Very old thread revived for no reason GameStop: Big Problem

[Muadib]

Originally posted by: SpiderX
There are two main reasons why Gamestop does this:

1. Theft - I run my own retail store (not Gamestop) and I can tell you that people will steal anything they can get their hands on. Just the other day someone stole a $19 copy of Bratz for the DS. In fact anything above $35 dollars needs to be kept behind the cash, simply because people will steal anything.

2. Copyright - In our stores we have to open at least two copies of games for display purposes. It would be much simpler to just print off a copy of of the game cover and display that, but we can't. Those images are copyrighted and if the games companies saw that we'd be in trouble. But the fact is, we need something to display or you would have to come in and ask every time whether or not something was in stock.

With that being said, we sell the opened copies only after all of our unopened copies are sold. When selling someone one of the opened copies, we just explain why it has been opened and no one has had a problem with that. As well, none of the copies leave the binder unless they are being sold. We don't have a "try out" policy at my company. It sucks that your copy had to be one of the opened ones, but I think it's a small price to pay for the store trying to merchandise things properly and neatly.

You didn't like the way they do it, so you voted with your dollars which is cool. But why get upset and yell at one of the workers who has nothing to do with company policy?

So, why is it that EBGames, Walmart, or Toys R Us don't do this? They face the same two issues that you mention. Your copyright example is a joke. Apparently you don't think you should have a cost to do business. Unlike Gamestop though, at least you explain that the copy has been opened.

As for his yelling at the worker, he was well within his right, as he thought he was being ripped off. She might be just a worker, but she also represents Gamestop. Apparently, she thought she could handle it, because all she had to do was tell him to hold on, she would get the manager. In 99.9% of all situations like this, he would have shut up, and waited for the boss. She didn't, and so got what she deserved.

As for this practice being company policy, I'd love to see a store that has it posted. They post their return policy, why not this? I already know the answer, but I'll ask anyway. Is it posted in your store?

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: SpiderX
There are two main reasons why Gamestop does this:

1. Theft - I run my own retail store (not Gamestop) and I can tell you that people will steal anything they can get their hands on. Just the other day someone stole a $19 copy of Bratz for the DS. In fact anything above $35 dollars needs to be kept behind the cash, simply because people will steal anything.

2. Copyright - In our stores we have to open at least two copies of games for display purposes. It would be much simpler to just print off a copy of of the game cover and display that, but we can't. Those images are copyrighted and if the games companies saw that we'd be in trouble. But the fact is, we need something to display or you would have to come in and ask every time whether or not something was in stock.

With that being said, we sell the opened copies only after all of our unopened copies are sold. When selling someone one of the opened copies, we just explain why it has been opened and no one has had a problem with that. As well, none of the copies leave the binder unless they are being sold. We don't have a "try out" policy at my company. It sucks that your copy had to be one of the opened ones, but I think it's a small price to pay for the store trying to merchandise things properly and neatly.

You didn't like the way they do it, so you voted with your dollars which is cool. But why get upset and yell at one of the workers who has nothing to do with company policy?

When you say you 'run' you own store...is this like the manager at a Steak and Shake...or do you have a manager working for you?

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: Muadib

Originally posted by: SpiderX
There are two main reasons why Gamestop does this:

1. Theft - I run my own retail store (not Gamestop) and I can tell you that people will steal anything they can get their hands on. Just the other day someone stole a $19 copy of Bratz for the DS. In fact anything above $35 dollars needs to be kept behind the cash, simply because people will steal anything.

2. Copyright - In our stores we have to open at least two copies of games for display purposes. It would be much simpler to just print off a copy of of the game cover and display that, but we can't. Those images are copyrighted and if the games companies saw that we'd be in trouble. But the fact is, we need something to display or you would have to come in and ask every time whether or not something was in stock.

With that being said, we sell the opened copies only after all of our unopened copies are sold. When selling someone one of the opened copies, we just explain why it has been opened and no one has had a problem with that. As well, none of the copies leave the binder unless they are being sold. We don't have a "try out" policy at my company. It sucks that your copy had to be one of the opened ones, but I think it's a small price to pay for the store trying to merchandise things properly and neatly.

You didn't like the way they do it, so you voted with your dollars which is cool. But why get upset and yell at one of the workers who has nothing to do with company policy?

