EBGames question: Edge Card vs. Gift Card

KrAzY3

KrAzY3

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I've been taking advantage of the 10 dollar trade in credit at EBGames. I didn't have giant TRU hauls or any Jampacks to trade in, but I had a few games laying around I wasn't doing anything with.

When I got my trade-in credit, they put it on one of those old Edge Cards (ones without a PIN). When we asked about the Edge savings deal, they gave us another Edge Card with a PIN number and put the sticker on there. So hmm, ok... got two now. Then we asked about putting the credit on the new one, they didn't seem to think that was possible. I read someplace that you could use the one with the PIN # online.

Anyway, next time we trade in, my wife asks them (while I was wandering around looking at pre-owned games), if we can use it online. They say no, don't seem to think the Edge card with the pin can work online either. So, they put our money on a gift card.

My question is what the hell good is the damned gift card? If I understand it correctly, all they did was give us a friggin' 9% extra charge (we now have to pay tax... yayyy). What's the point in that? I'm pretty annoyed because now I'll have had to pay tax twice (first on the stuff I traded in that I was orginally taxed on, then when I use that credit to get something else). Is there anyway around this or am I stuck with my credit on a crappy gift card?
 
the edge cards with pin numbers do work online. i use mine all the time. AFAIK they're not supposed to put trade credit on a gift card, i don't remember why but when i worked there we were supposed to put all trade credit on edge cards and all actual monetary amounts on gift cards. and yes, you are stuck with that credit on a crappy giftcard. Also, with online purchases using an edge card you are taxed while you would not be in-store.
 
I suppose I might as well use it online eh... at least that way I don't lose anymore than I would otherwise? Sucks that I get penalized because they don't know what they are doing. I had the edge card with the PIN number and they wouldn't put anything on there. My wife just tried to do me a favor by asking again at another store. Thanks for the response...
 
I've been doing this EB trade-in-store-buy-online stuff for a year.

My understanding is that there are 4 different things:

Edge card

Activated Edge card (with sticker code but its not a pin#) that gets you 10% discount

Gift card w/out pin (old, may be phased out but I had one)

Gift card w/pin scratch off

They say that credit can only go on an Edge card . . . I've never seen one with a pin # (not saying they don't exist, but I just got one a month ago, no pin). Trade-in credit is tax free on purchases.

If you have credit on an Edge card, you can purchase a gift card (for whatever amount) but make sure it has a pin # . . . some cards don't and then you have to return and transfer it. You won't be taxed buying the gift card but if you do, you lose the tax benefits even if you buy instore.

There is no way to avoid the taxes for online purchases (unless you live in a state w/out an EB, right?).
 
Well, for the record here's what I had:
Edge card (this is the one that had all the credit on it, no pin #, I don't have it anymore since they took it)

Activated Edge card (with sticker code but its not a pin#) that gets you 10% discount
(Have this and still have it, it has a sticker code but it's also a edge card with a pin #) I'm going to try to get them to put future credit on this one so I don't get screwed anymore. Not sure if they can or will, refused to before and that's how I'll end up paying the extra 9% penalty.

Gift card w/pin scratch off (now all my trade-in credit is on there waiting to be taxed I suppose)
 
[quote name='KrAzY3']Well, for the record here's what I had:
Edge card (this is the one that had all the credit on it, no pin #, I don't have it anymore since they took it)

Activated Edge card (with sticker code but its not a pin#) that gets you 10% discount
(Have this and still have it, it has a sticker code but it's also a edge card with a pin #) I'm going to try to get them to put future credit on this one so I don't get screwed anymore. Not sure if they can or will, refused to before and that's how I'll end up paying the extra 9% penalty.

Gift card w/pin scratch off (now all my trade-in credit is on there waiting to be taxed I suppose)[/quote]

To me, its good to have both . . . use the Edge credit instore and get the tax benefits (I got Second Sight for $10 and no taxes). Use the Gift card when making online purchases . . . you get better selection, sealed games (my store mostly has open ones) and watch CAG for clearance games that pop up. I don't mind the tax hit for the online benefits.

I keep credit on my Edge card and transfer some over to Gift Card as needed.
 
[quote name='KrAzY3']Well, for the record here's what I had:
Edge card (this is the one that had all the credit on it, no pin #, I don't have it anymore since they took it)

Activated Edge card (with sticker code but its not a pin#) that gets you 10% discount
(Have this and still have it, it has a sticker code but it's also a edge card with a pin #) I'm going to try to get them to put future credit on this one so I don't get screwed anymore. Not sure if they can or will, refused to before and that's how I'll end up paying the extra 9% penalty.

