The Last Days of the Hastings / GoHastings Universe - Check the latest posts!

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BEFORE YOU ASK A QUESTION IN THIS THREAD, READ THE FAQ BELOW!

GoHastings.Com Promotional Deals and Codes

AMARILLO, Texas - Texas-based Hastings Entertainment Inc. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Company officials say the reorganization filing includes its parent company, Draw Another Circle, and sister brands Movie Stop and SPImages.

A statement posted Monday on the Hastings website says the Chapter 11 process will help prepare the business for an intended sale, while providing protections and financing to continue operations. Further financial details weren’t released.

Hastings will no longer accept or honor deposits for movie purchases and will no longer rent games. Hastings gift cards expire July 13, 2016. The company’s buyback program has been suspended.
Click to expand...
Full List Of Online Coupon Codes

In-Store Sales / Discounts / Liquidation will vary from Online Sale / Coupon offerings

Check latest posts in thread for more specific updates

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Please read me before posting a question!

Click the "Show Spoiler" button below to see the FAQ
General
Question: What is Hastings / GoHastings.Com?
Answer:
Founded in 1968, Hastings Entertainment, Inc. is a leading multimedia entertainment retailer that combines the sale of new and used books, videos, video games and CDs, and trends and consumer electronics merchandise, with the rental of videos and video games in a superstore format. Currently there are 146 superstores. Hastings also operates www.goHastings.com, an e-commerce Internet Web site that makes available to customers new and used entertainment products and unique, contemporary gifts and toys.

Question: Gee, this is a really long FAQ. Doesn't Hasting have their own FAQ for customers?
Answer:
Hastings does have their own FAQ. You can read Hastings' official FAQ by clicking here. However, this FAQ goes into many details that Hastings' own FAQ does not. So be sure to read through all of this before asking a question!

NEW!
Question: How can I filter and sort Used Video Games to remove the out of stock items?
Answer:
Find the "Stock" dropdown menu option when browsing the used game selection and choose "In Stock." Games that have been purchased in the past day and are now out of stock may still appear.

NEW!
Question: Where can I find clearance video games and other clearance items?
Answer:
Clearance Video Games are in New condition; Plus $2.28 shipping per game
Click Here For Overall Video Game Clearance Items > Sort by Platform on the drop down menu
Click Here For Overall Clearance Items

Game / Item Condition
Question: What is the difference between "used" and "previously viewed" items on GoHastings.Com?
Answer:
"Used" games and movies are items that have been traded in to a Hastings retail location by a customer. "Previously viewed" games and movies are items that Hastings has rented out to customers at their retail locations but are now selling to the public.

When it comes to video games, most CAGs report no real difference between the two other than some ancillary stickers, but both "used" and "previously viewed" games are subject to being scratched, abused, or incomplete depending how well it was previously taken care of.

When it comes to movies, the "Previously Viewed" rental versions often lack features from the full retail versions and may come in different boxes, have different UPCs, have white barcode stickers around the center ring of the disc, etc.

You may encounter a situation where a customer has purchased a "previously used" item from Hastings, then traded it back into Hastings, thus making it a "used" item. This practiced is frowned upon by most customers, but Hastings has shown next to no incentive to change it. It mostly happens with movies.

Question: Do used and previously viewed video games come complete with the original case and manual?
Answer:
GoHastings.Com states as follows:

Due to the nature of used products; booklet inserts, digital movie downloads and manuals are not guaranteed in our used video games, movies and CDs.
Click to expand...
However, the vast majority of CAGs have reported that a large majority of their games do arrive complete. Incomplete games are more of an exception rather than the rule.

Question: Are used collector's editions and limited editions of games guaranteed to come with extras like bonus discs, statutes, and other items?
Answer:
No. Hopefully the used CE and LE games would at least come with all of the discs, but this is not guaranteed. And there is absolutely no guarantee other physical items or "swag" will be included for these used copies. However, CAGs have reported that they have purchased used CE and LE games and received all of the extras. If you order a used CE or LE and it does not come with the extras, just contact customer service and ask about a return/refund.

Question: What condition do "used" and "previously viewed" discs come in?
Answer:
Mosts CAGs seem to get games in good, playable condition if not better. However, there have been cases of receiving a game so scratched up that it would not load/play. These games can be returned to GoHastings.Com at no cost to the customer for a full refund.

NEW!
Question: Are New condition games factory sealed or gutted and re-sealed?
Answer:
As of mid-2013, Hastings retail stores have adopted a policy of gutting games then storing the game discs, manuals and DLC papers separately. This is so they do not have to lock up games or put security cases on games yet still allow the customer to physically handle the boxes in-store. When a new game is sold, Hasting will either re-seal the game or they will place the game in a bag that cannot be opened if you want to return the game as new.

Shipping
Question: Why are my items shipping individually? Why does GoHastings.Com include a shipping charge for each individual item ordered?
Answer:
Hastings does not have warehouses for fulfilling internet orders. All items are shipped from individual brick and mortar retail stores. If your order contains multiple items, your order may ship from multiple locations at different times if one location does not have all of the items you ordered. Because items could ship from more than one location, GoHastings.Com charges a per item shipping fee. Yes this can be frustrating, so its best to either get over it if you intend to shop at GoHastings.Com, or if you can't get over it, shop elsewhere. Like all "deals," include the shipping price per item into consideration for the total cost of the game being purchased.

