Puck
Banned
(04-28-2010, 01:10 PM)
Official DD (Steam/D2D/etc) gifting thread of equal global distribution #1

This thread has been created for the sole purpose of gifting Steam games from certain regions to users in regions where distributors do not believe in equality and like to jack up the prices for the exact same DD copy of a game.

It hopes to level the playing field by allowing users to request games from a different region and pay a lesser sum than it would cost on their Steam region. Pricing equality is the name of the game here.

The localisation of pricing to regions is really a load of crap, it's on the rise and the only reason for the differences is because they can.

This thread is for requests / responses to Steam gifting. It is a central location so requests are not lost and helpful people can be helpful.

What pricing discrepancies?
Good question!

Consumers in certain countries have been noticing this for quite some time.
For example, when Borderlands was released back in November, Borderlands was priced for $50US for the first 2 weeks of launch. Shortly thereafter, there was apparently a pricing error which caused the game to be taken away and then reintroduced at $79US. Similarly with Modern Warfare 2, while it was priced higher in the US store at a higher than normal $59.99US, it was released in Australia on Steam at a high $89.99US which was actually higher than retail stores.

Pricing discrepancies occur on various games for the 3 major regions (AU/UK/US). People deserve to get the best deal they can, which is where this thread comes into play.

Where are the pricing discrepancies?

Another good question!

I have recently found this incredible site called Steam Prices, what it does is pull data from all of the stores and highlights the largest differences in prices. (it also offers a quick and dirty comparison to show the cheapest region for a game you are looking for)

For example, AU top extra charges, US top extra charges. Hopefully you can already see the difference between regions.

Another awesome feature of the site is the top savings, where it shows the cheapest games in that region. US top savings, AU top savings.

The final issue with the Steam global distribution is that certain games are not available in all regions. A primary example is the Rockstar collection pack which is not available in Australia, is currently on sale in the UK/US at the moment. It is not available in Australia so numerous AusGaffers have had to request someone gift them the game from the appropriate regions in the Steam deals thread. A problem with the deals thread is that the deals are so hot the pages keep clicking over rapidly. This often results in requests for gifts to be ignored / skipped over.

How does gifting work?
Simple. You request a game and region you want it purchased from in this thread and hopefully someone from the appropriate region will PM you, where the responder will send their Paypal address along with their Steam ID for the requester to send the appropriate funds and add the responder to their friends list. Once the funds have been received the responder will then purchase the game and gift it over to the requester.

So what now?

Have a browse around the Steam Prices website and find any games you would like (different games are on sale at different times in different regions) and post here in the format of what game(s) you want and what region(s) you would like to have it, followed by your region; ie 'Rockstar Collection - UK/US - AU :('.

Gifting etiquette
Be open with your transaction partner, if you offer to take someones request for a gift and send them your PayPal/Steam details and then go on vacation for a month it isn't going to please the requester. Try to offer a rough estimation of how long it will take you to gift them the game once you have received the funds.

Regarding tipping, I personally am not too sure, I know the majority of users on here would not care if they received/sent a tip, but i would suggest to limit a tip to 5-10% of the transaction value, ie an extra $1-5 (depending on the price discrepancy) of goodwill to ensure the responder will remain warm and fuzzy inside and continuing their good deeds.

Useful sites

PayPal currency converter - note that PayPal currency lags behind real exchange rates for the sole purpose of them getting higher profits by adjusting rates selectively.
-------------------------------------

That's about it, please use the thread for gifting purposes and provide feedback to those who fulfill your requests.

