The Last Days of the Hastings / GoHastings Universe - Check the latest posts!

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BEFORE YOU ASK A QUESTION IN THIS THREAD, READ THE FAQ BELOW!

GoHastings.Com Promotional Deals and Codes

AMARILLO, Texas - Texas-based Hastings Entertainment Inc. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Company officials say the reorganization filing includes its parent company, Draw Another Circle, and sister brands Movie Stop and SPImages.

A statement posted Monday on the Hastings website says the Chapter 11 process will help prepare the business for an intended sale, while providing protections and financing to continue operations. Further financial details weren’t released.

Hastings will no longer accept or honor deposits for movie purchases and will no longer rent games. Hastings gift cards expire July 13, 2016. The company’s buyback program has been suspended.
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Full List Of Online Coupon Codes

In-Store Sales / Discounts / Liquidation will vary from Online Sale / Coupon offerings

Check latest posts in thread for more specific updates

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Please read me before posting a question!

Click the "Show Spoiler" button below to see the FAQ
General
Question: What is Hastings / GoHastings.Com?
Answer:
Founded in 1968, Hastings Entertainment, Inc. is a leading multimedia entertainment retailer that combines the sale of new and used books, videos, video games and CDs, and trends and consumer electronics merchandise, with the rental of videos and video games in a superstore format. Currently there are 146 superstores. Hastings also operates www.goHastings.com, an e-commerce Internet Web site that makes available to customers new and used entertainment products and unique, contemporary gifts and toys.

Question: Gee, this is a really long FAQ. Doesn't Hasting have their own FAQ for customers?
Answer:
Hastings does have their own FAQ. You can read Hastings' official FAQ by clicking here. However, this FAQ goes into many details that Hastings' own FAQ does not. So be sure to read through all of this before asking a question!

NEW!
Question: How can I filter and sort Used Video Games to remove the out of stock items?
Answer:
Find the "Stock" dropdown menu option when browsing the used game selection and choose "In Stock." Games that have been purchased in the past day and are now out of stock may still appear.

NEW!
Question: Where can I find clearance video games and other clearance items?
Answer:
Clearance Video Games are in New condition; Plus $2.28 shipping per game
Click Here For Overall Video Game Clearance Items > Sort by Platform on the drop down menu
Click Here For Overall Clearance Items

Game / Item Condition
Question: What is the difference between "used" and "previously viewed" items on GoHastings.Com?
Answer:
"Used" games and movies are items that have been traded in to a Hastings retail location by a customer. "Previously viewed" games and movies are items that Hastings has rented out to customers at their retail locations but are now selling to the public.

When it comes to video games, most CAGs report no real difference between the two other than some ancillary stickers, but both "used" and "previously viewed" games are subject to being scratched, abused, or incomplete depending how well it was previously taken care of.

When it comes to movies, the "Previously Viewed" rental versions often lack features from the full retail versions and may come in different boxes, have different UPCs, have white barcode stickers around the center ring of the disc, etc.

You may encounter a situation where a customer has purchased a "previously used" item from Hastings, then traded it back into Hastings, thus making it a "used" item. This practiced is frowned upon by most customers, but Hastings has shown next to no incentive to change it. It mostly happens with movies.

Question: Do used and previously viewed video games come complete with the original case and manual?
Answer:
GoHastings.Com states as follows:

Due to the nature of used products; booklet inserts, digital movie downloads and manuals are not guaranteed in our used video games, movies and CDs.
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However, the vast majority of CAGs have reported that a large majority of their games do arrive complete. Incomplete games are more of an exception rather than the rule.

Question: Are used collector's editions and limited editions of games guaranteed to come with extras like bonus discs, statutes, and other items?
Answer:
No. Hopefully the used CE and LE games would at least come with all of the discs, but this is not guaranteed. And there is absolutely no guarantee other physical items or "swag" will be included for these used copies. However, CAGs have reported that they have purchased used CE and LE games and received all of the extras. If you order a used CE or LE and it does not come with the extras, just contact customer service and ask about a return/refund.

Question: What condition do "used" and "previously viewed" discs come in?
Answer:
Mosts CAGs seem to get games in good, playable condition if not better. However, there have been cases of receiving a game so scratched up that it would not load/play. These games can be returned to GoHastings.Com at no cost to the customer for a full refund.

