Dear GameStop: Let Me Get The Hell Out Of Your Store
See Full ImageTwelve years ago, I felt pretty silly when I had to answer every phone call with, "thank you for calling Electronics Boutique, where you can now trade in your used games." I would also refrain from suggesting a strategy guide if I saw the customer was A. obviously in a hurry, B. obviously not interested in talking, or C. all of the above. But now, things are just out of control.
I think the current average length of a GameStop transaction is around 37 minutes. And that's only for one game; if it's a system or a bunch of accessories or something, you might be standing there for the rest the day.
"Yes, I have the Power Up card. No, I don't want the upgrade."
"No, I don't really care about Game Informer."
"No, I don't want the strategy guide."
"No, I don't have anything to trade in."
"No, I don't want to pre-order anything."
"No, I don't want to protect the game with your insurance."
"Yes, I know about the damn survey."
Add ten minutes for each question above that is answered in a way that demands an explanation. Back in the late '90s, we'd rip through a line of 20 during the holidays - systems, games, accessories, etc. - in record time; now, if there are more than 3 people in front of me, I'm far more likely to leave the store. There's such a thing as customer service, and there's such a thing as wasting everyone's time.
And as far as I'm concerned, customer service is supposed to speed things up, and that certainly hasn't happened. I have no intention of being rude to anyone, but I'm sorry GameStop, your employees are testing my patience.
...oh look, Amazon sells games...
Tags: gamestop, games industry, video games, game consumers
3/9/2011 9:19:50 PM Ben Dutka
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Comments (177 posts)
t4_robz
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 6:56:53 AM
3 up, 1 down
LightShow
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 9:46:50 PM
Reply
6 up, 8 down
Underdog15
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 10:05:19 AM
5 up, 0 down
LightShow
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 11:11:44 AM
1 up, 1 down
Underdog15
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 10:06:31 AM
For us there's free shipping for anything over $20... pre-orders included. It usually arrives within 1 business day, too, if I order early enough in the day.
0 up, 0 down
Drake_RB3
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 8:39:39 PM
0 up, 0 down
Isamisis
Sunday, March 13, 2011 @ 6:28:04 PM
0 up, 0 down
GuernicaReborn
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 9:53:39 PM
Reply
I've had a short fuse all day, actually, and just reading this article gets my blood slightly boiling. No need for all the bullsh**, just ring people out and let them be on their way.
I haven't been in gamestop since I bought MGS4 from there on release day. Reading this makes me proud of that statement.
10 up, 1 down
Cesar_ser_4
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 6:06:31 AM
10 up, 1 down
CaptRon
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 9:55:45 PM
Reply
12 up, 1 down
tes37
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 9:58:11 PM
Reply
For every playstation question you ask, you get three bonus fun facts about the xbox 360.
29 up, 1 down
CharlesD
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 11:45:08 PM
5 up, 1 down
kraygen
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 11:47:47 PM
Or a thousand questions in return demanding to know why you own a playstation when you could obviously have the superior 360 which is obviously better in every way.
13 up, 1 down
EddPm6
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 9:58:55 PM
Reply
8 up, 1 down
LimitedVertigo
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 10:10:50 PM
9 up, 1 down
Jawknee
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 10:23:19 PM
7 up, 1 down
Underdog15
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 12:38:25 PM
2 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 10:08:52 PM
Reply
Gamestop is the worst though. I pride myself on being amiable because I have a soft spot for people who are just doing their job but sometimes I would really like to just say "I wanna buy this game and my answer to any question you have is no."
11 up, 1 down
kraygen
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 11:49:41 PM
Last time I was at Best Buy a guy pointed out their trade in program. Bring in any used game and get 10% off your next video game purchase. So if you're trading in a $60 game and purchasing a $20 game, you'll get $2 off, hooray!
Oh wait.
4 up, 1 down
Jawknee
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 12:33:20 AM
4 up, 2 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 1:32:37 AM
2 up, 1 down
kraygen
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 2:19:36 AM
When that happens I'm going to finally buy uncharted, uncharted 2, and get something else free, with my gift cards it'll only cost me $10.
0 up, 1 down
johnld
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 2:58:56 AM
they also make you do your own preorders now with their "preorder kiosks". before you can just take a preorder box to the cashier and thats it. now you have to find it in their kiosk, which is a pain since not all popular and recent games are on the first page. i tried to find killzone 3 and it took me 3-4 pages to find it. after you find it, you take the preorder reciept it prints out to cashier, then activate it at home. i got pissed looking for the game so i walked out.
they keep pushing the protection plan everytime i buy a ps3 game. i say no, they say that they'll replace it when game gets scratched, i look at them like theyre idiots and say bluray discs are scratch resistant. you have to seriously scratch it on purpose to get a scratch on it.
