Is Gamestop Evil? The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

[Gunstar Green]

Well look at it this way the money is already spent so you might as well get something out of it.

[Tanooki]

Good point there, and puppy beating? Hah.

I need to know when they do their next trade in bonus value promo. My nephews after I sold their system and game bundles off still had 7 PS3 games left, $10 stuff really, but with ebay posting, fvf, shipping fvf, and paypal fees after the one repost I did it wasn't worth it.

Next time they do one of those trade in last gen for next gen games get a 50% added bonus value thing I'd like to see them get something nice.

[Snatch1414]

I find myself posting in here every time I try to buy something at GameStop, which isn't often but gift cards will win the day sometimes:

Went in to grab Shovel Knight for 3DS. I'm second in line and the guy in front of me says he wants Rise of the Tomb Raider. Cashier says they only have the shelf copy that's out of the plastic. "That's weird" I think to myself. That's a big title. Really odd GameStop wouldn't have a bunch of copies in the back at all times. The guy accepts it, pays, and it's my turn.

I ask for Shovel Knight and after disappearing for a minute (note: it was busy so I lost track and wasn't sure if he went over to the shelf or all the way to the back), he tells me they only have the unsealed shelf copy of Shovel Knight. I left.

One of two things is going on: Their employees are lazy as hell or GameStop, the only video game-centric retailer out there, does not have enough copies of popular games. Either way it's kind of unacceptable. I suppose another possibility is they were cleaned out after Christmas, but that just goes hand in hand with option #2 above. To some people I'm probably making a big deal out of nothing but I want the item that costs $24.99, not an opened version with a big sticker on it that fifty little kids touched for the same price.

I'm always away from GameStop long enough to be like "You're exaggerating. Yeah the stores are kind frustrating, but they're convenient and your frustrations are usually special cases," but literally the last 4-5 times I've tried to buy a game there it's always something.

[Ziggy]

One of two things is going on: Their employees are lazy as hell or GameStop, the only video game-centric retailer out there, does not have enough copies of popular games. Either way it's kind of unacceptable. I suppose another possibility is they were cleaned out after Christmas, but that just goes hand in hand with option #2 above. To some people I'm probably making a big deal out of nothing but I want the item that costs $24.99, not an opened version with a big sticker on it that fifty little kids touched for the same price.

I posted a very similar story the last time I was in a Game Stop.

Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze, on launch day, 0 copies. I get to the counter and ask for the game, the manager tells me they don't have any and my jaw drops. He tells me there were 3 pre-orders for the game and his store was sent 5 copies (I don't remember the exact numbers, but it was something similar to that - if not that exactly). I shake my head and tell him, "You're a major video game retailer." I go to Wal Mart, they have something like 10 copies, so I purchase one. Silly me, I thought I could go into a VIDEO GAME store and buy a game from a MAJOR publisher on release day.

But you're right, it IS unacceptable. They're a VIDEO GAME store. Because of their business model, in most areas they are the ONLY video game store. It's completely unacceptable that they can't have games like this stay in stock.

[ElkinFencer10]

They're a VIDEO GAME store. Because of their business model, in most areas they are the ONLY video game store. It's completely unacceptable that they can't have games like this stay in stock.

I will whole heartedly agree with that. I've never had a problem getting a sealed copy of a new game (though from the sounds of it, I think I'm just extraordinary lucky in that regard), but their limited stock is ridiculous. It's only been an issue for me a few times, but they definitely shouldn't have a stock issue since video games are kind of their whole thing.

[Exhuminator]

I really don't understand why you guys torture yourselves with that scammy ass racket of a store. If you unfortunately end up with a GameStop gift card, redeem it online.

[Fragems]

The Solution is simple go with Amazon or Best Buy. Both now offer 20% off for both preorders and new games(Amazon only offers 20% for the first two weeks after release) . Both are promos only available to members of either Prime($100 a year) or GCU (30 every 2 years) but both member ships are well worth the price and both feature release day shipping for preorders and easy automated returns if they fudge up.

Only go to gamestop for clearanced stuff, B2G1 sales, and etc.

[Ziggy]

I really don't understand why you guys torture yourselves with that scammy ass racket of a store. If you unfortunately end up with a GameStop gift card, redeem it online.

Well like I said, that was the last time I was there. How long ago did DKC Tropical Freeze come out?

[ElkinFencer10]

Both now offer 20% off for both preorders and new games

I was unaware of this beautiful feature. This one post convinced me to sign up for Amazon Prime (as soon as I get my W2 and tax refund) and move all of my pre-orders to Amazon.com. Sorry, Gamestop; Amazon's got you beat.

[Fragems]

Yeah both Amazon and Best Buy are beating the shit out of GS as far as preorders and new games go. Best Buy even offers $10 gift cards on top of the 20% off on some preorders.

Also this just got posted up over at the CAG forums.

Starting Friday January 15, at 9:00 p.m. PT and concluding at 11:59 p.m. local time, Sunday January 17, and in celebration of Mozart in the Jungle’s multiple wins at the 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards, Amazon Prime will be available for just $73. New members can sign-up for this limited-time Prime offer at www.amazon.com/MozartPrime.

Hey guys amazon prime will be on sale tomorrow for $73 instead of the usual $99 .. I know this isn't a game technically but it gets us games faster and now they started a 20% off all preorders and new release games..the sale starts tomorrow (fri the 15th of jan) at 12 eastern time and runs until saturday midnight the 17th..



Existing members will have to buy a subscription as a gift ..just email it to yourself and redeem it when you need to .. that's what I plan on doing



Hope someone finds this useful