Gift card w/pin scratch off (now all my trade-in credit is on there waiting to be taxed I suppose)[/quote]

put future trade-in credit on the edge card with the pin. they're crazy if they tell you they can't. and ditch the gift card once it's empty. the edge card with the pin serves just as well online as it does in-store, except you get taxed online. this way you'll have all your funds and your discount on one card,
 
[quote name='KrAzY3']Well, for the record here's what I had:
Edge card (this is the one that had all the credit on it, no pin #, I don't have it anymore since they took it)

Activated Edge card (with sticker code but its not a pin#) that gets you 10% discount
(Have this and still have it, it has a sticker code but it's also a edge card with a pin #) I'm going to try to get them to put future credit on this one so I don't get screwed anymore. Not sure if they can or will, refused to before and that's how I'll end up paying the extra 9% penalty.

Gift card w/pin scratch off (now all my trade-in credit is on there waiting to be taxed I suppose)[/quote]

A) Edge cards without pins/stickers don't work online for credit or for the discount. They may or may not put credit on the edge card you use for discounts.

b) Your wife asked if you could it online, then they put it on a gift card right? Well they have to put it on a gift card (which they aren't technically supposed to do anyhow) for it to be used online, that's why they probably did it.

c) I don't know what you're talking about extra 9% because all purchases with or without crad, edge card of giftcard are taxed (but it may depend on the sate you live in), most will tax the purchase no matter what.
 
[quote name='Duo_Maxwell']

c) I don't know what you're talking about extra 9% because all purchases with or without crad, edge card of giftcard are taxed depending on the sate you live in, most will taxe the purchase no matter what.[/quote]

Not in Wisconsin . . . the trade-in credit is tax free here.

This Edge with a pin # is really news to me . . . but my store is very backward . . .
 
[quote name='Duo_Maxwell']

b) Your wife asked if you could it online, then they put it on a gift card right? Well they have to put it on a gift card (which they aren't technically supposed to do anyhow) for it to be used online, that's why they probably did it.

c) I don't know what you're talking about extra 9% because all purchases with or without crad, edge card of giftcard are taxed (but it may depend on the sate you live in), most will tax the purchase no matter what.[/quote]

As a few people here said, Edge cards with PINs CAN be used online. The employees don't know it, but if people here are doing it I have to assume it can be done. I tried but they said they didn't think it would work. Its mainly annoying because I shouldn't be able to go on this site and know more about how things are supposed to work at their workplace than they do.

Also, they aren't supposed to put games credit on gift cards, from what I understand BECAUSE of tax issues. I'm just guessing here, but trading in shouldn't count as a purchase. Let me give a example. Say you return something in at Walmart, they shouldn't tax you for what you get in return? Why? Because it was a TRADE rather than a SALE. There is a difference in how taxes are applied. It makes no sense for Walmart to tax you on a item twice, when you only have one item to show for it. Now that's just my assumption based on what I know but its logically sound. One can never underestimate the government's desire to take your money though.

The place I was at, also put store credit on someones gift card when they traded in. Seems kind of unfair that people end up paying 9% (my state sales tax) that they shouldn't have to pay. It adds up when you are talking about 100+ in credit. As it is now, I got taxed once for buying the original games. I TRADED them in and now I'm going to get taxed again for what I traded them for. That's infinite taxes, because if I was to trade those in, I would be taxed again, and again, and again...

Not trying to be argumentative. Discussing stuff is a good way to learn, which is why I started this topic.
 
[quote name='KrAzY3']


Also, they aren't supposed to put games credit on gift cards, from what I understand BECAUSE of tax issues. I'm just guessing here, but trading in shouldn't count as a purchase. Let me give a example. Say you return something in at Walmart, they shouldn't tax you for what you get in return? Why? Because it was a TRADE rather than a SALE. There is a difference in how taxes are applied. It makes no sense for Walmart to tax you on a item twice, when you only have one item to show for it. Now that's just my assumption based on what I know but its logically sound. One can never underestimate the government's desire to take your money though.

The place I was at, also put store credit on someones gift card when they traded in. Seems kind of unfair that people end up paying 9% that they shouldn't have to pay. It adds up when you are talking about 100+ in credit. As it is now, I got taxed once for buying the original games. I TRADED them in and now I'm going to get taxed again for what I traded them for. That's infinite taxes, because if I was to trade those in, I would be taxed again, and again, and again...

