Best Buy Trade-in Thread 2.0: Please see new thread.

BudzMcGee

BudzMcGee

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At 276 pages and countless request for a new OP, it was time to retire the first Best Buy Trade-in Thread and start fresh. Thanks bh47 for your work in the previous thread (and providing the framework for this one)!

All Promotions are available in-store only, and they DO NOT stack!
Only the 10% Bonus from Gamers Club Unlocked will stack with these offers.
Please read FAQ below before asking questions!

Current Promos:
- 50% Bonus when you trade in ANY game.
Get a 50% trade in bonus when you trade in ANY game. Offer valid 01/01/12 - 01/07/12

- Trade 3, get 30% More.
Trade in 3 games or more and get 30% extra trade-in credit. Offer valid 01/01/12 -03/03/12

- 30% Bonus with any Pre-order.
Get a 30% extra trade-in credit when you pre-order any game. Offer valid 01/01/12 -03/03/12

Link: http://www.bestbuytradein.com/bb/Quo...VideoGames.cfm (click on "Show Promotions available in stores only" on top right)\

Upcoming/Rumored Promotions:
All promos that have yet to appear on Best Buy's site (or in an upcoming ad) are listed here:
None at the moment

Previous Promotions:
Promos that have expired:
- 50% Bonus with specific Pre-order from list.
Get a 50% extra trade-in credit when you pre-order any game from the following list: Halo 4, Mass Effect 3, Bioshock Infinite, Grand Theft Auto 5, MLB 12 The Show, Soul Calibur V, Final Fantasy XIII-2, Twisted Metal, Max Payne 3, Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City and Diablo 3. Offer valid 12/25/11 - 12/31/11

- Trade 2, get 25% More.
Trade in 2 games or more and get 25% extra trade-in credit. Offer valid 11/27/11 - 12/31/11

- 30% Bonus with any Pre-order.
Get a 30% extra trade-in credit when you pre-order any game. Offer valid 11/27/11 - 12/31/11
- 40% Bonus with purchase of any game $39.99 or above.
Get a 40% extra trade-in credit when you purchase any game $39.99 or above. Offer valid 11/27/11 - 12/10/11

- 50% Bonus with purchase of any game $39.99 or above.
Get a 50% extra trade-in credit when you purchase any game $39.99 or above. Offer valid 11/27/11 - 12/03/11

 - Trade 3, get 30% More.
Trade in 3 games or more and get 25% extra trade-in credit. Offer valid 10/30/11 - 11/26/11

- 40% Bonus with any Pre-order.
Get a 40% extra trade-in credit when you pre-order any game. Offer valid 10/5/11 - 11/26/11

- 40% Bonus with Saints Row 3 Pre-order/Purchase.
Get 40% extra trade-in Credit when you pre-order/purchase Saints Row 3. Offer valid 11/13/11 - 11/19/11

- 40% Bonus with Assassin's Creed Revelations Pre-order/Purchase.
Get 40% extra trade-in Credit when you pre-order/purchase Assassin's Creed Revelations. Offer valid 11/13/11 - 11/19/11

 - 50% Bonus with Modern Warfare 3 Pre-order/Purchase.
Get 50% extra trade-in Credit when you pre-order/Purchase Modern Warfare 3. Offer valid 10/10/11 - 11/12/11 (Assuming this means a bonus for purchasing the game after it is released this Tuesday)

- 50% Bonus with Saints Row 3 Pre-order.
Get 50% extra trade-in Credit when you pre-order Saints Row 3. Offer valid 11/6/11 - 11/12/11

- 50% Bonus with Assassin's Creed Revelations Pre-order.
Get 50% extra trade-in Credit when you pre-order Assassin's Creed Revelations. Offer valid 11/6/11 - 11/12/11

- 40% Bonus with The Elder Scrolls V: Pre-order/Purchase.
Get 50% extra trade-in Credit when you pre-order/purchase The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Offer valid 11/6/11 - 11/12/11

- 50% Bonus with Max Payne 3 Pre-order.
Get 50% extra trade-in Credit when you pre-order Max Payne 3. Offer valid 11/6/11 - 11/12/11 - This promo seems a little odd and there is a chance it is an error on the site since the game is so far from release.

