Walmart (e-Play) is now buying back used games through vending machines.
UPDATE 10-4-09 (credit JTHuffy)
The kiosks at Walmart are now allowing you to rent out games for $1 per night. This aligns with their previous plans for the program.
e-Play's site:
https://www.e-play.com/Home/TradeWalkthrough
Previous Updates:
Update 7/16/09 (ty mitemouse):
Pictures and more info at the site:
Kotaku has some more info:
CAG user vgleaf claims to be from e-Play with this message:
Update 5/20 from Shrike4242:
UPDATE 10-4-09 (credit JTHuffy)
The kiosks at Walmart are now allowing you to rent out games for $1 per night. This aligns with their previous plans for the program.
e-Play's site:
https://www.e-play.com/Home/TradeWalkthrough
Previous Updates:
Update 7/16/09 (ty mitemouse):
I actually just met the district manager of my NC and GA and got his card so i can call him anytime i have questions. A machine wouldnt scan my license so i went to another machine and he was there doing some updating and configurations on the box. i told him about my problem and he called the development team and he was told that the boxes at this point can not read 4 state drivers licenses.. mine is a michigan license.
I also scanned a bunch of my newer PS3 games like UFC, LBP, Wolverine and they were all around the $24-25. I then scanned some other older cheaper games and i would compare their tiv to Gamestop without promotions. so this is a great way to get cash when you dont want to take a 20% hit..
There was a lot money to be made on this machine when the bbv and the now the hwv sale is going on. Like $5-10 per a game.
Tou can only trade in current gen games like wii, ps3 and 360. maybe ps2.
The TIV website is still in the works, at this point you have to bring the game or use a printed out UPC.
You need the Case to be abke to turn in a game, but you dont need cases for DVDs.
The machines takes more then one copy of the same exact game. ( the machine will prompt, asking if you really have two copies)
The machine will not take a Greendot card/ Prepaid/ Reloadable Card, i had to use a regular credit card.
The name on the license does not have to match the credit card. ( DM said he will let me use his ID on the machine sometime this week until they come up with a solution for my problem)
You will have to use a license everytime you do a trade in transaction, it does not save it to your account.
Really good info, is the TIV updates every wednesday night/ thursday morning. so you can have upto a week if you have a great flip.
I also scanned a bunch of my newer PS3 games like UFC, LBP, Wolverine and they were all around the $24-25. I then scanned some other older cheaper games and i would compare their tiv to Gamestop without promotions. so this is a great way to get cash when you dont want to take a 20% hit..
There was a lot money to be made on this machine when the bbv and the now the hwv sale is going on. Like $5-10 per a game.
Tou can only trade in current gen games like wii, ps3 and 360. maybe ps2.
The TIV website is still in the works, at this point you have to bring the game or use a printed out UPC.
You need the Case to be abke to turn in a game, but you dont need cases for DVDs.
The machines takes more then one copy of the same exact game. ( the machine will prompt, asking if you really have two copies)
The machine will not take a Greendot card/ Prepaid/ Reloadable Card, i had to use a regular credit card.
The name on the license does not have to match the credit card. ( DM said he will let me use his ID on the machine sometime this week until they come up with a solution for my problem)
You will have to use a license everytime you do a trade in transaction, it does not save it to your account.
Really good info, is the TIV updates every wednesday night/ thursday morning. so you can have upto a week if you have a great flip.
Pictures and more info at the site:
Kotaku has some more info:
http://kotaku.com/5259333/wal+mart-l...rade+in-kiosks
"The machines, currently being tested in 77 Wal-Mart locations in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, should be relatively simple to use. You scan the bar code on the game box in order to receive a quote. Once you accept the quote, you insert the game discs."
"According to an e-Play representative, the machines only support charging the trade-in value back to a credit card, which takes 2-3 days."
"e-Play set the trade-in prices based on a proprietary algorithm that can change as regularly as daily based on a number of different factors. They also verified that trade-in credit can only be applied to a credit card or debit card at this time. Wal-Mart contacted us to let us know that if the pilot program is successful, the company would consider working with e-Play to provide actual Wal-Mart credit instead of a charge back."
"The machines, currently being tested in 77 Wal-Mart locations in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, should be relatively simple to use. You scan the bar code on the game box in order to receive a quote. Once you accept the quote, you insert the game discs."
"According to an e-Play representative, the machines only support charging the trade-in value back to a credit card, which takes 2-3 days."
"e-Play set the trade-in prices based on a proprietary algorithm that can change as regularly as daily based on a number of different factors. They also verified that trade-in credit can only be applied to a credit card or debit card at this time. Wal-Mart contacted us to let us know that if the pilot program is successful, the company would consider working with e-Play to provide actual Wal-Mart credit instead of a charge back."
CAG user vgleaf claims to be from e-Play with this message:
http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5870784&postcount=99
On behalf of e-Play, I want to assure you that the new e-play Video Game Buy Back kiosks in Walmart have been stringently tested and do not, as erroneously stated, have “bugs.” In fact, we are very pleased with the early traffic counts, high number of trade transactions and amount of positive consumer feedback.
