Icedburden
Member
Except... it is unreasonable. The honor system is idiotic.
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I just had a terrible experience with GameStop
- Thread starter Skyfireblaze
- Start date
Drillary Clinton
Banned
I understand your situation and that sucks but as someone who has worked retail, I can tell you he could absolutely not sell you the PS4 pro for 99 on the good faith that you will return with your trade-ins later.
Northeastmonk
Gold Member
I've worked retail before and even I wouldn't do that. Whatever they have going on may not be the employee's fault, whose working that day, so don't take it personally. The guy might know shady things are going on, but it's his job to maintain the store regardless.
I remember working at GameStop and knowing beforehand that employees took home early copies of Ninja Gaiden 2 on Xbox 360 and before that Final Fantasy XII. They literally took a copy home before street date.
I guess it's all in the shadows and no one got in trouble, but it isn't something I would ever condone (if I ever work in retail again).
I'd say with game stores, inventory can be a pain. From my experience everything can be a mess (e.g. Games stacked everywhere), employees grabbing movies or games on the side because someone traded them in and they didn't want them to be sold to anyone else, and just plain laziness.
Managers I knew got fired or quit. They either couldn't manage it right or something else I'm unaware of. The District Manager has to come and look at how they're doing and so forth. I bet it can be a huge mess.
Even though they didn't honor your "good intentions" it's best to just realize that stores have to make their quota and they can't do what everyone wants them to do.
I remember working at GameStop and knowing beforehand that employees took home early copies of Ninja Gaiden 2 on Xbox 360 and before that Final Fantasy XII. They literally took a copy home before street date.
I guess it's all in the shadows and no one got in trouble, but it isn't something I would ever condone (if I ever work in retail again).
I'd say with game stores, inventory can be a pain. From my experience everything can be a mess (e.g. Games stacked everywhere), employees grabbing movies or games on the side because someone traded them in and they didn't want them to be sold to anyone else, and just plain laziness.
Managers I knew got fired or quit. They either couldn't manage it right or something else I'm unaware of. The District Manager has to come and look at how they're doing and so forth. I bet it can be a huge mess.
Even though they didn't honor your "good intentions" it's best to just realize that stores have to make their quota and they can't do what everyone wants them to do.
ElectricBlanketFire
Member
It's still unreasonable.
I'm all for shitting on GameStop but they didn't do anything wrong.
Krappadizzle
Member
Even had read your edit. That's not how it works. GameStop sucks, but pretty much any retail store would have done the same. You may have been able to do that with a mom and pops store, but a chain? No way.
Okay to clarify, I didn't expect to walk out with a PS4 Pro after paying the 99. I was merely asking him if I could pay the 99 after standing in line and then just leave with nothing. Then come back later with my PS4 and then get the PS4 Pro. If I have troubles coming in with a PS4 by myself, I will obviously have trouble leaving with a PS4 Pro by myself too
Okay, whew, thank god. lol sorry it just seemed like that is what you meant.
Still, that is not how it works. I would have done the same thing at a good job and you are talking about a place where they usually treats their employees like shit.
Also, think about this: why would they give you the PS4 pro when you come back? If the person isn't there (or if the guy wants to be an ass) you saying you gave 99 dollars, even with a receipt, wouldn't help you at all. That isn't the deal, thus you could end up paying 200 dollars.
That is why rules like that exist so it doesn't make a business look like shit and doesn't screw over customers.
Icedburden
Member
I understand your situation. It sucks. But how is that worker supposed to know if someone is trying to set him up? Giving an employee 100 bucks and saying, "keep this, I'll be back" is a little fishy. That could backfire easily.Okay to clarify, I didn't expect to walk out with a PS4 Pro after paying the 99. I was merely asking him if I could pay the 99 after standing in line and then just leave with nothing. Then come back later with my PS4 and then get the PS4 Pro. If I have troubles coming in with a PS4 by myself, I will obviously have trouble leaving with a PS4 Pro by myself too
I'd add that anyone who works or has worked in retail knows that there is the occasional customer with a story or specific circumstances who wants something special and they want you to let your ass hang in the wind over it. You probably are an honest guy but out in the real world your story would sound like the basis for a grift.
