Is it new if its already opened?

S

SoulEdgeVII

CAGiversary!
This may be a stupid question to you veteran cheapasses (and if it is, my friend is asking) but why do EB and Gamespot open their new games and then sell them? Are they doing it so that they can easily resell a few pre-played ones as new? I mean some of their pre-played cases look better than the new ones sometimes. When you order new from the website at EB, it's a sealed game. It kind of takes the spark out of opening a brand new game that you just put down $50 bucks for, but I...my friend was just wondering. Thanks!
 
They claim they need to have a display copy with the game case on the shelf but they take the game and instructions out so no one can sell them. There have been many debates about it and some people consider an opened game used and others say as long as it is unplayed, it is new.

And not all new games ordered from EBGames.com are factory sealed. I along with many other people have ordered new games before and gotten resealed games.

The way I feel about it is if it's a cheap game and the only copy is a display copy I don't mind but if the game is more than $20 new, I want a factory sealed game and I won't buy it from them if all they have is the display copy.
 
It depends on what you see when u look at it.

A game that is truely MINT new, looks it -- the disc surface looks untouched and beautiful. The manual should appear to have never been opened, but often may have 1 or two light spine creases from when the booklets were inserted in the factory during the packaging process. There should be no dings on the booklet cover on the page edges.

The only reason EB and others take the game out is to prevent theft.

I ALWAYS ask to look at the disc and manual when I buy a used game, especially if the box looks new. I won't buy a game missing a manual, and if they can't produce one for me, than I tell them "no thanks." I avoid dealing with the used stores as much as possible, as they really offer nothing that can't be found elsewhere.
 
The only store that has a good excuse for this is gamecrazy.
They have a policy that you can try out any game in the store before buying, so sometimes their new games are resealed because people try them and end up not buying. I think its awesome, At gamecrazy yesterday the guy let me try out mario vs donkey kong on a Classic NES GBASP, opening both of them new, I ended up buying MvDK anyway. Same thing happened with ninja gaiden, chick let me try out a new copy on the xbox they had. I think its awesome.

EB and Gamestop just open up employee copies, the employees play them, and then try to sell them as new, thats why those stores are terrible.
 
I won't buy "new" games at EB because this is just a bunch of BS! I didn't used to shop at EB at all because the manager at our EB in the mall is a a$$hole.

The Manager at the new EB across town is really cool and I sometimes preorder from him. I usually just drive the extra couple miles to go to Gamestop.

I never did get why you put several opened copies on display instead of just one display box with the games behind the counter..
 
[quote name='$hady']I won't buy new games at EB because this is just a bunch of BS![/quote]

Me either. If they say that their "new" copy is the last one from the display box, I also refuse that. Unless something is less than $10, and I really want, I won't buy used.

probably a bit extreme, but just preference.
 
You guys are the most anal people on the face of the whole damn planet, I swear to you.

We (at EB) open up one game (or three, depending on what the manager calls for) to put it out on display. This is called "gutting". The employees do NOT get to play the games, despite what you may think. Two years ago, we could "rent" out a game for ONE night, and if we did, we would have to write a review on it.

At any rate, yes, one (or a few) copies are gutted, then the instructions and game disc are inserted in a plastic sleeve. I don't see what the big deal is. We HAVE to gut them so some cheapasses like you won't steal the game.
 
[quote name='Scorch']You guys are the most anal people on the face of the whole damn planet, I swear to you.

We (at EB) open up one game (or three, depending on what the manager calls for) to put it out on display. This is called "gutting". The employees do NOT get to play the games, despite what you may think. Two years ago, we could "rent" out a game for ONE night, and if we did, we would have to write a review on it.

At any rate, yes, one (or a few) copies are gutted, then the instructions and game disc are inserted in a plastic sleeve. I don't see what the big deal is. We HAVE to gut them so some cheapasses like you won't steal the game.[/quote]Why do you sell them as new?
 
I should be able to sell my games to EB and Gamestop as new, I treat them better than the shelf copies are treated at the store...

