GameStop selling non-new games as new

[quote name='gizmogc']What did you tell GS when you returned gthe game? That it was defective? If so, they then had to return that and hopefully get credit for it. What if that was the last copy and someone else wanted to purchase it? Now they can't and GameStop lost a sale. So just because they 'have you're money' dosn't make it right. Ask around here about returning a game at Wal-Mart...you'll see similar responses. Dont' even try to play the part that it says 50 hours and you beat it in way less then 50 hours, thats hardly an excuse. It takes some people 3 hours to beat Zelda on SNES, while it takes others days.

And no, just because you're not satisfied does not warrant a return. Not everyone has a 100% satisfaction guarantee, because if so, I would be returning nearly everything Ive ever purchased just because I finished the game, or watched the movie.

Sorry, I'm just sick and tired at most people here bitching about Gamestores. It happens daily, and most of the time its a simple misunderstanding, or someone getting worked up over nothing. I'm sure there are people that work at gamestores that are just assholes, plain and simple. But around CAG people find a reason to complain just because the clerk couldn't pronounce Lumines and he's such an idiot and how did he even get a job in a gamestore where he should know every single thing about every game ever made because he makes $8 an hour and he will never amount to anything...blah blah blah

I just wish the mods will alter the thread title and sticky this thread to stop the 'OMG they re-shrinkwrap games and charge pull price' threads every other damn day.[/QUOTE]
Damn right.

I don't work in a game store, but damn there are some anal people here. I don't know about anyone else, but I buy games to play games. Not for them to sit on my shelf and look pretty, not for them to collect value. I buy games to play them, yeah a crazy idea I know. I don't really care if they sell it to me in a brown paper bag. If I want the game, and it's playable then I'll take it. If you need it sealed up in an airtight room by Jesus Christ himself, fine. Stop bitching and go buy it somewhere else. If it's not available anywhere else, well guess you're just SOL. You'll have to decide whether that shrink wrap or the game is more important.
 
[quote name='Rei no Otaku']Damn right.

I don't work in a game store, but damn there are some anal people here. I don't know about anyone else, but I buy games to play games. Not for them to sit on my shelf and look pretty, not for them to collect value. I buy games to play them, yeah a crazy idea I know. I don't really care if they sell it to me in a brown paper bag. If I want the game, and it's playable then I'll take it. If you need it sealed up in an airtight room by Jesus Christ himself, fine. Stop bitching and go buy it somewhere else. If it's not available anywhere else, well guess you're just SOL. You'll have to decide whether that shrink wrap or the game is more important.[/QUOTE]

So you would pay new price for a disc only that came in a brown paper bag?
 
[quote name='gizmogc']What did you tell GS when you returned gthe game? That it was defective? If so, they then had to return that and hopefully get credit for it. What if that was the last copy and someone else wanted to purchase it? Now they can't and GameStop lost a sale. So just because they 'have you're money' dosn't make it right. Ask around here about returning a game at Wal-Mart...you'll see similar responses. Dont' even try to play the part that it says 50 hours and you beat it in way less then 50 hours, thats hardly an excuse. It takes some people 3 hours to beat Zelda on SNES, while it takes others days.

And no, just because you're not satisfied does not warrant a return. Not everyone has a 100% satisfaction guarantee, because if so, I would be returning nearly everything Ive ever purchased just because I finished the game, or watched the movie.

Sorry, I'm just sick and tired at most people here bitching about Gamestores. It happens daily, and most of the time its a simple misunderstanding, or someone getting worked up over nothing. I'm sure there are people that work at gamestores that are just assholes, plain and simple. But around CAG people find a reason to complain just because the clerk couldn't pronounce Lumines and he's such an idiot and how did he even get a job in a gamestore where he should know every single thing about every game ever made because he makes $8 an hour and he will never amount to anything...blah blah blah

I just wish the mods will alter the thread title and sticky this thread to stop the 'OMG they re-shrinkwrap games and charge pull price' threads every other damn day.[/QUOTE]

No, I did not tell them that it was defective. All I did was tell them that I wanted to return it, and they inspected it telling me that they might not accept it because of all the hairline scratches on the UMD. Scratches that were already there beforehand and found after I took off the 'new' wrapping and opened the case. Otherwise the game has only been put in once and taken out once from my PSP. It was a cosmetic defect that I thought nothing of BEFORE I beat the game, under the impression that I was going to keep it--with no thought of ever returning it. I had nothing to do with the scratches that they were using against me to cause such hindering in the return process.