UPDATED!
Question: How much is shipping per item?
Answer:
Video Games and PC software ship for $2.28 per item.

CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays ship for $1.29 per item.

Books have a per-order charge of $3.00 plus $0.99 shipping per book ordered.

Game Hardware, Electronics and Trends have a per-order charge of $1.99 plus $0.10 shipping per ounce for each item ordered.

Full shipping information, including expedited shipping prices, can be found HERE.

Occasionally, GoHastings.Com offers free or reduced shipping promotions.

Please note, books used to ship for $0.96 per order with no per item charge but Hastings discontinued that pricing scheme as of January 10, 2014. CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays used to ship for $0.96 per item, but Hastings raised that price to the current cost as of approximately May 25, 2014.

Question: How long does it take GoHastings.Com to ship my order?
Answer:
Standard Shipping:
Order processed within 48 Hours
Shipping time is 3-10 Days

Priority / Expedited Mail:
Order processed within 48 Hours
Shipping time is 2 - 3 Days

Question: What service does GoHastings.Com use to ship items?
Answer:
GoHastings.Com primarily ships items using the United States Postal Service (USPS). Video games ship via USPS First Class Mail. Books, movies and music ship via USPS Media Mail. Larger orders may ship via UPS.

Question: Will GoHastings.Com give me a tracking number for each shipment?
Answer:
Every shipment usually has a tracking number associated with it. If you did not see a tracking number in the shipping confirmation email, check your order history on GoHastings.Com.

Question: What will GoHastings.Com ship my items in?
Answer:
It will vary. Hastings might use a yellow paper mailer with bubble padding on the inside. They might use a white plastic envelope with bubble padding on the inside. They might use a stiffer paper/lighter cardboard envelope with no padding. Hastings will try to jam as many items into any of the above envelope options as possible, resulting in frequently damaged books, broken game/movie/CD cases, etc. On rare occasions, someone at Hastings will have the common sense to put larger or heavier items into a box for safer shipping, but even then they will neglect to use padding. Hastings used to ship items in a white plastic poly-bag with absolutely no padding or protection, but after numerous complaints, the company claims these are supposed to be phased out and no longer in use. They still pop up from time to time.

Order Cancellations / Out Of Stock Items
Question: Why was an item cancelled out of my order? Why is that item back in stock right now?
Answer:
GoHastings.Com fills their stock from their Hastings brick and mortar retail locations. Additionally, GoHastings.Com sells items on Amazon and eBay. Their online inventory system is antiquated and does not update stock instantaneously across physical store locations, GoHastings.Com, Amazon, and eBay. Therefore if someone bought the same item first in store/on Amazon/on eBay, their order will be fulfilled first and your item will be cancelled if there is not enough inventory to go around, even though you thought the item was in stock. Yes this sucks, but now you know about it so you can simply choose not to shop at GoHastings in the future if you can't deal with it. No need to endlessly complain about it in posts. Consider writing a letter to the president of Hastings, whose contact info can be found below this FAQ.

Because Hastings' physical store locations accept trade-ins for the used items that they sell, an item that was out of stock may quickly come back into stock if someone trades in the same item, or if someone returns the same item. However, as stated above, GoHastings.Com has an antiquated online system, and they will not be able to fulfill any items on your order once they have been canceled. You will have to re-order the item, at which time the promotion you initially ordered under may have expired. You can try to contact customer service to see if they will create a new order for you with the price point your originally ordered under.

Question: I just ordered something and now it shows as out of stock, either on my order history page or on the item's page. Will my order be canceled?
Answer:
Probably not, but it is still possible. GoHastings.Com updates its inventory count immediately when sales from the website are made. Therefore if they had one item, and you ordered it, it will now show up as out of stock on GoHastings.Com. However, if someone ordered it off Hastings' eBay or Amazon Marketplace listings first, they may fulfill that order first and cancel your order. Also, if someone walks into the store and purchases the item before it is pulled to ship to you, your order will be canceled. Additionally, store employees may not be able to locate the item and thus cancel your order for that reason. Hastings also has a problem on their website where items in your order history show as out of stock, sometimes regardless of the actual stock. Your best bet is to take a deep breath and not worry about it.

Sale Pricing
NEW!
Question: How can I tell if one promotion or discount is better than a different commonly offered promotion or discount?
Answer:
The following guides are only for video games since they take into consideration the $2.28 per game shipping price. You will have to do your own math for music/movies, books, trends/electronics and other shipping sales.

Remember, stock and prices fluctuate constantly and may not be the same by the next sale.

The math in the Buy 2 Get 1 For $1 deal assumes you choose three equally priced games to maximize your potential savings.