Skyfireblaze
Member
Point taken, maybe I am after all unreasonable here. I was merely upset because I have no physical way of hurling a PS4 with extras all the way over to GameStop by myself since it's literally in the second floor of a mall so even if take a cab I would have still to hurl it all the way to the store which isn't an easy feat for me.
test_account
XP-39C²
Even if they sold out today, maybe they get new stock tomorrow for the promotion. Otherwise its bad planning not having some stock when doing such promition, i agree.
Doesnt really seem like a terrible experience, in my opinion. I understand that it can suck though. Being able to hold one system within the day should be no problem, but it does add extra "risk"/work. Generally speaking, they dont know if the customer will come as planned, maybe they have to end up calling him/her. But if i worked there, i would have done it as good customer service.
Doesnt really seem like a terrible experience, in my opinion. I understand that it can suck though. Being able to hold one system within the day should be no problem, but it does add extra "risk"/work. Generally speaking, they dont know if the customer will come as planned, maybe they have to end up calling him/her. But if i worked there, i would have done it as good customer service.
Rats Off To Ya
Banned
Any kind of "IOU" situation in retail is a huge no-no. Either you complete the full transaction and walk out with the product or you don't. I understand that you're in a bit of a unique situation but rules are there for a reason and in almost every case it's not worth the headache for the employees to bend them. I'm no fan of GameStop but IMO they acted reasonably in this case.
This isn't a transaction that they offer, so they can't keep a record of it and the money can't go in the register. You're asking the individual employee to pocket your money, make a note that you have "paid" for it, hold onto stock (that there is no record of anyone paying for or reserving) for god knows how long, and working out the rest of the transaction when you come back. What if he's not working when you come back? What if he loses the money? You really expect someone working a retail counter job at a big chain to do this for you?
.
This is quite possibly the most stupid Gamestop bashing thread I've seen on here.
People tend to think that retail systems are so flexible that employees can let anything happen and bend things around. Sometimes of course sometimes not. I think you just got unlucky as I'm sure after they sold out of that first batch they were either instructed ir restricted in what they could do with the next ones.
Seems like a great deal hope it works out for you.
Seems like a great deal hope it works out for you.
Skyfireblaze
Member
As I edited now in the OP again, I agree maybe I was being unseasonable here and after reading the comments I can certainly understand GameStop's point of view here now, it really would add a certain risk for them and it's natural for them not to take it. I didn't realize this before but now I do.
Yep. Retail POS is not as easy as it looks. Even more when you have superiors checking on transactions and overides you do and them want you to explain each and everyone of them.
Then, some offers only trigger when one thing is entered (PS4s have individual serial numbers, so there's no one universal entry for PS4s) and even scanning a random one to override it, "customer said he will be back" is not enough of an explanation to superiors.
Because they can't set things aside. It's based on first come first served, as it should be.
katsubento
Member
I don't have any words for this. Interesting train of thought OP.
Skyfireblaze
Member
That makes sense honestly, it's not terribly fair to allow the promotion to be taken advantage of before the set date but few things in life are fair
That would have been nice yeah but I understand they have no obligation to do so :/
alexbull_uk
Member
Because unfortunately that's not how businesses work.
From GameStop's POV that means they're taking an item off sale for a day in the hopes that it gets sold later to someone who may or may not come back.
As for offering the 99 I see where OP is coming from, but they can't do that either. Because then if OP didn't come back, they now need to justify why they have an extra 99 in the till.
Ninja Scooter
Member
The guys working the counter at GameStop don't own the store. They don't care about a "win" for the store. They are likely making minimum wage and are going to want to do what causes the least amount of grief for them. I empathize with your situation op but to them you were just another customer. They are not in a position to bend the rules for you, nor should they be/
When stock is plenty? Sure.
