us, yet Bull Moose still has it marked at $49.99 for a new copy. I mean if I had this game what could I trade it in for $6 maybe? Then after trading it in would the eemployee just look at what a new copy goes for and mark it at $28.xx? That seems to be the trend.

One more question about price matching:
Do you guys price match by flyers/ads only or could I have an associate call the store and check with them about a price? I could see why you might not call because it might hold up people in line.

[n8littlefield]

While I'm far from an expert, and look forward to Bull Moose's answer to this, my observation would be that you would be paid the lower amount based on the back barcode.

Case in point: I have a copy of XIII for the PS2. I brought it in for trade as I had noticed that they were selling for like $25ish used. When I asked about trade in I was offered like a buck. So - although the front says $25, it basically just hadn't been updated after a few price drops probably so probably if I tried to actually buy a used copy from them (I hope) I wouldn't have been paying $25! I would expect the same on a recently dropped game, like God of War. It now sells for $20 new, so I would figure they would not pay the $22 for it that they might have just a few months ago.

I think Brett mentioned that games prices do drop considerably faster than movies or CD's so keeping up is tough for them. After all, it's two separate sets of info to keep track of between new and used prices.

[3QGojo]

Yes, and that's the horrible part is that you WOULD pay the $25 because as Brett said the price is encoded into that barcode, so it will ring up at whatever price is on it. However, like he said if you scan the back it'll most likely be a lower price and that's what prompted my question. I've traded in some old PSX games at the Scarborough store (that I bought for less than $1 each) and I believe I only got $2 back per game which was fine by me. However, I've been back in there since to look through games and I saw these exact games (Shrek Treasure Hunt & Dragon Ball Z Ultimate Battle 22 to be exact) for around $11-$17ish price wise.

I actually think I got $6 for the DBZ game, but regardless of what was paid to me $11-$17 is too high for those games. That's what I was wondering Mr. Littlefield, it seems like they may just pay us the lower trade-in prices but keep them marked higher still which is not what I want at all. I either want really high trade-in prices and high priced used stuff or low trade-in prices and much cheaper prices on the used stuff. It's unfair to give low trade-in prices and then turn around and charge a high price (i.e. selling a game I traded in for $2 for $11+).

While I'm far from an expert, and look forward to Bull Moose's answer to this, my observation would be that you would be paid the lower amount based on the back barcode.

Case in point: I have a copy of XIII for the PS2. I brought it in for trade as I had noticed that they were selling for like $25ish used. When I asked about trade in I was offered like a buck. So - although the front says $25, it basically just hadn't been updated after a few price drops probably so probably if I tried to actually buy a used copy from them (I hope) I wouldn't have been paying $25! I would expect the same on a recently dropped game, like God of War. It now sells for $20 new, so I would figure they would not pay the $22 for it that they might have just a few months ago.

I think Brett mentioned that games prices do drop considerably faster than movies or CD's so keeping up is tough for them. After all, it's two separate sets of info to keep track of between new and used prices.

[n8littlefield]

My understanding is they'll price the game you sell them correctly, but it could easily end up on the shelf next to a copy of the same game priced higher unless they notice it. So, like with God of War as an example (it just dropped in price so it's easy to pick on).

Let's say there's a copy on the shelf for $26 used so you figure hey, I'll bring mine in and get $20 for it - woo hoo!

You bring your copy in and they offer you $10 for it as (hopefully) their system has the new price in it. They'll price yours correctly, and sell it for $15.xx used. Now, they will either notice their old copy on the shelf, take it down and reprice it to $15.xx, or they won't notice it, and it will sit there and there will be two copies of the same game with different prices.

What I would like to know is shouldn't that copy sitting there marked $25 ring up at $15, wouldn't the barcode in the system ring up at the new price?

BTW, call me Nate, I'm already pushing 30, I don't need to feel any older!! :)

[3QGojo]

That makes sense why I see a variety of prices. It was my understanding that unless the employee prints a new barcode for the game, that it will continue to ring up at that price because Brett said it was set in stone to make sure people weren't overpaying on items (like CD's). Sorry about calling you Mr. Littlefield, I'm just used to it because you were my teacher. I'll call you nate if you want (sounds weird) because it reminds me of Nate Spring from the 4-way chess games, hehe.

My understanding is they'll price the game you sell them correctly, but it could easily end up on the shelf next to a copy of the same game priced higher unless they notice it. So, like with God of War as an example (it just dropped in price so it's easy to pick on).

Let's say there's a copy on the shelf for $26 used so you figure hey, I'll bring mine in and get $20 for it - woo hoo!

You bring your copy in and they offer you $10 for it as (hopefully) their system has the new price in it. They'll price yours correctly, and sell it for $15.xx used. Now, they will either notice their old copy on the shelf, take it down and reprice it to $15.xx, or they won't notice it, and it will sit there and there will be two copies of the same game with different prices.

What I would like to know is shouldn't that copy sitting there marked $25 ring up at $15, wouldn't the barcode in the system ring up at the new price?

BTW, call me Nate, I'm already pushing 30, I don't need to feel any older!! :)

[n8littlefield]

Wow. If they really set those barcodes in stone it would mean everytime a price drops they have to resticker a game...that sounds like a royal pain.

Yeah - there were multiple Nate's - I don't really care either way...I'm an old fart now, I've got to get used to again if I go back to teaching.

BTW, it's been bugging me - I think Blackie's name was Ryan...does that sound right to you?

[3QGojo]

Yes, his name was Ryan, but blackiE was a much cooler name IMHO.

EDIT: Maybe you're right Nate, maybe Bull Moose could have it so the prices for games aren't set in stone and they'll ring up as the lower price if there's a universal drop? I don't know how difficult that would be to pull off though. Anyways, it looks like Brett has enough questions/banter between us two alone to respond to for now.

Wow. If they really set those barcodes in stone it would mean everytime a price drops they have to resticker a game...that sounds like a royal pain.