- 50% Bonus with Saints Row 3 Pre-order.
Get 50% extra trade-in Credit when you pre-order Saints Row 3. Offer valid 10/23/11 - 10/29/11

- 50% Bonus with Skyrim Pre-order.
Get 50% extra trade-in Credit when you pre-order The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Offer valid 10/23/11 - 11/05/11

 - 40% Bonus with Uncharted 3 Pre-order/Purchase.
Get 40% extra trade-in Credit when you pre-order/purchase Uncharted 3. Offer valid 10/30/11 - 11/05/11

- 40% Bonus with Battlefield 3 Purchase.
Get 40% extra trade-in Credit when you purchase Battlefield 3. Offer valid 10/23/11 - 10/29/11

- Trade 2, get 25% More.
Trade in 2 games or more and get 25% extra trade-in credit. Offer valid 10/2/11 - 10/29/11

 - 50% Bonus with Battlefield 3 Pre-order.
Get 50% extra trade-in Credit when you pre-order Battlefield 3. Offer valid 10/9/11 - 10/22/11

- 40% Bonus with purchase of Batman: Arkham City.
Get 40% extra trade-in Credit when you pre-order Batman: Arkham City. Offer valid 10/16/11 - 10/22/11

 - 50% Bonus with Batman: Arkham City Pre-order.
Get 50% extra trade-in Credit when you pre-order Batman: Arkham City. Offer valid 10/9/11 - 10/15/11

 - 30% Bonus with Rage or NBA 2K12 Pre-order/Purchase.
Get a 30% extra trade-in Credit when you pre-order/purchase Rage or NBA 2K12. Offer valid 10/2/11 - 10/08/11

- Trade 4 get an extra $20 Trade-in Credit.
Get $20 trade-in Credit when you trade 4 or more games (Current gen games only (no PS2) and $5 minimum for each game). Offer valid 10/2/11 - 10/08/11 **** This promo was cancelled early due to technical issues. There have been issues with this promo not working on some stores' systems or simply not even being available, the issue seems to be related to disc-only games (or any game that is typed rather than scanned) so plan accordingly. The $20 extra is once per trade-in, meaning 4 games or 123 games it will only be $20 extra per transaction. So if you want to trade in 8 games, do it in two separate transactions. ****

- 50% Bonus with Rage or NBA 2K12 Pre-order.
Offer was valid from 9/25 to 10/01/2011.

- 40% Bonus with Gears of War 3 Purchase.
Get a 40% extra trade-in credit when you pre-order/purchase Gears of War 3. Offer expired 10/01/2011

- Trade 3, Get 30% More.
Trade in 3 games or more and get 30% extra trade-in credit. Offer expired 10/01/2011

- 40% Bonus with any Pre-order.
Get a 40% extra trade-in credit when you pre-order any game. Offer expired 10/01/2011

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BEST BUY'S VIDEO GAMES TRADE-IN PAGE

Check most up-to-date TIV using BB's Video Games Value Estimator.

Check which BB stores do trade-ins here.
In-store trades are now done at the Trade-In Counter at the Gaming Dept.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

F.A.Q. Best Buy has a short FAQ here.

How does the get **% with pre-order bonus work?
The percentage is based on the final total of your entire trade in, so if the trade in is $100 and there is a 50% bonus your final gift card value will be $150. After trading in your games, the employee SHOULD then sell you the pre-order for $5.

How much is a pre-order at Best Buy?
Pre-ordering at Best Buy cost $5, in fact, you aren't supposed to pay any more than that (and most employees won't let you if you ask). Yes, you can use the gift card you just received from your trade-in to purchase the pre-order.

Can I cancel a pre-order and keep the bonus?
Yes, the trade-in and the pre-order are completely separate transactions. Nothing will prevent you from returning to the Best Buy canceling the pre-order and receiving a refund. Some users have claimed that they were flagged for doing this multiple times though and were denied, so be aware of how many pre-orders you are cancelling. Also keep in mind the obvious facts that this is not how the program is intended to work and over abuse will negatively affect the program long-term. Lastly, returns are tracks on a personal level by a third party. (Read: try not to cancel a bunch of pre-orders)

Do I have to cancel the pre-order at the same store where it was made?
No, this can be handled by any BBY. Don't be surprised if you get a customer service employee who says otherwise though.

Can I pre-order once and get the pre-order bonus on my next trade-in as well?
YMMV. Officially, the answer is no, but there is nothing that actually requires the employee to sell the pre-order in order to apply the bonus so if your blue shirt is in a friendly mood they may be willing. Doesn't hurt to get to know the employees at your store. That said, expect that you will have to pre-order another game and be surprised if you don't.

Can I combine a 3 games for **% and a pre-order for **% bonus?
No. Bonuses do not stack, and you must pick one or the other. The only bonus that stacks with other promotions is the 10% you receive if you are a Gamers Club Unlocked member.

How do I become a Gamers Club Unlocked member and get the 10% bonus?
Any video game section employee should be able to set you up with the GCU membership. It cost $15 and comes with a year subscription of @Gamer magazine. It will also get you a 10% bonus on trade ins and 10% off of used games (Make sure to point it out to the blue shirt doing your trade-in though as it is easy for them to skip, and they are still new to it). It can take 48 hours (or more) for GCU to show up on your Reward Zone membership.

