Sleepydays
Banned
Hiding a copy of Rage 2 inside a really nasty porn mag, just because it's mildly less shameful.
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Shopping at GameStop is Miserable - Polygon
- Thread starter Bryank75
- Start date
Hiding a copy of Rage 2 inside a really nasty porn mag, just because it's mildly less shameful.
manfestival
Member
I don't know what makes more miserable? Shopping at gamestop or reading polygon articles?
jolof96
Member
I avoid game wherever possible...they failed once, bought out gamestation (RIP) and killed it to keep game going with the same clueless business tactics.
I did begrudgingly purchase God of War from them recently as they shockingly where the cheapest for it
PleaseWaitStation4
Banned
As soon as you walk in they repel down from ropes to change your mind about buying anything new. I went in for a new controller and they convinced me to buy a used one. Got home and the X button sticks when u pushed it in. They gave me shit when I tried to return it by saying, "well does it stick all the time?". Yes little man, I lose online matched because of your broke ass shit you sold me!...
diffusionx
Gold Member
Doesn't Domino's Pizza have that now?
diffusionx
Gold Member
GameStop is dying first and foremost because digital distribution took all their customers. Just like old CD stores, Blockbuster, etc. So whatever customer interaction you see is really not the issue. Even if GameStop was amazing for everyone they would still be dying.
That said, I worked at EB Games back in the day. It really chapped my ass when my boss told me we had to hard sell these disc things where you put in a scratched disc and it makes it so it works again. But no doubt I *did* sell them, because your average normie had discs in shockingly bad shape and wanted to get them working again. I know what games I want to preorder, I know I don't use my PlayStation discs to slide around in the driveway, I don't want to save $5 on a preowned game that just came out a week ago, but I make up a very small (although disproportionately large) portion of GameStop's potential revenue.
Again, though, I emphasize, the issue isn't that they scared off everyone with hard sales on preorders, the issue is that 70% of their customer base disappeared in the past 5 years.
That said, I worked at EB Games back in the day. It really chapped my ass when my boss told me we had to hard sell these disc things where you put in a scratched disc and it makes it so it works again. But no doubt I *did* sell them, because your average normie had discs in shockingly bad shape and wanted to get them working again. I know what games I want to preorder, I know I don't use my PlayStation discs to slide around in the driveway, I don't want to save $5 on a preowned game that just came out a week ago, but I make up a very small (although disproportionately large) portion of GameStop's potential revenue.
Again, though, I emphasize, the issue isn't that they scared off everyone with hard sales on preorders, the issue is that 70% of their customer base disappeared in the past 5 years.
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alabtrosMyster
Member
I find these stores depressing now a days.
TheSadRanger
Banned
The rental program they had for a brief period of time was amazing and I have no idea why they don't move towards some sort of subscription rent to own model again.
However I wouldn't be surprised if vendors threatened to stop supplying them with new titles if they continued with some sort of rental program.
hangdang69
Member
I don't really get the hate. You walk in, buy a game, and leave. I never get pestered too much, they just ask the standard questions that they are required to ask, and I answer them, pay and leave. It's like any other store
Jacknapes
Member
Same as you (and others), I preferred Gamestation over GAME/EB as the staff had a personality and offered a better service.
OP 90s JRPG Party Member
Member
This franchise basically exists to bail me out when I need to buy someone a birthday/Christmas gift at the last minute. Otherwise I'll shop online or at a locally owned store who aren't choking themselves in corporate upsell goals. That line in the OP about every interaction serving the company & not the customer is bang-on.
I still remember when I got my PS4 at the midnight launch (which I was only allowed to purchase a system at after buying one of their membership cards) a hypercaffeinated (or on some stimulant) register monkey badgering me about how I needed to buy insurance for my game disc. When I said I didn't need it, he went on about how I was going to regret it and how he would never thrown $70 down the drain like that. When I told him blu ray discs were highly scratch resistant he got visibly vexed, called me a liar and told me about how many wrecked blu rays he sees all the time. The nonsense pressure tactics keep me out of there as much as possible.