The games I've ordered from Amazon.com have been in wonderful shape, I think I'm sticking with them for games... Best Buy doesn't pull the Gamestop EB shit either.
 
EB is gay......i hate all you fucking retards who work there. i wouldnt be your friend if you worked there.......dont think i would steal just because i am a cheapass....i take that offensively.

scorch i reccomend you shut your asshole about cheapasses like myself.....dont piss me off
 
[quote name='dental_regurgitation']I should be able to sell my games to EB and Gamestop as new, I treat them better than the shelf copies are treated at the store...[/quote]

Lol, I agree. Opened is used in my book, and I refuse to take their 'shelf copy' when they whip it out as new. I'll ask specifically for a new copy unless they don't have one. Then I'll go elsewhere. Don't support this practice! They can put just one copy out opened, and then sell it for five dollars less as used, or they can put out a promotional display box!!!
 
[quote name='Scorch']The employees do NOT get to play the games, despite what you may think.[/quote]

First, you say that you did get to play the games. The fact that it was a night does not matter. The fact that you wrote a review of it...as the person buying the game that has been used, I could give a shit what the prior use was for - it was used. It should be sold as such.

Maybe your stored doesn't allow it anymore, but, in many, employees DO get to play the games. I had a friend who worked at a GameStop for about 4 years, and he used to always "rent" the "gutted" games from work. Another friend of mine was an assistant manager at a Funcoland and his employees did the same thing.

The fact is, the game is open. When I buy a new game, I expect it to be new, as in factory sealed. I don't see why game stores can't take a regular, empty DVD case, which you can buy really cheap, and put a picture of the cover or game title on it. As it is, stores like EB and GameStop do this when they want to take preorders for a game; they already have the promo display boxes. And it's not like it'd be that expensive - buy cases once and reuse them. Also, game stores could have their sealed display copies in security cases. Given these reasonable alternatives, there is absolutely no reason why stores should have to gut a game and then sell it to me as new when they no longer need the case as a display.
 
My cousin also worked at an EB and numerous times he brought home games to play through that were later sold as "new" Your store might be different, but most EB's are terrible stores that I wouldn't go near. Most all the managers and employees at any I've been to have been total jerks, acting like Im causing them some kind of inconvenience and Im a problem, cause I'm looking for something other than the newest Madden or GTA, or because the game isn't $50 and new.
 
Opened == used, and cheapass != thief. If I buy a game at EB, I expect a sealed copy. If they don't have one, I leave and make it known that I don't support the practice.
 
I only buy display copies of games if its a DAMN good deal. If its full price new game, I would rather go to a different store and get a sealed copy ( not sealed buy the store). The EB and Gamestops near me are real close to BB, CC, TRU and Target. So its not like I have to go far...

Besides I agree, Opened = Used. If they feel its still new, perhaps we should all start taking back our New Opened games..... :twisted:

I am sure most of us take better care of our games than EB or Gamestop...I know I do.
 
"gutting" multiple copies is stupid. I'm not any more likely to buy a game just because you put 5 copies of the box on the shelf.

In the end you're selling a box thats been bruised and beaten up by costomers with a game that may or may not have been used or abused in a drawer under the register as new.

It's just bad buisness.


Also, I just bought a new television this week. At CC I saw a TV I might have bought, but wasnt interested... a few feet from it was the EXACT same TV for 15 bucks less. Why was it less?

Because it'd been OPENED FOR DISPLAY.
 
[quote name='Scorch']

The fact is, the game is open. When I buy a new game, I expect it to be new, as in factory sealed. I don't see why game stores can't take a regular, empty DVD case, which you can buy really cheap, and put a picture of the cover or game title on it. As it is, stores like EB and GameStop do this when they want to take preorders for a game; they already have the promo display boxes. And it's not like it'd be that expensive - buy cases once and reuse them. Also, game stores could have their sealed display copies in security cases. Given these reasonable alternatives, there is absolutely no reason why stores should have to gut a game and then sell it to me as new when they no longer need the case as a display.[/quote]


Stores are able to order DISPLAY CASES for most games, at least that is what TRU has started doing. They have empty cases for every game out for you to look at. On the cases it says DISPLAY TO PURCHASE TAKE THIS CASE TO CASHIER or something close to that. So stores have other options, they are just going the cheap route. Plus, if the games didn't get opened for display copies, the employees wouldn't get to play them...
 
