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

[gtmtnbiker]

I went to Gamestop last night since I wanted to buy a couple copies of Harvest Moon 3DS - A New Beginning.

I asked for 2 copies, new & sealed. The clerk didn't blink an eye and pulled two sealed copies from his drawer. He asked if I had a power rewards card and I gave him my phone number so he could look it up. He then asked if I wanted the warranty and I said no. That was it. Relatively painless.

Not that I ever had any trouble with a DS/3DS game but what is the standard warranty on those things?

[01toubib]

I think it's GS policy to allow the customer to see a used console before buying it. I've done it a few times, and have even been told, "Yeah, I wouldn't buy it either." It's an understandable request when dealing with used hardware, and I'd be shocked if I were declined the privilege. Those employees suck.

Funco Land used to have a kiosk for every older system they offered software for, just so you could test out any used game before buying it. I believe they'd even test out a used console for you on a tv in the store before buying it.

Hmm. I didn't know that was policy, I would of been more persistent if that was the case. It's good to know though for future reference.

[BurningDoom]

From what I've seen GameStop tests the systems on the spot.

Not my GameStop. When I traded in an extra XNox I acquired years back, they just took it. I even asked them if they were gonna test it and they said "No, even if it doesn't work we'll just send it in to get refurbished."

[Nintendork666]

I think it's GS policy to allow the customer to see a used console before buying it. I've done it a few times, and have even been told, "Yeah, I wouldn't buy it either." It's an understandable request when dealing with used hardware, and I'd be shocked if I were declined the privilege. Those employees suck.

Funco Land used to have a kiosk for every older system they offered software for, just so you could test out any used game before buying it. I believe they'd even test out a used console for you on a tv in the store before buying it.

Hmm. I didn't know that was policy, I would of been more persistent if that was the case. It's good to know though for future reference.

I'm not positive, I've just never been denied to at least LOOK at the console before buying it. What kind of customer service is that?

[BoneSnapDeez]

Anyone have a GameStop customer service email handy? I have a problem with my order and I'm @ work and thus can't access the GS site.

[Luke]

Anyone have a GameStop customer service email handy? I have a problem with my order and I'm @ work and thus can't access the GS site.

http://as00.estara.com/OneCC/200106299243/mailform.html

(which is a from, not an email)
or call

1-800-883-8895


As far as buying used software, it is always buyer beware. GS employees are measured by sales (and upsales and reserves, etc.) but the time they are at the register = money. I'm sure an employee will at least take a system out of the box if it leads to a $200 sale.

If they refuse, leave. "Guaranteed to play? Prove it"; nothing wrong with asking that.

[BoneSnapDeez]

Thanks Luke, that helps! "Video game related" websites are blocked at work here now (GameStop, GameFAQs, most of Racketboy)...

[Mendoza]

Well I gave my Play and Trade another try.

The mouth-breathing idiot behind the counter needed all of his brain cells to just get the transaction done.

While i looked through the store he kept talking inane teenager talk with the other guy and burping.

When i got out I had Spectral Force 3 and Sega 6 Pack, and just enough restraint left not to beat him to death.

Again, just goes to show, Gamestop does not have a monopoly on idiocy.

I wont be going back to that store again.

[MrPopo]

Again, just goes to show, Gamestop does not have a monopoly on idiocy.

There's a reason I don't go to stores anymore if I can help it. And with the cheap prices on 3rd party sellers shipping on Amazon (and Prime for FBA and Amazon itself) I rarely have to go to stores.

[WallCrusher]

So I've got a tale to tell about GameStop today:

This Christmas I got Mass Effect Trilogy for PS3, which was great because that was on my wishlist. What wasn't so great is that the person who bought it from GameStop got ripped off--the trilogy was not only opened AND sold in a 360 case (missing the slip cover no less), but it was also sold for brand new. So I ended up calling another GameStop, one that I am more familiar with, asking if they had any copies that I could swap it out with an actual new copy. The guy on the phone asks me, "Are you sure it wasn't sold used?" I responded sarcastically, "Yeah, because there's a 'NEW' sticker right on the front of the packaging." So the guy tells me to come in with the receipt and he'd swap it out.

I go in to the store, and show him the game, and the guy seriously tries to argue that the case is a PS3 case, despite the fact that when compared to an actual PS3 case it is noticeably taller, and that the 360 case has TWO UNUSED DISC SPACES. The guy must not have believed me because he actually took out a PS3 copy, OPENED IT, and compared the two for a moment before deciding that, gee, I must be telling the truth.

To Hell with GameStop, I will never go there again after insulting my intelligence like that.