I still remember when I got my PS4 at the midnight launch (which I was only allowed to purchase a system at after buying one of their membership cards) a hypercaffeinated (or on some stimulant) register monkey badgering me about how I needed to buy insurance for my game disc. When I said I didn't need it, he went on about how I was going to regret it and how he would never thrown $70 down the drain like that. When I told him blu ray discs were highly scratch resistant he got visibly vexed, called me a liar and told me about how many wrecked blu rays he sees all the time. The nonsense pressure tactics keep me out of there as much as possible.
Iorv3th
Member
Biggest problem is the corporate assholes don't understand customer service at all and have been killing this company for a long time. They won't listen to ANYONE that works in the stores unless you kiss their ass and are sucking up to them and pushing magazines and pre-orders. I knew the guy that had his store at like #1 or #2 in the company for pre-orders and magazine subs and he ended up getting fired for discounting games 5$ to put it on a pre-order and was rigging the numbers. But corporate sure kissed his ass until they looked into that.
Their whole shtick encourages lying and cheating to get those numbers up. They don't care about customer service unless a customer calls directly to a district manager or something.
I worked there at the time and I remember them saying it was a cost issue so they didn't have to buy yellow stickers or some shit.
Their whole shtick encourages lying and cheating to get those numbers up. They don't care about customer service unless a customer calls directly to a district manager or something.
I worked there at the time and I remember them saying it was a cost issue so they didn't have to buy yellow stickers or some shit.
StreetsofBeige
Gold Member
Here's GS in a nut shell.
At the mall at 1:00 pm
1. Hey look, there's a Gamestop. Gonna check it out
2. Get's to front of store. Sees bargain bin of 360 and PS3 games
3. Walks in. Sees a bunch of non-gaming related toys
4. At 5 ft into the store, a GS employee makes their presence known, to make sure if you buy something to go to them since they can get a cut or tracked as a sale under their name
5. You see a wall of Xbox, PS and Nintendo cases
6. You don't see what you want, so you ask the employee if a copy is around. They check the system and there's a copy some reason in the back, yet it seems every board game, Funko and Pokemon card set is nicely put out. Disappears for a bit
7. You buy the game
8. Do you want Game Informer Mazagine?
9. No.
10. Do you want to buy a $3 Disc Guarantee?
11. No.
12. Do you want to pre-order anything? I hear stock is going to be low on the new Poker Porn game. Do you want to put down $10 for Poker Porn?
13. No.
14. Would you like to sign up for Edge Card and the various memberships? It gives you discounts
15. No.
16. Random game nerd is roaming the store and does nerd talk with the cashier totally ignoring you want to buy the game
17. Ok, that'll $50
18. I'll pay by credit card
19. Thanks. By the way, just want to remind you again about Poker Porn. Are you sure you don't want to pre-order anything?
20. No.
Time on receipt 1:20 pm
At the mall at 1:00 pm
1. Hey look, there's a Gamestop. Gonna check it out
2. Get's to front of store. Sees bargain bin of 360 and PS3 games
3. Walks in. Sees a bunch of non-gaming related toys
4. At 5 ft into the store, a GS employee makes their presence known, to make sure if you buy something to go to them since they can get a cut or tracked as a sale under their name
5. You see a wall of Xbox, PS and Nintendo cases
6. You don't see what you want, so you ask the employee if a copy is around. They check the system and there's a copy some reason in the back, yet it seems every board game, Funko and Pokemon card set is nicely put out. Disappears for a bit
7. You buy the game
8. Do you want Game Informer Mazagine?
9. No.
10. Do you want to buy a $3 Disc Guarantee?
11. No.
12. Do you want to pre-order anything? I hear stock is going to be low on the new Poker Porn game. Do you want to put down $10 for Poker Porn?
13. No.
14. Would you like to sign up for Edge Card and the various memberships? It gives you discounts
15. No.
16. Random game nerd is roaming the store and does nerd talk with the cashier totally ignoring you want to buy the game
17. Ok, that'll $50
18. I'll pay by credit card
19. Thanks. By the way, just want to remind you again about Poker Porn. Are you sure you don't want to pre-order anything?