I could care less of cosmetic defects as long as the game works. I'm not picky, I'm not a collector or anything...I just play the game. And I wasn't satisfied with the game, but I'm telling the truth that the timeplay factor is one of many huge things *for me* that makes me buy a game that would be worth my money. I understand that people play games at different paces, in fact I own very many RPGs that I have yeat to beat. This was one of the few times I've ever beaten an RPG so fast that I was actually disappointed. And not being a hardcore gamer, that was a real turn off for me.

I'm sorry if my entire story came off wrong on my behalf. I didn't come to this thread and post for the first time to complain about something, but only share. So just to be clear, I wasn't complaining about buying a non-new game as new--I could care less. It's the fact that they used such a practice against my own will, and tried to make me feel guilty as a customer (i.e. "We could get fired," "You're a girl, so we'll let this slide," etc.), over returning it in the condition as it was sold to me. They could have just said "No" like any other store, and I would have been fine with just that. I don't expect a 100% satisfaction guarantee, but I saw for myself an opportunity to make sure that I would end up with a game I would enjoy and keep. And I did.

In perspective, if somebody bought the game that I returned for the same price, it would be as though they bought it from the owner before me (or however long further it goes back) because I did nothing wrong to it. They could return it, and that game could go through many buying cycles before someone finally decides that they'll just keep it. And Gamestop would still be guaranteed a $39.99 purchase from each of those customers because they don't issue a cash refund on opened-but-new games. Are you telling me that it would have been 'better' for me to just keep the game? Trust me, I would have if I liked it that much. I apologize if I ended up causing someone a problem for not keeping it, but how exactly is that my fault?

It's not about why I bought the game, that I beat it so fast, or why I returned it. We all have our preferences and I honestly believe that what I did was okay and without ill intent.
 
I don't care if the Game stores re-shrink wrap games or gut them. However, my problem is they tell you a game is new and charge new price when the game is in a kiosk and/or opened. It's as if their store is some magical fort and that any thing inside is new, even if used in the store (a kiosk).

It's the principle of the matter that gets me upset. Stores and employee's can't make up their own definition of new to make more profits. Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Target, ...would never get away with this. When something is opened they sell it as open box with a discount. They all have display items in the store and they are usually sold for a discount when that is all that is left. However, for some unknown strange magical reason this does not apply to Gamestop and EB. Sorry, I don't buy it.

A 10%-20% discount for an open box display copy is not asking too much in my opinion and is fair for both the business and customer.

I don't buy from either B&M. They lost my business long ago. I'd rather get it from someone else on here used any day.
 
I have relaxed a little bit with how anal I'm about buying games that are opened but new. If the game is worth picking up even though it's opened (Phoenix Wright), then I'll buy it. If it's opened and I can live withought it then I won't buy it. I'm really happy with myself when I can take a relaxed aproach to this. Once in a while, they'll actully sell you a game that's sealed as used. I got an original copy of Devil May Cry, Arc the Lad Collection and Time Crisis II this way. You win some, you lose some. No big deal...
...even if I like my games sealed. I respect everyone's point of view though. And I realize that every once in a while, this topic will be brought up again.
 
[quote name='m0dem']So you would pay new price for a disc only that came in a brown paper bag?[/QUOTE]
If I wanted the game bad enough, yes. When I buy games, the package doesn't come into consideration. To me it's "Is this game worth X amount of money." Not "Is this game, the box etc. worth X amount of money."
 
[quote name='Rei no Otaku']Damn right.

I don't work in a game store, but damn there are some anal people here. I don't know about anyone else, but I buy games to play games. Not for them to sit on my shelf and look pretty, not for them to collect value. I buy games to play them, yeah a crazy idea I know. I don't really care if they sell it to me in a brown paper bag. If I want the game, and it's playable then I'll take it. If you need it sealed up in an airtight room by Jesus Christ himself, fine. Stop bitching and go buy it somewhere else. If it's not available anywhere else, well guess you're just SOL. You'll have to decide whether that shrink wrap or the game is more important.[/QUOTE]

Its the fact that GS/EB are selling OPEN product at NEW prices is what most of us are upset over. If they sold it at the used price then I'm cool with it but when they are expecting people to pay exact NEW.... that's just plain wrong.
 
[quote name='b3b0p']A 10%-20% discount for an open box display copy is not asking too much in my opinion and is fair for both the business and customer.