NEW!
Question: Are New condition games factory sealed or gutted and re-sealed?
Answer:
As of mid-2013, Hastings retail stores have adopted a policy of gutting games then storing the game discs, manuals and DLC papers separately. This is so they do not have to lock up games or put security cases on games yet still allow the customer to physically handle the boxes in-store. When a new game is sold, Hasting will either re-seal the game or they will place the game in a bag that cannot be opened if you want to return the game as new.

Shipping
Question: Why are my items shipping individually? Why does GoHastings.Com include a shipping charge for each individual item ordered?
Answer:
Hastings does not have warehouses for fulfilling internet orders. All items are shipped from individual brick and mortar retail stores. If your order contains multiple items, your order may ship from multiple locations at different times if one location does not have all of the items you ordered. Because items could ship from more than one location, GoHastings.Com charges a per item shipping fee. Yes this can be frustrating, so its best to either get over it if you intend to shop at GoHastings.Com, or if you can't get over it, shop elsewhere. Like all "deals," include the shipping price per item into consideration for the total cost of the game being purchased.

UPDATED!
Question: How much is shipping per item?
Answer:
Video Games and PC software ship for $2.28 per item.

CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays ship for $1.29 per item.

Books have a per-order charge of $3.00 plus $0.99 shipping per book ordered.

Game Hardware, Electronics and Trends have a per-order charge of $1.99 plus $0.10 shipping per ounce for each item ordered.

Full shipping information, including expedited shipping prices, can be found HERE.

Occasionally, GoHastings.Com offers free or reduced shipping promotions.

Please note, books used to ship for $0.96 per order with no per item charge but Hastings discontinued that pricing scheme as of January 10, 2014. CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays used to ship for $0.96 per item, but Hastings raised that price to the current cost as of approximately May 25, 2014.

Question: How long does it take GoHastings.Com to ship my order?
Answer:
Standard Shipping:
Order processed within 48 Hours
Shipping time is 3-10 Days

Priority / Expedited Mail:
Order processed within 48 Hours
Shipping time is 2 - 3 Days

Question: What service does GoHastings.Com use to ship items?
Answer:
GoHastings.Com primarily ships items using the United States Postal Service (USPS). Video games ship via USPS First Class Mail. Books, movies and music ship via USPS Media Mail. Larger orders may ship via UPS.

Question: Will GoHastings.Com give me a tracking number for each shipment?
Answer:
Every shipment usually has a tracking number associated with it. If you did not see a tracking number in the shipping confirmation email, check your order history on GoHastings.Com.

Question: What will GoHastings.Com ship my items in?
Answer:
It will vary. Hastings might use a yellow paper mailer with bubble padding on the inside. They might use a white plastic envelope with bubble padding on the inside. They might use a stiffer paper/lighter cardboard envelope with no padding. Hastings will try to jam as many items into any of the above envelope options as possible, resulting in frequently damaged books, broken game/movie/CD cases, etc. On rare occasions, someone at Hastings will have the common sense to put larger or heavier items into a box for safer shipping, but even then they will neglect to use padding. Hastings used to ship items in a white plastic poly-bag with absolutely no padding or protection, but after numerous complaints, the company claims these are supposed to be phased out and no longer in use. They still pop up from time to time.

Order Cancellations / Out Of Stock Items
Question: Why was an item cancelled out of my order? Why is that item back in stock right now?
Answer:
GoHastings.Com fills their stock from their Hastings brick and mortar retail locations. Additionally, GoHastings.Com sells items on Amazon and eBay. Their online inventory system is antiquated and does not update stock instantaneously across physical store locations, GoHastings.Com, Amazon, and eBay. Therefore if someone bought the same item first in store/on Amazon/on eBay, their order will be fulfilled first and your item will be cancelled if there is not enough inventory to go around, even though you thought the item was in stock. Yes this sucks, but now you know about it so you can simply choose not to shop at GoHastings in the future if you can't deal with it. No need to endlessly complain about it in posts. Consider writing a letter to the president of Hastings, whose contact info can be found below this FAQ.

Because Hastings' physical store locations accept trade-ins for the used items that they sell, an item that was out of stock may quickly come back into stock if someone trades in the same item, or if someone returns the same item. However, as stated above, GoHastings.Com has an antiquated online system, and they will not be able to fulfill any items on your order once they have been canceled. You will have to re-order the item, at which time the promotion you initially ordered under may have expired. You can try to contact customer service to see if they will create a new order for you with the price point your originally ordered under.