Free Shipping:
Vs. 96¢ Per Item Shipping: Use free shipping, obviously
Vs. 20% Off: Use free shipping with items $11.40 and less
Vs. 25% Off: Use free shipping with items $9.12 and less
Vs. Buy 2 Used Games, Get 1 For $1: Use free shipping with items $7.84 and less
Vs. 30% Off: Use free shipping with items $7.60 and less
Vs. 33% Off: Use free shipping with items $6.91 and less
Vs. 40% Off: Use free shipping with items $5.70 and less

96 Cent Shipping:
Vs. Free Shipping: Wait for Free Shipping, obviously
Vs. 20% Off: Use 96¢ shipping with items $6.60 and less
Vs. 25% Off: Use 96¢ shipping with items $5.28 and less
Vs. Buy 2 Used Games, Get 1 For $1: Use 96¢ shipping with items $4.96 and less
Vs. 30% Off: Use 96¢ shipping with items $4.40 and less
Vs. 33% Off: Use 96¢ shipping with items $4.00 and less
Vs. 40% Off: Use 96¢ shipping with items $3.30 and less

20% Off:
Vs. Free Shipping: For items over $11.40, use 20% Off
Vs. 96 Cent Shipping: For items over $6.60, use 20% Off
Vs. Buy 2 Used Games, Get 1 For $1: For items under $2.50, use 20% Off

25% Off:
Vs. Free Shipping: For items over $9.12, use 25% Off
Vs. 96 Cent Shipping: For items over $5.28, use 20% Off
Vs. Buy 2 Used Games, Get 1 For $1: For items under $4.00, use 25% Off

30% Off:
Vs. Free Shipping: For items over $7.60, use 30% Off
Vs. 96 Cent Shipping: For items over $4.40, use 30% Off
Vs. Buy 2 Used Games, Get 1 For $1: For items under $10, use 30% Off

Buy 2 Get 1 For $1:
Vs. Free Shipping: Use free shipping with items $7.84 and less
Vs. $0.96 Shipping: Use 96¢ shipping with items $4.96 and less

33% Off:
Vs. Free Shipping: For items over $6.91, use 33% Off
Vs. 96 Cent Shipping: For items over $4.00, use 33% Off

40% Off:
Vs. Free Shipping: For items over $5.70, use 40% Off
Vs. 96 Cent Shipping: For items over $3.30, use 40% Off

Question: GoHastings.Com totally raised their prices prior to the sale! OMGWTFBBQSauce! Should I call the police / attorney general / president of the United States?
Answer:
GoHastings.Com claims to not raise their prices prior to sales. Their pricing is based on algorithms that consider things like supply, demand, competitor pricing, market rates, etc. If a game was $10 before the sale and $15 24 hours into the sale, chances are there were only a couple of copies of the game and someone bought one when the sale started, thus affecting the supply and demand. You are not the only one monitoring a Wish List on GoHastings.Com. However, there have been some clearly documented instances of raising prices right before a sale, especially with books rather than games.

Promotional Deal Codes
Question: Why is the promotional code not applying to my order?
Answer:
Certain M-rated games carry the disclaimer that "This item is only available for purchase by customers age 17 and older." If you have such a game in your cart, be sure to check the box by the "Check Out" button that says "I am at least 17 years of age" before clicking the "Apply Promotion Code" button to apply the promotional code.

Additionally, some promotional codes only apply to select qualifying titles. Be sure that your order only contains such titles. Occasionally the GoHastings.Com programmers miss something and games that are supposed to qualify do not work with the promotional code. If this is the case, please contact GoHastings.Com. Contact information can be found below this FAQ.

Question: Can I use more than one promotional code at the same time? Can I stack promotional codes?
Answer:
No, you can only apply one promotional code per order. This prevents code stacking. If there are two promotional codes valid at the same time that you would like to use, you must place two or more separate orders.

Question: What time do promotions normally begin / end?
Answer:
GoHastings.Com operates based on the Central Time Zone. Weekly promotions usually start on Sunday and usually last the whole week. Various other promotions may have different start times and durations. Promotions usually begin at midnight Central time. However, sometimes the new promotions take a while to go "live" on the website, so always double check your order that the correct discounted price is shown.

Order Problems and Contacting Customer Service
(Including Returns/Replacements for Wrong Item or Damaged/Defective Item)
Question: I am trying to place an order and have entered my correct shipping address, billing address and credit card info. The check out page says there is a problem with my information and I need to correct it, but nothing is incorrect. What is going on?!
Answer:
This is a random error that seems to affect some people and not others. There is no known cause for it. People have reported it occurring with different credit card companies (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, etc.). Some people think it has to do with what web browser you use, so perhaps try a different one. Some people have reported they can't place orders from computers or IP numbers located out of the state where their billing or shipping address is located. The bottom line is there is no fix for this problem from the customer's end. Your only attempt to get it resolved will be to CALL Customer Service. Contact details for Customer Service can be found below this FAQ.

Question: GoHastings.Com sent me a defective game or the wrong game. How do I return it? Can they send me a replacement/correct item?
Answer:
Contact customer service to initiate the return process. Customer service contact information is located in this post, below the FAQ. GoHastings.Com will not charge you to ship the game back, and they will give you a full refund, including what you paid initially for shipping. In some instances, they will simply refund the cost of the item and let you keep the defective or wrong item for free. GoHastings.Com will not normally send you a replacement item if you received a defective or incorrect item. They will usually tell you that you must place a new order, at which time the promotion you initially ordered under may have expired. You can try to contact customer service to see if they will create a new order for you with the price point you originally ordered under.

Question: Something went wrong with my order. How do I contact customer service?
Answer:
Customer service contact information is located in this post, below the FAQ.