Yeah - there were multiple Nate's - I don't really care either way...I'm an old fart now, I've got to get used to again if I go back to teaching.

BTW, it's been bugging me - I think Blackie's name was Ryan...does that sound right to you?

[n8littlefield]

Hey - anyone traded in a game that retails for $20ish lately at Bullmoose and remember what you got? I'm thinking of trading in the Devil May Cry series (1,2,3 Special Edition) but didn't know if it was worth it...

[Bull Moose]

as of right now (it changes everyday) those are 4,3,6,7 respectively... The 6 is very close to a 7 and the 3 is very close to a 4, but as of right now that's the levels.
Hey - anyone traded in a game that retails for $20ish lately at Bullmoose and remember what you got? I'm thinking of trading in the Devil May Cry series (1,2,3 Special Edition) but didn't know if it was worth it...

[3QGojo]

Hey Bull Moose, any responses to the other questions asked? I'd really like to know the answers. :) I'll be very greatfull! :)

[n8littlefield]

as of right now (it changes everyday) those are 4,3,6,7 respectively... The 6 is very close to a 7 and the 3 is very close to a 4, but as of right now that's the levels.

Thanks!

[n8littlefield]

Hittiing Bull Moose either today or tomorrow. I'm hoping to do one last game tradein before having to stop for awhile and play what I own and stop adding to the collection.

Are the bullmoose.com prices accurate for the store as well? They have a few games listed there really cheaply that I might pick up - but I didn't know if the prices matched.

[3QGojo]

Bull Moose isn't answering my questions. :(

I know he's busy, but I miss his presence.

[n8littlefield]

I went into Bullmoose this weekend and traded in just a few games (including Madden 2005 DS, which I got $7 for, which was more than I would have expected). I ended up using my points and store credit for a copy of Zoo Tycoon DS.

[Bull Moose]

Yes, it would go by the back barcode, so by the correct list price. The front barcode disparity will keep becoming less of an issue over the coming weeks.

Btw, I'm not showing the Geist for 9.99 you speak of:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002IQOPU/qid=1144678957/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-3320582-6083005?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=468642

The old games have been updated with trade-in value --- but they're also kind of in a constant stage of updating...

I'll post back later when I have a few minutes...I'm wicked busy these next couple of days so sorry to be so short :)


Also, I have a question for Bull Moose:

Have you updated your trade-in prices on most of your older games yet? Because I'm trying to figure out how much I would get for certain games by how they're priced on the front barcode that Bull Moose puts on it. Meaning that if you sell a new copy of game A for $46.xx and the used copy of game A for $28.xx (seems like your newer games that are used are always 28, which is awesome by the way), then how much would I get for game A if I brought it into the store? If it goes by the front bardcode for trade-ins then would it give me $21? Seeing how the front Bull Moose made barcode isn't on it when I trade it in I wonder if it goes by the back barcode? I'm assuming it does, but you've told me in a previous post that the back barcode will show the actual retail price.

So here's the scenario:
After noticing the pricing on game A (as stated above) I bring in a used copy of game A (in fantastic condition like all my games are, so condition isn't an issue). Now when I bring in game A would I get between $14-$21 for it, since the sticker on the shelve says it sells for $28.xx used, or would it ring up as saying that game A has been priced wrong for awhile now and that a new copy should go for $26.74 and a used copy should sell for $22.90 (thus lowering the trade-in value offered to me to around $6-$12). Does the computer do this or not? After I'm offered the trade-in price (if I accept the $6-$12) would the associate then marked the game down to the correct price (or even keep it the same higher price)?

EDIT: The "game A" I was referring to is Geist for the Gamecube that sells for $9.99 at Bestbuy and $9.98 at Toys R' Us, yet Bull Moose still has it marked at $49.99 for a new copy. I mean if I had this game what could I trade it in for $6 maybe? Then after trading it in would the eemployee just look at what a new copy goes for and mark it at $28.xx? That seems to be the trend.

One more question about price matching:
Do you guys price match by flyers/ads only or could I have an associate call the store and check with them about a price? I could see why you might not call because it might hold up people in line.

[Bull Moose]

Naw, sadly bullmoose.com is totally outsourced right now. We use a company that ships out of florida. They handle fulfillment just fine, but since it's not integrated with our stores, we miss a lot of opportunities to help our customers. I really like that at Circuit City that you can see their inventory levels. It would be cool to let you guys see our new/used inventory in the stores that you regularly shop so you could be saved a trip or find a hard to find game you've been looking for... We're working on it, but it's not happening in the near term (i.e. it will be more than 3 months out)

Hittiing Bull Moose either today or tomorrow. I'm hoping to do one last game tradein before having to stop for awhile and play what I own and stop adding to the collection.

Are the bullmoose.com prices accurate for the store as well? They have a few games listed there really cheaply that I might pick up - but I didn't know if the prices matched.

[Bull Moose]

Sorry I've been wicked busy

Bull Moose isn't answering my questions. :(

[3QGojo]

Maybe you're right, how much would I get for trade-in credit for Geist, if you happen to know? I have a copy lying around that I've been playing and I wanted to trade it in, but I thought the trade-in value possibly went down and I didn't know.

Yes, it would go by the back barcode, so by the correct list price. The front barcode disparity will keep becoming less of an issue over the coming weeks.

Btw, I'm not showing the Geist for 9.99 you speak of:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002IQOPU/qid=1144678957/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-3320582-6083005?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=468642

The old games have been updated with trade-in value --- but they're also kind of in a constant stage of updating...

I'll post back later when I have a few minutes...I'm wicked busy these next couple of days so sorry to be so short :)

[n8littlefield]

I have a quick question if you happen back in Bull Moose. At the warehouse store, you obviously take in classic games, and price them all at one price. Does that mean if I bring in an NES game for example, I would expect one set price no matter what the title? Are those rated ABCD as well?