Question: I just ordered something and now it shows as out of stock, either on my order history page or on the item's page. Will my order be canceled?
Answer:
Probably not, but it is still possible. GoHastings.Com updates its inventory count immediately when sales from the website are made. Therefore if they had one item, and you ordered it, it will now show up as out of stock on GoHastings.Com. However, if someone ordered it off Hastings' eBay or Amazon Marketplace listings first, they may fulfill that order first and cancel your order. Also, if someone walks into the store and purchases the item before it is pulled to ship to you, your order will be canceled. Additionally, store employees may not be able to locate the item and thus cancel your order for that reason. Hastings also has a problem on their website where items in your order history show as out of stock, sometimes regardless of the actual stock. Your best bet is to take a deep breath and not worry about it.

Sale Pricing
NEW!
Question: How can I tell if one promotion or discount is better than a different commonly offered promotion or discount?
Answer:
The following guides are only for video games since they take into consideration the $2.28 per game shipping price. You will have to do your own math for music/movies, books, trends/electronics and other shipping sales.

Remember, stock and prices fluctuate constantly and may not be the same by the next sale.

The math in the Buy 2 Get 1 For $1 deal assumes you choose three equally priced games to maximize your potential savings.

Free Shipping:
Vs. 96¢ Per Item Shipping: Use free shipping, obviously
Vs. 20% Off: Use free shipping with items $11.40 and less
Vs. 25% Off: Use free shipping with items $9.12 and less
Vs. Buy 2 Used Games, Get 1 For $1: Use free shipping with items $7.84 and less
Vs. 30% Off: Use free shipping with items $7.60 and less
Vs. 33% Off: Use free shipping with items $6.91 and less
Vs. 40% Off: Use free shipping with items $5.70 and less

96 Cent Shipping:
Vs. Free Shipping: Wait for Free Shipping, obviously
Vs. 20% Off: Use 96¢ shipping with items $6.60 and less
Vs. 25% Off: Use 96¢ shipping with items $5.28 and less
Vs. Buy 2 Used Games, Get 1 For $1: Use 96¢ shipping with items $4.96 and less
Vs. 30% Off: Use 96¢ shipping with items $4.40 and less
Vs. 33% Off: Use 96¢ shipping with items $4.00 and less
Vs. 40% Off: Use 96¢ shipping with items $3.30 and less

20% Off:
Vs. Free Shipping: For items over $11.40, use 20% Off
Vs. 96 Cent Shipping: For items over $6.60, use 20% Off
Vs. Buy 2 Used Games, Get 1 For $1: For items under $2.50, use 20% Off

25% Off:
Vs. Free Shipping: For items over $9.12, use 25% Off
Vs. 96 Cent Shipping: For items over $5.28, use 20% Off
Vs. Buy 2 Used Games, Get 1 For $1: For items under $4.00, use 25% Off

30% Off:
Vs. Free Shipping: For items over $7.60, use 30% Off
Vs. 96 Cent Shipping: For items over $4.40, use 30% Off
Vs. Buy 2 Used Games, Get 1 For $1: For items under $10, use 30% Off

Buy 2 Get 1 For $1:
Vs. Free Shipping: Use free shipping with items $7.84 and less
Vs. $0.96 Shipping: Use 96¢ shipping with items $4.96 and less

33% Off:
Vs. Free Shipping: For items over $6.91, use 33% Off
Vs. 96 Cent Shipping: For items over $4.00, use 33% Off

40% Off:
Vs. Free Shipping: For items over $5.70, use 40% Off
Vs. 96 Cent Shipping: For items over $3.30, use 40% Off

Question: GoHastings.Com totally raised their prices prior to the sale! OMGWTFBBQSauce! Should I call the police / attorney general / president of the United States?
Answer:
GoHastings.Com claims to not raise their prices prior to sales. Their pricing is based on algorithms that consider things like supply, demand, competitor pricing, market rates, etc. If a game was $10 before the sale and $15 24 hours into the sale, chances are there were only a couple of copies of the game and someone bought one when the sale started, thus affecting the supply and demand. You are not the only one monitoring a Wish List on GoHastings.Com. However, there have been some clearly documented instances of raising prices right before a sale, especially with books rather than games.