Question: Should I call or email customer service?
Answer:
CAGs have reported mixed experiences with both calling and emailing Hastings Customer Service. It is up to your preference. If you are contacting them regarding credit card issues, it may be best to call rather than put highly sensitive information in an email. If you call during business hours, your issue may be resolved right then over the phone. You might also have to wait on hold for a long period of time during peak hours. If you email, you may have to wait up to 48 hours to get a response, especially if you email over the weekend. Often the email replies fail to understand your entire issue with your order. Customer Service contact information is located in this post, below the FAQ.

Question: What is GoHastings.Com return policy?
Answer:
The GoHastings.Com website states their return policy is as follows:

All items purchased through gohastings.com may be returned for a full refund of the purchase price, if they meet the following criteria:

  • All new items are in original unopened packaging.
  • Return of product is within 30 days of shipping date.
  • Returned product(s) must be in the original packaging and include any manuals, cabling and accessories in saleable condition.
  • Video Game Systems that are found defective within the 30 day window must make a return using the manufacturer's warranty.
Shipping and handling charges are not refundable.
Note: Products purchased through goHastings.com may not be returned to a physical store location for refund.
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However, this can be confusing considering used items, such as games, come in opened packaging. Normally GoHastings has no problem with returns for defective or incorrect used game shipments that are promptly requested. At the very least, if a game item was found to be defective within 30 days of the shipping date, you would have a good argument toward customer service that you should be able to return the game item. Abusing the return policy to replace your own broken items with items from GoHastings inventory wouldn't be a good idea.

Miscellaneous
Question: Does GoHastings.Com collect sales tax?
Answer:
According to GoHastings.Com:

Currently goHastings.com only charges sales tax in states where we have a physical presence. Sales taxes are calculated during the ordering process and will show tax charged for the delivery destination, based on current tax rates. Shipping charges may also be subject to tax in certain states.
Currently sales tax is automatically applied in the following states:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Arizona
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Indiana
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Mexico
  • Oklahoma
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Washington
  • Wyoming
Click to expand...

Question: Where are Hastings brick and mortar retail stores located?
Answer:
Click here to find the location nearest you.

Question: Are the online prices the same in store? Are the online specials valid in store?
Answer:
Generally speaking, no. For used items and for some new items, GoHastings.Com uses algorithms where prices can change multiple times in one day. Hastings retail locations have their own set prices. See your local store for more information. Additionally, online special sales and promotions are not valid in store. Sometimes Hastings runs the same pricing online and in store for certain items.

Question: Are the brick and mortar retail location advertisements valid online?
Answer:
Generally the prices in the retail location advertisements are not valid on GoHastings.Com. Sometimes Hastings runs the same pricing online and in store for certain items.



Customer Service Contact Information
Customer Service Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday 9 am through 9 pm CST
Toll Free Phone Number: (877)-HASTINGS (427-8464)
Fax: (806) 467-8330

Email: service[at]gohastings.com
PM the GoHastings Representative on CAG: gohastings (John) [Not active since October 2013]

Regular Mail:
Hastings Internet, Inc.
3601 Plains Blvd.
Amarillo, TX 79102

Comments to the President:
John Marmaduke, President & CEO RIP In Peace

Alan Van Ongevalle, President & COO
Hastings Entertainment, Inc.
PO Box 35350
Amarillo, TX 79120-5350



GoHastings.Com / Hastings Entertainment Online Information
Website: http://www.gohastings.com
Retail Store Weekly Ad: http://www.gohastings.com/custserv/custserv.jsp?pageName=StoreAd
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gohastings?sk=wall
Twitter: @gohastings
Google+: https://plus.google.com/107834874893127887270/posts
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/gohastings/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/gohastings
Is the GoHastings.Com server down for everyone or just me?: Click here to check

 
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All 3 of these games (NEW) were $13.99 a few days ago and have dropped to $11.99 + s/h. Coupon Code "DAYOFF" $5 Off $25 Or $10 Off $40 is still active if you want to combine these with other items.

Touch My Katamari (Vita)
Reality Fighters (Vita)
Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box (DS)
 
I just got a game that was seriously damaged by usps. I wouldn't really care about the case but the blue ray was bent to crappie Is calling the best wayto get this sorted out.
 
[quote name='lousysmarch']I just got a game that was seriously damaged by usps. I wouldn't really care about the case but the blue ray was bent to crappie Is calling the best wayto get this sorted out.[/QUOTE]

Yes.

Any email inquiries I've ever had to do (only 2, but not for damaged merch) they just give me a canned response to return the item for a refund.
 
So I got my UPS package... and Arkham Asylum CE was in much better shape than the last time I tried to buy it (though the outer shell is still cracked). But the bigger surprise was my used copy of Mario Galaxy 2 was actually a brand new, sealed copy.

So the reason why so many of their used games look new is probably because they were new.:lol:
 
[quote name='HydroX']Yes.

Any email inquiries I've ever had to do (only 2, but not for damaged merch) they just give me a canned response to return the item for a refund.[/QUOTE]

I've contacted GH.com because of damaged (to the point of unplayable) merch. They just issued a refund and didn't require me to return it. I provided a web-hosted image which probably made their decision easier.
 
I think i got 3 items with crushed box out of more than 30 i bought on the 25% off sale. I am happy and will keep the items anyway. Quality is by far superior to order shipped by gamestop. All the games were in the original box. Some where missing manual and some were even sealed in brand new condition even when they are preowned.
 