I've purchased quite a few copies of various STALKER games and gifted them to US users, so I will do some AU games if anyone finds any games.
Last edited by Puck; 04-28-2010 at 01:23 PM.
Gexecuter
Member
(04-28-2010, 01:19 PM)

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#2

Wow great idea!
hamchan
Member
(04-28-2010, 02:00 PM)

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#3

This thread is a great idea. Let's see what the next R* steam deal is so we can use it :D
Moobabe
Sassy with Monet
(04-28-2010, 02:05 PM)

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#4

I'll get the ball rolling - http://www.steamprices.com/uk/sub/2199/x3-gold

Can any US gaffer gift me this (UK)? It's just come on offer but for less than £10 it would be ideal. I can pay you pretty much instantly as I'm here all day.
Last edited by Moobabe; 04-28-2010 at 02:14 PM.
Kerrinck
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(04-28-2010, 02:19 PM)

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#5

Great idea for a thread. We really need this, specially with this rockstar week that is blocked in a lot of regions.
Can anyone help me out on getting Bully? It is locked in here.
Will pay in advance.
Moobabe
Sassy with Monet
(04-28-2010, 02:22 PM)

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#6

Originally Posted by Kerrinck:
Great idea for a thread. We really need this, specially with this rockstar week that is blocked in a lot of regions.
Can anyone help me out on getting Bully? It is locked in here.
Will pay in advance.
Sure - PM me your steam username and I'll add you now.
toastyToast
Member
(04-28-2010, 02:28 PM)

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#7

Nice work with the OP. Great idea.

This might also be useful for the few people that still haven't bought Left 4 Dead 2 yet.
Lothars
Member
(04-28-2010, 02:31 PM)

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#8

I am able to get bully in my region but my paypal isn't working with Steam, would anyone be willing to gift me bully and I will paypal you the money?
mikespit1200
Member
(04-28-2010, 02:35 PM)
#9

I'm in the US and willing to gift to anyone as long as they cover any applicable paypal fees.

If you want to be a sweetie and gift me something too that would be nice.
Last edited by mikespit1200; 04-28-2010 at 04:46 PM.
Salacious Crumb
Junior Member
(04-28-2010, 02:37 PM)

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#10

Can someone please help me out with purchasing the R* Collection.

If you're awesome enough to help me out I'll print out a copy of your avatar and stick it on my wall, and every morning I will kiss it. That's how much your kind deed will mean to me.

oh, and of course, I'll pay you through Paypal.

Cheers.
Last edited by Salacious Crumb; 04-28-2010 at 04:01 PM.
Moobabe
Sassy with Monet
(04-28-2010, 02:42 PM)

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#11

Scrap that - steam isn't letting me buy anything. I hope I can grab bully before the time runs out.
Last edited by Moobabe; 04-28-2010 at 03:01 PM.
Corto
Member
(04-28-2010, 03:09 PM)

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#12

Can some kind soul gift me with Bully at the sale price? Will gift dollars in return...:D :D :D

I'm from Europe, Portugal. If it's important...
WickedLaharl
Member
(04-28-2010, 03:11 PM)

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#13

Originally Posted by Corto:
Can some kind soul gift me with Bully at the sale price? Will gift dollars in return...:D :D :D
i will. just tell me what i need to know in order to help ya out as i have never done this before.
Corto
Member
(04-28-2010, 03:17 PM)

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#14

Originally Posted by WickedLaharl:
i will. just tell me what i need to know in order to help ya out as i have never done this before.
PM sent ;)
webcivilian
Member
(04-28-2010, 03:18 PM)
#15

Awesome idea. GJ OP
AnkhWeasel
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(04-28-2010, 03:20 PM)

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#16

Could I please grab a copy of Bully? Money via PayPal, naturally, is a thing I shall provide in return.

Edit: Ah, missed out. Some other time. :)
Last edited by AnkhWeasel; 04-28-2010 at 11:16 PM.
zombieshavebrains
I have not used cocaine
(04-28-2010, 03:22 PM)

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#17

Wow had the idea to do something like this, but you did a much much better job than i would have done.
Slavik81
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(04-28-2010, 03:32 PM)

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#18

This might not necessarily help you. The more visible this becomes, the more the publishers for your regions will complain, and the sooner you'll see an end to cross-region gifting.
AnkhWeasel
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(04-28-2010, 03:34 PM)

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#19

Originally Posted by Slavik81:
This might not necessarily help you. The more visible this becomes, the more the publishers for your regions will complain, and the sooner you'll see an end to cross-region gifting.
Possibly. It may also demonstrate that there is global interest in their games, and that they should at the very least try to make them available to all markets - particularly when it's not even a matter of languages.
Corto
Member
(04-28-2010, 03:37 PM)