[3QGojo]

Come back Bull Moose! How much could I get if I traded in my copy of Geist for the Gamecube?

[3QGojo]

I'm not usually one to complain, but what happened to the Scarborough Bull Moose? I went there today and the NEW/USED sections of all the various games were mixed together! I didn't like it at all! I know you guys have reorganizing all of your games recently, but put it back the way it was! Every game store I've been to has new and used games seperated. I just figured I'd put my 2 cents in since I didn't like the way it was set up now.

EDIT: All the different systems were seperated, but what I'm saying is that the used games were mixed in with the new games and I didn't like that at all.

[Bull Moose]

Thanks for the feedback, 3QGojo --- Sorry you don't like the change...

I'm on the road, so I'm not in a position to quote the various used game prices asked in the other questions right now.

As this is new for us, I'm wondering if you wouldn't mind explaining the disadvantages of having new and used combined.

We almost always make our choices based on our customers' preferences, and one pretty clear way to gauge that is sales. So in one store where we tried mixing them, used sales more than doubled, and overall game sales went up. In the short period since we combined them in Scarborough, new sales have increased significantly, and used sales are up a tiny bit. I'm not saying that that means that combining them is the right choice, but it seems that more customers find stuff that way --- or maybe there are confounding variables about combining them that I'm not aware of (confounding variables is math geek speak for other things changing an outcome that are outside of the parameters studied...so in this case a confounding variable would be that by combining the games, the shelves got dusted and that's what increased sales, not the combining of the games itself)

Anyway, if you could tell me what you don't like about them combined, that would be great --- I am always open to new ideas and most anything we do isn't set in stone. ... and if anyone else has an opinion on the matter, feel free to weigh in!

I'm not usually one to complain, but what happened to the Scarborough Bull Moose? I went there today and the NEW/USED sections of all the various games were mixed together! I didn't like it at all! I know you guys have reorganizing all of your games recently, but put it back the way it was! Every game store I've been to has new and used games seperated. I just figured I'd put my 2 cents in since I didn't like the way it was set up now.

EDIT: All the different systems were seperated, but what I'm saying is that the used games were mixed in with the new games and I didn't like that at all.

[3QGojo]

Well, I don't relly mind you combining older gen games (like PS1 used/new) that makes sense because there's not that many of them. However, it just gets aggrevating when I'm looking through the section of lets say PS2 and I find a game that I might want, but I grabbed it and it wasn't new it was used (and in okay condition). This happened mutiple times. I can definately see the reason why it works sales wise, because people don't usually check different sections for the games they want (meaning checking used PS2 and then new PS2).

I just don't like how they're mixed together and some of the customers might think they're new and just like an unwrapped display/cheaper copy of the game. I saw MGS3: Substance for $17.xx used and I almost picked it up. It looked as if it was NEW and just unwrapped, so someone may confuse it with a new copy. Although, they'll probably sell soon.

The reason why people find more stuff that way is because they go through the PS2 section and can find every single game there (used or new) categorized A-Z without having to check another section. Basically people are lazy in general and don't want to be bothered checking two sections for one system.

The biggest problem is people getting excited about finding either a new version of a game then realizing it's used and they wanted a new copy (some people are very picky). It could be the opposite as well, looking for a used copy and then you find a copy and it's new (thus more expensive)! This customer is looking for a used copy and they got all excited only to be let down.

Imagine combining used/new CDs/DVDs. I know that they're different than videogames (pricing wise), but people who buy used/new CDs/DVDs wouldn't like it if they were combined because if you want a new copy you look at the new section and same for the used copies in the used sections. I saw people that looked confused in the gaming section as well since it was all combined. Something like this might work with a lower volume of games, but at a large store like the Scarborough store it gets very confusing!

Thanks for the feedback, 3QGojo --- Sorry you don't like the change...

I'm on the road, so I'm not in a position to quote the various used game prices asked in the other questions right now.

As this is new for us, I'm wondering if you wouldn't mind explaining the disadvantages of having new and used combined.

We almost always make our choices based on our customers' preferences, and one pretty clear way to gauge that is sales. So in one store where we tried mixing them, used sales more than doubled, and overall game sales went up. In the short period since we combined them in Scarborough, new sales have increased significantly, and used sales are up a tiny bit. I'm not saying that that means that combining them is the right choice, but it seems that more customers find stuff that way --- or maybe there are confounding variables about combining them that I'm not aware of (confounding variables is math geek speak for other things changing an outcome that are outside of the parameters studied...so in this case a confounding variable would be that by combining the games, the shelves got dusted and that's what increased sales, not the combining of the games itself)

Anyway, if you could tell me what you don't like about them combined, that would be great --- I am always open to new ideas and most anything we do isn't set in stone. ... and if anyone else has an opinion on the matter, feel free to weigh in!

[Bull Moose]

What if they were clearly sidespinded with a label that identified them as used? Would that help, or is just the volume of them problematic to you?

Also, what do you think of breaking games into categories? (i.e. sports/role playing, etc.)

As for the mixing new and used CDs and DVDs, well they seem to also sell better mixed. They aren't mixed in Scarborough, but we've tested it in another one of our stores (got the idea from another retailer who sells tons more used than we do) and it increase used sales somewhat...

I agree with you, though, that the volume of a section is what changes its shopability - so if a section gets too big, ease of browsing goes way down..

Well, I don't relly mind you combining older gen games (like PS1 used/new) that makes sense because there's not that many of them. However, it just gets aggrevating when I'm looking through the section of lets say PS2 and I find a game that I might want, but I grabbed it and it wasn't new it was used (and in okay condition). This happened mutiple times. I can definately see the reason why it works sales wise, because people don't usually check different sections for the games they want (meaning checking used PS2 and then new PS2).

I just don't like how they're mixed together and some of the customers might think they're new and just like an unwrapped display/cheaper copy of the game. I saw MGS3: Substance for $17.xx used and I almost picked it up. It looked as if it was NEW and just unwrapped, so someone may confuse it with a new copy. Although, they'll probably sell soon.