Got my singstar games today but I can't play em because the mic bundle didn't come with the damn usb adapter, so now I gotta find one cheap and wait some more. -_-
 
I've gotten at least two e-mails reminding me about the stuff I left in my cart... except I didn't. My cart is empty, haha.

Also got a big haul with the 50% off books. They arrived in a mix of bubble mailers and poly mailers, undamaged. I'm sure the last two I'm still waiting on will get canceled.
 
The 4 games I ordered arrived today (9/6). 3 were in like new condition. The 4th had a couple fingerprints that I cleaned. They all had manuals and none had any scratches :D

I was rather surprised they arrived so fast. I ordered last Sat night. Which means it took them 3 business days to get to me! They actually arrived about 4 hours before the game I ordered from Amazon (with Prime).

So, while I was sticker shocked by goHastings' shipping charges, I'm very happy with their product and service :applause: I hope my book order shows up in similar condition.
 
I got three games today from the B2G1 and I am not pleased in the slightest. One game, that I ordered after I JUST sent a defective copy back, smells like shit because - YEP, you guess it - it came from the home of a smoker. This is the third time this has happened to me in the past month or two. Absolutely absurd. That shit is going back as its not my job to waste my time cleaning up a shitty smelling product.

Had I known I was going to get it in such shit shape, and if I had known it was going to arrive today, I would have waited a day to return the defective copy (what are they going to do with that anyway - just re-sell a broken game?) and just swapped boxes and tried to clean the disc alone. (I'm assuming the disc I got today is functional - I don't even know, I'm not keeping it so I'm not going to test it.)

Another game in my lot was Previously Viewed - it still has the sticker around the game disc center. I ordered Used, not Previously Viewed.

The only game that came in acceptable shape was my $1 game, and even that had a rip on the case in the spine area, but it didn't damage the art work insert.

On top of that, I've received recently that defective game mentioned above, a smoke-smelling DS game, and another game that was obviously Previously Viewed because the circular sticker was removed but left residue, and that came with a cracked case. I should have returned that one too.

I'm glad to see others have had good luck with Hastings this time around but I can't get decent video games from them lately it seems. I'm going to write CS an email and tell them to forward it to that Billy May guy because this is BS in my opinion.
 
Also, writing my lengthy email to CS and Billy May has given me an idea:

Maybe we should start posting about what locations bad products are being shipped from?

That way we can isolate bad stores so people have some warning that they might get a bad product, either because the store accepted a crappy condition product, or because the store shipped the item in a way that allowed it to get damaged during shipping (i.e. poly bags for paperbacks, jamming too many games into a bubble mailer, etc.).

I'll start. Within the past month, I've received poor condition products, or Previously Viewed instead of Used video games, from the following locations:
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73107 x 3 (used video games)
TULLAHOMA, TN 37388 (used video game)
RICHMOND, KY 40475 (used video game)
WICHITA FALLS, TX 76308 (used DVD)
JONESBORO, AR 72401 (used book, poor packaging)
RICHMOND, IN 47374 (used book)
 
I received 2 of my 21 games in the mail today. Both discs were in great shape. The cases and manuals were also in great shape, except for a Gamestop sticker on each case. Hopefully the rest of my games will come in as great of shape as these two.
 
I had an order of three games shipped in one package shipped via...

Media Mail.

The CS rep who handled my email sounded like she was just as confused as I was.
 
[quote name='mtincher']Why are so many people having issues with USPS? I have not really had any issues with my local USPS. Is this a local thing, or does it have to do with the USPS near where all gohastings items are shipped?[/QUOTE]

nah, its just normal USPS package problems. Letter mail tends to be good, but packages and especially tracking tends to be miss or hit. Your stuff 90% of the time gets to you, but it might be days or weeks after the expected delivery dates.

I just got home from my trip and my neighbor told me the building manager has my mail even though I have a hold mail set up before I left and the hold mail paper a mailman put in my box is still there... I also have a pickup notice too based on the tracking of one of my packages even though I have hold mail on and so on...
 
[quote name='Lemstar']I had an order of three games shipped in one package shipped via...

Media Mail.

The CS rep who handled my email sounded like she was just as confused as I was.[/QUOTE]

Well, items are shipped directly from the stores so no, the rep wouldn't have any idea. It could have been deliberate or it might have just been a mistake as the shipping employee may have accidentally selected media mail (since they probably sell/ship a lot of books/movies).
 
How is GoHastings as far as having manuals in used game? I'm looking at a collector's edition they and a little worried about that.
 
[quote name='kipz']How is GoHastings as far as having manuals in used game? I'm looking at a collector's edition they and a little worried about that.[/QUOTE]

You should be more worried about actually getting the collector's edition in its entirety, as opposed to just the manual.
 
[quote name='Tsel']You should be more worried about actually getting the collector's edition in its entirety, as opposed to just the manual.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, if you look at my previous post he should be worried about everything but the manual.
If I didn't have a guitar hero mic I wouldn't be able to play my copy of Singstar, I had to order the adapter from Ebay for $8.00.
 
[quote name='kipz']How is GoHastings as far as having manuals in used game? I'm looking at a collector's edition they and a little worried about that.[/QUOTE]

In their FAQ they say this: "Due to the nature of used and previously viewed products; booklet inserts, digital content and manuals are not guaranteed in any used or previously viewed product." So you may get a manual but you're taking a risk.
 