I don't buy from either B&M. They lost my business long ago. I'd rather get it from someone else on here used any day.[/QUOTE]

Do you know what the markup IS on a new game? Maybe 10-15%. That $50 game you just bought from GameStop cost them maybe $43. You think they would give you $5 off, making them a whole $2? If you decide to pay using a credit card they get hit with a service fee.

Some Managers/employees are nice and will give youa 10% discount, most won't. They would rather lose the sale then take a $5 profit hit, which would look bad. Like many others have said, if you don't want a resealed game, shop somewhere else. No one is forcing you to purchase a game from GameStop/EB, there are many other stores to shop at.
 
While were in this discussion, didn't GameStop (Or maybe it was EB?) get busted in the past for selling new games re-sealed? What ever happened in that situation? I remember hearing they had to pay a fine and were told to not do it again, but obviously thats not true.
 
[quote name='gizmogc']Some Managers/employees are nice and will give youa 10% discount, most won't. They would rather lose the sale then take a $5 profit hit, which would look bad.[/QUOTE]

Okay let me see here.... either its...

A) Lose a few dollars but make a customer happy which will ensure potential future sales that will most likely make up for those few dollars lost.

Or...

B) Lose the sale which upsets the customer and loses potential future sales.

Think about it gizmogc before replying.
 
[quote name='Demolition Man']Okay let me see here.... either its...

A) Lose a few dollars but make a customer happy which will ensure potential future sales that will most likely make up for those few dollars lost.

Or...

B) Lose the sale which upsets the customer and loses potential future sales.

Think about it gizmogc before replying.[/QUOTE]


Ensure? Hardly. If there already demanding a $5 discount chances are they will not come back. They will find another store which will kiss there ass. I, however, will not.
Remeber, most managers will NOT give you an 'resealed' discount, so don't expect it. If you're nice, most will budge. If you're an ass, they would rather lose that sale, as well as any future sales just to get an asshole out of their store. Ive done it and never had a problem making my weekly goals.
 
[quote name='gizmogc']Ensure? Hardly. If there already demanding a $5 discount chances are they will not come back. They will find another store which will kiss there ass. I, however, will not.
Remeber, most managers will NOT give you an 'resealed' discount, so don't expect it. If you're nice, most will budge. If you're an ass, they would rather lose that sale, as well as any future sales just to get an asshole out of their store. Ive done it and never had a problem making my weekly goals.[/QUOTE]

There's a reason that phrase "the customer's always right" is so popular. It points out that in any business, the customer is what you should focus on, regardless of how much of a pain in the ass they can be.
 
[quote name='RedvsBlue']There's a reason that phrase "the customer's always right" is so popular. It points out that in any business, the customer is what you should focus on, regardless of how much of a pain in the ass they can be.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, and the genius who coined that phrase is no longer in business (Woolworths). Of course every customer has to quote that still thinking it rings true when it obviously does not.
 
[quote name='gizmogc']Yeah, and the genius who coined that phrase is no longer in business (Woolworths). Of course every customer has to quote that still thinking it rings true when it obviously does not.[/QUOTE]

Then explain why Best Buy has abandoned its devil customer program (which was a program that was quite similar to what you've been saying in your posts)?

Edit- BTW, it wasn't Woolworths who coined that phrase http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_customer_is_always_right

Oh, and didn't you get fired as a game store manager?
 
[quote name='RedvsBlue']Then explain why Best Buy has abandoned its devil customer program (which was a program that was quite similar to what you've been saying in your posts)?

Edit- BTW, it wasn't Woolworths who coined that phrase http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_customer_is_always_right

Oh, and didn't you get fired as a game store manager?[/QUOTE]

BB did not abando the program they just no longer speak about it.
n
Sorry, I could have sworn it was Woolworths who made that claim. Did they make something similar? I know others have said the same thing I have, so I'm not just making it up.

Remember CoreyCubed? Yeah, thats exactly why I got canned. Helping out fellow CAGers with price updates/trade prices. No biggie, I was quitting the next week, lol.

I managed other gamestores beforehand, both I left on my own recourse (more money).
 