You can indeed trade in your PS2, PS3, X-Box, 360 and Wii games with ease and for highly competitive prices (up to $25 credit for in-demand games).
We would be happy to discuss the writer's experience via phone (866-602-6014), but we are confident we have identified the user error based upon the writer’s posting. Many retailers place a proprietary UPC sticker over a game’s original UPC code. If you peel back this sticker or open the game and remove the box art, you can easily access the original manufacturer’s UPC code and avoid the issues encountered by the original writer.
There are more than 4,000 games titles in our database, including each of the games you mention in your posting: Final Fantasy XII, Godfather II, Mirror's Edge, Ratchet & Clank, Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando, and Burnout 3: Takedown.
The following link explains the trade-in process: https://www.e-play.com/Home/TradeWalkthrough
Regarding security issues, e-Play DOES verify the authenticity of the discs traded. A valid driver's license is required for all trade-in activity and the kiosk takes a photo of each user. Credit is applied to the customer's credit card within a few business days.
Please take the time to revisit our kiosk and feel free to contact us directly with your feedback ([email protected]). Customer feedback is always appreciated as it steers us toward improvements that ensure an ideal user experience.
Thanks and happy gaming!
On behalf of e-Play, I want to assure you that the new e-play Video Game Buy Back kiosks in Walmart have been stringently tested and do not, as erroneously stated, have “bugs.” In fact, we are very pleased with the early traffic counts, high number of trade transactions and amount of positive consumer feedback.
You can indeed trade in your PS2, PS3, X-Box, 360 and Wii games with ease and for highly competitive prices (up to $25 credit for in-demand games).
We would be happy to discuss the writer's experience via phone (866-602-6014), but we are confident we have identified the user error based upon the writer’s posting. Many retailers place a proprietary UPC sticker over a game’s original UPC code. If you peel back this sticker or open the game and remove the box art, you can easily access the original manufacturer’s UPC code and avoid the issues encountered by the original writer.
There are more than 4,000 games titles in our database, including each of the games you mention in your posting: Final Fantasy XII, Godfather II, Mirror's Edge, Ratchet & Clank, Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando, and Burnout 3: Takedown.
The following link explains the trade-in process: https://www.e-play.com/Home/TradeWalkthrough
Regarding security issues, e-Play DOES verify the authenticity of the discs traded. A valid driver's license is required for all trade-in activity and the kiosk takes a photo of each user. Credit is applied to the customer's credit card within a few business days.
Please take the time to revisit our kiosk and feel free to contact us directly with your feedback ([email protected]). Customer feedback is always appreciated as it steers us toward improvements that ensure an ideal user experience.
Thanks and happy gaming!
Update 5/20 from Shrike4242:
The facts behind the game-trade kiosks: Ars gets the scoop
Walmart is not getting into used games... yet. But e-Play wants to put a used-game kiosk at a store near you so you can easily trade in your games. We speak to the CEO of the company, and explain why this is a surprisingly good idea.
By Ben Kuchera | Last updated May 20, 2009 8:18 AM CT
While GameStop, Amazon, and smaller independent stores are duking it out for your game trade-ins, we reported Monday on a kiosk spotted at a Walmart location that automated the act of trading in games. The gamer who tried to use the kiosk had quite the unhappy experience, and the gaming blogs ran with the story that Walmart may be getting into the used game business. We caught up with the company behind the kiosk, e-Play, to get all the questions answered.
The first clarification: Walmart is only providing the floor space for the pilot program; the retail giant isn't getting into buying or selling games directly. "Walmart is providing vestibule space to e-Play at 77 of its Northeast region stores. Some stores have Video Game Buy Back only kiosks and some kiosks are full-functioning, but e-Play manages all aspects of kiosk operations for both types," Alan Rudy, the CEO of e-Play, told Ars. "While we have over 200 other retail locations, this is currently a pilot program with Walmart, but we are optimistic of its success and future expansion."
The system also offers a good amount of security. You scan the game's barcode, and the machine tells you its trade-in value. If you decide to sell the game, you have to put the disc into the hardware directly. "Once a disc is inserted into the kiosk, the disc is spun up, identified and evaluated for damage," Rudy explained. "The kiosk is also able to tell if the disc is burned, is a CD or is an old AOL advertising disc and would reject it. If the disc is unidentifiable or does not match what the user stated, there will be a screen that advises the user that the disc did not match and the disc will be returned.
"If a disc is too badly damaged, we will withhold credit and contact the customer to inform him/her. In most cases, even heavily scratched discs can be recovered with our refurbishing process at our distribution center. The discs are inserted into the kiosk, and the empty jewel cases are inserted into the trade bin beside the kiosk."
The machine then asks for your credit card and driver's license for record-keeping, and the trade-in is credited to your card in a day or two. That's right, you get what amounts to cash, although the possibility of retailer gift cards will also be explored.
These kiosks won't just give you credit for games, you'll also be able to purchase or rent games. One of the advantages of the kiosk system that Rudy points is the lessening of shrink: there is no product directly on the floor for customers to steal, and no employee needs to be trained to operate the machine.