Promotional Deal Codes
Question: Why is the promotional code not applying to my order?
Answer:
Certain M-rated games carry the disclaimer that "This item is only available for purchase by customers age 17 and older." If you have such a game in your cart, be sure to check the box by the "Check Out" button that says "I am at least 17 years of age" before clicking the "Apply Promotion Code" button to apply the promotional code.

Additionally, some promotional codes only apply to select qualifying titles. Be sure that your order only contains such titles. Occasionally the GoHastings.Com programmers miss something and games that are supposed to qualify do not work with the promotional code. If this is the case, please contact GoHastings.Com. Contact information can be found below this FAQ.

Question: Can I use more than one promotional code at the same time? Can I stack promotional codes?
Answer:
No, you can only apply one promotional code per order. This prevents code stacking. If there are two promotional codes valid at the same time that you would like to use, you must place two or more separate orders.

Question: What time do promotions normally begin / end?
Answer:
GoHastings.Com operates based on the Central Time Zone. Weekly promotions usually start on Sunday and usually last the whole week. Various other promotions may have different start times and durations. Promotions usually begin at midnight Central time. However, sometimes the new promotions take a while to go "live" on the website, so always double check your order that the correct discounted price is shown.

Order Problems and Contacting Customer Service
(Including Returns/Replacements for Wrong Item or Damaged/Defective Item)
Question: I am trying to place an order and have entered my correct shipping address, billing address and credit card info. The check out page says there is a problem with my information and I need to correct it, but nothing is incorrect. What is going on?!
Answer:
This is a random error that seems to affect some people and not others. There is no known cause for it. People have reported it occurring with different credit card companies (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, etc.). Some people think it has to do with what web browser you use, so perhaps try a different one. Some people have reported they can't place orders from computers or IP numbers located out of the state where their billing or shipping address is located. The bottom line is there is no fix for this problem from the customer's end. Your only attempt to get it resolved will be to CALL Customer Service. Contact details for Customer Service can be found below this FAQ.

Question: GoHastings.Com sent me a defective game or the wrong game. How do I return it? Can they send me a replacement/correct item?
Answer:
Contact customer service to initiate the return process. Customer service contact information is located in this post, below the FAQ. GoHastings.Com will not charge you to ship the game back, and they will give you a full refund, including what you paid initially for shipping. In some instances, they will simply refund the cost of the item and let you keep the defective or wrong item for free. GoHastings.Com will not normally send you a replacement item if you received a defective or incorrect item. They will usually tell you that you must place a new order, at which time the promotion you initially ordered under may have expired. You can try to contact customer service to see if they will create a new order for you with the price point you originally ordered under.

Question: Something went wrong with my order. How do I contact customer service?
Answer:
Customer service contact information is located in this post, below the FAQ.

Question: Should I call or email customer service?
Answer:
CAGs have reported mixed experiences with both calling and emailing Hastings Customer Service. It is up to your preference. If you are contacting them regarding credit card issues, it may be best to call rather than put highly sensitive information in an email. If you call during business hours, your issue may be resolved right then over the phone. You might also have to wait on hold for a long period of time during peak hours. If you email, you may have to wait up to 48 hours to get a response, especially if you email over the weekend. Often the email replies fail to understand your entire issue with your order. Customer Service contact information is located in this post, below the FAQ.

Question: What is GoHastings.Com return policy?
Answer:
The GoHastings.Com website states their return policy is as follows:

All items purchased through gohastings.com may be returned for a full refund of the purchase price, if they meet the following criteria:

  • All new items are in original unopened packaging.
  • Return of product is within 30 days of shipping date.
  • Returned product(s) must be in the original packaging and include any manuals, cabling and accessories in saleable condition.
  • Video Game Systems that are found defective within the 30 day window must make a return using the manufacturer's warranty.
Shipping and handling charges are not refundable.
Note: Products purchased through goHastings.com may not be returned to a physical store location for refund.
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However, this can be confusing considering used items, such as games, come in opened packaging. Normally GoHastings has no problem with returns for defective or incorrect used game shipments that are promptly requested. At the very least, if a game item was found to be defective within 30 days of the shipping date, you would have a good argument toward customer service that you should be able to return the game item. Abusing the return policy to replace your own broken items with items from GoHastings inventory wouldn't be a good idea.