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#20

Just to thank Puck for creating this thread of pure win, and to WickedLaharl for having the trouble of gifting me Bully... You guys rock!
sweetvar26
Member
(04-28-2010, 03:40 PM)

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#21

Nice thread :)
Moobabe
Sassy with Monet
(04-28-2010, 03:44 PM)

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#22

I'd like to thank Kerrinck for X3 - smooth transaction, awesome thread!
Kerrinck
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(04-28-2010, 03:45 PM)

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#23

Originally Posted by Moobabe:
Sure - PM me your steam username and I'll add you now.
Thanks man!

Originally Posted by Moobabe:
I'd like to thank Kerrinck for X3 - smooth transaction, awesome thread!
Same here!
Rufus
Member
(04-28-2010, 03:50 PM)

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#24

Is there a list of games that are not available/censored in Germany?
edit: I'm so blind. :/
Last edited by Rufus; 04-28-2010 at 07:42 PM.
Salacious Crumb
Junior Member
(04-28-2010, 04:00 PM)

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#25

Zombieshavebrains was kind enough to help me out. Now I have the pleasure of kissing a winking Pikachu every morning:(........:)
Last edited by Salacious Crumb; 04-28-2010 at 04:46 PM.
LordAlu
Member
(04-28-2010, 04:43 PM)

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#26

This is a fantastic idea, always good to get stuff at more reasonable prices (and help others out in the process) :)
Rufus
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(04-28-2010, 07:50 PM)

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#27

Grand Theft Auto Classics UK/US - GER, pretty please.
mikespit1200
Member
(04-28-2010, 07:59 PM)
#28

I'm available to gift for the next 30 mins at work. PM me.
Rufus
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(04-28-2010, 08:06 PM)

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#29

Originally Posted by mikespit1200:
I'm available to gift for the next 30 mins at work. PM me.
PM sent.
MNC
(04-28-2010, 08:14 PM)
#30

Great idea. I could've used someone :(

Also, UK prices are generally the cheapest. They have adjusted prices and thanks to the exchange rate, they're usually just a few bucks cheaper than USD/lots of bucks chear than EUR. Just sayin'.
brain_stew
Hello friend! Have you heard the good news about Jesus PC gaming?
(04-28-2010, 08:17 PM)
#31

Be sure to provide feedback as well people as the last thing we want is people to get scammed. I've done this a couple dozen times (at least) for various GAFers now, so anyone that has had dealings with me, please vouch for me in this thread if you can.
Gexecuter
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(04-28-2010, 08:17 PM)

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#32

Anyone interested in doing some game trading? I can't use paypal but i can gift games to other people (indirectly) so i was wondering if someone would do me the favor of gifting me the GTA Classics pack (7.50 bucks right now) in exchange of me gifting you a 10 dollar game in return, obviously i would gift the 10 dollar game first. I know this not the best option but it's the best i could come up with.
MNC
(04-28-2010, 08:18 PM)
#33

Originally Posted by brain_stew:
Be sure to provide feedback as well people as the last thing we want is people to get scammed. I've done this a couple dozen times (at least) for various GAFers now, so anyone that has had dealings with me, please vouch for me in this thread if you can.
I haven't done a deal with you I think, but I've seen more than enough happy people in the main thread. brain stew is a tasty good person for this!
Puck
Banned
(04-28-2010, 09:09 PM)
#34

Thanks brain_stew for the Rockstar collection.
speculawyer
clairvoyancy is no excuse for trollin'
(04-28-2010, 09:12 PM)

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#35

Yeah, I've done a bunch of these for non-USA gaffers. And I've had other gaffers do it for me when there was a good sale in a foreign location.
legend166
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(04-28-2010, 09:27 PM)

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#36

Originally Posted by speculawyer:
Yeah, I've done a bunch of these for non-USA gaffers. And I've had other gaffers do it for me when there was a good sale in a foreign location.
Spec, any chance you could please gift me the GTA Classics Collection?