The reason why people find more stuff that way is because they go through the PS2 section and can find every single game there (used or new) categorized A-Z without having to check another section. Basically people are lazy in general and don't want to be bothered checking two sections for one system.

The biggest problem is people getting excited about finding either a new version of a game then realizing it's used and they wanted a new copy (some people are very picky). It could be the opposite as well, looking for a used copy and then you find a copy and it's new (thus more expensive)! This customer is looking for a used copy and they got all excited only to be let down.

Imagine combining used/new CDs/DVDs. I know that they're different than videogames (pricing wise), but people who buy used/new CDs/DVDs wouldn't like it if they were combined because if you want a new copy you look at the new section and same for the used copies in the used sections. I saw people that looked confused in the gaming section as well since it was all combined. Something like this might work with a lower volume of games, but at a large store like the Scarborough store it gets very confusing!

[3QGojo]

Yea, if they were clearly sidespinded with a label that identified them as used that would be better/easy to identify them. I don't think categories would really help, I like the A-Z stlye.

What if they were clearly sidespinded with a label that identified them as used? Would that help, or is just the volume of them problematic to you?

Also, what do you think of breaking games into categories? (i.e. sports/role playing, etc.)

As for the mixing new and used CDs and DVDs, well they seem to also sell better mixed. They aren't mixed in Scarborough, but we've tested it in another one of our stores (got the idea from another retailer who sells tons more used than we do) and it increase used sales somewhat...

I agree with you, though, that the volume of a section is what changes its shopability - so if a section gets too big, ease of browsing goes way down..

[n8littlefield]

Well, I'm slightly on the other end of the spectrum in that I don't mind at all if they are in the same section, as long as they are easy to pick out as used or new. The only issue you might get into is that there are a TON of people who don't mind used stuff - but hate used stuff covered in stickers, so you'd likely get some negative feedback if big used stickers got put on the game boxes.

It's actually kind of a pain to have to look in the new and used sections - like I might see 3 or 4 games in the new section, decide to see if you have them used and have to remember the titles to go into the used area and check. FYE in the Auburn mall has them combined, labelled well, and it seems to work just fine.

I agree on not categorizing them, that's a pain, especially with some titles that really don't fit into a genre or cross multiple genres. I hate stores that do that and you have to guess where to find a game.

One thing that might help too (and I have no idea if your system makes this possible) is places like EB/Gamestop have a system reminder if they sell a new game and have a used copy in stock. That way - if I buy a copy of a game that they have used, when I check through they can say "We have it used for $5 less with the same guarantee, would you like that?" It's a great way to push the used stuff. I don't know how your pricing goes, but I know for EB that they make more actual profit from a used copy than a new one anyways, so they prefer to push the used.

[3QGojo]

Brett's gone again oh where can he be? He's always so busy working all the time.

[3QGojo]

I went to the So. Portland store and picked up Phantasy Star: Online for $1.97 for the Dreamcast, but hey it was worth it! :)

[Bull Moose]

Our system also alerts the clerk if a used copy is available... It helps, but a lot of folks when they get to the counter just wanna be rung out... It's a tough one, though as I can understand 3QGojo's issues also --- when you get too much stuff (even in alphabetical order) in one area it can just become a mess. We'll see how it works out... Our spine labels are due any day now (or they may have already hit, I didn't check before typing this).


Well, I'm slightly on the other end of the spectrum in that I don't mind at all if they are in the same section, as long as they are easy to pick out as used or new. The only issue you might get into is that there are a TON of people who don't mind used stuff - but hate used stuff covered in stickers, so you'd likely get some negative feedback if big used stickers got put on the game boxes.

It's actually kind of a pain to have to look in the new and used sections - like I might see 3 or 4 games in the new section, decide to see if you have them used and have to remember the titles to go into the used area and check. FYE in the Auburn mall has them combined, labelled well, and it seems to work just fine.

I agree on not categorizing them, that's a pain, especially with some titles that really don't fit into a genre or cross multiple genres. I hate stores that do that and you have to guess where to find a game.

One thing that might help too (and I have no idea if your system makes this possible) is places like EB/Gamestop have a system reminder if they sell a new game and have a used copy in stock. That way - if I buy a copy of a game that they have used, when I check through they can say "We have it used for $5 less with the same guarantee, would you like that?" It's a great way to push the used stuff. I don't know how your pricing goes, but I know for EB that they make more actual profit from a used copy than a new one anyways, so they prefer to push the used.

[Bull Moose]

What little free time I had, I've just blown away. ---I made the mistake of trying to get into games by buying an xbox 360 and Elder Scrolls - Oblivion. Wow. I didn't realize how far games have come in the last couple of years... I put it on my 5.1 sound setup and when I hear someone in the game coming up from behind me, it totally freaks me out!

We've got new videogame signage going into the stores to try to make them a little more clearly marked... Besides that, over the next few weeks as we make all of our stores able to online ship items, so the turns will increase a lot, so the pricing/selection will be much fresher in the stores.

Brett's gone again oh where can he be? He's always so busy working all the time.

[3QGojo]

LOL! That's funny how gaming is taking up a lot of your free time, glad I'm not the only one! :)

Thanks for the side labels! I haven't seen them yet, but I'm sure they'll be appreciated!

What little free time I had, I've just blown away. ---I made the mistake of trying to get into games by buying an xbox 360 and Elder Scrolls - Oblivion. Wow. I didn't realize how far games have come in the last couple of years... I put it on my 5.1 sound setup and when I hear someone in the game coming up from behind me, it totally freaks me out!

We've got new videogame signage going into the stores to try to make them a little more clearly marked... Besides that, over the next few weeks as we make all of our stores able to online ship items, so the turns will increase a lot, so the pricing/selection will be much fresher in the stores.