Miscellaneous
Question: Does GoHastings.Com collect sales tax?
Answer:
According to GoHastings.Com:

Currently goHastings.com only charges sales tax in states where we have a physical presence. Sales taxes are calculated during the ordering process and will show tax charged for the delivery destination, based on current tax rates. Shipping charges may also be subject to tax in certain states.
Currently sales tax is automatically applied in the following states:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Arizona
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Indiana
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Mexico
  • Oklahoma
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Washington
  • Wyoming
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Question: Where are Hastings brick and mortar retail stores located?
Answer:
Click here to find the location nearest you.

Question: Are the online prices the same in store? Are the online specials valid in store?
Answer:
Generally speaking, no. For used items and for some new items, GoHastings.Com uses algorithms where prices can change multiple times in one day. Hastings retail locations have their own set prices. See your local store for more information. Additionally, online special sales and promotions are not valid in store. Sometimes Hastings runs the same pricing online and in store for certain items.

Question: Are the brick and mortar retail location advertisements valid online?
Answer:
Generally the prices in the retail location advertisements are not valid on GoHastings.Com. Sometimes Hastings runs the same pricing online and in store for certain items.



Customer Service Contact Information
Customer Service Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday 9 am through 9 pm CST
Toll Free Phone Number: (877)-HASTINGS (427-8464)
Fax: (806) 467-8330

Email: service[at]gohastings.com
PM the GoHastings Representative on CAG: gohastings (John) [Not active since October 2013]

Regular Mail:
Hastings Internet, Inc.
3601 Plains Blvd.
Amarillo, TX 79102

Comments to the President:
John Marmaduke, President & CEO RIP In Peace

Alan Van Ongevalle, President & COO
Hastings Entertainment, Inc.
PO Box 35350
Amarillo, TX 79120-5350



GoHastings.Com / Hastings Entertainment Online Information
Website: http://www.gohastings.com
Retail Store Weekly Ad: http://www.gohastings.com/custserv/custserv.jsp?pageName=StoreAd
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gohastings?sk=wall
Twitter: @gohastings
Google+: https://plus.google.com/107834874893127887270/posts
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/gohastings/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/gohastings
Is the GoHastings.Com server down for everyone or just me?: Click here to check

 
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billyrox said:
lol agreed. Btw, what is everyone picking up from hastings?
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I'm probably going to buy a ton of cheap horror DVDs, and some Latino / Mexican DVDs. Those shipping costs, though, oof.

Edit: Guessed, you could always buy stuff for people with the credit at a discount. ;) Dunno if you can gift orders or send them to other locations though...

 
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I've bought a ton of records, blu rays, and games over few weeks with my moviestop credit. Finished it off tonight with:

Pikmin

Punch Out

Silent Hill: Shattered Memories

No More Heroes (PS3)

 
SucceededMarker said:
I've bought a ton of records, blu rays, and games over few weeks with my moviestop credit. Finished it off tonight with:

Pikmin

Punch Out

Silent Hill: Shattered Memories

No More Heroes (PS3)
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No More Heroes is a great game. I'd love to see No More Heroes 3 come out sometime before Suda51 dies...

 
How have I never heard of Pokepark? Looked up some quick reviews and it looks freaking adorable! (I'm a girl so I can play baby games)

Picked up PokePark 1 and 2. $15 seems to be a good price going by ebay prices. I just hope they don't arrive all busted up.

--

Endless Ocean is another solid Wii game. The sequel has a lot more stuff to collect and do (salvaging is massively addicting), but you will want to play 1 after playing 2 anyway, so buy both.

 
Looks like they're having some huge blowouts in store according to the emails I'm getting. More or less seems like a liquidation without actually being one.

No signs of it carrying over online, which again, isn't surprising considering they're not going to waste too much manpower and time shipping this stuff at this point.

 
kodave said:
Looks like they're having some huge blowouts in store according to the emails I'm getting. More or less seems like a liquidation without actually being one.

No signs of it carrying over online, which again, isn't surprising considering they're not going to waste too much manpower and time shipping this stuff at this point.
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Can you post some details? I never get the emails and I'm just curious about more information. I have to drive about 30 minutes to get to the closest one but Raising Cane's is out by it so I'm not opposed to making the trip.

 
reaperztoll said:
Can you post some details? I never get the emails and I'm just curious about more information. I have to drive about 30 minutes to get to the closest one but Raising Cane's is out by it so I'm not opposed to making the trip.
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I just got an email that said used books $29.99 and under are 2.99. Got excited before seeing it was In-store only. Then came here and saw they are going OOB. Doh.