20. No.
Time on receipt 1:20 pm
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Miles708
Member
I agree with this.
But something is changing, at least here (Europe). I was absolutely shocked (really) when they decided to NOT remove games from cases anymore. Some of them have "for display only" branding, and they'll always give you a wrapped copy. It's almost an honest store now!
I don't know if this is a widespread policy, or only here. Their prices are almost always not convenient anyway, but sometimes something good comes out.
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Cpt Conifer
Member
It might have been cool if they could have gone extremely hardcore. The last time I walked into one I wanted something different from Walmart or BB: I was looking to see if they had any HORI controllers, and they simply did not. The guy at least knew what I was talking about -- we were talking about how HORI could actually be considered a bit underrated and how, particularly over the past 10-15 years, they were often there to bail you out with a standard asymmetrical controller with a good D-pad. I remember during the 360 era, I picked up a Horipad that had turbo functionality, SIX FACE BUTTONS, and a good Dpad. That controller was controversial AF for having a bulky form factor but it was awesome once you got used to it. The funny thing is that layout turned out to be fucking awesome for Dark Souls, but don't make me go into the details of how. This was nearly ten years ago. All I remember is I was using the hell out of those six buttons plus the triggers to block and parry like a mofo. I loved that controller...
Anyways GameStop doesn't seem to carry stuff like that, or Japanese imports, but I imagine their used game library is still awesome if you were looking for 3ds stuff or whatever. I understand they have to keep it shallow and double down on plushies or whatever else they can to distinguish themselves.
It also legit might have been awesome if they made it a priority to be something of a small hangout, literally making sure to have a few GOOD arcade cabs at every spot hosting something that is at least Naomi-tier or higher, but who knows if that would have worked well. All I'm saying is if I'm ever going to go into a brick and mortar games store, it is now exclusively the super-niche hardcore retro style places where you can literally get a guy to change a battery on your FF6 SNES cart or something. Those places are so awesome.
Anyways GameStop doesn't seem to carry stuff like that, or Japanese imports, but I imagine their used game library is still awesome if you were looking for 3ds stuff or whatever. I understand they have to keep it shallow and double down on plushies or whatever else they can to distinguish themselves.
It also legit might have been awesome if they made it a priority to be something of a small hangout, literally making sure to have a few GOOD arcade cabs at every spot hosting something that is at least Naomi-tier or higher, but who knows if that would have worked well. All I'm saying is if I'm ever going to go into a brick and mortar games store, it is now exclusively the super-niche hardcore retro style places where you can literally get a guy to change a battery on your FF6 SNES cart or something. Those places are so awesome.
GribbleGrunger
Dreams in Digital
Damn right it is. When I went to the MM meetup, I couldn't find where they were based so I went into Gamestop thinking they could help. It turned out that MM HQ was literally only one block from the shop but the guy had no clue they were even based in Guildford. I asked him to search online to bring up a map ... so he searched for Media Monicle (I kid you not). He didn't even know who Media Molecule was and looked a little puzzled when I mentioned LBP and Tearaway.
Punished Miku
Human Rights Subscription Service
I bought a brand new full price, pre-ordered copy of Soul Calibur IV there.
It was opened.
I never went back.
It was opened.
I never went back.
#Phonepunk#
Banned
going to a physical store when you usually get all your games sent to you for free (bc you are a gaming journalist) is miserable im sure lol
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GreatnessRD
Member
I spit out my lemonade reading this. Yeah, Lamestop is very overbearing and tone-death with reading the customer. Like bruh, I said no. Relax
JayK47
Member
My local Gamestop is just fine and I do not look forward to the day they go out of business. I do admit that I hardly shop there anymore, but much of that has to do with the types of games I play and having too many kids and other hobbies. I would also hate to see Game Informer go down with Gamestop. I do enjoy Game Informer and hopefully they can stick around even if Gamestop doesn't.
xellos2099alpha
Member
Sometime preordering even normal edition of the game at gamestop get you special promo item like that Shenmue 3 mirror thingy.
Doom85
Member
I've never had an employee talk over me, and get probably asked a maximum of two questions per visit. Somehow, this doesn't ruin my entire day, shocking I know.