Well here's my stance:

If I go to the mall where I live and there's a BB and an EB then I'm going to go to the BB because I can get a new sealed game for the same price as an opened "new" game at EB. I can most likely use whatever coupon is currently going on at BB as well making the game even cheaper. I understand people that say to just go somewhere else, but I would say that parents or people who just don't know any better go to EB and GS the most and get these games for "new" and I just get this uneasy feeling that not every game outside of the case is "new". I have a feeling that something might happen to it while it's out of the case or that it could get scratched or something...in which case the game is not "new" and EB and GS are lieing to you and they should be punished for this because it is a terrible business practice to sell a used game as "new".

I only go there when I want a used game and they have it for cheap or because I can't find it anywhere else. Even then I try to go to Bull Moose (local company) because they're way better than either EB or GS when I'm looking for older used games.
 
[quote name='3QGojo']Well here's my stance:

If I go to the mall where I live and there's a BB and an EB then I'm going to go to the BB because I can get a new sealed game for the same price as an opened "new" game at EB. I can most likely use whatever coupon is currently going on at BB as well making the game even cheaper. I understand people that say to just go somewhere else, but I would say that parents or people who just don't know any better go to EB and GS the most and get these games for "new" and I just get this uneasy feeling that not every game outside of the case is "new". I have a feeling that something might happen to it while it's out of the case or that it could get scratched or something...in which case the game is not "new" and EB and GS are lieing to you and they should be punished for this because it is a terrible business practice to sell a used game as "new".

I only go there when I want a used game and they have it for cheap or because I can't find it anywhere else. Even then I try to go to Bull Moose (local company) because they're way better than either EB or GS when I'm looking for older used games.[/QUOTE]

How often are people getting 'resealed' games. They normally only keep 1 copy on display (if its not a new release) so to get a 'resealed' game you must always be getting the last copy. Ive only purchased 3 resealed games in my life and every one of them have been mint.
 
[quote name='gizmogc']How often are people getting 'resealed' games. They normally only keep 1 copy on display (if its not a new release) so to get a 'resealed' game you must always be getting the last copy. Ive only purchased 3 resealed games in my life and every one of them have been mint.[/QUOTE]

Before I stopped shopping at EBGames, every time I bought a game (3 times: Nocturne, Phantom Brave, Custom Robo) they tried to sell the a used/opened copy for the same price as new. This may be coincidence, but somehow I doubt it. Also, the Phantom Brave I purchased, was far from their last copy (there was a stack behind the counter) and I had to literally demand and yell at the manager to give me a non-used copy as he refused, but finally gave in after telling me no about 3 times.
 
[quote name='b3b0p']Before I stopped shopping at EBGames, every time I bought a game (3 times: Nocturne, Phantom Brave, Custom Robo) they tried to sell the a used/opened copy for the same price as new. This may be coincidence, but somehow I doubt it. Also, the Phantom Brave I purchased, was far from their last copy (there was a stack behind the counter) and I had to literally demand and yell at the manager to give me a non-used copy as he refused, but finally gave in after telling me no about 3 times.[/QUOTE]

For some reason this just sounds like bull. Why would a worker there care if you had a sealed copy or display copy. I buy tons of games from a ton of different gamestops and have never enocountered anything like this. Though who knows because i see quite a few posts about workers at these stores.

I guess if it was a used copy he was trying to sell instead of a new one you that might make a difference. That would increase revenue and profit at the store making him look better as a manager because the store turned a greater profit.
 
Not bull, I promise you. I guess some EBGames have really crummy employees. I went to another EBGames and the person working there was really nice, too bad it is about 40 minute drive to that EB. I don't know why, but the guy selling me Phantom Brave did not want to get me a new copy and was an ass about it. He kept telling me that they opened it and there was no difference.
 
[quote name='schuerm26']For some reason this just sounds like bull. Why would a worker there care if you had a sealed copy or display copy. I buy tons of games from a ton of different gamestops and have never enocountered anything like this. Though who knows because i see quite a few posts about workers at these stores.

I guess if it was a used copy he was trying to sell instead of a new one you that might make a difference. That would increase revenue and profit at the store making him look better as a manager because the store turned a greater profit.[/QUOTE]
I've only bought two new games at EB, and both have been "display copies". Paper Mario made sense because the box was actually out on display. Killer 7, however, was a sealed empty case that was sitting with a bunch of others behind the counter (unsealed it, got the disc out of the sleeve in the drawer, put it in the case, put it in my bag). Additionally, probably half the time I'm in line at EB or GS and someone else buys a new game, I hear "It's just opened because it's a display copy, but it's new."

I wish I worked at EB simply to understand what the hell the strategy is with this stuff.