Have a bunch of $1-$2CDs on my wishlist and was hoping for a free shipping day, but seems that day will never come.

 
Pookymeister said:
I just got an email that said used books $29.99 and under are 2.99. Got excited before seeing it was In-store only. Then came here and saw they are going OOB. Doh.

Have a bunch of $1-$2CDs on my wishlist and was hoping for a free shipping day, but seems that day will never come.
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That's not bad but hopefully there are more deals coming.

 
Trying to attach image on mobile, but it doesn't seem to be working. All the deals seem to be in-store only. That book deal is only on Saturday, the rest of these are Friday and Saturday:

Buy 1 get 1 for $1 used dvds and boxed sets ($29.99 and under)
But 2 get 3rd for $1 used blu-rays ($29.99 and under)
20% off all new vinyl

And the important one:
Buy 1 get 1 50% off all used videogames.


They've had better game sales, sure, but the combination of them going out of business (thus no longer selling third party gift cards) and gamestop having their 50% bonus trade event starting today makes this probably the best way to transfer credit.
 
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My last few interactions with hastings were pretty negative, not surprised nor disappointed that they are wrapping it up. 

 
I've never cared for the staff in my local store, but I have gotten some amazing deals over the years. I'll miss them.

That said this sale seems like their typical 2 day sale that runs about once a month. I miss the days when they didn't put that $29.99 and below qualifier on the b1g1 deal.
 
That’s too bad to hear about GoHastings. For a few years there, their online sales for used games were the best deals in my book. They really fell off the map over the last year so I hadn’t bought anything from them since then. I was never near a local B&M so I was always jealous of the folks that had the trade opportunities to take advantage of but I guess at least one Brightside was that I never had to pay taxes on their items either. I found their online interface very annoying (like listing things as used but out of stock when you browsed the prices) but they weren’t a huge company so you can only nitpick so much.
 
RIP Hastings

tumblr_mpe1r8ntFI1r2du9bo1_500.gif


I've been going to Hastings stores on and off since 2004.  Used to be one of the last places that still sold physical CDs and used CDs.  Found a ton of gems there.  And I'd been a big online customer too, snatching up stuff every sale.  

Good memories. 

Granted, in the last 2-3 years even I've switched to Spotify and rarely buy MP3 albums, let alone CDs, so this is not surprising.  Just sad to know there is even less competition on the marketplace.  Now it's just basically Amazon if you need a used CD.  I know Hastings would list their stuff on Amazon, but I'd find some deals on there and they would also keep other sellers honest.  

 
Pro tip for moving credit to Gamestop:

Hastings have stopped renting games and have converted their rentals to used. They are $50 per game, which is awful. But they have plenty of Wii U games and Overwatches that trade into Gamestop for $40 with the current 50% extra promo. I just bought 4 games for $162.35, which will get $160 at Gamestop.
 
enorris116 said:
Pro tip for moving credit to Gamestop:

Hastings have stopped renting games and have converted their rentals to used. They are $50 per game, which is awful. But they have plenty of Wii U games and Overwatches that trade into Gamestop for $40 with the current 50% extra promo. I just bought 4 games for $162.35, which will get $160 at Gamestop.
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They are $50 instead of the usual $55 for used? I won't have a chance to go to the store until this evening at the earliest, hopefully they haven't been wiped out by then.
 
Anyone's local stores have signs for no returns? I bought a few things tuesday with credit, I may return them, but Im sure they will probably give back cash if they are taking returns

Nevermind I called they will still take returns

 
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kube00 said:
Anyone's local stores have signs for no returns? I bought a few things tuesday with credit, I may return them, but Im sure they will probably give back cash if they are taking returns

Nevermind I called they will still take returns
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So you can buy stuff with credit and return it for cash right now? That's a major loophole, if true. I don't know why I care I live in Cali anyway.

 
keyblader1985 said:
So are they officially closing down?
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If no one buys them out, yes. They won't shut down in 60 days as some assume due to the letter they sent employees. But it doesn't look good for the long term. They have one store in Pampa, TX that is closing down starting this month. It will officially close in September. If they don't get bought out by someone I can't imagine the rest of the stores will last past the end of the year. :(

 
keyblader1985 said:
So are they officially closing down?
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They've filed for Chapter 11, so unless someone in the next couple of months to buy them out, or they restructure everything, then they'll make that announcement to liquidate, but currently they haven't officially announced they're closing their doors, and getting rid of everything.