Not trying to be argumentative. Discussing stuff is a good way to learn, which is why I started this topic.[/quote]

Uh no...first off, a return is not a trade, at all. But still I'm alittle confused here so lemme get this straight? You say that when you bought the games originally, probably at another store, you paid the tax already. Now you're mad that when you sell those games (yes you're still technically selling them even for store credit) that you have to pay taxes on your next pruchase made with said credit? Is this correct or am I off. If I'm right, the 9% is a sales tax, it taxes your purchase each time they make a separate sale. If you did exchange someting in a walmart for something else that was not the same price they would indeed charge you the difference plus taxes. The fact that they are trading games with you makes not a bit of difference.

Now if you're saying they are taxing the actual games you traded in to them....that doesn't make a bit of sense to me then. In theory they are supposed to include the taxes in your trade. However, this may vary by state, I dunno, as I've never had it happen to me whether I trade for credit or cash.
 
Ok, I can't argue too much considering the fact I haven't actually used either card yet.

But answer this one then.

Why in the hell do they even have Edge Cards and Gift Cards then? If there's no difference then why do they have different policies and such regarding them. That makes no sense.

I've heard people say that they don't pay tax on the Edge card. If so, then it would make sense. Otherwise its just stupid for them to have Edge Cards and Gift Cards when they do the same damned thing.

So they were screwing me to begin with by not giving me a gift card I could use online in the first place? Is that what you're saying?
 
you can use it online for what, 10% disccount or credit?

another thing, if I use both Edge w/sticker and edge without,ill get a whopping 10% + 9% tax savings on preowns?

and this work with additional deals like B2G1free?

wow.
 
[quote name='omegaweapon7']you can use it online for what, 10% disccount or credit?

another thing, if I use both Edge w/sticker and edge without,ill get a whopping 10% + 9% tax savings on preowns?

and this work with additional deals like B2G1free?

wow.[/quote]

It depends on who you ask. I've heard a few people say that you don't pay tax with the Edge card. This topic seems to have people that say both.

To me it makes sense, because why else have a Edge Card and a Gift Card and different policies unless there is something different about them?

I know Edge stacks with B2G1. As far as tax, how it works in your state, etc... I'm still trying to figure that one out.
 
As far as I know, the edge and giftcards are different because they serve two different intened purposes. The gift card is well, a gift card. And the edge card is technically for the discounts, that's why they realy have them both. Also I think they are only supposed to place crdit on an edge card, but I was always told it was because the edge card's credit doesn't work online. Of ourse it's possible that as usual I was told wrong.

As for the sales tax thing, yeah I'm still pretty confused myself.
 
Hmmm!!!!

I thought tax was only paid by the consumer of the product. For example, you buy a game from wal-mart and you pay an extra $2.50. But if you return the game, they gotta pay you $2.50... That's how it is here.
 
[quote name='Duo_Maxwell']As far as I know, the edge and giftcards are different because they serve two different intened purposes. The gift card is well, a gift card. And the edge card is technically for the discounts, that's why they realy have them both. Also I think they are only supposed to place crdit on an edge card, but I was always told it was because the edge card's credit doesn't work online. [/quote]

See, that's what gets me. It makes sense that Edge is a "discount" card, but wouldn't it be neater and make more sense to just put all credit on gift cards with pin numbers (assuming you really don't save anything)? I mean, even reading what you said, I could easily get the impression that they DIDN'T want me to be able to use my store credit online. That seems kind of messed up.

Oh well, heading off to EB today. May be I can figure this one out, its just confusing me along with making me wonder what's better or worse. It seems rather odd that I can end up with 3 different cards (one for trade-in credit, another to use online and a third to get discounts) when one could hypothetically serve that purpose.

I suppose its petty to sit and debate over whether or not I can get around paying sales tax. But, what can I say? I'm trying to be a good CAG. If anyone totally figures this one out, you're encouraged to fill us in.
 
my edge card has a stupid clear sticker over the pin scratch-off.

wonder if I can peel it off and get my pin
 
I've never got an edge card with a pin # to use credit online, I've only got a gift card with a pin #. I'm always charged tax here in California and I really don't understand anyone's reasoning as to why they shouldn't be charged tax.
 