But limited inventory? Noone does. It is not allowed.
Ninja Scooter
Member
Because if it's first time first serve and you are a customer who wants to purchase an item but can't because it's being set aside for someone else would you not be as upset as OP is?
And if you are the guy working the counter at GameStop are you going to want to have to explain to your superiors why you are holding a console for a random stranger while you have other customers more than willing to shell out their money for it right now?
I always have a bad experience at Gamestop.
I had an employee tell me that Madden wouldn't be released on Xbox One (this was August-ish before the console released) because EA was so upset with Microsoft's policies towards used games. Said they pulled all their games from the system, so he's telling everybody to get a PS4.
This is just one example.
I had an employee tell me that Madden wouldn't be released on Xbox One (this was August-ish before the console released) because EA was so upset with Microsoft's policies towards used games. Said they pulled all their games from the system, so he's telling everybody to get a PS4.
This is just one example.
Skyfireblaze
Member
Thank you! Yeah that's true, as said my first and only complaint was that they broke their own rules and what was told to customers in the first place, especially since GameStop is usually very very pesky about dates.
damien1928
Banned
You also have to factor in him trading your console in, without seeing it:
He has no serial
No idea of the condition
Could be cracked
Thumb sticks could be too worn away
Pad buttons or triggers could stick
Disc drive could be busted
Could be banned
Unofficial cables
The condition may be awful on the Machine
Screws missing etc etc
The list goes on
You couldn't expect a employee to buy your PS4 without it being tested
What your asking was not logical.
Let's just say he said ok I'll keep you a pro, give me your $100
You come back tomorrow and they can still reject your console for a number of reasons, place holding a console under these circumstances doesn't work the most important part of the transaction was missing
He has no serial
No idea of the condition
Could be cracked
Thumb sticks could be too worn away
Pad buttons or triggers could stick
Disc drive could be busted
Could be banned
Unofficial cables
The condition may be awful on the Machine
Screws missing etc etc
The list goes on
You couldn't expect a employee to buy your PS4 without it being tested
What your asking was not logical.
Let's just say he said ok I'll keep you a pro, give me your $100
You come back tomorrow and they can still reject your console for a number of reasons, place holding a console under these circumstances doesn't work the most important part of the transaction was missing
That sucks OP sorry that happened to you. I'm not a huge fan of gamestop's business practices but the people who work at my local gamestop would have held it for my buddy who can't get around on his own due to a physical limitation. I understand there is limited supply but can't we just be excellent to each other and maybe bend the rules a little? Hold it for a hour or 2 that is not to much to ask IMO.
Skyfireblaze
Member
Well in any case they would still have the PS4 Pro that they could sell but yeah you make another good point. I mean I really do get it now.
Herp Derpington
Member
And deny the next guy that comes in with system and money in hand? Nope not gonna happen.
OP, did you think through your situation before deciding to post? I get that GameStop sucks, they're an easy target, makes for easy bashing threads, etc but really you should try to rationalize your rant first. Play devil's advocate, see if your situation can be considered unreasonable, then post if it seems like a valid point. Otherwise it's gonna backfire on you, hence what's happened.
ElectricBlanketFire
Member
No worries buddy. Good work reconsidering.
Ninja Scooter
Member
But they will have already initiated the transaction. It's just a messy situation that, to them, is completely unnecessary because there more than enough customers willing to buy the product now. No reason for them to jump through hoops.
Taliban Stan
Member
That's not really first come first serve. It's like first come first serve, but you weren't ready so you want them to be more like "first come, first reserved" where you make a partial down payment. If they wanted to be extra nice they could have done it but they aren't bad for not doing it imo.
It mainly seems bad imo because you came across a different Gamestop that was fine with breaking the rules but the people at this store were sticklers. Plus, you never know. Maybe the sales person knows they won't be there when you back be and the other people at the store might be happy to take the $99 and be like, "nah, I don't remember $99 from a disabled person. Do you know the sales person's name? Darn. Do you have a receipt? Ahh, see if you had a receipt."
