[quote name='Zaku77']I know this is the typical 'blah blah blah' about Gamestop, but I have never seen a PS2 game there that was a condition worthy of being added to my collection. This isn't so much berating people that do buy these beat up games, but more wondering
how the hell do they even get like that in the first place!?
The game is bought new, and sat on a shelf. Even if it changes hands a few times, it's still just sat somewhere. I have never understood how they all get so beat up and grimey. I think people must like to take their favorite games and do extreme sports while holding them! lol[/QUOTE]
[quote name='ken9']+1 on this post. Sometimes I wonder the same... Like on my old gamecube, I played Super Smash Bros. all the time, took it in and out of its case all the time, and everything. Yet there's only like 1 or 2 noticeable scratches on it. When I bought Brawl used about a month after it came out from GS, there were so many scratches on it.. it seemed like the previous owner used sandpaper and sanded it or something

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Must not look hard enough.
I don't buy crap condition games, but seeking ones that aren't crap may take some time. More times than not, you'll find crap condition rather than games in acceptable condition.
Some minor scuffings on cases/manuals doesn't kill items. Also, the more of an item they have in stock, the more likely to find in acceptable condition or better.
When getting an item, I generally ask for disc that is in best condition, or to allow me to look myself. Sometimes they want to clean the discs for me on the spot, but I demand them not to. I can do it my damn self. And they usually do it wrong anyway.
Sometimes they start getting attitudes or try to talk back. But I just throw it back in their face. It's their job & they are doing something wrong if I'm not leaving as a satisfied customer at the least.
Have been to several many other used game stores who have done worse than GS does to their own games. Like, permanent marker directly on game cases/manuals as inventory notes type stuff. Or labels with terribly strong adhesive on cardboard boxes that would destroy them when attempting to remove. Something seriously wrong there.