[n8littlefield]

BTW, the Scarborough store needs more DS games. I was in there last weekend and couldn't find anything to spend money on :) Can't you help separate me from my paycheck?

[3QGojo]

I went to my local Bull Moose Music store instead and picked up a copy of Final Fantasy: Advent Children for $14.97. I could've gotten it for half off of that price since I had enough points (around 20 points), but I decided to save those for a game I may want later on.

[3QGojo]

This may be a shot in the dark, but when I was in the Scarborough store I noticed you carried different kinds of Dreamcast stuff. Not just games, but even a Gameshark for the system! Anyways, I was wondering, Brett...if you could pull some magic and somehow get the Dreamcast Broadband Adapter? I can't find that sucker anywhere! It's hard enough to find stuff for the Dreamcast let alone an adapter like that! I went into Radioshack and their system had it on file, but it said "temporarily unavailable". Anyways, I figured I'd ask since Bull Moose has been a fantastic place to find stuff that I've been looking for that I can't find anywhere else.


If not, then what about the PS2 Network adapter? I saw on Amazon.com, Target was selling it for $19.99, does Bull Moose carry this item as well?

[n8littlefield]

I hit the Scarborough store. I picked up Legacy of the Wizard (boxed, but no instructions) and loose Rampage - both for the NES. I had $5 on my card still, so I think it came to like $2.50ish that I actually paid. Their DS section had more stuff too. BTW Brett - I asked awhile ago - how does the tradein on classic games work? I noticed all the old systems (N64 and back) are all at the same price - do you just pay the same tradein value regardless of game title?

Oh if you're looking for the PS2 Network Adaptor - try EB or Gamestop and take the time to flip through all their used crap. I got mine there for like $12 (just make sure you get one that comes with the disk). If you're looking for the Dreamcast one - good luck - I never saw one during the years I had a Dreamcast!

[3QGojo]

That's funny Nate, I almost picked up Legacy of the Wizard, but I'm waiting for my portable NES CB-Mini to be completed from www.benheck.com before I pick up any old NES games. This way, I'll be able to hit the road with my favorite NES games! If I don't get it in time (or if I don't have the $149 to purchase it when the seller contacts me) I may just wait to drop $250 on a portable nice N64 when I have some cash from a Birthday or Christmass. Either way, it'll be cool! :)


I hit the Scarborough store. I picked up Legacy of the Wizard (boxed, but no instructions) and loose Rampage - both for the NES. I had $5 on my card still, so I think it came to like $2.50ish that I actually paid. Their DS section had more stuff too. BTW Brett - I asked awhile ago - how does the tradein on classic games work? I noticed all the old systems (N64 and back) are all at the same price - do you just pay the same tradein value regardless of game title?

Oh if you're looking for the PS2 Network Adaptor - try EB or Gamestop and take the time to flip through all their used crap. I got mine there for like $12 (just make sure you get one that comes with the disk). If you're looking for the Dreamcast one - good luck - I never saw one during the years I had a Dreamcast!

[n8littlefield]

Well, I debated on it, but the fact I already had a little store credit kind of clinched it. The label on Rampage had seen better days - but it's one I've wanted for awhile.

I'm up to like 95 NES games - so I'm about 2/3 done with my collection (I only have about 150 games on my list that I really want).

[3QGojo]

Nate, what should I do...I got the PS2 Network Adapter without the disc...by accident...well I just forgot or didn't read your whole post. Either way, I went to GS by Target in Portland, ME and they didn't even allow me to use my Edge card (even though an EB employee told me I could use it at GS, ALL LIES). I guess I could just take it back for a refund? I didn't see any that had a disc with it, so I'm hoping it won't be a problem.

Oh if you're looking for the PS2 Network Adaptor - try EB or Gamestop and take the time to flip through all their used crap. I got mine there for like $12 (just make sure you get one that comes with the disk). If you're looking for the Dreamcast one - good luck - I never saw one during the years I had a Dreamcast!

[n8littlefield]

Nate, what should I do...I got the PS2 Network Adapter without the disc...by accident...well I just forgot or didn't read your whole post. Either way, I went to GS by Target in Portland, ME and they didn't even allow me to use my Edge card (even though an EB employee told me I could use it at GS, ALL LIES). I guess I could just take it back for a refund? I didn't see any that had a disc with it, so I'm hoping it won't be a problem.
Do you have any network games? I think some of them (but not all) allow you to setup the Network card from them without needing the startup disk. I'd maybe try a game that was made by Sony (SOCOM/Hotshots Golf) and see if it lets to setup the network.

[3QGojo]

I have games like Killzone and Time Splitters: Future Perfect that I want to play, and when I pop them in it says I need the disc... :(

Do you have any network games? I think some of them (but not all) allow you to setup the Network card from them without needing the startup disk. I'd maybe try a game that was made by Sony (SOCOM/Hotshots Golf) and see if it lets to setup the network.

[n8littlefield]

Then you might have to return it for one with a disc. That's really odd that they wouldn't use your card, I have the Gamestop card and have used it at my EB several times.

I really have to stop buying games, but Mario DS comes out this month, that's a toughie to skip!

[3QGojo]

My PS2 is online and it's fantastic! Except that I suck at all of my games, oh well.

I got cords for my Dreamcast and now I'm playing that like crazy. I picked up some great games at Bull Moose for the Dreamcast! I picked up Skies of Arcadia for $8.97 used/complete, Sonic Shuffle for $9.97 used/complete, and Sword of Berserk for $9.97 used/complete.

These are some great deals for some classic games! :)

[n8littlefield]

Nice. I'm not particularly good at most of the online games either. Although, I am pretty good at Tetris DS online!

The Dreamcast selection at the Scarborough store is really good. I was in there last Thursday. I didn't actually pick anything up this trip - my NES just crapped out on me so I was waiting to see how much getting a new one was going to cost before buying anything new! (I actually found someone online that I'm trading my extra Atari 2600 with for a replacement - so just postage costs!)