Can I use my Best Buy gift card to purchase Amazon Kindle Gift Cards or Visa Gift Cards?
Yes, although some employees may not be aware of this and incorrectly refuse to do so. Visa Gift Cards have a $200 limit and a $6 activation fee. Amazon Gift Cards are available in $25, $50 and $100 depending on your store selection. IL does not sell Amazon Gift Cards. Yes, Kindle Gift Cards are good for anything on Amazon.

The value on the site doesn't match the store, why?
Sometimes the page may not update immediately. This is fairly rare though. The store's trade-in values are definitive though, so what they say is what you get. 99.99% of the time they will match up.

The value on the iPhone app is way off, why?
The app sucks for updating values (and some games simply don't show up), don't rely on it.

The game I want to trade isn't on the site, what gives?
While rare, there have been some games recently not showing up in the online estimator. You can always check in-store to see if the price is in their system and simply not online, but that is unlikely to be the case. When Best Buy doesn't have a game on file they can offer $1 as a generic SKU, but that's it. New releases appear to be added on Tuesday evenings. Many new releases are taking upwards of a week or more to be added to the site.

When do trade-in values update?
No one knows for sure, but major updates seem to come on Sunday and Tuesday nights (or at least have in the past). Sometimes an update will happen randomly, such as when GameStop has an advertised sale for a game well below Best Buy's trade in price.

What will be the TIV of Game X tomorrow/next week / next month/ etc
Nobody knows.

If I locked in a trade online, and the value drops, will I still get the locked in value when I mail it in?
Yes. You will get the locked in TIV as long as the item is received within 14 days of you locking it in (and the item is in the condition you described it as).

Can you lock in the price online then trade it in-store?
No.

Is there a limit to how many games I can trade in?
Officially, Best Buy only accepts 3 copies of a game, per system (i.e. you could trade in 3 copies of a game for Xbox, 3 copies for PS3 and 3 for Wii). This is for sure the online policy, but it varies in stores. Some people have reported being banned for trading in more than 3 copies of games, others have done so frequently without issue. Obviously it is YMMV, but do so at your own risk.

Can I trade game disc only, or do I need the case and manuals, too?
Best Buy accepts disc only games (for the same value as complete games). The trade in will take longer though as the employee will have to look up the games individually.

Can I trade in games that say "Not for Resale" on the back?
Yes, since the only thing that matters is the disc. Some employees will fight this though, and in that case, just trade the game in as disc-only.

Does Best Buy accept game hardware?
Currently Best Buy only accepts various versions of the Nintendo DS in store, but word is that will change soon.

Does the **% bonuses apply to game hardware?
No, games only.

When I do a in-store trade, I am asked: to be fingerprinted, to have my photo taken, how much I weigh, etc. What's the deal?
Pawn shop laws regulating trade-ins and resale of used goods varies from state to state or city to city. It is not Best Buy's rule, and varies from store to store depending on where you live. At a minimum you'll likely need a state ID.

I went to a store to do a trade-in and they asked for a Best Buy receipt. WTF?
Some stores are required to have receipts to accept trade-ins, again this is due to local Pawn shop laws and could vary from city to city. You can always check if the store(s) near you require a receipt on Best Buy's trade-in site.

Can I trade sealed games?
Yes. You must present your receipt for the sealed games you are trading in. It is ok if the purchase was made from another store. You do run the risk of drawing extra attention to yourself as trading in sealed products is often a sign of theft. Do not be surprised if this is questioned by an employee, or you are asked to leave, open the items and return.
 
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It's just too much. The guy had to have known that someone in corporate is monitoring this.

He just got greedy. I mean, the fable of killing the golden goose couldn't be more appropriate here.
 
I have a conspiracy type theory that holds that the disc only thing is biting some people also. I think that somewhere down the line people are bitching about stores accepting disc only trades and that this "feedback" is getting back to the original stores. The managers are then throwing the traders under the proverbial bus. A ban is then put in place for suspicion of stealing.
 
[quote name='bgame2']I have a conspiracy type theory that holds that the disc only thing is biting some people also. I think that somewhere down the line people are bitching about stores accepting disc only trades and that this "feedback" is getting back to the original stores. The managers are then throwing the traders under the proverbial bus. A ban is then put in place for suspicion of stealing.[/QUOTE]
But then that's bullshit, since it's their own policy that they allow disc/cart only trades anymore for the same amount as a complete copy of a game. It shouldn't come back against the traders selling games disc/cart only if it's a store's policy to accept them.:whistle2:#
 
[quote name='Phoeniix']So basically BB tracks whatever you buy with your trade-in GC even if you don't use your rewards account?[/QUOTE]

Everything you buy on a gift card is tracked. For example when I lost one a few years back they were able to tell me what was purchased from that specific gift card so I would know if someone other than I used it. If they wanted to track a certain gift card they can.
 