3 up, 0 down
kraygen
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 5:29:50 AM
At my best buy they will only let you put $5 down on a pre-order. I went in to pre-order a game one day and I had the gift cards to pay for it all, but they wouldn't let me pay more $5.
0 up, 0 down
Godslim
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 6:42:00 AM
1 up, 0 down
Zorigo
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 10:52:43 AM
2 up, 0 down
BeezleDrop
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 10:11:04 PM
Reply
7 up, 1 down
Jawknee
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 10:24:39 PM
Reply
13 up, 2 down
Nickjcal
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 10:27:36 PM
1 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 10:32:13 PM
5 up, 2 down
DIsmael85
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 4:18:37 AM
1 up, 0 down
DIsmael85
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 4:38:20 AM
0 up, 0 down
regular14
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 10:24:50 PM
Reply
4 up, 1 down
Nickjcal
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 10:26:34 PM
Reply
0 up, 1 down
Lawless SXE
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 10:28:16 PM
Reply
It'd be bloody annoying to have to go through that every time, and I'm glad that I've never met anyone that fanatical about their customer 'service'. Guess we're not quite Americanised yet.
Peace.
0 up, 0 down
Codeez
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 10:29:24 PM
Reply
6 up, 1 down
regular14
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 10:31:17 PM
Reply
3 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 10:34:27 PM
8 up, 2 down
Codeez
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 10:44:11 PM
6 up, 1 down
Cesar_ser_4
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 6:20:34 AM
1 up, 10 down
___________
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 8:22:19 AM
1 up, 6 down
Riku994
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 10:33:30 PM
Reply
6 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 10:35:11 PM
10 up, 2 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 11:26:01 PM
6 up, 1 down
Riku994
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 11:40:59 PM
2 up, 0 down
Clamedeus
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 8:32:42 AM
2 up, 0 down
556pineapple
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 10:37:01 PM
Reply
0 up, 0 down
Alienange
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 10:37:04 PM
Reply
10 up, 1 down
kraygen
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 11:52:46 PM
Freezes their mouths shut.
5 up, 0 down
LanceNLT
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 10:40:22 PM
Reply
0 up, 0 down
Temjin001
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 10:48:15 PM
Reply
And offering a so-called "strategy guide" to me is an insult to my ever so sensitive elitist gamer ego =p
Seriously though, I try not to take offense from the people asking the questions. All of those automated responses come straight down from their corporate stiffs who wan't milk you for every dime they can while you're there. I like people so I ended up talking to whoever is there about something.
Yesterday, while shopping at Best Buy a dude was all "whoa! is that the game?" while watching a demo of GT5 on a huge 60" LEDTV. I was like, "heck yes, it is "and talked it all up, debunked the Forza alternative and I think I got him sold on both a PS3 and the game. Boo'yah! and this stuff doesn't come down from any corporate butt-faced-save-ourselves-from-certain-doom-game-retailer-agenda, it's all me sharing the love!
7 up, 1 down
Temjin001
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 10:52:34 PM
Snag yourselves a UK PSN account (seriously guys 2min of your time) and you can download yourself the Motorstorm Apocalypse demo right now. No PSN PLUS required. It's cool stuff. A pretty dramatic change from the prior games but still some good rip-roaring fun.
1 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 10:54:03 PM
6 up, 2 down
Temjin001
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 10:58:20 PM
But as for those cheapo 360 games, I snagged Splinter Cell Double Agent a little while back for $9.99. Gears 2 for $9.99 and Gears for $4.99... crazy eh?
There's also a whole lot of other oldie-but-goodie games their too for that cheap. Bioshock 9.99, DMC4 9.99, etc etc.
Get this, of the twenty 360 games I own (or so), I've spent less than $240 bucks on the lot of them. That's like $12 big ones a game, good deal eh?
And I'm totally digging Lost Odyssey for $16
1 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 11:03:25 PM
1 up, 1 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 11:29:40 PM
8 up, 3 down
Lawless SXE
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 11:35:53 PM
3 up, 0 down
kraygen
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 11:53:59 PM
No that makes perfect sense, kinect comes with a game.
People got home, played it, never bought another kinect game again. See perfect sense.
7 up, 2 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 1:35:37 AM
4 up, 2 down
jimmyhandsome
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 9:07:17 AM
I try not to take it out on them because I know its being forced by corporate to increase revenue. Big business at its finest. I almost always buy from Amazon anyway. Can't beat their pre-order deals (ideally a $20 future videogame purchase credit- but thats usually with 360 games) or their prices. I check out gamestop for any older used games, like how I just bought Resistance: FoM which was a PS3 launch title (Credit goes to Jawknee for that tidbit, thanks!) for only $10.