[quote name='Tonks']In their FAQ they say this: "Due to the nature of used and previously viewed products; booklet inserts, digital content and manuals are not guaranteed in any used or previously viewed product." So you may get a manual but you're taking a risk.[/QUOTE]

And in fact, this thread has its very own FAQ which addresses game completeness and CE completeness.

If only kipz read the first post.
 
[quote name='kodave']Also, writing my lengthy email to CS and Billy May has given me an idea:

Maybe we should start posting about what locations bad products are being shipped from?

That way we can isolate bad stores so people have some warning that they might get a bad product, either because the store accepted a crappy condition product, or because the store shipped the item in a way that allowed it to get damaged during shipping (i.e. poly bags for paperbacks, jamming too many games into a bubble mailer, etc.).

I'll start. Within the past month, I've received poor condition products, or Previously Viewed instead of Used video games, from the following locations:
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73107 x 3 (used video games)
TULLAHOMA, TN 37388 (used video game)
RICHMOND, KY 40475 (used video game)
WICHITA FALLS, TX 76308 (used DVD)
JONESBORO, AR 72401 (used book, poor packaging)
RICHMOND, IN 47374 (used book)[/QUOTE]
That seems like a good idea, but if we're going to be doing that we should also be listing where we got good/decent products from in order to get the whole picture.
I already threw out the bags for stuff I got this week so I can't contribute at the moment.
 
11 things from one of my orders are being shipped together via USPS, so I'm fearsome that they'll come damaged. All of them are graphic novels.
 
So I got my hold mail...
PS3: Bioshock 2 came on a Movie (Blue color) BR case, but has the artwork and the manual; my guess the trade in original case got damaged and they used an empty BR case. Homefront came in one piece. The blue BR case feels 2x as strong as the PS3 case and almost half the thickness, didn't notice until now that I'm looking at two side by side.

Came from FORT SILL, OK 73503
 
[quote name='hamokmonky']the BR deal sounds Meh. The book deal could be good if they mess up their coding again like the last time they ran it :p[/QUOTE]

what do u mean?
 
[quote name='cjenvy']what do u mean?[/QUOTE]

last time they ran a 2 for $10 books under 7.99 they forgot to include the under 7.99 in the coding of their promo code, so it discounted expensive books to 2 for $10
 
[quote name='Hastings via Facebook']TODAY ONLY! Save $70 on a Used Wii console with Remote and Remote Jacket. We have 50 units available at this unbelievable price. Use the promo code: Wii-DealoftheDay Limit one (1) per cart. Sale ends 9/7/2012 11:59 CT.[/QUOTE]

Used Wii for $49.99 (reg. $119.99) isn't bad at all.
 
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So last night I sent my email to Hastings CS (and requested they forwarded it to Billy May). I got my canned response from CS (no surprise - no sarcasm either) and here is Billy May's response:

I’m sorry to hear that you’re having so many problems with our products. I do understand your frustration. I wish I had a magic wand to waive and have all of these issues never happen again! LOL

However, I can tell you some of the things we do to combat these issues. We do have buy back manuals in each store. Every associate is trained on these processes and expected to follow them. They are very thorough in how to inspect products when buying back. We also have an extensive training manual on the shipping side. It also goes into great detail about how items are to be packaged, checked for quality, and shipped.

We also have programs in place to enforce these processes. I know each store is tracked and reported on for how many refunds we issue for items that were shipped from that particular store. The stores that have a lot of issues are held accountable. Also, here in customer service, we call the stores immediately when we come across issues like these. Another thing we do is re-train occasionally on these buy back and shipping processes.

I know this doesn’t fix the problem that you’ve had with these items, but it’s important that you know we are not just sitting by and letting it happen. It’s something we continually strive to improve on.

I do appreciate you taking the time to let me know about these issues. I definitely will be getting this feedback to the stores involved. We do appreciate your business and hope that you will continue to use us for your entertainment needs.

THANKS!

Billy May
Click to expand...

So there's a little insight into how Hastings runs things. Part of me would love to know what those manuals actually say, but I also think there is a major disconnect between whatever they say and whatever the associates on the floor do. We've had a couple of Hastings employees here, and there are several current and ex-Hastings employees that post on their Facebook page, and it seems like there is still quite a bit to be desired in terms of employee training and even manager training.
 
[quote name='kodave']So last night I sent my email to Hastings CS (and requested they forwarded it to Billy May). I got my canned response from CS (no surprise - no sarcasm either) and here is Billy May's response:



So there's a little insight into how Hastings runs things. Part of me would love to know what those manuals actually say, but I also think there is a major disconnect between whatever they say and whatever the associates on the floor do. We've had a couple of Hastings employees here, and there are several current and ex-Hastings employees that post on their Facebook page, and it seems like there is still quite a bit to be desired in terms of employee training and even manager training.[/QUOTE]

I understand your frustration, but I don't think they are trained to smell products for smoker smell. So certain things just can't be prevented and it really just comes down to how picky the buyer is. I prefer non smoker smell, but as long as the game isn't somehow making the entire house smell like smoke, I'm not going to return a game for that.