This is why when I worked at Toys R Us I pretty much stop asking guests on the retail floor if they'd like a Rewards card they can use when they check out to sign up for the program. Because shit like this just indicates how butthurt some people can get that I took A FEW SECONDS out of their SUPER DUPER IMPORTANT day. I'm just asking if they'd like a little card and yet some people act like instead I asked if I could take them out back and beat them with a baseball bat. Like geezus christ, people who actually work here are stuck inside this building for HOURS, heaven forbid your precious little ass have to stay in here an extra 5-20 seconds.
Also, of course they're going to at least ask if you pre-ordered the game first. Those copies are for the people who actually put a pre-order down, they can't just start handing them in to every dumbass rando who walks in and thinks there's some guarantee they'll have enough copies for every conceivable buyer. Granted, the latter is likely to be believed by a few dumbasses out there, one guy coming into my Toys R Us years ago was getting some Hot Wheels and wanted the free car that you got if you bought enough Hot Wheels. Mind you this was Saturday, the last day of the weekly offer of this free car. I check our stock and we're out. Dude wasn't having it though and said word for word, "that's unacceptable. You should all carry enough to ensure anyone who buys enough Hot Wheels gets one." I had to show all the restraint in the world in not saying out loud, "you're right, sir, Hot Wheels should make SEVEN BILLION of these stupid little cars just so some entitled asshole who couldn't even bother to show up until the final day of the offer gets his little toy."
This is why when I worked at Toys R Us I pretty much stop asking guests on the retail floor if they'd like a Rewards card they can use when they check out to sign up for the program. Because shit like this just indicates how butthurt some people can get that I took A FEW SECONDS out of their SUPER DUPER IMPORTANT day. I'm just asking if they'd like a little card and yet some people act like instead I asked if I could take them out back and beat them with a baseball bat. Like geezus christ, people who actually work here are stuck inside this building for HOURS, heaven forbid your precious little ass have to stay in here an extra 5-20 seconds.
Also, of course they're going to at least ask if you pre-ordered the game first. Those copies are for the people who actually put a pre-order down, they can't just start handing them in to every dumbass rando who walks in and thinks there's some guarantee they'll have enough copies for every conceivable buyer. Granted, the latter is likely to be believed by a few dumbasses out there, one guy coming into my Toys R Us years ago was getting some Hot Wheels and wanted the free car that you got if you bought enough Hot Wheels. Mind you this was Saturday, the last day of the weekly offer of this free car. I check our stock and we're out. Dude wasn't having it though and said word for word, "that's unacceptable. You should all carry enough to ensure anyone who buys enough Hot Wheels gets one." I had to show all the restraint in the world in not saying out loud, "you're right, sir, Hot Wheels should make SEVEN BILLION of these stupid little cars just so some entitled asshole who couldn't even bother to show up until the final day of the offer gets his little toy."
Doom85
Member
I've heard countless people say games they pre-ordered on Amazon do not show up on time but have had to wait a day or two. Not to mention if the disc has scratches and such I can't play the game and have to wait for a return and new copy which is a possibility since Amazon makes little to no effort to ensure contents aren't bouncing around in the box, and if it's a single game oh you know you're just getting a cheap ass envelope. It blows my mind how a smaller delivery company like RightStuf who focuses entirely on anime/manga and clearly has far less money can ensure top-notch packaging that secures the contents while rich as hell Amazon is just cheap as fuck in this department. Like, I use Amazon, but I am not putting them on a pedestal.
At Gamestop (in the decades I've shopped there they've never once not had the game on release day) they would let me exchange the game for another copy if there was an issue with the disc. Not to mention since their shipments are in bulk that means the case is less likely to be jumping around while in transit. Far more secure.
JayK47
Member
I used to pre-order from them back when there were pre-order bonuses specific to Gamestop. I do not see those anymore, or any reason at all to pre-order from Gamestop rather than Amazon or anywhere else. They do not offer any kind of incentive anymore. So really, there is no good reason to buy new from them, only used. For used, I do use them maybe once or twice a year and without them, I would be stuck going to Ebay or something non-local. At my local GS, I do not get harassed. Maybe because I am a member. The membership is worth it for Game Informer alone.
theclaw135
Banned
On a local level, Gamestop has the market essentially cornered. Many towns and cities don't have dedicated gaming retailers.