So, why is it that EBGames, Walmart, or Toys R Us don't do this? They face the same two issues that you mention. Your copyright example is a joke. Apparently you don't think you should have a cost to do business. Unlike Gamestop though, at least you explain that the copy has been opened.

As for his yelling at the worker, he was well within his right, as he thought he was being ripped off. She might be just a worker, but she also represents Gamestop. Apparently, she thought she could handle it, because all she had to do was tell him to hold on, she would get the manager. In 99.9% of all situations like this, he would have shut up, and waited for the boss. She didn't, and so got what she deserved.

As for this practice being company policy, I'd love to see a store that has it posted. They post their return policy, why not this? I already know the answer, but I'll ask anyway. Is it posted in your store?

EB Games does. They're the same company as Gamestop.

Walmart keeps their games in a locked display case. Toys R Us keeps their more expensive games in a locked display case. It's nice being able to easily look at the back of the box.

 

[tfinch2]

lulz at JLee trying to act like Billy Badass.

You're being just as big of a douche as the OP.

No wonder people hate police officers.

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: tfinch2
lulz at JLee trying to act like Billy Badass.

You're being just as big of a douche as the OP.

No wonder people hate police officers.

I'm not 'trying to act' like anything - I'm just saying what could happen. People in my area complain about far less than the OP's behavior.

If you think mentioning the possible legal repercussions of possible illegal behavior is just as bad as screaming at some poor cashier..well, I guess that's up to you to decide.

 

[ppdes]

Using empty cases on the shelves seems like a cheap and effective way to prevent theft. I wonder what the price increase would be if they didn't do it and passed the cost of the losses on to the buyers.

 

[skywhr]

standard policy, shop somewhere else

 

[mAdMaLuDaWg]

Somebody call the WAAAH-MBULANCE

 

[cyclohexane]

the op has some serious anger management issues

 

[CrimsonChaos]

Businesses try to do things like this all the time. I cancelled a WOW subscription due to poor speeds within 2 weeks of signing up. They had a "30-day money-back guarantee" promotion running at the time. Of course, they tried to charge me $99 for a full month of service.

I cancelled an AT&T service within their 30-day grace period, which should have automatically waived the $175 early termination fee. Of course, they tried to charge me the termination fee.

When purchasing a house, my mortgage broker told me the rate she was giving me was the lowest possible rate. When I found a lower rate with someone else, suddenly she was able to go even lower.

When I purchased a giftcard from National City, the card somehow got locked and I had to call some customer service desk in India to get it unlocked -- I think you can guess how that story ended.

When I went on a trip via Continental, they cancelled my flight without ever updating their automated phone system. So, despite calling ahead of time, I was never notified my flight had been cancelled and ended up sitting in the airport for 7 hours (the 2nd flight was also delayed). Do you think they cared, despite the letters I sent them?

The point is, businesses often try to screw people - they want to make money, and sometimes don't care how they do it. It's unfortunate but it is true. As people have pointed out, however, you can control how you respond to the situation. I wrote MANY e-mails and letters for the above examples (some successful, some not), but never did I misdirect my anger toward the employees who are simply trying to get through the day.

Even if the employee is acting like a jerkoff (and it isn't just poor business practice by the company), you simply ask to speak to their supervisor. And as others said, just vote with your wallet - don't do business there anymore.

 

[SpiderX]

Originally posted by: Muadib

Originally posted by: SpiderX
There are two main reasons why Gamestop does this:

1. Theft - I run my own retail store (not Gamestop) and I can tell you that people will steal anything they can get their hands on. Just the other day someone stole a $19 copy of Bratz for the DS. In fact anything above $35 dollars needs to be kept behind the cash, simply because people will steal anything.

2. Copyright - In our stores we have to open at least two copies of games for display purposes. It would be much simpler to just print off a copy of of the game cover and display that, but we can't. Those images are copyrighted and if the games companies saw that we'd be in trouble. But the fact is, we need something to display or you would have to come in and ask every time whether or not something was in stock.

With that being said, we sell the opened copies only after all of our unopened copies are sold. When selling someone one of the opened copies, we just explain why it has been opened and no one has had a problem with that. As well, none of the copies leave the binder unless they are being sold. We don't have a "try out" policy at my company. It sucks that your copy had to be one of the opened ones, but I think it's a small price to pay for the store trying to merchandise things properly and neatly.