A new game is a game still sealed in the original factory packaging, when said packing is removed the game is considered used, nuff said.
 
[quote name='Alpha2']"gutting" multiple copies is stupid. I'm not any more likely to buy a game just because you put 5 copies of the box on the shelf.

In the end you're selling a box thats been bruised and beaten up by costomers with a game that may or may not have been used or abused in a drawer under the register as new.

It's just bad buisness.


Also, I just bought a new television this week. At CC I saw a TV I might have bought, but wasnt interested... a few feet from it was the EXACT same TV for 15 bucks less. Why was it less?

Because it'd been OPENED FOR DISPLAY.[/quote]

Exactly! EB and Gamestop are the only stores that sell display items as new. Even stores like Best Buy and TRU will occasionally sell display, or already opened copies of games. Guess what, they are always cheaper. Just recently I saw a copy of Sonic Heroes (GC) at TRU for $34.99. Why was it so low? It was already opened/a display copy.

When you purchase a game, you're paying for the whole package. The case shouldn't be covered in stickers and handled by every little kid that comes in the store. And the discs, while claimed to be new, often have visible fingerprints and blotches - in fact, more so than any of my "used" games at home.
 
I'd rather get a brand new sealed game than an opened game even if its not played. But the GS near me only has 1 display game case on the shelf and brand new sealed games behind the counter. Most of the time, I don't even look at the shelf, I just go to the counter and ask for one. They pull it out of the glass case and give it to me, brand spankin new.
 
i've worked at an eb for three years now, and i agree with you guys about opening the games. im my opinion, the best thing for this situation is if someone, be it eb's home office or the game publishers themselves sent the stores display sleeves for us to put in an empty dvd case (of which our stores get hundreds at a time) or even cardboard display boxes. while, they do this for certain games, there's too many that they don't do this for. alas, a company that's too cheap to give a full quarter for a raise probably won't want to spend the pennies on the paper and printing presses.
 
[quote="Also, I just bought a new television this week. At CC I saw a TV I might have bought, but wasnt interested... a few feet from it was the EXACT same TV for 15 bucks less. Why was it less?

Because it'd been OPENED FOR DISPLAY.[/quote]

Well, it was out on the sales floor. It was plugged into the wall. It was touched by many, many people. Yes, THAT should be cheaper. Whena gme is gutted and put away, its not really been used. DISPLAY can mean alot of different things to different people. I'm just amazed at how people crap themselves about not being able to take the shrinkwrap off themselves. Atleast at Game Crazy, if it has been resealed, they will give you $2-4 off.
 
Man, I am glad I only see people like you in my store once every 4 or 5 months. Being anal about an opened copy of the game is crazy. If you dont want it, its cool, but you really have no right to demand a discount on it. There is NO margin for markup in video games. If you want a lower priced game, buy it used. I will sell my new copy to the next person that walks in the door. As far as people accusing GS and EB of trying to sell a used game as new that someone trades, that is so freaking ridiculous. If you guys knew anything of how the inventory systems work, you would know how silly that statement is. Do you ever wonder why we try to sell you a used copy of a game? Dont most retailers/salesmen try to get you to spend more money, yet we try to save you $5 a game? Good reason, trust me. Really, like I said, it cool it you want your totally factory fresh sealed game that you can open and make yourself happy. But dont be a jerk when all I have left is that last copy of a game, that, if it is so important to you, you would have bought sooner or would have reserved. If its my last copy, be glad I have one left.
 
[quote name='gizmogc']Well, it was out on the sales floor. It was plugged into the wall. It was touched by many, many people. Yes, THAT should be cheaper. Whena gme is gutted and put away, its not really been used. DISPLAY can mean alot of different things to different people. I'm just amazed at how people crap themselves about not being able to take the shrinkwrap off themselves. Atleast at Game Crazy, if it has been resealed, they will give you $2-4 off.[/quote]

Atleast you DO give that 2-4 bucks off, but EB dosent. That's the big issue.