[quote name='BudzMcGee']Sad thing is that right now is the best time for BBY to push the trade-ins, just before the holidays, everyone is looking to buy stuff and all that. I more fear that the people running this program are starting to shoot themselves in the foot with overreactions (like Crysis 2 TIV drop) and stores that aren't updating their used game prices frequently enough, etc. The truth is that BBY could totally dominated the used market with a little time, exposure and the right attitude towards it (case and point, there has never been an advertised used game sale in a weekly ad to my knowledge). They are trying to mimic Gamestop rather than out gun them. Too bad. I think people would love to walk away from Gamestop if something truly better was out there.[/QUOTE]
There have been trade-in promos in the weekly ad but its just sort of there and not really grabbing your attention. I think the real problem with BB is that they are a jack of all trades but master of none. Far as gaming goes just about all the bases are covered that you would want but since gaming is only a slice of the pie that is bestbuy's business they are not going to go all in. It's there but they don't bring a lot of attention to it.

They want marketshare from GS and in my experience they are gaining it but unless GS really drops the ball sometime in the future your exclusives are going to be at GS. Think about being a publisher. Your goal is basically to sell as many copies as you can. GS outnumbers BB far as physical locations about 7 to 1 so with that much ground covered and a store that sells nothing but games you're going to invest extra in them. Bestbuy (presumably) has deeper pockets and has the ability to score a good exclusive (see Just Dance 2 and 3) but as long as GS still keeps pushing more copies, doing midnight releases and having locations pretty much everywhere it's going to be advantage GS.

While on the topic of midnight releases BB's view on them is stated in plain english that you must sell X copies with Y employees working for it be profitable. At my store if we don't a good number of preorders for a release we don't do a midnight launch because it's simply not profitable. Preorders will cause more stores to not only having more midnight launches but allow the company/store to get better at them. Midnight launches were rough at first but with MW3 and tonight's launch of SR3/Halo HD/AC Rev we are allowed to ring people out at 11pm so once midnight hits we hand you your game. I hated having to wait until midnight to even start ringing people out but if I was a customer in that situation I wouldn't even bother going to a midnight launch at BB. If you're going to a midnight launch its because you want the game at midnight not at 1am when there are only 15-20 customers.

BB is learning but because gaming is only a small part it's not going to be a fast process.
 
[quote name='confoosious']It's just too much. The guy had to have known that someone in corporate is monitoring this.

He just got greedy. I mean, the fable of killing the golden goose couldn't be more appropriate here.[/QUOTE]
Exactly, it's yet another example of how someone was brought down by greed.


There is no need to over think things and keep a notebook, just don't be a douche.
 
I just put down a $5 pre-order so I could get the 40% bump. I have every intention of cancelling the pre-order, but I accidentally threw away the receipt. Can they still look it up by RZ card/phone number or am I screwed?
 
[quote name='IAmTheCheapestGamer']But then that's bullshit, since it's their own policy that they allow disc/cart only trades anymore for the same amount as a complete copy of a game. It shouldn't come back against the traders selling games disc/cart only if it's a store's policy to accept them.:whistle2:#[/QUOTE]


The thing is IATCG, on the best buy forums the Mods have said that games are to be complete so there seems to be some disconnect in the company (shocking I know) about what is to be accepted.

Having said that, obviously it takes more time/money to package and provide a cover for a disc only game. Moreover, those games are far less attractive to customers so they are not likely to sell.
 
[quote name='bgame2']The thing is IATCG, on the best buy forums the Mods have said that games are to be complete so there seems to be some disconnect in the company (shocking I know) about what is to be accepted.

Having said that, obviously it takes more time/money to package and provide a cover for a disc only game. Moreover, those games are far less attractive to customers so they are not likely to sell.[/QUOTE]
Obviously there is, since even their own trade site only has options for playable/non-playable and doesn't ask if the game is complete or incomplete. So again it's not the customers fault if the company doesn't know their own policies and enforce them.

But in some cases providing a case(those Transformers DS games that came flopping around in the package with no regular DS game case for them) just was NOT an option or the original case was just too nice to give up(those COD: BLOPS metal cases from the Prestige Editions:razz:).
 
[quote name='mkernan']I just put down a $5 pre-order so I could get the 40% bump. I have every intention of cancelling the pre-order, but I accidentally threw away the receipt. Can they still look it up by RZ card/phone number or am I screwed?[/QUOTE]

Go to you rewardzone, and print the transaction, then go instore and ask them to reprint it for you.
 
[quote name='IamCaleb']The main reason why I wanted to share my experience with getting banned was to help others avoid the same outcome, especially since I recently had posted that I've had no problems trading more than 3 games.

