[quote name='starboyk']yeah, that was f@hker-ish, personally. Having had my own EB store, I can fill you in on the general policies. The only place nationwide the policy is finite is Florida (let's all thank Jeb for that swift move in legislation - tying used video games to pawn-borkered products rather than actual retail merch). Basically, if it's pre-played, it's good to exchange (if it's defective) as long as you have that receipt. Loose the receipt (within 30 days), we can try to get another copy for you. Don't want to wait, you can grab another item. The variables differ specifically to the store after that.
As far as new games, it's extremely strict now for over a year and a half (march 13th, 2003 to be exact). Once it's been purchased, you have fourteen days to qualify for a full refund (if it's still sealed), or an exchange of the same title (if it's opened or defective). This, again, varies by the store. I try to be more people-friendly (such as that Call of Duty, if I had just said it three days prior, fine, one last swap-o, but I couldn't have done much beyond that), but the reason the policy is so tight is because of the abuse which the prior policies undertook.
Pirating and bootlegging is a huge problem in the US, as well as worldwide. This has affected many portions of all software businesses - affecting prices (higher costs to make up for the portion of the market manufacturers feel will pirate product), trade-in values (especially in PC, the most easily bootlegged), the discontinued or cancellation rate (nearly doubled on all titles in the past two years, because the seeming interest lags due to pirated versions not being polled for popularity), and it also affects the public relations aspect of things. A lot of sales associates are improperly trained to be competent enough to handle 'what if' scenarios.
To conculde, the entire policy, while abrupt and unfriendly, was an attempt to offer the best services possible. If we trim out the 'Blockbuster'-esque portions of business, sticking to sales only, EB can contribute their share to the slowing of piracy. While it sucks at first, think about other business that helped build this model - clothing stores : they require the tags to still be on the clothes, appliance stores : all product needs to be sealed in original packaging, same with computer stores, pharmaceutical products, personal hygiene, food, and all other such. And, while we don't have a direct way to try a game like a pair of pants, we do offer our insight on a game (which is not always the right opinion - this is why I recommend EGM as they're usually spot on, and am willing to allow my customers to read the reviews, or talk about them, before they buy a game), and there are places to rent games (as I myself have done many times to decide whether or not I wanted to plunk down the change, or even recommend a title).
Watch for one thing the next time you go game shopping. I encourage differentiated views in my stores - if you don't like a new release, tell the customer why. Chances are they may not mind so much, but at least they'd know in advance. If everyone likes the game so much they can't find a negative with it, THEY HAVEN'T PLAYED IT. There is almost always one negative, even it's a simple video glitch you only notice if you blink real fast, and you, the consumer, has the right to know.
Hope this helps!
-The_K[/quote]
Yeah, I agree about not abusing the system and all that. It's just that the employee assured me that I could return it, even though he most likely knew about the policy change. Had he let me know up front instead of lying, it would not be a problem. Now I know, but I won't be shopping at EB unless I can't find a game anywhere else (Katamari Damacy or Damashi).