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

[isiolia]

Bonus almost every game can be found 20-50% less other places.

I think a key aspect of that is Amazon Prime or Best Buy Gamer's Club Unlocked (offhand) giving an automatic 20% off of new release games. As a result, if I'm preordering or otherwise buying a game right when it comes out, I'm not going to Gamestop to buy it. Other pricing tends to be less clear-cut - sometimes Gamestop is competitive, sometimes they're not.

[ElkinFencer10]

If Gamestop were smart, they'd offer 20% off preorders to their Power Up Pro members.

[PartridgeSenpai]

The only profit they can squeeze is last gen, lots of people are going digital and most importantly don't trade their new games there for nothing. Bonus almost every game can be found 20-50% less other places.

I believe it. The only stuff I ever buy there is PS3 RPG's I'm still tryin' to pin down, or the rare Wii or 360 title that they sell for way cheaper than they should should I happen to come upon it. It does seem like there are a fair amount of people coming in to get preorders though whenever I go in. I like NEVER see people buying t-shirts or toys though. I don't know when those ever get bought :/

[Blu]

Honestly, I've all but cut out Gamestop as my gaming retailer for some time. Prime is too much of a deal. 20% off and free shipping in two days? Why on earth would I give my business to them if I want something new? Amazon isn't asking for me to join their membership everytime I want to come in the door. Isn't selling me more preorders. And Amazon can provide me anything else. I mean, I just snagged $5 on a pantry order because I didn't need the 2 day shipping. Amazon rocks.

I still enjoy a good hunt when the mood strikes on something from my wishlist, but beyond, I stay away. Gone are the days of Funcoland, Babbages, and EB Games.

[TEKTORO]

Yea they do tend to have those gems that are scarce and higher priced otherwise I give them that, but it's tough for them to go too much longer the way it is today. As a company their just running the model till its dead, then on to the next venture, Mobile & Publishing could work the toys (think geek) nah. Also the signs that I can tell they are grasping is how they have exclusive physicals and limited editions are about all they can get their hands on ATM.

[MrPopo]

Also, switching to Amazon from Gamestop means you don't need to deal with the public.

[Sarge]

I buy most of my new releases through Best Buy, since I have GCU. I ordered some games last Christmas, and it was effectively free to do it given what I was ordering. It has come in handy in the interim as well.

GameStop is my "find it used at a cheaper price than elsewhere" or my "buy two get one free" retailer when the prices are right. It's good for what it is, and fills that niche better than Amazon and Best Buy, in my opinion.

It's just like any retailer, honestly. You've got to shop around a bit for the best deals.

[darsparx]

@sarge hrmm might have to consider that option...wonder if their online stuff still sells vita games? I know my closest store demolished that section to a few games if they even keep them in stock now...

[Sarge]

My only gripe buying used stuff from them online is that you can never know if it comes with the box/manual. So I tend to avoid them unless it's something that I don't care, or I know their store won't have cases, like DS games.

[Exhuminator]

Also, switching to Amazon from Gamestop means you don't need to deal with the public.

Seriously. I just can't understand why people still put up with GameSlop.

If it's a new game, I get it off Amazon. If it's old and rare, I get if off eBay. I've been using this method since 2007 with no regrets.