1 up, 0 down
Lenoxseer
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 11:03:26 PM
Reply
Oh and if it means anything. My store was a Sony store. :) Now I didn't talk down the 360 at all because it can do a lot too. I just compare certain aspects and asked what the customer was looking for in a system and they almost always went with a PS3.......or a Wii if it was for the little ones, but now that the PS3 has Move and if I still worked there I would always recommend the PS3 now since it has better motion control.
Last edited by Lenoxseer on 3/9/2011 11:08:24 PM
2 up, 0 down
Lenoxseer
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 11:09:05 PM
2 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 11:12:51 PM
2 up, 1 down
CHAOS THEORY X
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 11:14:30 PM
Reply
0 up, 1 down
DeathOfChaos
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 11:21:17 PM
Reply
3 up, 1 down
GuernicaReborn
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 11:32:50 PM
3 up, 1 down
slugga_status
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 9:22:04 AM
For example if I go to my regular one. I get no question. They don't try to get me to pre-order multiplats at all. However, if I go to one across the state line, I get the questions, the PS3 bashing, etc. Really just depends on the employees..
0 up, 0 down
PANICinc
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 12:28:56 PM
It's easy to incorporate all those sales pitches into a relaxed conversation, like say, when the Gamestop employee is getting the games out of the drawer, or when they engage you on the sales floor.
Bottom line is this. GameStop is a corporate company, and they have sales goals. If you don't like how the employee tries to meet their goals, speak up and fill out the freakin survey! Leave constructive criticism, and don't give them a "neutral" score! (Neutral surveys don't get looked at, only high and low)
2 up, 0 down
EvilKen
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 11:23:30 PM
Reply
Last edited by EvilKen on 3/9/2011 11:24:57 PM
0 up, 0 down
Dreno
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 11:31:40 PM
Reply
This is the last time I order fro gs. That place = no bueno.
0 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 11:31:51 PM
Reply
4 up, 2 down
AcHiLLiA
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 11:36:06 PM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
th3_bLy
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 11:43:45 PM
Reply
Last edited by th3_bLy on 3/9/2011 11:48:58 PM
3 up, 0 down
Mr Bubbles IGR
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 11:44:18 PM
Reply
Last edited by Mr Bubbles IGR on 3/9/2011 11:44:40 PM
2 up, 0 down
kraygen
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 11:58:15 PM
Reply
If I purchase something, I put it on the counter as I very clearly say, "This is all I want." I don't give them a chance to talk to me, I say that and hold my debit card waiting to swipe it, staring at them as if they are keeping me from a funeral, I pay, I grab, I go.
If you give them a chance to speak, the ones in my local gamestop want to explain how poor and pathetic you are for not purchasing your game on 360, but they are too dumb to know it's a ps3 exclusive.
3 up, 1 down
johnld
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 3:03:37 AM
2 up, 1 down
BikerSaint
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 12:16:43 AM
Reply
Hell, one of their employees will always stop what they're doing to wait on me because I always have a bundle of games. And I work their asses off too, I usually come up to the counter with at least 15-20 used ($20 & under) games and for every console.
And they know to give me the best un-marked game box, manual & art if there's more in the back) & I make sure they also hand me every single disc to just to visually make sure it's mint(and for the correct system too).
And they also know better than to ask me those same 100 questions.
But one of them forgot & started to pick up the yellow highlighting marker to circle the survey on my receipt, when I told him to drop it & step far, far away from the marker or it could very well become a rectal thermometer.
There's only 1 employee out of all 5 stores that I can't stand, a 20 something bimbo with the "valley girl" act with a shrill voice to match.
I try to avoid her like the plague, otherwise her grating flytrap that she calls a mouth, will make my eardrums bleed out
Last edited by BikerSaint on 3/10/2011 12:18:20 AM
2 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 12:22:13 AM
2 up, 1 down
frylock25
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 7:55:03 AM
1 up, 0 down
BikerSaint
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 10:28:01 PM
Nahhhhh, he's not my dog,
He's just an evil demonic possession that's taken a shine to spiritually humping my couch legs.
And ever since he's been seeing all those other red-eyes while I'm play Killzone 3, now he thinks he's a Helghast.
1 up, 0 down
Killa Tequilla
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 12:16:44 AM
Reply
Your old (what ever PowerUpRewards I had) is going out of date, here i'll switch you over to PowerUpRewards & sign in the website to activate. That was it. When I got to GS I usually ask the questions... I buy ALMOST all my Ps3 goods there. I used to go to BestBuy or Wal-Mart, but until I found out GS was closer, I just go to GS. Any games I purchased from 2010 to now, it was at GS. Any purchases before it was Wal-Mart, BestBuy, or 7 eleven (World at War lol). Actually - Fully payed Socom 4 from GS :) just ready to pick up at release. If they ask me questions, I'll just get a flashback to this article, but I doubt it.