How is e-Play hoping to combat Amazon? "The e-Play trade method does not involve printing shipping labels or waiting on snail mail to deliver your games or to return your Amazon gift card," Rudy said. "Soon, e-Play will also post their buy-back pricing online so customers can preview this information before going to a kiosk." Rudy won't review the "proprietary algorithm" the company uses to determine trade-in value, but by placing the values online and allowing customers to scan the games and see the value before making the decision, they are offering one more data point showing how much used games are worth on the open market. Also, unlike GameStop, the value does not decrease if you decide you want cash instead of store credit for your games.
So what happened with the gamer in the original report? Rudy tells us that if a retailer like GameStop puts their own bar codes on the game cases, the machine won't recognize them. By sliding the sleeve up or down you're able to reveal the original barcode, allowing the machine to recognize the game. Right now PS2, PS3, Xbox, Xbox 360, and Wii games are accepted for trade.
It seems like a viable business strategy... as long as the price offered for used games is fair. You don't have to mail anything, you don't have to accept a lower amount if you don't want store credit, and if the machines are conveniently located, selling your games could be done as you go about your normal shopping. You can see if there is a kiosk close to you by checking out the company's website. Rudy promises the kiosks have been tested, and there will be a new screen explaining the issues with third-party barcodes to avoid more confusion.
The battle for your used games continues.
Walmart is not getting into used games... yet. But e-Play wants to put a used-game kiosk at a store near you so you can easily trade in your games. We speak to the CEO of the company, and explain why this is a surprisingly good idea.
By Ben Kuchera | Last updated May 20, 2009 8:18 AM CT
While GameStop, Amazon, and smaller independent stores are duking it out for your game trade-ins, we reported Monday on a kiosk spotted at a Walmart location that automated the act of trading in games. The gamer who tried to use the kiosk had quite the unhappy experience, and the gaming blogs ran with the story that Walmart may be getting into the used game business. We caught up with the company behind the kiosk, e-Play, to get all the questions answered.
The first clarification: Walmart is only providing the floor space for the pilot program; the retail giant isn't getting into buying or selling games directly. "Walmart is providing vestibule space to e-Play at 77 of its Northeast region stores. Some stores have Video Game Buy Back only kiosks and some kiosks are full-functioning, but e-Play manages all aspects of kiosk operations for both types," Alan Rudy, the CEO of e-Play, told Ars. "While we have over 200 other retail locations, this is currently a pilot program with Walmart, but we are optimistic of its success and future expansion."
The system also offers a good amount of security. You scan the game's barcode, and the machine tells you its trade-in value. If you decide to sell the game, you have to put the disc into the hardware directly. "Once a disc is inserted into the kiosk, the disc is spun up, identified and evaluated for damage," Rudy explained. "The kiosk is also able to tell if the disc is burned, is a CD or is an old AOL advertising disc and would reject it. If the disc is unidentifiable or does not match what the user stated, there will be a screen that advises the user that the disc did not match and the disc will be returned.
"If a disc is too badly damaged, we will withhold credit and contact the customer to inform him/her. In most cases, even heavily scratched discs can be recovered with our refurbishing process at our distribution center. The discs are inserted into the kiosk, and the empty jewel cases are inserted into the trade bin beside the kiosk."
The machine then asks for your credit card and driver's license for record-keeping, and the trade-in is credited to your card in a day or two. That's right, you get what amounts to cash, although the possibility of retailer gift cards will also be explored.
These kiosks won't just give you credit for games, you'll also be able to purchase or rent games. One of the advantages of the kiosk system that Rudy points is the lessening of shrink: there is no product directly on the floor for customers to steal, and no employee needs to be trained to operate the machine.
How is e-Play hoping to combat Amazon? "The e-Play trade method does not involve printing shipping labels or waiting on snail mail to deliver your games or to return your Amazon gift card," Rudy said. "Soon, e-Play will also post their buy-back pricing online so customers can preview this information before going to a kiosk." Rudy won't review the "proprietary algorithm" the company uses to determine trade-in value, but by placing the values online and allowing customers to scan the games and see the value before making the decision, they are offering one more data point showing how much used games are worth on the open market. Also, unlike GameStop, the value does not decrease if you decide you want cash instead of store credit for your games.
So what happened with the gamer in the original report? Rudy tells us that if a retailer like GameStop puts their own bar codes on the game cases, the machine won't recognize them. By sliding the sleeve up or down you're able to reveal the original barcode, allowing the machine to recognize the game. Right now PS2, PS3, Xbox, Xbox 360, and Wii games are accepted for trade.
It seems like a viable business strategy... as long as the price offered for used games is fair. You don't have to mail anything, you don't have to accept a lower amount if you don't want store credit, and if the machines are conveniently located, selling your games could be done as you go about your normal shopping. You can see if there is a kiosk close to you by checking out the company's website. Rudy promises the kiosks have been tested, and there will be a new screen explaining the issues with third-party barcodes to avoid more confusion.
The battle for your used games continues.
Last edited by a moderator:
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