Anyway if a store can make a distinction between a game thats had the shrink wrap removed why cant we? If I were to bring a game back to a store for exchange or return that had it's shrink wrap removed I get charged a restocking fee or they wont take it at all. If I bring back a game to some stores still shrink'd they'll not only take it back but I can sometimes get cash money!... Try that with a game that'd been opened.

I'm not going to pay full price for a game that I dont know what's happened to it since it was opened by the store. I dont care whay you claim has been done with it, you cant prove it. It's been opened and not by me so why should I pay full price for it?

I wont.
 
[quote name='FREAKMIKE3']Do you ever wonder why we try to sell you a used copy of a game? Dont most retailers/salesmen try to get you to spend more money, yet we try to save you $5 a game?[/quote]

Hmm, yes...why would you try to sell a copy of a game that you bought from someone for peanuts, then marked up to 5 dollars less than the new price instead of a new copy where your profit margin's slimmer? It's truely a mystery for the ages.
 
[quote name='jmcc'][quote name='FREAKMIKE3']Do you ever wonder why we try to sell you a used copy of a game? Dont most retailers/salesmen try to get you to spend more money, yet we try to save you $5 a game?[/quote]

Hmm, yes...why would you try to sell a copy of a game that you bought from someone for peanuts, then marked up to 5 dollars less than the new price instead of a new copy where your profit margin's slimmer? It's truely a mystery for the ages.[/quote]

Freakmike is saying that interms of "new" games people claim are used. He wouldnt make much more on a "preopened new" game compared to what he would on a "true used" copy, but thats not the issue here.

We're talking about games being called brand new and sold as such when they've been opened by the store. If stores dont want to sell these shelf copies for a discount then stop opening up so many copies for display. Show ONE, let it sit there for a year, the game with drop in price by 50- 70% some day and someone will buy it for 15 bucks or less as a used copy and it wont matter a damn to your bottom line because you;ve sold dozens and dozens of copies of it over the year and made plenty of money off of actual indisputable new games.
 
[quote name='"Scorch"']You guys are the most anal people on the face of the whole damn planet, I swear to you.

We (at EB) open up one game (or three, depending on what the manager calls for) to put it out on display. This is called "gutting". The employees do NOT get to play the games, despite what you may think. Two years ago, we could "rent" out a game for ONE night, and if we did, we would have to write a review on it.

At any rate, yes, one (or a few) copies are gutted, then the instructions and game disc are inserted in a plastic sleeve. I don't see what the big deal is. We HAVE to gut them so some cheapasses like you won't steal the game.[/quote]

---------------

Thats a BS excuse since EB and other store get display boxes in advance of the games release and the display box already has the front and back of the actual game case, those can be set on display instead. Don't try to make excuses since I used to work at EB myself and actually have gotten into arguments with management for refusing to sell gutted titles. I would always give a new title instead. Also YES employees did and still do play games, they get gutted, played and handled and re sealed as new. I am still close to MANY EB store managers and stores and this is still something that I disliked and still see to this day from uppers staff to new hires. Don't make an excuse about someone being a cheap ass, if you try to give them a opened and gutted game instead of the 10+ new ones sitting right behind you (and dont say that doesnt happen at EBgames stores, cause at this point you know you are full of it) then you or the employee that does so are more pathetic than anyone was first lead to believe. Don't be "that"guy.
 
I consider opened one to be used. Even if they open it, then resealed it. It's still used. And they are stealing if they reseal a game then sell it as a new game without letting the customers know that it's resealed.
 