[3QGojo]

I had a question that I can't remember if Brett answered over these 10+ pages. I recently traded in some stuff for $15.05 in credit at Bull Moose. Now I was wondering do I need to use my Bull Moose card to redeem that credit or could I just give my girlfriend the receipt and the barcode would scan on it and let her use the creit on my card?

Also, you may notice that I got $15.05 in credit and the .05 is from item I traded in. I got 5 cents for NFL 2K for the Dreamcast! Now I'm not saying it isn't worth 5 cents, but I checked to see if you had any copies you were selling and what they were selling for, and I found a few at the Scarborough store and 1 at the So. Portland store selling for around $11-$13! So I guess what I'm saying is if I trade in a game for 5 cents then I don't think it should sell for that much of a mark-up.

Maybe you should go through some of the dreamcast games and mark them down in price like with the N64/SNES/GEN ect...

Also I noticed at the So. Portland the N64 games were all $7.97 and 50% off that, but that hasn't happened at the Scarborough store yet. Will it happen and if so when? :)

Any answers willl be much appreciated, thanks!

[3QGojo]

As a follow up to my previous post, I was recently at the Waterville Bull Moose and I brought some games up to the counter and had them scan the back, I ended up getting Wacky Races for the Dreamcast for $8.97 (marked $38.97 on the front), Virtual Fighter 3tb for the Dreamcast for $8.97 (marked $11.97 on the front), and I finally got a Dreamcast web browser for $3.97.

I guess I will start scanning the back more and more to see if it's cheaper.

[n8littlefield]

I hit the Scarborough store yesterday - traded in some stuff for like $20 in store credit or so. I called them today and have them putting aside a copy of New Super Mario Bros. for the DS on Tuesday when it comes out - I figure that way it will only be about 10 bucks out of pocket for me (I assume, I forgot to ask what the price would be!)

[n8littlefield]

So what's the story on Bullmoose pricematching? I have store credit there, but New Mario is going to be 27.99 at Circuit City - I have the flyer. I'd assume Lewiston won't price match, but will Scarborough?

[3QGojo]

I would say bring in the flyer and have them price match that, if that doesn't work tell them that they can take it up with Brett. :)

Seriously, I bet a flyer is all you would need.

So what's the story on Bullmoose pricematching? I have store credit there, but New Mario is going to be 27.99 at Circuit City - I have the flyer. I'd assume Lewiston won't price match, but will Scarborough?

[n8littlefield]

I would say bring in the flyer and have them price match that, if that doesn't work tell them that they can take it up with Brett. :)

Seriously, I bet a flyer is all you would need.

Well, I bet the Lewiston store won't actually pricematch a Portland store, but we'll see. I'm actually kind of annoyed with them right now. I called last week to have my name put on a copy of New Super Mario Bros for the DS, and was told that it would be in today, I went in this morning to do a few other trades to get the game basically free and the manager said likely Wed or Thurs...it's the game I've been the most excited about for a long time, so it's kind of ticking me off.

[n8littlefield]

Well, here's a quick word of advice, if you want a game close to launch date, don't go to Bullmoose. I was told last week that Mario would be in Tuesday. So, Tuesday morning I go in - knowing it wouldn't be in yet, but because I had some extra tradeins. Low and behold the manager tells me Wed or Thurs it should arrive.

So - I start to get impatient, figure oh well, if not Wed, I'll grab it in Scarborough on Thursday, since I'm working in S. Portland that day. I call Scarborough - they said they should have it later in the week, and even tell me that they have 15 copies coming.

So, this morning, I go to Scarborough, I ask the guy if he can tell me when they'd have a game in he actually tells me "Oh, I can tell you the release date, but it don't mean we'll be carrying it!" Yeah, great customer service...I was really impressed. So I actually say "The name of it is New Super Mario Bros" for the DS. He looks it up and gets inpatient and asks "Ok, does it have a name?" and I have to repeat "That's the name, New Super Mario Bros". He tells me he sees it was released but they aren't carrying it - oh but he could "Try to get me a copy". Yeah, thanks for doing me such a huge favor...but no thanks. This will be the last time I count on them to get anything in when it first hits.

I'll buy CD's, DVD, and the occassional used game but for new releases, I'm done. Brett, if you want to know how to improve game sales, there's a big clue. You would NEVER have considered not having the new Chili Peppers album on the shelf the day it came out - why treat gamers any differently? I understand it's a distribution issue, but at least be able to tell me when I'll have my game, and certainly don't have your staff saying they don't have a clue if they'll carry something!

UPDATE: Finally got it this morning before work in Lewiston - playing it now!

[3QGojo]

Wow, that's insane! I haven't been going around shopping much now that I've graduated from college and I don't have a job. I have spent all week applying for jobs in the Portland area and all I have to show for it is 1 rejection email and 1 rejection letter. Hopefully the week to come will produce better results.

By the way Brett if you need someone to operate your gaming section (or possibly even create a gaming store) I'm available. You could call it Bull Goose Games (BGG) instead of Bull Moose Music (BMM). See how those initials work out? I would guarantee that I'd have such a hot title like that in stock at all times. :)

I mean just imagine:

Bull Moose Music &
Bull Goose Games

It's like a match made in heaven! :)

[n8littlefield]

This will probably be my last gaming purchase for awhile - we have a ton of weddings to go to right off, so we have to spend $$ on gifts and such.

I just find it annoying that Bullmoose wants to sell games, but yet takes a very lackluster approach to it. They really have great prices on some stuff, but the lack of knowledge of their staff and the pricing being out of date constantly really do limit how much I pick up there. For example there's a $45 dollar copy of God of War at Lewiston, the price dropped over a month ago to $20. You feel stupid asking to check if the price is correct, but you know darn well it will scan for $20!