Last edited by Killa Tequilla on 3/10/2011 12:20:55 AM
0 up, 0 down
A2K78
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 12:22:44 AM
Reply
Other than that I find this complaining about gamestop employees asking question ridiculous. If you don't want to be asked questions or recommends from a sales clerk, just shop online where your tranactsions are anonymous and you don't have to deal with another human being. Until then retailers like gamestop will continue to pith you(the customer) additional products/services.
"I have to say as a former employee that (at my store at least) the damn District Managers and Corporate snobs hound the underlings to ask these questions or they lose their job."
Now why are these district managers requiring you ask question? It must have something to with the facts its standard corporate policy.
5 up, 9 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 12:56:23 AM
He gets owned hardcore any time he posts, but it doesn't matter. He can't be wrong or he'll spontaneously combust.
...wait...on the other hand.....
Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 3/10/2011 12:56:54 AM
10 up, 4 down
sawao_yamanaka
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 2:43:29 AM
I just burst out laughing. Again very surprised people like him stay on this website. As for GS I haven't purchased anything from them since Mirrors Edge.
@Jawknee
I know you are buying the 3DS right? Have you seen the scam they are doing by selling the system and a game? $299.99 for both game and system. Great bundle!
0 up, 3 down
Jawknee
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 3:13:43 AM
3 up, 0 down
sawao_yamanaka
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 3:49:24 AM
0 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 4:25:05 AM
As for 3DS, that Street Fighter does look sweet. I'll pick it up eventually. NGP just seems like the better of the two to get since I can only afford one for the time being. Can't wait to see what they have planned for Zelda. Are you going to get Skyward Sword?
1 up, 1 down
AStiffyIffy
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 10:48:58 AM
Last edited by AStiffyIffy on 3/10/2011 10:57:32 AM
5 up, 8 down
jimmyhandsome
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 11:53:22 AM
yes very typical indeed...
"You disagree with BEN! YOU DUMB!"
4 up, 7 down
Underdog15
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 12:47:30 PM
Everyone has disagreed with Ben and one another at some point. The difference is, most of us try to back up our point of view with facts.
In the past, we have all been open to A2k78's point of view, but no matter how often we ask, he NEVER supplies facts or a reason for why he thinks what he does, and resorts to insults when people don't agree with him.
If you knew that, you wouldn't be so quick to defend him.
5 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 12:47:45 PM
3 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 12:55:54 PM
4 up, 3 down
jimmyhandsome
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 1:25:16 PM
And I'm not familar with his posts, but it seems like he disagrees with the editorial at hand and just got roasted for it. He provided his opinion about brick and mortar stores vs. shopping online and you guys let him have it.
0 up, 2 down
Jawknee
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 1:32:43 PM
4 up, 0 down
sawao_yamanaka
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 1:59:14 PM
@Jawknee
Yea I'm getting just unsure of its release date. Looks like its going to be a very fun Zelda title.
1 up, 1 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 8:24:05 PM
There's a very big difference between disagreeing because you actually have something to say, and disagreeing because you have an ego the size of California and try to start fights.
You've disagreed plenty. Nobody is yelling at you. So don't bother with baseless accusations, please.
Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 3/10/2011 8:26:32 PM
4 up, 0 down
NotGoofinAround
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 8:46:48 PM
A2k78 saying that "a salesperson/clerk (regardless of the retailer) will always present the customer with questions/recommendations" is a fact, also saying "In the case of Gamestop their sales clerks are merely doing what other retailers have been doing for a very long time" is a fact.
A2k78 keep it up because some people read your stuff and agree but are scared to speak up because of the elitist nature of this group. Unfortunately I feel eventually you will fall out and just get sick and tired of the "cool guys" like I have. This site's facade of being an intelligent, friendly place to discuss opinions of games and the industry is total BS.
1 up, 8 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 9:06:13 PM
6 up, 1 down
Nlayer
Friday, March 11, 2011 @ 1:02:42 AM
But that's just my view on it. I'll shut up now. ;_;
1 up, 2 down
Underdog15
Friday, March 11, 2011 @ 9:01:42 AM
When have I ever blasted a person without articulating a response? Go. Go now and find me a single solitary example of when I resorted to something as base as name calling. I CHALLENGE you to do so. You won't succeed.
Similarly, I find that to be incredibly hypocritical of you, considering just the other day, many people articulated educated responses to an opinion you had, and you resorted with absolutely no response to them. You provided NO rebuttle at all. You simple rambled on about some anti-corporation crap. Talk about the kettle calling the pot black! Just because you talk and talk and talk, doesn't mean you've provided a thorough or thought provoking response.
In the case of A2k78, yes, I agree with you that he made some true statements. I disagree that everyone ganged up on him. Only Ben and Jawknee got angry with him, and I simply shed light on WHY they did that. I did not attack him in this thread.