I'm actually looking forward to spending less time looking for flip deals and unpackaging and selling games and spending more time playing the games I have picked up recently.

I consider myself an ethical and moral person which is why I've never been dishonest about where I get the games I trade in. Best Buy currently has a terrible used game selection, and I have been helping them improve their selection by trading in tons of games, and they will actually make money as well so it's been a win-win up to this point.

Hopefully I can work something out with Best Buy so that I can continue to at least trade in games I'm buying for myself otherwise I might switch over to buying and selling from Amazon exclusively.[/QUOTE]


You and I think alike. I don't post often, but when I do it's to inform others of what to expect in certain situations.

It actually feels good not having to worry about trade in values dropping then running to the store right away. I'm more relaxed and was able to play MW3 for a couple of hours yesterday. I usually don't have any free time between work, more work (gf), school, and flipping.

Before trading anything in I've asked multiple employees if it's ok. While I was looking at their used game selection an employee said thanks to you we have a large selection of used games. Other employees said the same, stating that each store gets more used games in with higher amount of trade in's. For pre-orders they get a certain number of free games if they meet a certain quota. They also get the bragging rights for having the most trade in's per month (not sure if they get something for having the most trade-in's within the district).

Honestly, as a flipper, it's not worth my time to do a few games after factoring in the time (driving and waiting at a store to purchase a game, then driving and waiting at another store to trade-in the game) and gas.

If I was doing something wrong I wouldn't have employees sticking up for me offering to send emails for me without me even asking them. I'm close to a GS manager and he let me trade in 3 of the same games and told me he would let them know he knew me and I had all the receipts, which I had if he asked to see them.
 
[quote name='IAmTheCheapestGamer']Obviously there is, since even their own trade site only has options for playable/non-playable and doesn't ask if the game is complete or incomplete. So again it's not the customers fault if the company doesn't know their own policies and enforce them.

But in some cases providing a case(those Transformers DS games that came flopping around in the package with no regular DS game case for them) just was NOT an option or the original case was just too nice to give up(those COD: BLOPS metal cases from the Prestige Editions:razz:).[/QUOTE]


^^ this ^^
what has been written in the BB forums aside, there is no way BB could hope to compete with GS if they require packaging as there are just too many reasons for it not to be practical.

confoo nailed it, greed, plain and simple.
there is no way this corporation started this program with the abuse that has been confessed (and stupidly repeated) here.
"but staff encouraged my behavior, so I thought is was fine..." give me a break and yourself more credit....
"I am honest and forthcoming to the staff as to exactly what I am doing" how saavy of you, as the store staff of course, started the program and is in charge of the rules governing it...

trying to "justify" breaking the rules is still breaking the rules.
Please just be smart going forward, when trading at your store - answer questions vs offering info, and stop posting details here that slap BBuy staff in the face.
 
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Unbelievable, as usual rather than display any sympathy for what fellow CAG's are experiencing, the community piles on. But lets be honest the community motivations are purely fear based. All the lurkers / hoarders who put most of us to shame are just worried that this will happen to them. And it will. Posts in this forum are not influencing that, but rather the fact that 30/60/90 days into the program BBY corporate looks at the program as a whole and starts to modify it in their favor. Along the way they rid themselves of the "Devil" customers. Who knows what the threshold is, but it will keep lowering as they pick off the top folks 1 at a time, until they start dealing with the traded over 3 ppl. Paranoia is just wasted energy. At least IamCaleb shared his story to allow everyone to try and understand the how/why.
 
[quote name='stoned99']Unbelievable, as usual rather than display any sympathy for what fellow CAG's are experiencing, the community piles on. But lets be honest the community motivations are purely fear based. All the lurkers / hoarders who put most of us to shame are just worried that this will happen to them. And it will. Posts in this forum are not influencing that, but rather the fact that 30/60/90 days into the program BBY corporate looks at the program as a whole and starts to modify it in their favor. Along the way they rid themselves of the "Devil" customers. Who knows what the threshold is, but it will keep lowering as they pick off the top folks 1 at a time, until they start dealing with the traded over 3 ppl. Paranoia is just wasted energy. At least IamCaleb shared his story to allow everyone to try and understand the how/why.[/QUOTE]
Why should anyone show sympathy to greedy individuals who exploited the system? They got what they had coming to them. Some people even warned them that this would happen.
 
[quote name='strait edge follower']Let's just stop debating and enjoy this great bb trade in program :)[/QUOTE]



I'm good with that if I can offer this parting comment. Donut is right, but I also feel as though the employee encouragement should count for something so long as (and this is crucial) people are actually picking up the preorders that they are using to get the 40% bonus on their high volume trades. If not, I say ban away.
 