I suppose I can just reiterate my objection to this practice. When I bought Killer 7, I had a pending order from EBGames.com (thought it was going to be cancelled like a previous order) that was cheaper than in store. It turned out my order shipped from the website, so I wanted to return the copy I bought in-store. When attempting to do so, both employees hemmed and hawwed about taking in an open game, even though the guy who had unsealed the case and sold it to me as new two or three days before was one of them. I informed them of this and they still tried to tell me they couldn't. In expectation of this, I had brought the sealed copy I had received from the website with me, and they were happy as clams to take that one in return instead. So essentially, if I hadn't ordered from the website and was merely returning it because I changed my mind about the purchase (though, I know, you game store employees have NEVER bought a game and then changed your mind before opening it), I either would have had to bitch for a while till they gave in, or would not have been able to get my money back. That's not good.
 
Out of curiosity, does anyone know if Gamestop resells used Nintendo DS games as new? I'm not sure if that's possible granted that each comes with a registration key.
 
[quote name='Luxirie']Out of curiosity, does anyone know if Gamestop resells used Nintendo DS games as new? I'm not sure if that's possible granted that each comes with a registration key.[/QUOTE]

Yes because they're not supposed to have been technically "used". EB does the same thing; we take out the games and put them in an envelope so we can put the case out on display. We're not allowed to rent out games and my store is never going to be allowed to because we have the highest shrink in the district (my manager is notorious for forgetting to take games out of the case before displaying them) but I know that most Gamestops let their employees borrow the games for a few nights.

We do normally only keep one copy on display but when a title is a new release title, we may gut up to 4 copies for our new release wall. I never understand why people buy new games at EB since Best Buy usually has them for the same price (or cheaper). So stop shopping at EB (and make my work days easier)
 
[quote name='schuerm26']For some reason this just sounds like bull. Why would a worker there care if you had a sealed copy or display copy. I buy tons of games from a ton of different gamestops and have never enocountered anything like this. Though who knows because i see quite a few posts about workers at these stores.
[/QUOTE]

This same type of story happened to me a few years ago. I brought up the game, I could clearly see the sealed copies in the case, and the guy starts digging through the paper sleeves looking for the CD. I calmly asked him for a sealed copy that was in the case (there were at least 2 or 3 facing out) and he gave me this long, blank stare before saying "sure, whatever".
 
This post should be renamed the EBGames and Gamestop Bitch and Moan Thread.

Anyway, for the first time since June/July (I forget), I went to EBGames. I went to find a used copy of Phoenix Wright for my mom (she wants it bloody bad) and check for any decent guides (specifically Castlevania: DoS). Well, they did not have it, but the douche bag employees from the summer weren't there.

I think my bad experience is more to do with the employees then the actual chain/stores. The Gamestops and EBGames in Oklahoma City and Edmund (read: bigger cities then Stillwater, OK) were great experiences for me and would shop there anytime. The local employees at my EBGames just plum suck. Especially the bald dood and the fat guy (I shall never forget them).
 
[quote name='b3b0p']This post should be renamed the EBGames and Gamestop Bitch and Moan Thread.

Anyway, for the first time since June/July (I forget), I went to EBGames. I went to find a used copy of Phoenix Wright for my mom (she wants it bloody bad) and check for any decent guides (specifically Castlevania: DoS). Well, they did not have it, but the douche bag employees from the summer weren't there.

I think my bad experience is more to do with the employees then the actual chain/stores. The Gamestops and EBGames in Oklahoma City and Edmund (read: bigger cities then Stillwater, OK) were great experiences for me and would shop there anytime. The local employees at my EBGames just plum suck. Especially the bald dood and the fat guy (I shall never forget them).[/QUOTE]

For some reason the fat guy always seems to be the bad employee at every store.
 
[quote name='CaoPi']lazy mofos, that happened to me also as they check in the system it might say they have a new copy but it doesn't say display copy of course![/QUOTE]

Yeah it, techincally does. The computer tells you how many more copies they have in stock, and if it says 'one' then you'll have a display copy. The person on the phone should have at least checked to see if it was sealed even if it said there were a few in the Computer, which it didnt.

By the way, you know those copies of games EB and Gamestop uses in their dusty-ass systems in the stores? They sell those copies as new.

To me, NEW is not opened! If I wanted an opened game and didnt care about the case, I would just go off and buy it used.
 