[3QGojo]

I'm Telling you Bull Goose Games (BGG) seems like a great project! Either that or you could hire someone and put them in charge of video games (which I think Brett said he already did do). But, if it's too much too handle maybe the gaming section deserves it's own store? :) If this were the case you could do much more with it too. You could even offer trade-in deals that would make Gamestop/EB cry. I believe that Bull Moose offers preorders for games, which is what Nate did correct? If that's the case, make sure the preorders are there on time and that you have enough for everyone. Either way, I see way too many people trading in games and Gamestop/EB that should rightfully go to Bull Moose because you guys are the better option in ME/NH.

So to sum everything up, I don't believe that Bull Moose has tapped into it's potential with video games. It's an expanding market and seems to only keep growing with the XBOX 360 already out and the PS3 and Nintendo Wii coming out later this year. In fact I'm not even sure if the music industry is growing as rapidly as the video game industry is. Anyways, if you're out there Brett hear us! :)


This will probably be my last gaming purchase for awhile - we have a ton of weddings to go to right off, so we have to spend $$ on gifts and such.

I just find it annoying that Bullmoose wants to sell games, but yet takes a very lackluster approach to it. They really have great prices on some stuff, but the lack of knowledge of their staff and the pricing being out of date constantly really do limit how much I pick up there. For example there's a $45 dollar copy of God of War at Lewiston, the price dropped over a month ago to $20. You feel stupid asking to check if the price is correct, but you know darn well it will scan for $20!

[n8littlefield]

I have to share this one. I called the Scarborough store thinking I might get rid of some of my duplicate NES and Atari games. I figured they sell for $4 and $3, so I might get a buck or so a piece - given $20 games tend to get around $7 in credit. Instead, they say .25 and .15 respectively!!!

So - here's some fun with math - that means they are making 525% profit on NES and 400% on the Atari! I was stunned to say the least. I figured I might get rid of stuff and get like $10 - 20 in credit (after all, my 20 games would have sold for about $70) - in the end it would be about $5 tops!

[3QGojo]

They also make mistakes in customer's favor, I picked Up Sonic Adventure 2 and Powerstone 2 for the Dreamcast at the Scarborough Bull Moose today for $9.97 a piece! They were both marked as misc. titles, haha!

[n8littlefield]

Wow - that's a great deal - especially on Powerstone 2. I keep hoping that next Capcom Collection on the PS2 will have at least one of the Powerstone games since I haven't played them since I traded in my Dreamcast.

[3QGojo]

Traded-in your Dreamcast, noooo! I have been on a rampage of buying all of the best Dreamcast games ever made and re-living the glory days that were. Of course getting them on the cheap by buying them at Bull Moose has been my best source so far.

Some of the notables would be (in no particular order):

1.) Sword of the Berserk: Guts Rage - $8.97
2.) Sonic Shuffle - $8.97
3.) Skies of Arcadia - $8.97
4.) Wacky Races - $8.97
5.) Sonic Adventure 2 - $9.97
6.) Powerstone 2 - $9.97
7.) Phantasy Star Online - $1.97

Most of these games are ones that I could not find, but thanks to Bull Moose they were not only found, but for cheap! :)

Wow - that's a great deal - especially on Powerstone 2. I keep hoping that next Capcom Collection on the PS2 will have at least one of the Powerstone games since I haven't played them since I traded in my Dreamcast.

[3QGojo]

Just bought a brand new factory sealed copy of the Official Sega Web Browser 2.0 with Sega Swirl included for $10.97. I had enough points to get it half off for $5.xx.

[3QGojo]

I have officially gained internet access via my Dreamcast. Although, I wish I could say that I was typing this message from it, when trying to view the Cheapassgamer website it comes up too dark and the lettering is all in blue and extremely hard to see.

Although, I did check my email with my Dreamcast earlier. Soon I will buy Quake 3 Arena and start playing online with some friends. There are a few games that you can still play online with the Dreamcast.

On a side note where is Bull Moose (aka Brett) been? I haven't seen any posts from him on here since 4/24? Did he get tired of listening to us Nate? He has implemented a lot of our suggestions, which certainly makes me feel like he is trying to improve the gaming sections.

[n8littlefield]

I don't know. I figured maybe either he got busy or tired of us :)

I never was able to browse the web with my Dreamcast, because the broadband adaptor was too expensive, and I didn't have a dialup account during the time I had my Dreamcast.

[Blade]

The one in Waterville doesn't have anything of interest, btw. All of their prices are pretty high, and they don't have any rare games. They do have all sorts of older games, I think n8littlefield wanted information on that. NES, SNES, Saturn - lots of old games like that, but most of them don't include boxes and vary between $5 and $20.

The one in Bangor has some good things occasionally.

[n8littlefield]

Well, I guess no road trip in my near future :)

Mike, are you living in Augusta right now? I was wondering if you've been to the EB there lately, I heard they still carry NES games and was wondering if that was true.

[3QGojo]

Sadly, yes I am still in Augusta...I haven't really been to EB in awhile up here, but I believe the last time I was there they still had NES/SNES/N64/DC/GEN and were getting rid of them all VERY soon. Since they seem to be like the only store that still carries the older stuff.

Well, I guess no road trip in my near future :)

Mike, are you living in Augusta right now? I was wondering if you've been to the EB there lately, I heard they still carry NES games and was wondering if that was true.

[Supreme]

i love bullmoose!

i go to the one in Salem, NH and lemme tell you, that place is a used music gold mine! theyre not really that great with games, like everyone already mentioned, they have horrible prices. they dont have that many great titles anyway. but the used music section, i found one rare cd that was 8, and i sold it on ebay for 33! i bought another rare cd on another trip, but im kinda hesitating to sell it because its one of my favorite cds. i got it for 9, and it could easily go for 40 on ebay.

[3QGojo]

UPDATE ON EB IN AUGUSTA: All they have for old games are N64/PSX (nothing great), and they still have a bunch of really old Dreamcast sports titles...I'm sure they'll be getting rid of that stuff soon.