[quote name='bgame2']I'm good with that if I can offer this parting comment. Donut is right, but I also feel as though the employee encouragement should count for something so long as (and this is crucial) people are actually picking up the preorders that they are using to get the 40% bonus on their high volume trades. If not, I say ban away.[/QUOTE]

Speaking of preorders I have assassins creed preordered. I don't plan on picking it up on launch day cause of black friday. If I keep that 5$ preorder till bf could I use that to pick up assassins creed with that 34.99 deal ? If so then I won't cancel it
 
[quote name='strait edge follower']Speaking of preorders I have assassins creed preordered. I don't plan on picking it up on launch day cause of black friday. If I keep that 5$ preorder till bf could I use that to pick up assassins creed with that 34.99 deal ? If so then I won't cancel it[/QUOTE]

^preorder only holds the game til 5 days after release date.
 
[quote name='strait edge follower']Speaking of preorders I have assassins creed preordered. I don't plan on picking it up on launch day cause of black friday. If I keep that 5$ preorder till bf could I use that to pick up assassins creed with that 34.99 deal ? If so then I won't cancel it[/QUOTE]

Policy is to keep preordered games set aside for 5 days and then return them to the shelves. it also won't count as one of the 5/$100 as you have to pick up your game within 5 days of release under the promo terms.

In fact BBY lucked out in Nintendo releasing Zelda on Sunday as the last day to pick up Zelda under the 5/$100 terms would be Thursday.

That being said I thought they would have announced the deal if they have one, but I've
Come to find out that they have some decent unadvertised deals on BF.
 
[quote name='musicjunkie']There have been trade-in promos in the weekly ad but its just sort of there and not really grabbing your attention. I think the real problem with BB is that they are a jack of all trades but master of none. Far as gaming goes just about all the bases are covered that you would want but since gaming is only a slice of the pie that is bestbuy's business they are not going to go all in. It's there but they don't bring a lot of attention to it.

They want marketshare from GS and in my experience they are gaining it but unless GS really drops the ball sometime in the future your exclusives are going to be at GS. Think about being a publisher. Your goal is basically to sell as many copies as you can. GS outnumbers BB far as physical locations about 7 to 1 so with that much ground covered and a store that sells nothing but games you're going to invest extra in them. Bestbuy (presumably) has deeper pockets and has the ability to score a good exclusive (see Just Dance 2 and 3) but as long as GS still keeps pushing more copies, doing midnight releases and having locations pretty much everywhere it's going to be advantage GS.

While on the topic of midnight releases BB's view on them is stated in plain english that you must sell X copies with Y employees working for it be profitable. At my store if we don't a good number of preorders for a release we don't do a midnight launch because it's simply not profitable. Preorders will cause more stores to not only having more midnight launches but allow the company/store to get better at them. Midnight launches were rough at first but with MW3 and tonight's launch of SR3/Halo HD/AC Rev we are allowed to ring people out at 11pm so once midnight hits we hand you your game. I hated having to wait until midnight to even start ringing people out but if I was a customer in that situation I wouldn't even bother going to a midnight launch at BB. If you're going to a midnight launch its because you want the game at midnight not at 1am when there are only 15-20 customers.

BB is learning but because gaming is only a small part it's not going to be a fast process.[/QUOTE]

I mentioned deals on used games, not the trade-ins. Most people still don't even know that Best Buy sells used games! Top game seller in the country is, I believe, Walmart (which obviously doesn't exclusively do games and really has nothing to offer most gamers), Best Buy could totally make some inroads if they were making more of an effort. Target as well. I shake my head often at the way these two companies sometimes pan a multi-billion dollar industry.

[quote name='bgame2']The thing is IATCG, on the best buy forums the Mods have said that games are to be complete so there seems to be some disconnect in the company (shocking I know) about what is to be accepted.

Having said that, obviously it takes more time/money to package and provide a cover for a disc only game. Moreover, those games are far less attractive to customers so they are not likely to sell.[/QUOTE]

And multiple times the forum mods have said disc-only was okay. In-fact, in one case, a mod actually contacted the manager at a store to "provide him the correct info" after I was turned down (read: corporate told him he fucked up).
 
[quote name='technicalstylez']^preorder only holds the game til 5 days after release date.[/QUOTE]

So I could use it towards a copy but I won't be guaranteed one ? If that's the case ill take my chances as assassins creed games get overproduced so there will be ample supply for that weekend. Plus my friends there wouldn't have a problem helping me out :)
 
[quote name='herpderp118']BB is offering a large amount of games for $30 on BF

http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/12/best-buy-black-friday-revelations-for-35-batman-gears-3-bf3/

does anyone think they willl nuke TIVs for these games or have some sort of restriction?[/QUOTE]

I doubt it. I do think that some will drop $5-$8 (gears specifically). But not a full on crysis 2 nuke.