You didn't like the way they do it, so you voted with your dollars which is cool. But why get upset and yell at one of the workers who has nothing to do with company policy?

So, why is it that EBGames, Walmart, or Toys R Us don't do this? They face the same two issues that you mention. Your copyright example is a joke. Apparently you don't think you should have a cost to do business. Unlike Gamestop though, at least you explain that the copy has been opened.

As for his yelling at the worker, he was well within his right, as he thought he was being ripped off. She might be just a worker, but she also represents Gamestop. Apparently, she thought she could handle it, because all she had to do was tell him to hold on, she would get the manager. In 99.9% of all situations like this, he would have shut up, and waited for the boss. She didn't, and so got what she deserved.

As for this practice being company policy, I'd love to see a store that has it posted. They post their return policy, why not this? I already know the answer, but I'll ask anyway. Is it posted in your store?

Our stores just don't have the space to accommodate locked storage like Walmart has. Not to mention, they are ugly and imposing. Also I myself as a customer much prefer to be able to pick up the copy and look at it. Sure you can get an employee to open the case, but sometimes they aren't around. How is the copyright issue a joke? Firstly even if the game companies offered us the option to pay for game cases, which they don't, why would we pay for it? The margin on games is razor thin as it is. Unless there is some public outcry, or I have a ton of customers complaining to me then we won't change it. Which as I said before, we explain why they have been opened, and not once has anyone complained.

Some times, like GTA4, they send out display cases for us. Which is great, I never have to open a copy of that game. But that is rare these days, it's just too cost prohibitive for the supplier to send out these cases to every store they ship to.

You are right though, there isn't a sign up in my store explaining this practice. We just make sure that if we're selling you one of these copies, you know why. And if you don't like it, then you can certainly choose not to buy it.

 

[SpiderX]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: SpiderX
There are two main reasons why Gamestop does this:

1. Theft - I run my own retail store (not Gamestop) and I can tell you that people will steal anything they can get their hands on. Just the other day someone stole a $19 copy of Bratz for the DS. In fact anything above $35 dollars needs to be kept behind the cash, simply because people will steal anything.

2. Copyright - In our stores we have to open at least two copies of games for display purposes. It would be much simpler to just print off a copy of of the game cover and display that, but we can't. Those images are copyrighted and if the games companies saw that we'd be in trouble. But the fact is, we need something to display or you would have to come in and ask every time whether or not something was in stock.

With that being said, we sell the opened copies only after all of our unopened copies are sold. When selling someone one of the opened copies, we just explain why it has been opened and no one has had a problem with that. As well, none of the copies leave the binder unless they are being sold. We don't have a "try out" policy at my company. It sucks that your copy had to be one of the opened ones, but I think it's a small price to pay for the store trying to merchandise things properly and neatly.

You didn't like the way they do it, so you voted with your dollars which is cool. But why get upset and yell at one of the workers who has nothing to do with company policy?

When you say you 'run' you own store...is this like the manager at a Steak and Shake...or do you have a manager working for you?

I'm the manager.

 

[Muadib]

Originally posted by: mugs
EB Games does. They're the same company as Gamestop.

Walmart keeps their games in a locked display case. Toys R Us keeps their more expensive games in a locked display case. It's nice being able to easily look at the back of the box.

I didn't know EB Games & Gamestop were one in the same. EB Games has been around these parts for as long as I can remember. I used to get stuff for my Apple II there. Gamestop has been here for about a decade or so.

The EB Games I go to, also keeps their new games locked up in a display case behind the register, and in the storeroom. The case is a small on when compared to the likes of Walmart or Toys, but it works. I'm pretty sure they only keep the newer stuff in it, because if you get a used game they have to go get it out of the back. If there is something I want to look at, at any of the stores, I ask.

Originally posted by: SpiderX
Our stores just don't have the space to accommodate locked storage like Walmart has. Not to mention, they are ugly and imposing. Also I myself as a customer much prefer to be able to pick up the copy and look at it. Sure you can get an employee to open the case, but sometimes they aren't around. How is the copyright issue a joke? Firstly even if the game companies offered us the option to pay for game cases, which they don't, why would we pay for it? The margin on games is razor thin as it is. Unless there is some public outcry, or I have a ton of customers complaining to me then we won't change it. Which as I said before, we explain why they have been opened, and not once has anyone complained.