But back to the point I was making... yes, I agree that he made true statements, but the frustrating part is that he was trying to somehow Disagree with Ben's article... by saying that the employees have no choice but to say stuff is true... Ben never blamed employees like A2k78 said. And he FULLY understands how the system worked. He simply said he believes they should lay off to make the visit more enjoyable for patrons.
If A2k78 wanted anything to disagree with, he should have commented more on various ways of making the experience enjoyable, or he should have claimed that he liked being asked all those questions. He simply either didn't understand or read the article.
I dunno... if I was a betting man, I'd say you are still upset about the other day's article. You SHOULDN'T be. You should move on and continue contributing, because as far as I can tell, aside from that one solitary thread, you provide some good points and discussions!
But not A2k78. He literally drops negativity, and never shows up to defend himself. He exists to disagree. Never comment. If he did anything really wrong, he would have been baned. It's hard to say we only like good posters, because he and guys like _______ are still here unbanned.
No... we're just getting tired of the same ol' same ol' and some of the regulars (who OFTEN disagree with each other!!! See the disagreement me and Jawk have had over used games, or me and WorldEndsWithMe over football games and other sports. Ben and I often see eye to eye on many things, as I think we're probably quite similar in tastes and even education, but I have disagreed with the occasional review or comment, but not often) have merely decided to call him out on it.
@Nylayer (and still NGA)
Look... face it... there are good ways to disagree. And you can do that. And people will respect it, but they're not going to suddenly agree. You can't call that BIAS, Nlayer. People get all upset and think there's bias or whatever, just because they can't agree with a comment. Look, no one here is going to fully convince another into converting to their way of thinking.
But is it REALLY too much to ask to have people both back up their stance with facts AND reply to another person's posts? You can't have a discussion by ignoring what people say, and you can't start a conversation about an article if you either don't read it or completely misunderstand.
4 up, 0 down
Underdog15
Friday, March 11, 2011 @ 9:03:22 AM
2 up, 0 down
Nlayer
Friday, March 11, 2011 @ 11:07:23 AM
I guess what really bothers me is that the news articles seem more like blogs than anything else. But that might be what the site is going for.
I didn't mean to offend anyone with my comments and I apologize if I did. I usually don't post this much. I try to stay out of the drama here.
0 up, 1 down
Underdog15
Friday, March 11, 2011 @ 12:52:06 PM
It can be hard to differentiate for some people, I'm sure. I find this site has a mix of editorials or opinion based articles like this, reviews, previews, and news. I don't know if anyone really wants it labeled which one it is. Maybe they do, I don't know. I know editorials have EDITORIAL written, but even then, people respond as if it's false news. lol
2 up, 0 down
Nlayer
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 1:10:24 AM
Reply
The only time we talk a lot is when I am willing to have a conversation about a title that we both are interested in (I usually bring the cnvo up, and only when I am the only one in the store). Where I live, which is a large city, the people who work at Gamestop are actual Gamers. And most of them love PS3 too (But they don't force Xbots to like it)! I have 6 GS stores in my city, none of them have problems. I guess I am lucky to have better management where I live. Whenever a customer in front of me takes a while because the customer keeps asking questions to the employee, the employee apologizes for the wait after the other guy leaves just like any other retail store.
It's a really great business here. Plus, my emails get answered quickly and they usually help me a lot online. Sure, the prices might be a bit high but the service I get is amazing! A lot better then Hastings or Walmart (My three Walmarts only ever have one checking lane at a time open! I hate that)
Your story is funny though. But I don't think you should judge a company on bad management. It's easy to do that, yes, but it's the area's fault most likely. (Based on my experience anyways...)
1 up, 1 down
kraygen
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 2:26:23 AM
Reply
However this is most likely due to the fact they are all trying to convince me that 360's print money and I am insane for not making all of my purchases on that particular system. Like trying to convince me that heavy rain will be on 360 one day, I'm beginning to believe being in a gamestop causes the loss of brain cells.
I can see it now,
surgeon generals warning: Gamestop is more detrimental to your health than cigarettes or marijauna, please use at your own risk.
4 up, 1 down
BikerSaint
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 11:00:52 PM
The PowerUp card replaces the old Edge card that GS & EB used to give to the customers.
There's 2 different cards, & both give you points every time you buy, towards Gamestop's new catalog of gaming stuff.
1. There's the regular "basic" PowerUp card that's free, which only gives you these few basic rewards...
Points per new games 10 Points
Point's per Pre-owned games 20 Points
Trade bonus 20 Points per $
A birthday Bonus
Exclusive members-only offers
Entry into monthly epic reward 1 Entry
Online card activation 250 Points
Establishing your games library 250 Points.