These games will sell for $40-$45 used after all these sales are over do buying for $20-$30 isn't that bad on BBY side.

Besides don't think there will be a ton of flippers out trying to snag BF stuff. Though I could be wrong. Just the flipper in me says waste of time since I have to spend 3+ hours in line for the POSSIBILITY of flipping some games for a $7.50 profit (current promo is 50% max with GCU) making a $25 base TiV $37.50.
 
[quote name='Donut2922'] There really is no way to create another state ID so whatever hundreds you may have profited is now cutoff when in the long run you could have easily net much more of that without having to do so in just 6 months of great promos. Some folks need to be reminded that you're better off thinking long term and not screwing yourself as quickly as you can.
[/QUOTE]

This sentiment is normally true, but in game flipping, as some of us have all seen over the past few years, unusually sweet opportunities have an expiration date. Of course try not to get banned but I 'm not betting on a long term for bestbuy's trade programs with these types of tivs+bonuses past this year.

Crysis 2 - haha
 
Has anyone else seen a used game in a generic case? I finally seen one at one of the best buys I frequent. I thought they were supposed to complete these and add covers?
 
[quote name='DCpinoy']Has anyone else seen a used game in a generic case? I finally seen one at one of the best buys I frequent. I thought they were supposed to complete these and add covers?[/QUOTE]

At the bestbuy on 44 street in Manhattan they have a crapload of generic cases
 
[quote name='DCpinoy']Has anyone else seen a used game in a generic case? I finally seen one at one of the best buys I frequent. I thought they were supposed to complete these and add covers?[/QUOTE]

They don't have to be complete. My store has some generic cases, but most are in original.

Don't forget when they first started the trade in program the games had to be complete. They have to wait 30 days before selling per pawn shop laws (they have to abide by these because they accept/sell more than just video games)

Also their previous trade in partner company dealtree got fired for taking way too long on processing games on both sides. Given all that I wouldn't be surprised if you start to see a ton more generic cases soon.
 
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[quote name='strait edge follower']So I could use it towards a copy but I won't be guaranteed one ? If that's the case ill take my chances as assassins creed games get overproduced so there will be ample supply for that weekend. Plus my friends there wouldn't have a problem helping me out :)[/QUOTE]

It wont count as part of the 5/100 deal but your $5 deposit will still work. Ive picked up preorders 2 weeks after the release before. You dont lose your $5.
 
[quote name='Donut2922']It wont count as part of the 5/100 deal but your $5 deposit will still work. Ive picked up preorders 2 weeks after the release before. You dont lose your $5.[/QUOTE]

I'm not doing the 5/100 thing so I'm good. Thanks !
 
[quote name='strait edge follower']I'm not doing the 5/100 thing so I'm good. Thanks ![/QUOTE]

I have to make a decision on that asap. If I do Saints Row 3, AC Revelations and Zelda I'll get it, but they are three titles I'm in no mad rush to get and AC will be on sale for BF... Think I'm going to base it entirely on whether or not my Best Buy decides to let me price match the toyrs r us $10 GC for Saints and $15 for AC. If they do, I'll go for it.

Plus, I've got $25 in reward certificates I'm going to get rid of soon too.
 
[quote name='BudzMcGee']I have to make a decision on that asap. If I do Saints Row 3, AC Revelations and Zelda I'll get it, but they are three titles I'm in no mad rush to get and AC will be on sale for BF... Think I'm going to base it entirely on whether or not my Best Buy decides to let me price match the toyrs r us $10 GC for Saints and $15 for AC. If they do, I'll go for it.

Plus, I've got $25 in reward certificates I'm going to get rid of soon too.[/QUOTE]

I know someone post this question before, but I may have missed the answer. If we picked up AC Revelations, could we get a price match on their Black Friday deal. It's one of the games I need for the 5/100 preorder.
 
IamCeleb, I'm curious did you try to create a trade online, and are your rewardzone points intact. Mine reset over the weekend. I was issued a 10$ certificate, but it was odd to go back to zero.
 
[quote name='backseatdog']I know someone post this question before, but I may have missed the answer. If we picked up AC Revelations, could we get a price match on their Black Friday deal. It's one of the games I need for the 5/100 preorder.[/QUOTE]

They don't match BF-cyber Monday. Its on their policies page for price match guaruntee.

I thought they just didn't match BF and CM, but they include the whole weekend.
 
[quote name='Jimmienoman']They don't match BF-cyber Monday. Its on their policies page for price match guaruntee.

I thought they just didn't match BF and CM, but they include the whole weekend.[/QUOTE]

I thought that only applied to competitor ads.
 
I was able to get the 50% bonus on Max Payne 3 pre-order today. It wouldn't let them apply it at the register but the manager wrote me a credit on a business card for the extra 10% I was shorted.
 