[quote name='cjenvy']so whats the verdict on the wii deal is that worth it or do we think it could plummet this low on its own when wii u releases?[/QUOTE]

Seeing how Nintendo discounts older DS products I don't expect a super steep drop in the Wii price. It still sells relative well. 50 bucks used is a good price and at least with gohastings you have a company to deal with if it does not work as opposed to ebay or craigslist.
 
[quote name='CheapLikeAFox']I understand your frustration, but I don't think they are trained to smell products for smoker smell. So certain things just can't be prevented and it really just comes down to how picky the buyer is. I prefer non smoker smell, but as long as the game isn't somehow making the entire house smell like smoke, I'm not going to return a game for that.



Seeing how Nintendo discounts older DS products I don't expect a super steep drop in the Wii price. It still sells relative well. 50 bucks used is a good price and at least with gohastings you have a company to deal with if it does not work as opposed to ebay or craigslist.[/QUOTE]

is there anything worth getting on the wii besides galaxy and the stuff thats still near or at msrp like galaxy 2 loz tp and ss pokemon br etc etc
 
[quote name='CheapLikeAFox']I understand your frustration, but I don't think they are trained to smell products for smoker smell. So certain things just can't be prevented and it really just comes down to how picky the buyer is. I prefer non smoker smell, but as long as the game isn't somehow making the entire house smell like smoke, I'm not going to return a game for that.[/QUOTE]

I don't know if instituting some kind of smell test is feasible, but I'll put it like this:

20% of Americans smoke and that number is declining. I think most people prefer if their products just smell neutral. There is a reason people disclose things like "Comes from a non-smoker's home" on eBay auctions - people don't like things to smell. There is a reason used books stores will refuse books that smell overtly of tobacco smoke. There is a reason that in America, smoking rooms are separated in a hotel and hotels go apeshit when you smoke in a nonsmoking room. Enough people don't like the smell that it's a business (and financial) concern.

Video games are also for adults and children. Hastings sells plenty of things directed at children. I doubt most parents would want to give their child something that smells like tobacco. Not that the smell is going to do any harm, but it just smells bad and people probably don't want their kids having smelly stuff like that because kids are already going to gunk up their possessions enough as it is.

And while tobacco smells are probably the most common, you probably wouldn't want a book that smelled bad for another reason. I've received water damaged stuff before from Hastings. Putting aside the fact that they shouldn't be accepting water damaged stuff, what if a person or animal pissed all over it to cause water damage? That's going to smell too, in addition to being unsanitary. What if people eat and smear something within the item? Again, unsanitary but also potentially smelly.

This was just the straw that broke the camel's back for me, as its the third tobacco-smelling product I've received in a month after possibly years of never receiving one like that from Hastings before. I posted about the others before and I'll describe them again. I don't think its unreasonable at all for me not to want my items to smell like that.

In approximately the past month: I managed to clean the first DVD I had from them that smelled like cigar smoke by Windexing the case and disc and leaving the artwork outside for a few days. I got a DS game that smelled like cigarette smoke. I scrubbed the case with with soap and water and wiped it down with Windex - the smell still lingers. I left the artwork and instruction manual outside for a handful of days - they still smelled. I wrapped everything individually in "smell good" dryer sheets. That helped somewhat. I put everything back in the box and stuffed a sheet in there - it still had a faint smell of smoke if I put my face up to it. That's kind of absurd to me. But I can't smell it just holding it in my hands anymore, so I gave up and accepted it. This third time around with a Wii game - forget about it. My time is worth something, and its not worth cleaning up these used items. I cut open the poly bag and immediately gagged from the smell. I'm just not putting up with this shit from Hastings. If they want to send me products caked in tobacco smoke smell, I'll send them right back for a full refund. All description levels have some degree of subjectivity to them, but I don't think its asking too much to just receive a relatively clean (including neutral smelling), decent condition copy of whatever I order, and Hastings has been failing on delivering that lately.

It probably comes down to finances - What loses them the most money? Having to add a "smell" consideration to trade in manuals if its not there already and not accepting smoke smelling trade ins, or having to eat return shipping costs and refund money every time someone gets an item that smells like shit and the customer doesn't like it? If it's the former, then that's fine, and I'll just keep returning this shit to them, and they can keep eating those return shipping losses and the credit card charge back fees.
 
[quote name='cjenvy']is there anything worth getting on the wii besides galaxy and the stuff thats still near or at msrp like galaxy 2 loz tp and ss pokemon br etc etc[/QUOTE]


It really depends on what kind of games you play and how much you would use the Wii Motion Controls. If you don't have/want a Kinect or Move then the Wii can be pretty fun for Wii Sports and other games.

Some notable non-nintendo Wii exclusives:

The Last Story
Animal Crossing: City Folks
Battalion Wars 2
The Conduit 1 + 2
Elebits
Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn
Harvest Moon Games
Madworld
No More Heroes
Onechanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers
Red Steel
Trauma Center Games
Victorious Boxers
Xenoblade Chronicles
Zack and Wiki


Personally the first party nintendo games are worth it to me and are not that expensive if you frequent CAG. Alot of these non-nintendo exclusives are really good too.
 
[quote name='CheapLikeAFox']It really depends on what kind of games you play and how much you would use the Wii Motion Controls. If you don't have/want a Kinect or Move then the Wii can be pretty fun for Wii Sports and other games.