What does suck though is that all of this could have been avoided if they were willing to answer their phones.
psynergylover
Member
Gotta take GameStop's side on this one OP, both scenarios kinda break their rules. You should've just arrived earlier with the PS4; take a cab/Uber/Lyft so you don't have to carry it around and of carry it in a backpack(though the PS4 isn't what I'd call "taxing" in weight)
Liliana Eileen
Member
Pretty much. I don't see any problem. That said, Gamestop deserves to go bankrupt and I can't wait to see their demise.
They definitely can, they just won't for a random customer they don't know, unless the employee is super chill.
After shopping at GameStop (Electronics Boutique, Functions, EBGames) for over 30+ years, I have now boycott them myself.
Two weeks ago after spending 90 minutes on a Sunday morning to buy a Switch at Toys R Us, I then traded some games into a local GameStop that I normally gave my business to for years.
Using the trades I bought BOTW and a $50 eShop card. I noticed that the manager who rang me up initially had some problems beeping in the card but it seemed to go through so I didn't think too much about it. Later that evening I scratched off and tried to redeem the card through my Switch. '$50 will be added to your account' and I clicked ADD and it returned an error to restart the eShop and try again.
After five attempts I tried via the eShop website to a similar result. I called Nintendo who as usual had amazing CS that picked up right away and explained my problem. They told me that the card was purchased but not activated properly and to return to GameStop and ask them to please do it again for me.
At this point the store was almost closed so I went over the next day to GameStop. After explaining everything to them, showing them the receipt and even being a powerup rewards member they spent 15 minutes contacting a manager with the idea they could exchange the card for me. Manager finally calls back and denies it. They tell me "Can't return eShop cards...:::shrugs:::".
So at this point I am furious...They took my money and I have nothing to show for it. I told them they lost a customer and left. There was no apology, no trying to take some extra steps to help nor even giving me, a long time customer, any benefit of the doubt.
I then went home and explained what happened to Nintendo. I spoke to an amazing dude named Jake for 45 minutes who told me to not buy my eShop cards via GameStop anymore and if I could take pics of the receipt and card itself and email them that they would do their best to help me. He was genuinely upset for me which was really nice.
I emailed the information to Nintendo and then called up GameStop corporate to complain about the awful service....Was told the regional manager would contact me within 24 hours (they didn't) and while on hold with these losers lo and behold an email from Nintendo arrives saying that $50 has been added to my Nintendo account.
Thanks for the opportunity to vent. I'm glad this company is on its way down the tubes.
Two weeks ago after spending 90 minutes on a Sunday morning to buy a Switch at Toys R Us, I then traded some games into a local GameStop that I normally gave my business to for years.
Using the trades I bought BOTW and a $50 eShop card. I noticed that the manager who rang me up initially had some problems beeping in the card but it seemed to go through so I didn't think too much about it. Later that evening I scratched off and tried to redeem the card through my Switch. '$50 will be added to your account' and I clicked ADD and it returned an error to restart the eShop and try again.
After five attempts I tried via the eShop website to a similar result. I called Nintendo who as usual had amazing CS that picked up right away and explained my problem. They told me that the card was purchased but not activated properly and to return to GameStop and ask them to please do it again for me.
At this point the store was almost closed so I went over the next day to GameStop. After explaining everything to them, showing them the receipt and even being a powerup rewards member they spent 15 minutes contacting a manager with the idea they could exchange the card for me. Manager finally calls back and denies it. They tell me "Can't return eShop cards...:::shrugs:::".
So at this point I am furious...They took my money and I have nothing to show for it. I told them they lost a customer and left. There was no apology, no trying to take some extra steps to help nor even giving me, a long time customer, any benefit of the doubt.