In any case, it looks like they'll probably be ditching the physical store model more than likely, so if they do stay in business it'll be online focus more so than the B&M locations, which I'd be fine with.

 
Squarehard said:
In any case, it looks like they'll probably be ditching the physical store model more than likely, so if they do stay in business it'll be online focus more so than the B&M locations, which I'd be fine with.
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Given how they had so few retail locations, they actually had decent stock. I'm assuming they gave decent trade in prices. If they can take that type of trade in activity online somehow, it could be successful. The problem would be, receiving trade ins via mail vs in store. I'm sure they'll have to deal with plenty of fraudsters who'll claim their trade in was lost and if not that, then plenty of people who'll try to trade in items in poor condition or will exploit some trade in promo/value to trade in 100 copies of Madden 2010 for a ton of credit.

 
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Vinny said:
Given how they had so few retail locations, they actually had decent stock. I'm assuming they gave decent trade in prices. If they can take that type of trade in activity online somehow, it could be successful. The problem would be, receiving trade ins via mail vs in store. I'm sure they'll have to deal with plenty of fraudsters who'll claim their trade in was lost and if not that, then plenty of people who'll try to trade in items in poor condition or will exploit some trade in promo/value to trade in 100 copies of Madden 2010 for a ton of credit.
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This was their last list, which was updated monthly, for trade in values. If you wanted cash, it was half of what was listed. They gave insane prices. $40 for NBA games in June smh

https://images.gohastings.com/web/assets/GamesList/UsedGameCredits.pdf?from=gamesbuybackDL&utm_nooverride=1

 
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I recently purchased a game from GoHastings through Amazon. It was advertised as New. Nowhere on the listing did they indicate the game could have been or would have been previously opened. Like I do with GameStop, I refuse to pay the "New" or "Brand New" value for a game which has been previously opened. If the game has been reduced to a "Used" or "Pre-Owned" value, then maybe I might buy an opened game. Excellent condition or not, the game is not "Brand New" if it was previously opened. What proof do I have that it wasn't a trade-in they paid $5 for or even worse, a Rental. I received the game and sure enough, it was sealed in a GoHastings plastic envelope with a note inside which read something to the effect "we open our games to store the disc someplace and the game is actually new". I call BS on this always. Before I open this game, I want proof it will not be smudged, scratched or damaged in anyway and I don't wont to pay normal retail price. They can't provide proof it hasn't been previously viewed, rented or traded in, and if you open it, you can't return it. This particular game was a Microsoft Xbox One game, so the Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity Seal was missing. I really, really wish Microsoft could do something about Retailers selling their games as "New" when they've been opened and have a broken seal or the Microsoft Seal has been removed. I wish Sony would start using similar seals on their games. Too often the plastic around a game can be mimicked and passed off as original shrink wrap. Is there anything else you would pay full price for if it had been previously opened (i.e. TV, coffeemaker, cereal, milk). You get my point. I won't even pay for my new car if the plastic has been removed from the seats.

So, back to the point I was attempting to make here. I requested GoHastings send me a pre-paid return shipping label and a full refund. They did nothing other than give me instructions on where to mail it back for a refund. They never responded appropriately to my request and eventually, and thankfully, Amazon stepped in and refunded my money (actually a gift card, but I used it right away on another game). If you have good standing with Ebay, they might have actually done the same.

So the moral to this long winded rant is — Please, PLEASE, PLEASE stop buying games from retailers at retail prices or the advertised "Brand New" price when the game has been opened. If everyone would stop doing this, these Retailer would come up with a better method of displaying their "New" games. Best Buy uses Printed Cards, I think even GameStop does this once in a while.

If Retailers want to continue this practice, fine. I'm certainly going to continue my practice of not paying full price for a game which had been previously opened. However, I definitely don't like being deceived through an online purchase like I was with GoHastings. As far as the Bankruptcy, it's sad to see another competitor go the way of Circuit City and CompUSA, but I don't like their online practices already. Not a good sign to me.