[quote name='DenisDFat']my edge card has a stupid clear sticker over the pin scratch-off.

wonder if I can peel it off and get my pin[/quote]

Mine barely covers the pin. You can probably take a knife and cut the clear part off from around the pin number.

To clear everything up. I went into EBGames today and talked to a employee that actually knew what he was doing. I asked him about the taxes and the trade-in credit on the Edge cards ARE NOT taxed. The Gift Cards ARE. So, yes that's a extra bonus for trading in.

Unfortunately, I'm stuck with the credit on the gift card. But, I'll just use it online. So, anyway, I hope that clears that up. At least he put the trade-ins I brought in on my Edge discount card with a PIN# so I won't have to worry about this stuff after my other credit is spent.
 
Things need to be cleared up. When you trade in games, they should put the credit onto edge cards. This transaction is tax free.

There are old edge cards w/o pin - these won't work for online purchases
There are new edge cards w/ pin - these will work for online purchases

There's the edge discount sticker (costs $5 + tax) and it gets you 10% off preowned games.

If you do a trade in deal and put the credit onto an edge card, you still have to pay taxes when you use it for your next purchase. It doesn't matter if you're paying with cash or with edge card credit; tax is always calculated.

The deal with gift cards - I have no experience with them but I'm guessing when someone buys a gift card, they are taxed. So if I wanted to get a $50 gift card, I would have to pay $50 + tax. So I'm guessing when the OP had his credit put into a gift card, he was taxed??? Correct me if I'm wrong.

About the plastic sticker over the PIN number, isn't that suppose to be there. That gray stuff that you scratch off is ontop of the sticker, so I don't see why there would be a problem with having the sticker on the card.
 
In California, by law, gift cards can be returned and refunded for cash. As far as I know this is for Gift Certificates, Gift Cards, anything like that. The Edge card is different. It wasn’t purchased with cash so it can't be refunded. I believe this is the main difference.
 
[quote name='punqsux']my edge card had a pin number on it and i can use it online.

man you guys are confusing.[/quote]

Agreed. You guys are confusing.

And my edge card has a pin on it too.
 
Want to be more confused? Here's a quote from another EB topic:

[quote name='TimTucker'][quote name='salmonaxxx']Wait, I'm a little confused. Is there no tax on items you preorder and pay in full beforehand? Or do you only get the zero tax break by cancelling a preorder and using the credit on something else?[/quote]

Here's an example based on what I've been able to figure out based on trades I've done w/ the trade 2, get $10 deal (based on 6% sales tax):

Method A:
Transaction 1:
- Trade in 4 games, get $20 credit.
- Have credit put on edge card.
- Total Credit: $20

Transaction 2:
- Buy $20 in stuff
- Total: $20 + 6% tax = $21.20
- Amount left on edge card: $0.00
- Amount to pay: $1.20

Method B:
(All on 1 transaction)
- Trade in 4 games, get $20 credit
- Buy $20 in stuff
- Total = $20 stuff - $20 credit = $0.00
- Amount on edge card: $0.00
- Amount to pay $0.00

(Method B is pretty much the same as when you're doing the preorders w/ bonus credit -- you get $50 in credit and immediately apply that towards a $50 game, at which point you have a $0.00 total and no tax applies)[/quote]

From what I've gathered... you MAY be taxed if you put trade-in credit on a Gift Card. I wasn't, but they moved it around in a weird method. I've seen employees put trade-in credit on a Gift Card, but I don't know if that was taxed.

You are NOT taxed on trade-in credit put on a Edge Card (for example if you get 14 credit for two games, you won't be taxed for that transaction) . Also, if you just use the credit immediately (instead of putting it on the card) it appears you aren't taxed in at all (for the credit or for the games you purchased with the credit).

You MAY be taxed for using the Edge Card to buy things. I've seen people say both, this might actually vary from state to state. My local EB guy I talked to today seemed to be saying that you WON'T be taxed and he went so far as to say that the credit on the gift card might not be taxed either, if the machine knew it was credit from trade-in games. I've seen people swear to the contrary though.

You CAN get a Edge card with a pin number and you CAN use that online. You WILL be taxed though. This Edge Card CAN be the one with the discount sticker on it.

So umm yeah, at least I learned a little. Hopefully everyone isn't more confused than when they started. I have a Edge Card with credit on it, I'll keep a close eye on how things ring up.
 
[quote name='jngx80']Things need to be cleared up. When you trade in games, they should put the credit onto edge cards. This transaction is tax free.