I think you might run into problems when you categorize games only as "new" and "used." I think in this case, call them "Not Used," cause they may not be "used" (if the EB/GS employees are to be believed), and unless the customer is the first person to open them, they're also not "new." What happens if the game you get is defective, and you try and take it back/exchange it and the box is all messed up from being a display copy? Are they gonna hassle you?
 
when i went to pick up a copy of battle engine aquila for the xbox at a EB games (i had preordered it btw) that gave me a gutted copy. i was pretty pissed off, because i fee even if it's put into a protective sleeve (which still caused a few scratches) i still fee it's a used game. so i told the guy i wanted 10 bucks off because it's a used game. he went through all the BS about the display case and i told him, "i don't care, it's still opened, so it's considered used."

why doesn't the store get a 10000 empty black dvd boxes, and the corporate office send them a scaned box art for the games that are being released each week, this way they could have a box on the shelf and we could have our games new, not used...

oh, btw i didn't get 10 bucks off the price of the game, i got 5, which is ok in my book, considering the scratches on the disc
 
"EB and Gamestop just open up employee copies, the employees play them, and then try to sell them as new, thats why those stores are terrible."

Wow that comment is absurd.

Guys wow, you must have had some bad experiences at EB's and Gamestops. I'm a manager for EB and I gotta say I can't believe the negative attitude towards our stores. I hope no one had a bad experience at my store, but anyway here is my two cents if you all care.

I consider the game to be new as long as the game has not been played and there are 0 scratches on the disc. Otherwise I seriously agree with everyone else on here if the game is dinged up and looks like crap it should be sold as used. What a lot of you are failing to realize or understand is. As managers for EBGames there are certain things we don't control. We have to abide by the companies policies or we get in trouble. Yes that might make some of you mad, and if your being treated poorly in our stores there is a simple way to correct it . We have 1-800 numbers posted in our stores. All you have to do is write that number down and call and complain. If you complain about the manager or bad experience you've had 9 times out of 10 it will be taken care of. Another thing you guys should really consider. I've had hundreds of customers come in and freak out on me because I can't bend or break policies for them. Guys I have a family and I like making money and having a steady job, people need to realize that managers are just puppets for the big wigs in corporate office. To have a problem taken care of just call our 1800 number and like I stated before, 9 times out of 10 its taken care of.


Completely unrelated but just a question.

If you were working say in a cubicle, and someone just walks in and starts screaming at you for something you have NO control over ? Does it upset you ?


"why doesn't the store get a 10000 empty black dvd boxes, and the corporate office send them a scaned box art for the games that are being released each week, this way they could have a box on the shelf and we could have our games new, not used... "

That is a great question. All you have to do is call the 1-800 number or send an email complaining guys if enough people complain they will listen.
 
I think alot of people realize you get heat fromthe people over your heads over these retarded practices but because you're right there on the spot that's why you get the anger from customers for it, especially the guys who com in and defend these practices.

Very few corporations EVER change something without an organized campign. So either the managers band together and speak up for the good of improving EB customer relations or we all get something rooling here at CAG otherwise all this stays the same... atleast untill we just STOP buying form EB.

It's that simple.
 
Oh, and knowing my roots I totally see everyones point about buying the games not in the shrink wrap. Although at the same time as long as the disc looks okay etc... I'd still buy the game...

The managers have tried on conference calls before... no avail
 
When a cashier pulls out a disk that's wrapped in the instruction booklet and a rubber band of tucked in a drawer wth about a hundred other games it kinda hurts the customers moral in regards to how "well kept" a preopened game will be.

As long as the game's been handled by anyone but the packing factory it's going to be viewed by anyone that values the quality of their purchase as being used.

I guess I should be glad I already dont shop at EB anymore... means I dont have to do anything more to boycott them now.
 
I don't buy the "prevent theft" excuse at all. That just complete bullshit. Why do stores like Best Buy and Circuit City put all of their sealed copies on a shelf? They don't seem to be afraid of theft. I laugh at idiots who think that "theft" is the real reason.
 
"I don't buy the "prevent theft" excuse at all. That just complete bullshit. Why do stores like Best Buy and Circuit City put all of their sealed copies on a shelf? They don't seem to be afraid of theft. I laugh at idiots who think that "theft" is the real reason. "

Yeah ummm Best Buy also locks all the games in little plastic cases with sensors on them... they are also a MASSIVE store, have camera's everywhere, and have a guy waiting at the doors to watch as you leave.....
 