[quote name='gizmogc']Do you know what the markup IS on a new game? Maybe 10-15%. That $50 game you just bought from GameStop cost them maybe $43. You think they would give you $5 off, making them a whole $2? If you decide to pay using a credit card they get hit with a service fee.

Some Managers/employees are nice and will give youa 10% discount, most won't. They would rather lose the sale then take a $5 profit hit, which would look bad. Like many others have said, if you don't want a resealed game, shop somewhere else. No one is forcing you to purchase a game from GameStop/EB, there are many other stores to shop at.[/QUOTE]

Maybe they shoulden't bell selling games at all if they dont make any money selling new games.

They dont have to pay for those fake display cases Toys R' Us uses, the least they can do is give us 10% off a game.
 
If I am not mistaken EB had a class action brought against them awhile back for re-sealing opened games and selling them as "new" online. That's is another reason the practice of open display copies at the B&M level baffles me. No, you aren't forced to buy it. Yes, you can usually shop elsewhere, but why go through the practice in the first place? If you MUST have a copy for display why not use some kind of security tether or glass case instead of opening the game? They can't keep using cost as an excuse.
 
My dillemma:

Ok, I want Phoenix Wright real bad. My GS has a "new" copy in, but it's display. I walked out this evening without making a fuss. I wanted to tell them that I didn't want the store employee rental copy. I know this game is getting hard to find, so do I suck it up and buy the copy or do I walk out on principle? Has anyone had luck getting them to sell it as used?
 
[quote name='munch']My dillemma:

Ok, I want Phoenix Wright real bad. My GS has a "new" copy in, but it's display. I walked out this evening without making a fuss. I wanted to tell them that I didn't want the store employee rental copy. I know this game is getting hard to find, so do I suck it up and buy the copy or do I walk out on principle? Has anyone had luck getting them to sell it as used?[/QUOTE]

Just examine it and make sure it does not look like it is beaten to hell. If all looks good I'd buy it in a heart beat. I am trying to find a second copy of this game and it would be opened with in moments of leaving the store anyway.
 
Ive seen a ton of Phoenix Wrights, all have been the displaycopy. DS games rarley come sealed when purchased from EB/GS, mainly because I think they only keep one in-stock at a time.
 
Here's another reason why we open games.

Some douchebag came into the store today to return a copy of Mario Strikers and the Sims 2. He had done 2 returns before these as they were on the recipet. So he fills out the refund log, I check out the games to make sure they werent opened. Sure enough the Mario Strikers box was reshrink wraped. I opened the game to find a mini cd-r disc in the box.

So thank morons like him for more games to get gutted.
 
[quote name='Radioactive_Man']Here's another reason why we open games.

Some douchebag came into the store today to return a copy of Mario Strikers and the Sims 2. He had done 2 returns before these as they were on the recipet. So he fills out the refund log, I check out the games to make sure they werent opened. Sure enough the Mario Strikers box was reshrink wraped. I opened the game to find a mini cd-r disc in the box.

So thank morons like him for more games to get gutted.[/QUOTE]

You'd know they were opened if they didn't have the folded plastic given that the Gamecube's games are always sealed with the folded stuff... it's still unncessary to gut 'em.
 
[quote name='Radioactive_Man']Here's another reason why we open games.

Some douchebag came into the store today to return a copy of Mario Strikers and the Sims 2. He had done 2 returns before these as they were on the recipet. So he fills out the refund log, I check out the games to make sure they werent opened. Sure enough the Mario Strikers box was reshrink wraped. I opened the game to find a mini cd-r disc in the box.

So thank morons like him for more games to get gutted.[/QUOTE]

What did you do to him?
 
I'm kinda confused about what that has to do with gutted games. He bought the game, so there's no theft-deterrent needed there... and he didn't return the game disc to you, so I'm assuming you didn't take the return, meaning you don't have an additional opened copy. Or are you saying you need to open up every game that's returned, so they'll all be gutted?
 