Yet GS repeatedly blunders in pursuit of everything except their core audience.
They've been a toy store, clothing store, movie store, mobile phone store... in the past they even went through a (short lived) attempt to merge with book store Barnes & Noble.
Yet GS repeatedly blunders in pursuit of everything except their core audience.
They've been a toy store, clothing store, movie store, mobile phone store... in the past they even went through a (short lived) attempt to merge with book store Barnes & Noble.
Old Retro
Member
I was at a Gameflop a few months ago to preorder the latest COD as I have done in the past. This asshat demands my phone number in order to "make sure the system has a record". Just take my fuckin money and gimme the goddamn receipt!!! I refused to give lil sheriff any of my information. I hope that store closes for good.
Back in the day I used to walk into a GameStop and get a game 3-4 days early sometimes more. Chrono cross, ff7,8,9 , and others. When that stopped there was no longer any reason to stand for being treated like they treat their customers. I have periodically in the past walked in and asked for an early copy of a game the answer is always you can pre-order it to ensure we have a copy for you, and my reply is always - I already have it pre-ordered through Amazon.
If game stop wants my business they’ll sell me a copy under the table like they used to. Otherwise I wish them an easy death.
If game stop wants my business they’ll sell me a copy under the table like they used to. Otherwise I wish them an easy death.
Shifty1897
Member
The GameStop near me only hires teenage gamer girls and they upsell so much shit it's no wonder why they're still in business.
StreetsofBeige
Gold Member
I remember when EB came to Canada in the mid 90s as Electronic's Boutique.
- Low prices
- Price match competitor's ad
- 10 day return policy even if you played it
- All games and accessories and hardware. Zero board games, t-shirts, movie dvds, funko, etc.....
Those were the days.
- Low prices
- Price match competitor's ad
- 10 day return policy even if you played it
- All games and accessories and hardware. Zero board games, t-shirts, movie dvds, funko, etc.....
Those were the days.
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JSoup
Banned
Gotta learn how to tell people to fuck off without saying it.
Them: Your membership has expired, would you-
Me: *counting money, not looking at them* Hmmm.
Them: Would you like to rene-
Me [item i'm buying] is [price on screen], yes? *holds money out, looks down at phone, ignores further interactions until they give up and finish the damn transaction*
You don't even need to be that rude, just a smile, polite nod, make it obvious you aren't listening, all that will push the transaction along.
KormaChameleon
Member
Oh goodness me. Last time I went into game I got given a £20 gift card which I used towards RE2. Went to the counter, asked for a copy, spent a few minutes looking in the drawer and then got told they would get the box for the game. Asked if they didn't have sealed then spent about 10 minutes debating on why the game is still brand new. (I also agree, seal broken, no longer new) and haven't purchased anything from them since.
I've been in the store, it looks well stocked but the prices between used and new are insane, still charging full retail price for games that are a couple of years old now. It also recently came out in the news that some of the stores was closing, my local one included. That screwed up my plans on trading in the X towards the Series X.
-Troid-
Banned
I just go to GS for cheap used games now and then. Like the other day I happened upon a copy of Rayman Legends for the WiiU for $9.
Before that I got Crysis 2 and 3 for like $5. Despite being razzed about not resubbing on my pro membership every time I go in I still like going there just to see what old-but-gold stuff I can dig up, and I have a couple games preordered there since it's so close to where I live.
Before that I got Crysis 2 and 3 for like $5. Despite being razzed about not resubbing on my pro membership every time I go in I still like going there just to see what old-but-gold stuff I can dig up, and I have a couple games preordered there since it's so close to where I live.
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I see your point but I think the issue that customers figured out is that these scripts that GS makes their employees follow arent for the benefit of the customer at all, but only serve to benefit Gamestop.
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Airola
Member
Some months ago I bought 4 Wii U games from there for cheap.
Clerk: Would you like a warranty for 2 euros?
Me: No thanks.