Brett, where are you? Come back to us and talk about your stores!

[n8littlefield]

Thanks for the info - I guess I won't bother with the Augusta EB anymore. Oh well, I can usually find some NES stuff at Video Game Exchange anyways. Not that I can buy much more right now, just ordered a DS Lite that should be here tomorrow.

[3QGojo]

Oh come on now...where's the Bull Moose love people, has this thread finally kicked the bucket?

I haven't found anything lately at Bull Moose and now the this thread is dying down as well? :(

[n8littlefield]

I've basically stopped hitting Bullmoose in Lewiston just because they don't have nearly the selection as the Scarborough store. I hit Scarborough about every other week just to check their NES/Atari games. Other than that, yesterday I tried to trade in some games and they offered me about $60 - which was about $30 less than Gamestop would have given me so I passed.

As a side note, they grade their games completely retardedly. I had a few games where the DVD case was slightly scuffed up and he lowered them to a B or C, despite the fact the inserts, books, and games were flawless. I have a feeling that I could swap them into new DVD cases and get full value - since when do you judge the condition of a game on whether the case is still shiny?

[daschrier]

I've stopped going to Bullmoose as I haven't left Boston that much in the last few months.

I do agree the game prices are kinda wacky....but I have found a few rare games there before, mostly because people don't think of checking them out. Their CD selection with certain artists isn't as varied, as say Newbury Comics, but Newbury doesn't have a frequent buyers card!

[3QGojo]

Picked up Gauntlet Legends for $8.97 (DC) at the Windham Bullmoose today.

I have a pretty good collection of DC titles now. :)

[3QGojo]

Brett!

Come Back To The Bull Moose Music Thread!

Use Your Search Thingie And Find Us:

Bull Moose Music
Bull Moose Music
Bull Moose Music
Bull Moose Music
Bull Moose Music
Bull Moose Music
Bull Moose Music
Bull Moose Music
Bull Moose Music
Bull Moose Music
Bull Moose Music
Bull Moose Music
Bull Moose Music
Bull Moose Music
Bull Moose Music
Bull Moose Music

...
Bull Moose Music

Did You Find Your Way Back Yet? Plz Don't Leave Me I Was Enjoying Your Imput And It Helped Me Find Great Games At Low Prices!

[n8littlefield]

I haven't posted here for awhile as I haven't really found anything spectacular lately at Bullmoose - I've been working on my NES/Atari collections so it's been mostly thrift shops and Video Game Exchange for me. We're moving in September (still in Lewiston) so I'm trying not to buy a bunch of stuff just to have to move it again - but it's hard to resist sometimes :)

[3QGojo]

Found some DC titles here and there, including Street Fighter III! :)

Picked up Street Fighter III: Double Impact for $8.97!

Come oon, let's get this thread going again!

[3QGojo]

BUMP for great deals a Bull Moose, including Madden 2007 for PS2 for $39.99 if anyone is interested.

Nevermind I guess that's pretty much everywhere now... :(

Still some good deals though.

[daschrier]

Does anyone know if you get points on your frequent buyers card for hardware? Buying a Wii at bullmoose would net a lot of points :D

[3QGojo]

Does anyone know if you get points on your frequent buyers card for hardware? Buying a Wii at bullmoose would net a lot of points :D

That's esactly what I thought as well. I know they told me you gain points for how much you spend. Something like every $12.97 = 1pt. Something strange like that. I called the Bull Moose by the mall to see if they were taking pre-orders and they told me it wasn't even in their system (neither the PS# or Wii). I'm unsure if they'll get any at launch time, they told me they didn't get the 360 until 6 months after it had come out.

[n8littlefield]

I've never heard of them excluding hardware from the points thing - but I don't think I've ever bought any hardware from Bull Moose. I don't really think they take preorders for anything do they? I mean, they may be willing to put your name on something when it comes in, but they don't really guarantee having anything game related at launch I thought - they usually take at least a few extra days to get games in stock that just launched.

[3QGojo]

So the answer is yes, anything you pay for counts towards your points.

[daschrier]

Excellent. I might just do that. Buying full price games adds quite a few points to your card. At one point I had around 40 points. I wonder what the highest they've ever seen is.

[voormis]

Wow, I can't believe there is a thread on here about Bull Moose.

I live in Cape Elizabeth Maine and I think Bull Moose is great. But, there certainly is a problem with the consistancy of pricing. I notice almost every time that I go there that the same game will have about 3 different prices on them if there are multiple copies.

The Bull Moose location provided me with gas money for a period of about 2 months when things were rough and I had DVD's and games to unload :)

It is cool seeing people on here from Maine.

I think the only real draw-back for the store is some of the music the employees listen to. I mean, I love everything from classical to metal, etc. but some of that crap sounds like an atari game mixed with an LSD flashback through speakers...I almost can't take it at times. But it is certainly better than hearing Lincoln Park and Fallout Boy.

[3QGojo]

Wow, I can't believe there is a thread on here about Bull Moose.

I live in Cape Elizabeth Maine and I think Bull Moose is great. But, there certainly is a problem with the consistancy of pricing. I notice almost every time that I go there that the same game will have about 3 different prices on them if there are multiple copies.

The Bull Moose location provided me with gas money for a period of about 2 months when things were rough and I had DVD's and games to unload :)

It is cool seeing people on here from Maine.

I think the only real draw-back for the store is some of the music the employees listen to. I mean, I love everything from classical to metal, etc. but some of that crap sounds like an atari game mixed with an LSD flashback through speakers...I almost can't take it at times. But it is certainly better than hearing Lincoln Park and Fallout Boy.


About the different prices for the same game, it was mentioned in this thread earlier that if you bring the game up to the counter and ask them to scan the back barcode it will come up as the current most cheapest price. So take whichever game up to the counter and have them scan the back and it'll come up as the cheaper price that one of the other games is marked on the front cover.