[quote name='ragepower']"I don't buy the "prevent theft" excuse at all. That just complete bullshit. Why do stores like Best Buy and Circuit City put all of their sealed copies on a shelf? They don't seem to be afraid of theft. I laugh at idiots who think that "theft" is the real reason. "

Yeah ummm Best Buy also locks all the games in little plastic cases with sensors on them... they are also a MASSIVE store, have camera's everywhere, and have a guy waiting at the doors to watch as you leave.....[/quote]Did you just rewrite what Jrunt said or do you have a strange quote thing. It does not look like you are using the quote button.
 
[quote name='ragepower']wasnt using the quote button just did a copy paste... :D[/quote]Well you were freaking me out. I thought you wanted to do extra typing. Carry on.
 
[quote name='Alpha2'][quote name='gizmogc']Well, it was out on the sales floor. It was plugged into the wall. It was touched by many, many people. Yes, THAT should be cheaper. Whena gme is gutted and put away, its not really been used. DISPLAY can mean alot of different things to different people. I'm just amazed at how people crap themselves about not being able to take the shrinkwrap off themselves. Atleast at Game Crazy, if it has been resealed, they will give you $2-4 off.[/quote]

Atleast you DO give that 2-4 bucks off, but EB dosent. That's the big issue.

Anyway if a store can make a distinction between a game thats had the shrink wrap removed why cant we? If I were to bring a game back to a store for exchange or return that had it's shrink wrap removed I get charged a restocking fee or they wont take it at all. If I bring back a game to some stores still shrink'd they'll not only take it back but I can sometimes get cash money!... Try that with a game that'd been opened.

I'm not going to pay full price for a game that I dont know what's happened to it since it was opened by the store. I dont care whay you claim has been done with it, you cant prove it. It's been opened and not by me so why should I pay full price for it?

I wont.[/quote]

The reason retailers won't return opened games is because of piracy. Its very easy now to burn a game onto an xbox, or just copy the game.
If the game has been at the store the entire time, its very difficult to copy it.
 
what i think is retarded, is that not only does gamestop open their new games fora display copy (i guess eb does this too), but instead of pealing the tape off, then opening the case, it looks like they just rip the case open, because the tape is always torn in jagged lines and shit.. those lazy whores.
 
God, I'm so glad to find out I'm not the only one who thinks this way.

I worked at GameStop while I was in high school, and I was surprised to find out that we could "rent" new games for four days at a time. I recall "borrowing" NHL 2002 and bringing it back to the store, horrified at seeing it re-sealed and put back on the shelf at full price.

Needless to say, I never took another game home again.

And just recently, I bought Gladius new from an EBGames in NJ, only to get home and see that:
a) there were large holes in the shrinkwrap, obviously from a poor re-sealing job
b) the cover of the manual was wrinkled and ripped, as if it had been stored improperly
c) the disc had light scratches on it
d) there was a tear in the plastic cover where it met the case, as well as wrinkles on the back side

It should go without saying that I'll never buy a game from EB or Gamestop that is not factory sealed ever again. I can't believe that they are allowed to sell this as new- especially when, according to the clerk at the store, there were three other copies in stock.

I'm not directing this at the employees of these companies (and have never taken up this problem with the clerks/managers, as I know from experience what store policy is), but rather at the companies themselves- this is a disgraceful way of doing business.
 
[quote name='gizmogc']The reason retailers won't return opened games is because of piracy. Its very easy now to burn a game onto an xbox, or just copy the game.
If the game has been at the store the entire time, its very difficult to copy it.[/quote]

Yeah, right. That's why all retailers let you return opened gamecube games.
 
[quote name='Tbolt7']And just recently, I bought Gladius new from an EBGames in NJ, only to get home and see that:
a) there were large holes in the shrinkwrap, obviously from a poor re-sealing job
b) the cover of the manual was wrinkled and ripped, as if it had been stored improperly
c) the disc had light scratches on it
d) there was a tear in the plastic cover where it met the case, as well as wrinkles on the back side
[/quote]

You really should have returned it.
 
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