2. Then there's the better PowerUp PRO card cost's $14.99 yearly and you get the subscription to Game Informer magazine(I have this one and have accumulated almost 40,000 points already).
Plus you also get this too...
Welcome offer on pre-owned games: a buy 2-Get one free coupon
Points per new games 10 Points
Point's per Pre-owned games 20 Points
Trade bonus 20 Points per $
A birthday Bonus
Exclusive members-only offers
Entry into monthly epic reward 2 Entries
Online card activation 250 Points
Establishing your games library 250 Points.
Upgrade to Pro tier 250 Points
Point bonus for purchases 10%
Pre-owned product discount 10%
Trade bonus 10%
New strategy guide discount 10%
You can check out all PowerUp Rewards info here, plus what's in their rewards gift catalog here...
Some of the gift's are junk in my opinion, but there's a few worth trying to get, like free game DLC downloads, $20 & $50 PSN cards, and coupons worth anywhere from $5 off on up to $50 off coupons on certain items purchased any GS store
www.PowerUpRewards.com
1 up, 0 down
johnld
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 3:00:48 AM
5 up, 0 down
DIsmael85
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 4:14:27 AM
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Temjin001
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 9:42:02 AM
it is possible that in your area, ps3 just doesn't sell as well, therefore they allot that product line less space. that is just basic business common sense.
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Clamedeus
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 10:25:23 AM
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Temjin001
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 10:36:39 AM
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DIsmael85
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 1:36:53 PM
You know I was being pretty sarcastic right? It was in reply to the Gamestop is so Xbox 360 oriented.
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___________
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 4:06:46 AM
Reply
reason i hate EB is there games be it new or used are about 30 bucks more then other stores, and they sell used games as new.
bought a brand new copy of MVC3 today, got it home and its got scratches all over it!
looks like a cat attacked it!
gotta take it back tomorrow.
there a rip off for accessories too, they want 600 bucks for a G27 but DSE had them last week for 480!
0 up, 2 down
th3_bLy
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 6:46:49 PM
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DIsmael85
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 4:11:15 AM
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I'm with you Ben on Gamestop shifting into a 100 questions situation. I almost feel like I should be like "Yo bro, you wanna buy me dinner after this?"
1 up, 0 down
Geobaldi
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 4:18:41 AM
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3 up, 1 down
SSRGohan
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 5:40:12 AM
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Lotusflow3r
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 6:35:40 AM
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It was like that at GAME (UK), i quit not long ago. All the questions you got is what i was pressured to ask. By the end, i was telling people to go online.
I did Sony proud btw. And you'd be shocked at how much M$ interferes with company procedures. They literally want to brain wash and pass it on!
Last edited by Lotusflow3r on 3/10/2011 6:38:12 AM
2 up, 0 down
PS3_Mom
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 8:20:17 AM
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4 up, 0 down
Temjin001
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 9:35:14 AM
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slugga_status
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 10:12:20 AM
On another note..speaking on GS and Killzone..I pre-ordered KZ3 and they told me my unlock code for the weapons were in the game case. I knew it was wrong info..It was supposed to be on my receipt but it wasn't..ended up just buying the dlc..
Last edited by slugga_status on 3/10/2011 10:14:39 AM
0 up, 1 down
BikerSaint
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 11:17:43 PM
The super-code voucher included....
Retro Map Pack featuring 2 popular maps from KZ2.
Fast Starter Pack featuring double XP for the 1st 24 hours of multi-player.
Guerilla Pack allowing full access to ALL weapons & abilities for the 1st 24 hours of multi=player.
A PS3 KZ3 dynamic theme
The KZ3 soundtrack
And also bonus video content giving you the behind-the-scenes look at the making of the game..
BTW, they also included a free beta code for SOCOM 4, for when it becomes available.
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Temjin001
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 9:33:57 AM
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i wonder if gamestop realizes that their efforts to increase their average sale may be pushing more consumers to a digital outlet instead. ultimately speedily progressing their own extinction process.
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Excelsior1
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 9:35:44 AM
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i have twice been told sony is getting out of the console business at gamestop!
Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 3/10/2011 10:20:16 AM
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DIsmael85
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 9:51:07 AM
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Temjin001
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 10:12:51 AM
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Excelsior1
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 12:14:08 PM
i don't think it's a corporate conspiracy, but sometimes it feels like it. it probably is fanboyism by certain employees in my area, but i sure do overhear a lot of it. get the 360 version. live is better.
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Jawknee
Friday, March 11, 2011 @ 11:02:49 AM
No conspiracy, simple marketing.
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 10:22:21 AM
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I worked at an EB. Of COURSE it's the company. The DMs and the other higher-ups constantly trying to find new ways to keep the employee talking to the customer. And by the way, all the bosses treat the underlings like they're 5, so the employees are probably just mimicking that attitude when dealing with customers.