[quote name='GuilewasNK']If I am not mistaken EB had a class action brought against them awhile back for re-sealing opened games and selling them as "new" online. That's is another reason the practice of open display copies at the B&M level baffles me. No, you aren't forced to buy it. Yes, you can usually shop elsewhere, but why go through the practice in the first place? If you MUST have a copy for display why not use some kind of security tether or glass case instead of opening the game? They can't keep using cost as an excuse.[/QUOTE]

No? What do you think glass cases for every section would cost? and then, why would you do that if you were only going to keep one copy in there? So, then, for a higher cost you'd have all GS's keeping all their inventory out live in locked glass cabinets? Do you realize how FEW stores are big enough to fit their inventory on the walls??? Then you'd have to look at the cover/spine, hope that you'll like that game, go in line, get a staff member to walk around and unlock and carry all your games up to the counter for you, then wait in line again...That's funny, that sounds like Walmart, lol.
So, they'd have to have 1) expensive glass cabnietry 2) non-shoppable walls, where customers will only buy the thing they walked in the door for every time 3) pay more for multiple staff members every moment of the day, since no one can shop without supervision, all with keys to access the entire inventory....yes yes, much more cost effective.

but by the way, the whole idea of games being tethered like leather jackets to the wall is Very amusing, so for that mental image I thank you ;) :lol:
 
[quote name='botticus']I'm kinda confused about what that has to do with gutted games. He bought the game, so there's no theft-deterrent needed there... and he didn't return the game disc to you, so I'm assuming you didn't take the return, meaning you don't have an additional opened copy. Or are you saying you need to open up every game that's returned, so they'll all be gutted?[/QUOTE]

Yes.
And I've seen 'folded' plastic "sealed" games...which *mysteriously* held an AOL disc.
 
My girl got me Unreal 2 a few months ago and lo and behold she came in with a stickered "new" copy. I asked if she took my discount card with her and she replied that she couldn't use it becuase the game was new. I shot up and ran over to EB to trade that sumbitch in right away. At first, the guy said I couldn't exchange an opened game unless there was something wrong with it. Then, I think he realized he just sold that game to my girl so he was cool about exchanging it. He goes to the back, grabs a sealed copy and opens it right in front of me! He says that was so I didn't bring the game back for a refund. I was so disgusted, I practically walked out without the game. That was the last time my family, friends or I have bought anything from EB.
 
[quote name='tauruskatt']
but by the way, the whole idea of games being tethered like leather jackets to the wall is Very amusing, so for that mental image I thank you ;) :lol:[/QUOTE]

That is kind of funny now that I think about it, lol. :lol:

I know the cost would be somewhat of a factor for glass cases, I work in retail myself. I was just throwing some ideas out there. I just think it is weird that they can get empty display boxes for pre-release games but not something similar for games actually available.
 
I work at TRU, and we use a clamshell system. Basically we order those fake cases to put on display. The problem being that this costs money. We had to order over a hundred new ones after the Christmas season due to various factors (accidently thrown out, lost etc.). Granted, it's probably not a large amount of money in the grand scheme of things, but when 95% of the people buying games don't care if they get an opened copy then why waste the money?
 
[quote name='munch']My dillemma:

Ok, I want Phoenix Wright real bad. My GS has a "new" copy in, but it's display. I walked out this evening without making a fuss. I wanted to tell them that I didn't want the store employee rental copy. I know this game is getting hard to find, so do I suck it up and buy the copy or do I walk out on principle? Has anyone had luck getting them to sell it as used?[/QUOTE]

I bought the "copy they opened for someone to try" at Gamecrazy. Since this game is nearly impossible to find and goes for $40+ used and $50+ new on eBay, I wouldn't have hesitated if I were you :D.

On the other hand, I've been looking for a copy of Viewtiful Joe for DS from an EB, where I have some store credit. The 2 that I have checked have both had open copies, and I declined. But like Gizmo said, it is fairly difficult to find sealed DS games at EB/GS because they don't carry too many at a time.
 
I haven't read the last two pages yet, but I wanted to chime in on the situation.

[quote name='Mookyjooky']Yea, being a past employee of gamestop, you're getting the employee rental. Enjoy.[/QUOTE]

I know for a fact that at the store I work at, we are not allowed at all to take out the new games. We are allowed to rent out used games for 3 days. This is, however, different at every store since it is up to the individual manager.

My manager has told me before that if a customer is polite that we can give them a 10% discount on disc-only used games and gutted copies of new games. So at our store, if you decide not to flip out and be civil about things, you will get rewarded.