Steam ID is legend166, email adorber at gmail dot com
LQX
Remember, he is Canadian.
(04-28-2010, 09:35 PM)

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#37

I'm down if anyone needs help. But please be sure. Last time I bought some dude a PS3 code from Amazon only to have him change his mind.

Just quote then PM.
legend166
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(04-28-2010, 09:39 PM)

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#38

Originally Posted by LQX:
I'm down if anyone needs help. But please be sure. Last time I bought some dude a PS3 code from Amazon only to have him change his mind.

Just quote then PM.

PM sent.
graywolf323
Member
(04-28-2010, 09:51 PM)

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#39

as I just posted in the main discussion thread

can anyone help me out with Episodes? I can pay you back on Friday >_< or possibly tomorrow even

email is graywolf323@gmail.com
brain_stew
Hello friend! Have you heard the good news about Jesus PC gaming?
(04-28-2010, 09:56 PM)
#40

Originally Posted by graywolf323:
as I just posted in the main discussion thread

can anyone help me out with Episodes? I can pay you back on Friday >_< or possibly tomorrow even

email is graywolf323@gmail.com
I'll cover this, got some money spare in my Paypal account.
Ledsen
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(04-28-2010, 09:56 PM)

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#41

This is an AWESOME thread and I shall be using it liberally :D

although you forgot the euro area in the OP
Rockman-X
Junior Member
(04-28-2010, 10:00 PM)

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#42

Can anyone help me gifting this junior member here the GTA classics collection that's for sale at $7.49 right now? As with most Rockstar games, it's not available here in Brazil.

I'll paypal you the money ASAP.

Edit: Sale is over :(
Last edited by Rockman-X; 04-28-2010 at 11:02 PM.
Kerrinck
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(04-28-2010, 10:01 PM)

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#43

Originally Posted by brain_stew:
Be sure to provide feedback as well people as the last thing we want is people to get scammed. I've done this a couple dozen times (at least) for various GAFers now, so anyone that has had dealings with me, please vouch for me in this thread if you can.
I can definitely recommend you for helping me out on left 4 dead 2. Same to speculawyer in the christmas sale and Zombieshavebrains.

Let me know if anyone needs the GTA episodes, they are cheaper in here(17,24$)
Last edited by Kerrinck; 04-28-2010 at 10:16 PM.
zombieshavebrains
I have not used cocaine
(04-28-2010, 10:29 PM)

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#44

Originally Posted by MNC:
I haven't done a deal with you I think, but I've seen more than enough happy people in the main thread. brain stew is a tasty good person for this!
Yeah i got my $20 l4d2 from brain stew. Good shit.
Moobabe
Sassy with Monet
(04-28-2010, 10:33 PM)

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#45

Originally Posted by Kerrinck:
I can definitely recommend you for helping me out on left 4 dead 2. Same to speculawyer in the christmas sale and Zombieshavebrains.

Let me know if anyone needs the GTA episodes, they are cheaper in here(17,24$)
I can recommend Kerrinck as well - got x3 gold edition quick sharp.
Shaneus
Member
(04-28-2010, 11:05 PM)

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#46

Was outside of this thread, but brain_stew gifted me the Rockstar pack a few days ago. Definitely an awesome guy :)
robatw
Junior Member
(04-29-2010, 12:35 AM)
#47

Can someone gift me the GTA Classics?

I would paypal the money.
Gexecuter
Member
(04-29-2010, 02:10 AM)

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#48

Gaffer Scitek helped me get the GTA pack, he didn't even wait for me to gift him the 10 dollar game. Thank you Scitek, you're awesome!
hamchan
Member
(04-29-2010, 02:13 AM)

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#49

Can someone please gift me Max Payne 2? I'm at uni now so I can't pay you back until 3 hours from now. Please PM if you could help.
Stallion Free is awesome and gifting this to me.
Last edited by hamchan; 04-29-2010 at 02:19 AM.
wormstrangler
Banned
(04-29-2010, 02:26 AM)
#50

You guys know you can buy from other regions using the UK, US and AU stores, right?

Just send a support email to Steam asking for them to unlock your CC and they'll do it. Well, they have for 5+ people I know about.