3 up, 2 down
slugga_status
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 11:17:57 AM
For example, when I don't go to my regular GS all I get asked is do you own 360? yes. This game is better on 360? no it isn't. Or I overhear a conversation with the employee bashing the ps3.
I think it's a issue that's pinned on the company and some employees but certainly not all. My regular GS all I get asked about is if I want to pre-order anything else for ps3 while I'm there..
3 up, 0 down
PANICinc
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 12:37:29 PM
I love my job, but I hate the negative cloud that shrouds the company! BTW, my store is the #1 PS3 store in our Region! We try to be console neutral with our customers, but nothing feels better than putting an XBOX fanboy, hell, ANY fanboy in their place with facts!
END Rant
5 up, 0 down
DIsmael85
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 1:38:24 PM
I think that's probably why I said what I said. :D But yeah either way I am with you on how Gamestop/Eb Games works. It's pretty ridiculous.
Last edited by DIsmael85 on 3/10/2011 1:40:20 PM
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NoSmokingBandit
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 10:57:29 AM
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2 up, 0 down
Clamedeus
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 11:21:36 AM
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It was awesome, they didn't do any petty console war or anything they knew what they were talking about and liked to talk to the customers and everything, it was a cool place to hang out and talk as well.
3 up, 0 down
telly
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 11:22:06 AM
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BIGRED15
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 1:36:01 PM
Reply
0 up, 1 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 3:20:03 PM
3 up, 1 down
Scarecrow
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 2:23:31 PM
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A complete waste of time. And the only reason why they're full is because they waste people's time.
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sha4dowknight05
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 3:04:29 PM
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1. Pricing overpriced used and new games. 90% of the time it is overpriced. As of current the playstation 3 version of black ops is $65 plus tax
world at war is $30 new and mw2 is $50 new
Special Editions sometimes go cheap
like world at war special ediiton for 360 was $10 brand new
2. New games:
I don't know if they know the meaning of new games, but really I tried to purchase Dante's Inferno new there and it was a opened box with the code activated and the cardboard case was a mess. That to me is used and not new. They tried selling me a used game saying it was new. Makes no sense to lie to customers
3. Exclusives
What ever happen to pre-ordering and getting special content at other retailers?
Special editions are no longer found anywhere in Canada locally besides at gamestop(besides dead space 2) I like it better when I got my special editions and pre order codes at future shop and other retailers other then 1 retailer.
1 up, 0 down
slugga_status
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 4:57:07 PM
Haven't had too many experiences with them trying to sell me a used game as "new" though. Hope you didn't make that purchase man. Nothing like that "new game" smell..
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Minishmaru
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 3:21:06 PM
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3 up, 0 down
THEVERDIN
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 5:11:33 PM
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1 up, 0 down
BikerSaint
Friday, March 11, 2011 @ 12:03:14 AM
I thought I was the only one here at 58, but it's always good to see another gamer as old as I am.
BTW, who's older, me or you?....November 5th here.
Anyway by our age, gaming is already embedded in our DNA, so all us old-school pre-geezer gamers got to stick together.
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BikerSaint
Friday, March 11, 2011 @ 10:41:53 PM
OK, I got ya beat as oldest gamer geezer by a couple months then, LOL.
BTW, speaking of old, I'm on a tear to buy back all those golden oldie consoles that I had & sold, while I was young & stupid.
Just re-bought a mint retro Intelivision I & an Intellivision II,
Plus these Intellivision games for my collection(so far)...
Armor Battle
Astrosmash
Boxing
Burgertime
Beauty & The Beast
Demon Attack
Dragonfire
Frogger
Golf
Hockey
Ice Trek
Las Vegas Poker & Blackjack
Major League Baseball
NFL Football(w/complete playbooks)
Night Stalker
Pitfall
Sea Battle
Snafu
Stampede
Triple Action
Tron Deadly Discs
Utopia
I also plan to re-buy my old Colecvision console, plus the 3 amigo's,....I mean three numbered Atari's too.
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THEVERDIN
Saturday, March 12, 2011 @ 3:46:44 AM
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BikerSaint
Saturday, March 12, 2011 @ 10:31:14 PM
Plus I also need to add these into my collections too...
Atari Lynx, 2600, 5200, 7200,
Colecovision,
DS Lite, DSi, DSiXL, GB Micro, 3DS,
Genesis Master Drive,
NeoGeo,
Sega Nomad,
Here's the systems & hand-held's I do have in my collections with the number of games I have listed to the right of each console/hand-held(so far)....