We have our "Hot Zone" in the corner. The thing is a joke, really no one ever goes over to see the new games (which we have to gut up to 3 or 4 copies of new releases.) We don't decide what goes there, but instead the DM does. Basically, we are told what to gut by the, "Higher-ups." Since I've been there (we've only opened in September) no has complained to me yet about the quality of the display. Maybe we are just one of the few stores that truly give a damn about what they are doing.:)

Also, just for the record, I would buy an open "new" game at a Wal-mart if it was in good shape; however, it is a shame that some of the stores you guys speak of can't handle putting a disc in a sleeve properly or if they do take it home, take decent enough care of it to prevent scratches.

That is just my two cents.
 
eh, it all depends on the presetnation. if the guy just schlubs it into the box and smiles like he's expecting me to pucker up, fuck 'im. if they're cool and let me know it's the last, I only ask for a shot of shrink wrap, becuase I f'ing hate those stickers. a game's a game. anyone who's going to take it farther than a fun item to open and play, should really expose their flesh to a funny thing just outside your front door, called "life". nice thing about those, is that they're free- so you can't bitch about anyone ripping you off.
 
[quote name='GuilewasNK']That is kind of funny now that I think about it, lol. :lol:

I know the cost would be somewhat of a factor for glass cases, I work in retail myself. I was just throwing some ideas out there. I just think it is weird that they can get empty display boxes for pre-release games but not something similar for games actually available.[/QUOTE]

heh, yeah I know that most stores will move those pre-release boxes to the 'hot title zone' to keep from gutting more copies, but those boxes for the most part come Free from the publisher/distributor/rep/whoever to push their game.

And in the case of older or any discontinued games, there's the issue of why woudl they still be able to go back post-manufacturing and reprint display artwork? not to mention that just any old joe schmo is not nessasarily legally allowed to reprint someone's IP. And if the company's out of buisness, then what? There *are* actually front cover arts for games reprinted, but for used not new. having new display boxes would throw off the whole ideal of having a box for every game and a game for every box in the inventory. So you'd go to pull off a box from the wall and take it to the register only to find they're sold out.

[quote name='Rozz']What is the point I'm trying to make? Even if you think most people dont care if its opened or not, if its new, it SHOULD be new, unopened, unhandled (disc wise), and otherwise untouched bellow the wrap and seal.

Thats why it says NEW. It should be NEW murchandise.[/QUOTE]

...yeah...again, i think if you believe that new means unplayed or new condition the off chance of having a last copy won't bug you. If new means never unsealed then the store is Out of Stock of the item that you are looking for.
Just move on as if they have no copies if that makes you feel more at ease.

Just becasue Payless doesn't have the size 12 loafers you want in brown, doesn't mean they have to sell you those size 12s in black 33% off for you "OMGPainNSuffering" costs.
 
[quote name='tauruskatt']heh, yeah I know that most stores will move those pre-release boxes to the 'hot title zone' to keep from gutting more copies, but those boxes for the most part come Free from the publisher/distributor/rep/whoever to push their game.

And in the case of older or any discontinued games, there's the issue of why woudl they still be able to go back post-manufacturing and reprint display artwork? not to mention that just any old joe schmo is not nessasarily legally allowed to reprint someone's IP. And if the company's out of buisness, then what? There *are* actually front cover arts for games reprinted, but for used not new. having new display boxes would throw off the whole ideal of having a box for every game and a game for every box in the inventory. So you'd go to pull off a box from the wall and take it to the register only to find they're sold out.



...yeah...again, i think if you believe that new means unplayed or new condition the off chance of having a last copy won't bug you. If new means never unsealed then the store is Out of Stock of the item that you are looking for.
Just move on as if they have no copies if that makes you feel more at ease.

Just becasue Payless doesn't have the size 12 loafers you want in brown, doesn't mean they have to sell you those size 12s in black 33% off for you "OMGPainNSuffering" costs.[/QUOTE]

You're comparing apples to oranges buddy.
 
[quote name='tauruskatt']
...yeah...again, i think if you believe that new means unplayed or new condition the off chance of having a last copy won't bug you. If new means never unsealed then the store is Out of Stock of the item that you are looking for.
Just move on as if they have no copies if that makes you feel more at ease.
[/QUOTE]

How can you possibly argue that new means unplayed, when EB / GS don't even agree to that philosophy themselves?

I tell you what, go into Gamestop, buy a $50 dollar game. Once the transaction is over, open the game right in front of the employee, and then try to return it. Its obviously unplayed and never used, but they'll tell you that since the shrinkwrap is off of it they aren't going to return it.

I could really care less either way but the double standards at work here are crazy... I'm tempted to do this with GS just to see their reaction, but I'm not that bored.
 
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