There are old edge cards w/o pin - these won't work for online purchases
There are new edge cards w/ pin - these will work for online purchases

There's the edge discount sticker (costs $5 + tax) and it gets you 10% off preowned games.

If you do a trade in deal and put the credit onto an edge card, you still have to pay taxes when you use it for your next purchase. It doesn't matter if you're paying with cash or with edge card credit; tax is always calculated.

The deal with gift cards - I have no experience with them but I'm guessing when someone buys a gift card, they are taxed. So if I wanted to get a $50 gift card, I would have to pay $50 + tax. So I'm guessing when the OP had his credit put into a gift card, he was taxed??? Correct me if I'm wrong.

About the plastic sticker over the PIN number, isn't that suppose to be there. That gray stuff that you scratch off is ontop of the sticker, so I don't see why there would be a problem with having the sticker on the card.[/quote]

you don't get taxed if you use credit from the edge card, it's calculated in the transaction but once everything is paid for with trade credit you will see that you weren't charged tax. and if you buy a $50 gift card, you don't pay tax on top of that. you just pay for the amount on the giftcard.
 
I'm glad that this is finally cleard up (in my mind at least).

I spent 50 bucks online, future credit goes on my Edge Card with the pin number. Nice to know all this stuff for future refference...
 
[quote name='minqqq'][quote name='jngx80']Things need to be cleared up. When you trade in games, they should put the credit onto edge cards. This transaction is tax free.

There are old edge cards w/o pin - these won't work for online purchases
There are new edge cards w/ pin - these will work for online purchases

There's the edge discount sticker (costs $5 + tax) and it gets you 10% off preowned games.

If you do a trade in deal and put the credit onto an edge card, you still have to pay taxes when you use it for your next purchase. It doesn't matter if you're paying with cash or with edge card credit; tax is always calculated.

The deal with gift cards - I have no experience with them but I'm guessing when someone buys a gift card, they are taxed. So if I wanted to get a $50 gift card, I would have to pay $50 + tax. So I'm guessing when the OP had his credit put into a gift card, he was taxed??? Correct me if I'm wrong.

About the plastic sticker over the PIN number, isn't that suppose to be there. That gray stuff that you scratch off is ontop of the sticker, so I don't see why there would be a problem with having the sticker on the card.[/quote]

you don't get taxed if you use credit from the edge card, it's calculated in the transaction but once everything is paid for with trade credit you will see that you weren't charged tax. and if you buy a $50 gift card, you don't pay tax on top of that. you just pay for the amount on the giftcard.[/quote]

Not according to my receipts. Here's how it reads
Kingdom Hearts $16.19
Final Fantasy X-2 $16.19
Subtotal $32.38

taxable total $32.38
8.5% CA tax 2.75
Total 35.13

Edge
Previous Balance: 35.59
purchase amount: 35.13
new balance: .46

Got taxed.
 
I'm more confused than ever... I'll try buying something tomorrow with my Edge card, and see how it is in New York State.
 
[quote name='salmonaxxx']I'm more confused than ever... I'll try buying something tomorrow with my Edge card, and see how it is in New York State.[/quote]

Ditto... I'd have to assume state laws are coming into play here. I mean the guy at EB I talked to (In Alabama) seemed to make it pretty clear that I wasn't going to be taxed when I used credit on my Edge Card.
 
[quote name='KrAzY3'][quote name='salmonaxxx']I'm more confused than ever... I'll try buying something tomorrow with my Edge card, and see how it is in New York State.[/quote]

Ditto... I'd have to assume state laws are coming into play here. I mean the guy at EB I talked to (In Alabama) seemed to make it pretty clear that I wasn't going to be taxed when I used credit on my Edge Card.[/quote]

must be state laws. i've made purchases with my edge card at EBs in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Virginia without being taxed.
 
Blarrgh... hey, I'm sorry for asking this, but I can't seem to get a straight answer from this topic:
I have $141 in credit that I have put on my EDGE card. It has a PIN on the back, which I have used in the past to get the 10% off discount. Is it possible for me to use my card online to make an order, by using my $141 in credit? If so, which number on the back do I use?
 
the PIN isn't the discount code,. it's the code beside that sticker.

there's 3 numbers, the edge card number, the value added sticker number and a PIN.
 
Hmm... I only see 2 on mine... is the sticker that has my 10% off code covering another number? Would it be a bad idea to take that off?
 
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