Is Gamestop punching holes in the game covers?

[JC48573]

They are punching a hole through the bar code of game covers. I went to two stores and most of their used games had holes in them.

Can you post some pics? I am curious if the store, the distribution center or if it is just a buyback from a customer.

I returned the games already. I actually bought Child of Eden and Gurumin. I was thinking about switching for another Child of Eden (keep in mind that I did not return the games to the same store), but then I found the same problem. I was curious that I started checking on other used games especially in the psp section and found that most of them had punch-holes.

The holes are not small either.

[Jontendo]

I would be curious to know what they say if you ask them what the deal is.
They've gotta have some idea that vandalizing their own stock makes it harder to sell.

[CRTGAMER]

They are punching a hole through the bar code of game covers. I went to two stores and most of their used games had holes in them.

Can you post some pics? I am curious if the store, the distribution center or if it is just a buyback from a customer.

I returned the games already. I actually bought Child of Eden and Gurumin. I was thinking about switching for another Child of Eden (keep in mind that I did not return the games to the same store), but then I found the same problem. I was curious that I started checking on other used games especially in the psp section and found that most of them had punch-holes.

The holes are not small either.

This definitely needs to be looked into.

@ JC48573 - On your next visit to that Gamestop, can you ask what is going on? Is this from Corporate, District or is it just the one store doing this?

[Hobie-wan]

The holes are not small either.

If done right, the holes are intended to make the UPC unscannable.

[JC48573]

The holes are not small either.

If done right, the holes are intended to make the UPC unscannable.

Yup, that should give you an idea of how big it is. Child of Eden had two big punch holes. It basically ruins covers with reversible artwork.

[CRTGAMER]

The holes are not small either.

If done right, the holes are intended to make the UPC unscannable.

I grabbed that pic from the link. Agree, the hole would have to be HUGE and remove at least one complete stripe on the Bar code.

I'll settle for a gummy sticker. All the train conducter did here is remove a number.

[Jontendo]

I'll settle for a gummy sticker. All the train conducter did here is remove a number.

Gummy sticker FTW?

[JC48573]

The holes are not small either.

If done right, the holes are intended to make the UPC unscannable.

I grabbed that pic from the link. Agree, the hole would have to be HUGE and remove at least one complete stripe on the Bar code.

I'll settle for a gummy sticker. All the train conducter did here is remove a number.

I think that's a little different, but the hole was way bigger than the one on the picture. If I'm not mistaken, the hole in this picture goes right through the case as well.

[CRTGAMER]

I'll settle for a gummy sticker. All the train conducter did here is remove a number.

Gummy sticker FTW?

You made me look up the acronym. A Gamestop sticker is better the a hole. the sticker can be removed and the glue cleaned off.

[Jontendo]

I'll settle for a gummy sticker. All the train conducter did here is remove a number.

Gummy sticker FTW?

You made me look up the acronym. A Gamestop sticker is better the a hole. the sticker can be removed and the glue cleaned off.

I wholeheartedly agree. I'm suspicious of why they'd be so destructive though if a simpler solution would do the job (and make it more sell-able).