Some notable non-nintendo Wii exclusives:

The Last Story
Animal Crossing: City Folks
Battalion Wars 2
The Conduit 1 + 2
Elebits
Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn
Harvest Moon Games
Madworld
No More Heroes
Onechanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers
Red Steel
Trauma Center Games
Victorious Boxers
Xenoblade Chronicles
Zack and Wiki


Personally the first party nintendo games are worth it to me and are not that expensive if you frequent CAG. Alot of these non-nintendo exclusives are really good too.[/QUOTE]

yeah that kinda sells me on not getting it w a small apartment i had to instantly sell my kinect because it was unusable and i never had fun with the motion controls to begin with but wii sports would be a pain although i do want to play radiant dawn it falls into that near msrp category from what ive seen and the others animal crossing/trauma center id rather play their gamecube and ds/ds predecessors
 
[quote name='cjenvy']yeah that kinda sells me on not getting it w a small apartment i had to instantly sell my kinect because it was unusable and i never had fun with the motion controls to begin with but wii sports would be a pain although i do want to play radiant dawn it falls into that near msrp category from what ive seen and the others animal crossing/trauma center id rather play their gamecube and ds/ds predecessors[/QUOTE]

Well the Wii is very different from the Move and Kinect when it comes to motion controls. So you do not need an obscene amount of space to play like those to. The Wii Motes will catch motion in your hands and you usually do not need a super wide space to play. Now if you want to play like two player tennis you do need some space, but still not as much as Kinect and Move. Kinect and Move are annoying as you need like 8-12 feet of space in front of the TV for some games or the camera will not follow you right. I know because I run into that problem with the Move on occasion.
 
So I've "given up" on trying to track down an order that shipped on 6/19 but never arrived. Had a chat with my handling Post Office's manager about what else I can do from my end and they suggested I ask the sender request a trace.

I've just sent an email to support@gohastings with all of the details and will update here when I get a response.

Disappearing mail is very rare in my experience but mistakes happen. Here's hoping I get a quick refund.
 
[quote name='Nightmarecast25']Got my singstar games today but I can't play em because the mic bundle didn't come with the damn usb adapter, so now I gotta find one cheap and wait some more. -_-[/QUOTE]

The Hastings here in my town is selling the ps2 game High School Musical that comes with a mic for .99 cents. That's where I got my mic for the Singster game I ordered. But this is probably ymmv. But you should go to Hastings and check and see.
 
I have received 14/21 of the games I ordered so far. They have all been in complete and in great condition except for 3. 1 of those was complete, but had a replacement case, while the other 2 were in replacement cases without the manual. Still, I am very satisfied with the condition of everything so far.

kodave, just don't buy used products from online sources unless it is labeled as from a smoke free home. You seem to be picky and rude about the whole matter, so that is the simplest solution.
 
[quote name='mtincher']kodave, just don't buy used products from online sources unless it is labeled as from a smoke free home. You seem to be picky and rude about the whole matter, so that is the simplest solution.[/QUOTE]

I'm not going to outline again how its not unreasonable to expect used items not to smell like cigarette smoke. You can either read it again and comprehend, or you can continue to not get it. This is what a smoker's home looks like after a while. I don't want nicotine residue making items smell like shit, and again, I don't think that's so unreasonable. We expect used items not to be overly marked up, overly damaged, overly worn out, etc. I don't see why the way it smells is any different. If that offends tobacco users, tough. If people want to smoke, that's fine. But if they're going to smoke around their possession, those possessions can't be expected to hold the same value as neutral smelling ones.

Oh, and I'm rude about it? Thanks for letting me know, dick. (
 
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Got my 360 copy of Phantasy Star Universe today............... *sigh* Upon checking inside the case I notice that where the Xbox 360 branded disc should be there is instead a PC-DVD Rom Disc in it's place. -_-

My luck is delicious I tell you, first they sent me a Singstar Bundle with no usb adapter, now this, ah well, i'll be calling first thing Monday morning to get this sent back, I am thinking of ordering another one since they only do refunds.
 
[quote name='eLefAdEr']So I've "given up" on trying to track down an order that shipped on 6/19 but never arrived. Had a chat with my handling Post Office's manager about what else I can do from my end and they suggested I ask the sender request a trace.

I've just sent an email to support@gohastings with all of the details and will update here when I get a response.

Disappearing mail is very rare in my experience but mistakes happen. Here's hoping I get a quick refund.[/QUOTE]

wow thats a long time to wait. Im about to shoot them an email for a package that had a delivery estimate of the 4th but hasnt been updated since the initial check in.
 
Super weird. I got in a copy of Men of War today, and it was in a very weird container. It was made out of this thick paper, but much much sturdier, and it was kind of boxy in shape. The "box" appeared to take a bit of a beating, but despite that, the book inside was in perfect shape.

I am sure this is a random chance occurrence, and it is probably too expensive to use these "boxes" for all shipments, but it seems like a much better way to ship something, rather than using a plastic baggie. I give "boxes".... 4 point 5 stars.
 
Not sure if it's worth mentioning, maybe the price dropped because it's out of stock. But keep an eye out for Touch my Katamari ($11.99) and Shinobido 2: revenge of Zen ($13.99). Both are prices for new and both are out of stock.
 
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