Why, do you ask, is this so important to me? I am a Game Collector and when I buy games, I like them to be Brand New and Unopened. I buy so many, that it is difficult to get around to playing them all. If I eventually open the game to play it, then great — that's my prerogative. Most of my games remain unopened and thus they retain, if not gain, some value due to that game being unopened. Why does this matter? When you buy thousands of games like I do, you hope in some way the collection may not be completely worthless years later, especially if you never get around to opening and playing the games.

 
One of my local stores said that right now yes all of the rental games are $49.99,though next week they are changing the prices in the system for them. I think there going to change the prices to what they are on the website. Right now if you see a game you want in the rental area you can buy it off the website for store pickup cheaper probably then the $49.99.

 
Squarehard said:
They've filed for Chapter 11, so unless someone in the next couple of months to buy them out, or they restructure everything, then they'll make that announcement to liquidate, but currently they haven't officially announced they're closing their doors, and getting rid of everything.

In any case, it looks like they'll probably be ditching the physical store model more than likely, so if they do stay in business it'll be online focus more so than the B&M locations, which I'd be fine with.
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I'm actually curious as to why you think they'll have any online focus. I think the exact opposite: online is going to be the first thing they shut down.

The only reason Hastings exists is to provide these products in small regional areas that often aren't served by a Best Buy or a comic book shop or Game Stop whatever. If they try to be online only, their method of acquiring used inventory largely changes. And then they are just another one of these junk retailers selling used books/movies/games for pennies on Amazon/eBay if they're smart enough to get bulk shipping contract rates.

 
kodave said:
I'm actually curious as to why you think they'll have any online focus. I think the exact opposite: online is going to be the first thing they shut down.

The only reason Hastings exists is to provide these products in small regional areas that often aren't served by a Best Buy or a comic book shop or Game Stop whatever. If they try to be online only, their method of acquiring used inventory largely changes. And then they are just another one of these junk retailers selling used books/movies/games for pennies on Amazon/eBay if they're smart enough to get bulk shipping contract rates.
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I guess if anything, there should have been an "or at least I hope it goes in this direction."

In my mind, I'm basically paralleling a restructuring to be more like the way that SecondSpin has their store model set up. Very few physical locations, but they take trade-ins from those few locations, and of course have an online trade-in service as well to maintain stock availability for their inventory. Even if Hastings does get bought out, there will probably be major restructuring anyways, and I don't really expect it to be the same as before in any case. B&Ms seem to be on the chopping block first in any case, so I'm just holding out for that one bit of hope that they'll be closing up a bulk of the physical stores, and then maybe redo the model similar to the aforementioned. Maybe not completely get rid of the B&M front, but severely reducing it that it's enough to still have a way to take in trade-ins, and have a physical presence, but not in that many areas anymore, not that they were all over the place to begin with anyways, but still have something at least.

I guess in this situation it's really just one of those, damned if you do, damned if you don't. No matter which way they go, they're going to take a hit. I'm just hoping it's the online that stays afloat, but probably just wishful thinking. And a lot of this too is that I DON'T HAVE A HASTINGS ANYWHERE NEAR ME DAMMIT, so keeping the B&M and closing the online would do me no good. :*(

 
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The problem with the SecondSpin example is that they also cull their Used stock from FYE stores and there are plenty of those around.

 
If we write more than two paragraphs, we should be required to make it a blog post. Really not trying to nap anytime soon.

 
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I went into my local Hastings today. Nothing too special yet, bought a couple of $1 Comics and my game section sucks, the only thing i found worthwhile was Shadow of Mordor GOTY for $11.99 used on Xbox One and PS4, got the last of both. XBO goes for about $15 and PS4 about $20 with the 50% bonus at GS, so not a bad trip. Just waiting for a fire sale.

 
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RE : "I purchased a new game from hastings on Amazon but it wasn't sealed."

- File an A to Z claim and indicate that the game came opened and unsealed.  You will automatically win.  Any game listed as new on Amazon must be sealed - no matter what a third party tells you; no matter what it says in the descriptions notes - not sealed = not new.

 
strikeanywhere said:
RE : "I purchased a new game from hastings on Amazon but it wasn't sealed."

- File an A to Z claim and indicate that the game came opened and unsealed. You will automatically win. Any game listed as new on Amazon must be sealed - no matter what a third party tells you; no matter what it says in the descriptions notes - not sealed = not new.
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Exactly how it should be.

 
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