Some times, like GTA4, they send out display cases for us. Which is great, I never have to open a copy of that game. But that is rare these days, it's just too cost prohibitive for the supplier to send out these cases to every store they ship to.

You are right though, there isn't a sign up in my store explaining this practice. We just make sure that if we're selling you one of these copies, you know why. And if you don't like it, then you can certainly choose not to buy it.

It sounds like your store practice works for you. As long as you let me know it's been opened, I wouldn't get upset, but unless you were giving me some sort of discount, I probably wouldn't buy it either. I have tons of other places that I can buy games from though. That might not be the case where you are.

I still think this practice is shady. If I had the time, I'd report it to one of the TV news shows. They eat this sort of stuff up, and would be all over it. I would need proof that it actually happens first, and that won't be easy to get.

StarsFan4Life, you have proof, or at least you did. Make a stand, and send an email to your local news. At the very least, you will have an interesting story to tell your grand kids one day.

 

[zerocool84]

I used to be an ASM at one and don't shop there unless there's a promo going on or coups. I don't agree with some of their tactics so I don't shop there plain and simple.

 

[BRObedoza]

i don't agree with this practice as well. i once bought a "new" game from Gamestop and questioned why the girl was giving me an open box disc. she said it was their last copy so i took it. I didn't feel right about it on my drive home and came back later that day to return it. The manager said I couldn't get my money back because it was "already opened" but luckily for me the original sales girl forgot to put the sticker on to "seal" the "new" game so I was able to get cash back. Yes it worked out alright for me in the end but I will never buy an open box "new" game from them ever again.

sure some of their stores are too small to fit display cases but why not put plastic hard cases with security tags inside the sealed games that are displayed on the floor, similar to Best Buy? They're reusable and allow customers to view the back side of the case.

 

[ShotgunSteven]

Originally posted by: venkman
This is standard practice for Gamestop. It isn't illegal. Just do what I do and don't shop there anymore.

What about when they take opened items in return or for credit and then resell them as new but opened?

 

[DivideBYZero]

LOL, the OP is poor!

 

[Finalnight]

1. Preorder from Amazon or something next time or just go to a store
2. 4 yrs in retail taught me that being nice first gets me more than being an ass. If nice doesn't work, then be an ass.
3. Do your research. I have never bought a thing from Gamestop in my life and even I knew about the open box policy.

 

[LtPage1]

You got exactly what you agreed to when you reserved the game. Read the fine print (or just know the store's obvious and longstanding policy). WTF is your problem, anyway? You made some poor clerk making minimum wage have a shitty day because you didn't get to slit a little piece of tape yourself? Come on, man. Be less of an asshole, and you'll enjoy yourself a little more.

 

[Blayze]

Do the new games that you order from Gamestop online come sealed or do they open those too?

Just wondering cause I stopped shopping at Gamestop due to this, although I wouldn't mind ordering a few things from them if they come sealed.

 

[KMFJD]

I went to EBGames to buy C&C 4 and they did the same thing, i asked if there where any sealed boxes, they said no, so i purchased it at another store.

 

[djdawn]

I went to the store to buy a game as a present, then the cashier proceeds to pick up the case from the shelf. The one with the price sticker on it, opened, and with billions of finger prints all over the manual.. grabs what appears to be a used disk from a drawer, fingerprints scratches and all, puts it in the case and charges me full price.
I ask "can I get a new copy?" and they give me this dumb look as if what he was selling me WAS a new copy. I explain that the game was intended to be a present and I would prefer a non nasty looking game+case, and a co-worker/manager comes up explaining that the game has never been played. I really didn't want to deal with the idiocy, so I left and bought the game elsewhere.

Granted I didn't reserve the game 3 months ahead of time (I would be HELL pissed if I did) but that experience prevents me from buying games or consoles from GameStop.

On a positive note, I do buy used stuff from them, controllers, cables, ps2 network adapters.. at least with those I know what I'm getting myself into.

 

[Suture]

You should be surprised they even had it in stock. They only seem to order [PREORDERS - 10] for any new game it seems. I gave up on GameStop a long time ago for various reasons.

 

[elektrolokomotive]

Wow.

Do you always broadcast your minor life's disappointments in this manner?

You: dead of a heart attack at 30.

 

[waggy]

I don't blame the OP. i wouldnt want to buy a open box as new.