I then went home and explained what happened to Nintendo. I spoke to an amazing dude named Jake for 45 minutes who told me to not buy my eShop cards via GameStop anymore and if I could take pics of the receipt and card itself and email them that they would do their best to help me. He was genuinely upset for me which was really nice.
I emailed the information to Nintendo and then called up GameStop corporate to complain about the awful service....Was told the regional manager would contact me within 24 hours (they didn't) and while on hold with these losers lo and behold an email from Nintendo arrives saying that $50 has been added to my Nintendo account.
Thanks for the opportunity to vent. I'm glad this company is on its way down the tubes.
Skyfireblaze
Member
That would have been nice but yeah I totally understand why they didn't do it. I'm glad your friend gets a bit help though when he needs it
Honestly no I didn't think things through much from GameStop's point of view because the trip was exhausting as it is for me and as I mentioned multiple times now. I'm not really mad on missing out on a PS4 Pro, I'm really just mad at them setting a date for the promotion and then not honoring it themselves but then being so rigid so I started to rant a bit and made this thread.
Thank you, some posts here were as expected quite rude and mean but I do appreciate the majority, making me see things differently
Yeah that makes sense yeah, ah well. Still the next time I hope GameStop honors their own dates :/
Weird. I heard pretty much every Gamestop took preorders for this promotion (because all the consoles are already sold out 1 day before it even begins).
This whole promo is just terribly mismanaged from Gamestop and I feel sorry for every low-level employee who inevitably will take the shit for this from angry and dissappointed costumers. Will be quite a lot of stress for them in the coming days.
This whole promo is just terribly mismanaged from Gamestop and I feel sorry for every low-level employee who inevitably will take the shit for this from angry and dissappointed costumers. Will be quite a lot of stress for them in the coming days.
SweetJohnnyCage
Member
I get what you're asking for OP, but I don't think it's really fair. Should they run a nationwide promotion if they don't have the allotment to even begin supporting it? No. But they can't bend the rules for you either.
Am I wrong? Does hurl me something different to me in America vs. somewhere else, or do you mean to use another word like lug or carry? In my understanding of the word hurl, I don't think they would accept it if you hurled it at all.
GuitarAtomik
Member
I could tell the OP has either never worked retail or at least never worked a cash register. You're often constrained by what the computer allows you to do (especially so at Gamestop which has a pretty archaic system), and off the books stuff, even if a net positive for the company, is not looked well upon because things need to add up and money needs to be accounted for. At least you understand that now OP.
In the US at least, it can also mean "carry".Am I wrong? Does hurl me something different to me in America vs. somewhere else, or do you mean to use another word like lug or carry? In my understanding of the word hurl, I don't think they would accept it if you hurled it at all.
Are you sure you're not thinking of haul?
AlexFlame116
Member
Sometimes I feel like my GameStop store is the only good one in the entire world considering all the bad experiences that people have in this forum.
Skyfireblaze
Member
Yeah that makes sense :/
That's exactly why I was friendly with the employee himself and didn't argue with him at all, I know he can't do much, it's just GameStop's dammed computer-system that messes with all as it seems to have very arbitrary overrides. That's something I should maybe clarify too, the employee himself was very nice and chill and also very understanding but he made it clear the system cannot do it.
Well if would be very semantic I could ask if it's fair that I don't have the physical ability to carry a whole console to a store like most other people on the planet but really I don't want to open this can of worms
I was born with my disability so I don't know things any different so to have specific inhibitions is "normal" to me.I agree though the way this is laid out screams basically: "Make as much money as possible and screw everything else!"
Am I wrong? Does hurl me something different to me in America vs. somewhere else, or do you mean to use another word like lug or carry? In my understanding of the word hurl, I don't think they would accept it if you hurled it at all.
Now that's a good point
I was always under the assumption that hurl by itself means "to puke" and "hurl around" was just a slang for "carry around" but I might be mistaken Wolf Dawgz
Member
You could post this on gamestop's fb page or twitter. I feel like if they were smart they'd help you out in exchange for some good pr if you have a visible disability.