INTELLIVISION-I 23
INTELLIVISION-II
SNES (packed away due to limited space)
JAGUAR 34
3DO 45
VIRTUAL BOY 1
N-64 79
GENESIS 146
SATURN 75
DREAMCAST 49
GAME CUBE 65
PC 1
WII (new 2010 black model W/ built-in Motion+) 13
XBOX 257
360 109
PS1 551
2x PS2's (1 fat, 1 slim white) 394
PS3 125
MISC. SYSTEMS
OnLive Console (Streaming)
TELESTAR ALPHA Console (Self contained - 4 games)
ZONE 60 Console(Self contained - 60 retro games)
HAND-HELDS
SEGA GAME GEAR 8
GB POCKET 5
2x GB COLOR's (different colors) 24
2x GB ADVANCE's (different colors) 10
GB ADVANCE "SP"
DS 9
5x PSP's (1-1000, 3 2000, 1 3000, in different colors)
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AnonWTF
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 6:03:12 PM
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So far, I see no reason in throwing your damn wallet or purse into the face of a gamestop employee for asking you a few questions "IF" they are multi-tasking.
1. It is not their fault
2. 1 second doesn't equal a minute
3. treat others as you expected to be treated
Also, there is a flip side to this. In which I feel customer service is just fu**ing awful, but ending rageful rant here.
Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 3/10/2011 6:17:23 PM
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DjEezzy
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 8:35:49 PM
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NotGoofinAround
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 9:02:55 PM
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2 up, 5 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 9:05:01 PM
I never have this happen at Best Buy. I pick up something, bring it to the register, pay for it, and leave. This is what happens at every retailer I go to...except GameStop.
And GameStop employees are specifically TOLD to ignore whether or not the customer wants to hear it; they'll tell it to everyone, unless they're convinced they've heard it before.
4 up, 1 down
Nlayer
Friday, March 11, 2011 @ 1:05:46 AM
That's funny. It's the completely opposite way for me. GameStop is the only physical store that treats me well. But that's just my two cents...
1 up, 1 down
slugga_status
Friday, March 11, 2011 @ 8:02:18 AM
At a Gamestop that you are not a regular at you get asked if you have the Power card. If not, they ask if you want it. Then you get asked if there's anything you want to pre-order. Even if you say no they still go ex: "Are you sure? No Call of Duty? No Madden?" While all this time you could've paid and left.
0 up, 1 down
Underdog15
Friday, March 11, 2011 @ 9:13:16 AM
I think you have a point, that it does happen at more stores than just GameStop, but I do think GameStop is a little more pre-disposed to such an experience simply because the decision to prod those types of questions are indeed in the training manual! The GameStop nearest me and the two at the malls I shop at in my city all try to upsell every time. Maybe it's just a coincidence, but I'm not so sure.
You may get that at a BestBuy, but I think that's more of a solitary example from store to store.
For me, regardless of where I'm shopping, I do get annoyed beyond the first upsell attempt. And if GameStop employees are more predisposed to prod extensively (as they are supposed to do, whether they do or not) I agree with Ben that I wish they'd back off.
It never happens at WalMart or BestBuy, for example, I find. At BestBuy, I grab my game and go to the checkout, end of story. But there's alot of bestbuys, and I'm sure it's different elsewhere.
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Qubex
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 9:04:56 PM
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I don't have a GameStop in Singapore, but anyway... here we just walk in a buy. No one cares, and no one tries to convince you otherwise. The Chinese like to make money, and is all that matters...
Q!
"play.experience.enjoy"
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Nlayer
Friday, March 11, 2011 @ 1:07:52 AM
Exciting stuff!
2 up, 0 down
hadouken
Friday, March 11, 2011 @ 1:06:03 AM
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As for the employees all I can say is it's their job to offer stuff that nobody is wanting to buy. I'm done with gs though ebay and Amazon will be my gaming destinations now.
1 up, 0 down
KingFate
Friday, March 11, 2011 @ 4:56:15 AM
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You just need to hunt for a GOOD gaming store, I mean Amazon is great, but it's kind of nice buying it and having it in your hands within moments.
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JROD0823
Sunday, March 13, 2011 @ 12:36:22 PM
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2 up, 0 down
Ather
Sunday, March 13, 2011 @ 3:29:09 PM
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wryslok
Monday, March 14, 2011 @ 2:16:27 PM
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It is especially bad if your clerk is one of those talky-excitable nerds.
THANK YOU for this article!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
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Prince Perry
Sunday, March 20, 2011 @ 6:09:38 PM
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So we push people into buying the PowerUp card and preordering games to make our numbers go up.
My manager realizes that it's quite annoying though and tells us not to overdo it. It's probably why we've been the best (or sometimes second-best) store in the DFW area (:
But don't be upset with the employees so much. It's really corporate that bugs the hell out of us and even sends people into the store to spy on us and make sure we do it...
Last edited by Prince Perry on 3/20/2011 6:11:17 PM
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PasteNuggs
Reply
Wednesday, March 09, 2011 @ 9:32:25 PM