[quote name='CocheseUGA']And so is talking about things which one does not know. The first thing they teach you about business ethics? It's an oxymoron. Doesn't exist in the realm of successful business outside of a few models (Chick-fil-A, etc).
You obviously have never been in business, or learned about business when you say 'You sell what the customer brings you, not what you need to sell to stay out of trouble.' Bullshit, game over, thanks for playing. That's not brick and mortar business. That's automated service (and even that busts your ass for add-ons). You think businesses are successful by just selling what the consumer wants? That's riotous. Best I've heard all week (aside from walking in on a co-worker telling my boss '...If it's as big as you say it is.' But, that's another story). Retail establishments don't exist without trying to sell the consumer something they outright don't need or didn't think about.
While I won't question EB's lack of 'ethics' or an employee's lack of morals, what the employee did for this particular customer is nowhere near questionable when it comes to how the customer is treated. Yes, the magazines don't cost EB a penny. But did you know that before you read the thread? I sure didn't. When I worked at Cockbuster, they cost money, but it was written off at the end of the year. So it 'technically' didn't cost BB any money. But was I allowed to give them away? Hell no. EB lets it's employees know that they don't have to charge for them if it's a good customer. Was the employee just going to hand the customer the magazine and say 'it's on me.' Hell no.
I don't know what EB charges for an OXM, but I do know newstand price with demo is $9.99. This guy saved $4.99 + difference in tax, plus gets a 10% off card for 12 months of enjoyment (I know I've saved well over $200 in 7 months). You're telling me it was wrong for this guy to save that money? It was wrong for the employee to save the customer not only $5 at time of purchase, but the possibility of triple-digit savings over the course of a year? It's wrong for an employee to offer an extended warranty to a customer, even if they don't need it? And if they aren't sure, for the employee to give it to them for a discounted price than to charge a higher amount for a magazine that will be worthless after a good 'office' session?
Furthermore, it's wrong of me (as in...me) to let a customer know that, 'Hey, while you're getting brand new Jordans, we have our socks on sale BOGO 1/2 off?' Or, God forbid, I sell them a $6 pair of socks and give them the $14 hat they wanted for free (if I was allowed to do so). This is wrong? This is unethical?
No, Short Round, this is good business practice. Not only am I boosting my sales, I've made the customer believe they've gotten the deal of the century. And, we all know (that is, if you actually have any business education), the bargain is not important: it is the impression of a bargain that is.
Let me break it down one time for, just myself let's say:
-Guy wants $10 magazine (asssume 7% tax) - $10.70
-Guy does not have an EDGE card - is losing out on 10% each time on a used item
-Guy, instead of paying $10.70 for an 80-pg mag, pays $5.35 for said mag and a year's enrollment in a 10% off program
$10.70>$5.35 (unless my math is horribly wrong)
+ whatever savings dude wishes to partake in
If you're still screaming about ethical practices, then you need to hand in whatever credentials you claim to have and start wearing a tin hat. 'Cause I hate to break it to ya, but you ain't gonna make it out here.
[/I hate morons rant][/QUOTE]
My friend has an incredibly inflated ego because he's a 19-year-old Electronics Dept. Manager at Target. When I returned from college for the semester, I noticed our local EB was under new management, the shelves were rearranged (both in the store and behind the counter), and everything look uninvitingly sterile. I made my complaint, and he rebutted me claiming that the customer would prefer to be in and out, easily finding what they need. While that may be true, the lack of giant preorder boxes, standees, and hanging doo-hickeys reduced casual gamers' curiousity in upcoming and recently-released games, which sure doesn't help sales any. Good thing he's going into accounting instead of general business or marketing.
'S SAKE I don't need the strategy guide. I have the internet thanks. However, if I'm gonna save 20% if I buy it with the game... hey, even I'd consider it.
) and if needed, I will do things considered "not ethical" to get a sub or reservation. During the current deal with the 50% more coupon, if someone traded only 2 games, but if they equaled over $30 in credit, I'd still offer a GS card. Technially they need 4 items, but hey, I can get them a free GS card and subscription as long as their trade in total is $30 or over.