[quote name='iPhone']I thought that only applied to competitor ads.[/QUOTE]

You can try to argue that if you want but

Here's the BBY PM guaruntee

"Best Buy will match the price if you find a lower price on an identical available product at a local retail competitor's store, a local Best Buy retail store or BestBuy.com. Simply let us know when you are making your purchase or during the return and exchange period. Perfect Match Promise products have an extended 60-day price match period.

The Guarantee does not apply to: Our competitors' website prices, offers that include financing, bundling of items, free items, pricing errors, mail-in offers, competitors' service prices, items that are advertised as limited-quantity, out of stock, open-box, clearance, refurbished/used items, BestBuy.com Midnight Sale and special hour sale events, BestBuy.com Outlet Center and Marketplace items, and items for sale Thanksgiving Day through the Monday after Thanksgiving."

Considering the first paragraph talks about BBY stores as a PM I don't think you would get that far. But hey if you do more power to you.
 
[quote name='Jimmienoman']You can try to argue that if you want but

Here's the BBY PM guaruntee

"Best Buy will match the price if you find a lower price on an identical available product at a local retail competitor's store, a local Best Buy retail store or BestBuy.com. Simply let us know when you are making your purchase or during the return and exchange period. Perfect Match Promise products have an extended 60-day price match period.

The Guarantee does not apply to: Our competitors' website prices, offers that include financing, bundling of items, free items, pricing errors, mail-in offers, competitors' service prices, items that are advertised as limited-quantity, out of stock, open-box, clearance, refurbished/used items, BestBuy.com Midnight Sale and special hour sale events, BestBuy.com Outlet Center and Marketplace items, and items for sale Thanksgiving Day through the Monday after Thanksgiving."

Considering the first paragraph talks about BBY stores as a PM I don't think you would get that far. But hey if you do more power to you.[/QUOTE]

Seems pretty straightforward that you cant PM BF deals.
 
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[quote name='kingwormer']Gamefly just listed alot of new Best Buy trade in value drops tonight!.... Er I mean alot of new deals. Heh....[/QUOTE]

Bestbuy is rubbing their hands together with joy for this one
 
had my first real issue when trading in last week. the guy entered stuff incorrectly (other employee showed him how) and then couldn't locate one of my games, and a supervisor said it's $1 if not in the system. I told him it was in the system and to try searching with the colon in the title (I told the guy this but he didn't listen).

another supervisor came by and somehow found it in the system. then my unlocked bonus didn't show up when I checked the trade-in receipt.the guy didn't know what he was doing since it was his first trade-in. the supervisor that found my game in the system was trying to figure it out and said it's part of the promo; I said the promo is 50% trade in not unlocked. another worker had to tell the supervisor and the clueless guy that AC:R did have a 50% promo. the supervisor said let's just give him 10% of this... is what a dollar (I base total was $6, $9 with promo :roll:). I expected him to manually add it to the gc but was told they'll take it off when I buy AC:R. I tried to explain to him that I didn't want that (mentioning PMing issues confused him even more).

The supervisor told the clueless guy to do something else, and he attempted to get my unlocked bonuses added (how hard is it?). he then told (likely the computer calculated it) that I'd just get 60 cents (I knew this already). I waited a bit more but nothing so told him to forget it (I'll just bother someone when I buy an item that I won't be PMing). He looked for the GC that the clueless guy had already scanned but left out and handed to me. After I signed he was walking away until I asked for my receipt...

During this waste of time, I was hoping to get at least a $10 GC for all the trouble especially since 2 supervisors got in (one actually took over) and two other employees had to help the initial guy... can't say I'm surprised.

now I really hope AC:R and UMvC3 have emails with the dlc so I don't have to deal with more shit :cool:
 
Heads up from Kyle at BBY forums

"For those of you that have pre-ordered Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 either in-store or on BestBuy.com, you will be receiving your Villains Costume Pack code but$please be aware that this$content is not yet live on Xbox Live or PlayStation Network and will likely not work if you try to enter it right away. It will be available within 24 hours.
$
If you pre-ordered in-store, the code will be printed on your receipt$and emailed to you. $If you pre-ordered on BestBuy.com, the code will just be emailed to you shortly after your order has shipped.
$
Sorry for the slight delay but thank you for understanding. $"
 
[quote name='kingwormer']Gamefly just listed alot of new Best Buy trade in value drops tonight!.... Er I mean alot of new deals. Heh....[/QUOTE]

Grabbed three games I want to play, locked in their TIV on Amazon so they'll be free rentals if nothing else.

Most of those games already cost more than they trade in for so it probably be as crazy and everyone is saying (although I'm sweating a bit on Shattered Dimensions, it's my next game in my backlog!).
 
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