Clerk: Are you sure?
Me: Yes, no thanks.
Clerk: It's very cheap, are you really sure?
Me: Yes, no thanks.
Clerk: But if something happens to the games it's our responsibility to get you replacements.
Me: Yeah, I don't need it.
Clerk: But it's only 2 euros.
Me: No thanks.
*right about to pay*
Clerk: Are you really sure about it?
Me: Yes, I don't need it.
*exchanging money*
Clerk: Are you really sure? It's very cheap. It's our respon....
Me: Yeah, no thanks.
Clerk: I mean, it would be good for...
Me: No thanks.
This made sense after I learned Gamestop ends in Finland soon. I guess they've been ordered to get as much extra money as possible from this warranty system because they are gone soon and don't have to seek any possible replacements to anyone anymore.
But damn that was another experience that made me very sour on trying to buy anything from there.
PleaseWaitStation4
Banned
Fuck Fukno Pops!
Catphish
Member
I worked at FuncoLand, which was the previous incarnation of GameStop, back in the mid 90s. What blows my mind is how little the tactics have changed in 25 or so years.
These days, it's disc insurance. Back then, it was cartridge cleaners. The magazine subscription was still a thing, as were the ridiculous buyback prices and fear tactics to sell useless crap.
I hated working there. The manager was a stroke, and the pressure to bullshit the customers was relentless. The only good things I came away with were the knowledge of how to wrap and bundle a power cord without a twist-tie, and a cute blonde girlfriend I met at the Walgreens next door.
These days, it's disc insurance. Back then, it was cartridge cleaners. The magazine subscription was still a thing, as were the ridiculous buyback prices and fear tactics to sell useless crap.
I hated working there. The manager was a stroke, and the pressure to bullshit the customers was relentless. The only good things I came away with were the knowledge of how to wrap and bundle a power cord without a twist-tie, and a cute blonde girlfriend I met at the Walgreens next door.
Damien Crowley
Member
Alebrije
Member
Gamespot will be around for some time, not the same size (number of stores) but will keep doing bussiness on key sales places. Not all the Gamespot stores has the personal the article says , there are fine guys willing to help on a lot of them. It would be interesting to know how many stores the writer went in order to write the article,
CloudStrife_ca
Member
I'm telling you right now as a collector of 30 yrs, its going to suck if GameStop/ EB Games (In Canada) goes under. Yes their sales tactics are relentless, the trade in values are a joke but if you want to buy physical games, I'd rather deal with GameStop/ EB than some tool who doesn't have a clue at Walmart or BestBuy, especially for Collectors Editions as for ordering those online, that gets pricey quickly and its not likely you're getting the game/ CE on launch day. The moral of the story is, get in what you came to get, then get out.
StreetsofBeige
Gold Member
Yup.
GS has it's perks..... trade ins, a huge selection of used games, bargain binning.
I use GS solely for console trade backs as I don't want to bother getting nickel and dimed to death over two weeks with Craigslist or Kijiji.
Some of their promo trade in deals are actually pretty good.
I bet most people who trade in the systems do it at GS. If they go broke, have fun at other stores or responding to relentless bargain hunters online.
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CloudStrife_ca
Member
This is true, the system trade-ins at the right time can be great, as an Onyx member (someone who spends waaayy too much money there) traded in my launch PS4 for a PS4 Pro for $200 out of pocket. Those deals are magical, good luck pulling a bunch of maneuvers to do that on Craigslist for a used PS4 Pro or whatever you're trying to upgrade too.
S
SLoWMoTIoN
Unconfirmed Member
Hold up, do you not understand that every retailer in the world needs basic info when you preorder merchandise in case something happens? What year is this?
StreetsofBeige
Gold Member
I traded in my Xbox One OG for $200 I think. And when applied to new stuff they only tax you on the difference when I got an X. So it's really $226 of value.
As for online selling. I stick to selling only 99% of the time. The only time I ever bought was twice. Some Ikea table frame and some old ass DVD sets. No way I'm buying a console or tv or anything like that off a random guy. I'll take my chances on a table frame and scratched discs for cheap, but that's it.
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