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[frogger]

I recently ordered an limited edition game from gamestop.com When the game came, the package was opened, the game was not sealed. There was clear sign of usage (light scratches on the disc). So I started a return process on gamestop.com. And I returned the game to the local store. The employee told me that technically the game is new, not customer has used the game. I told him that I have heard that employee are allowed to checked out the games and sell them as new. He said that customers are expecting them to have first hand knowledge of the game, they are doing it for the customers' benefit. And If I wanted a sealed copy, I should have pre-ordered. I returned the game without problem. But I was pretty amazed by his remark and the its corporation policy.

 

[Reizo Ryuu]

 

[Saint Boot]

This is one of the reasons why they are dying. My GameStop once boasted that it was the largest in eastern *State Redacted, because I am paranoid for stupid reasons* but now they literally have nothing at all in the store, and they have stated that they are not taking any trade ins any more. All they have is a really small section of used Xbox and ps4 games, and a few Mario like collectibles that look like Amiibo, but they aren't Amiibo. they still get a few new games on the shelf behind the counter, but that's it. The GameStop in my town is finished.

 

[baphomet]

Buying from GameStop was your problem. Who gives a fuck what shitty reason they have for selling used games as new.

 

[Unknown?]

This is one of the reasons why they are dying. My GameStop once boasted that it was the largest in eastern *State Redacted, because I am paranoid for stupid reasons* but now they literally have nothing at all in the store, and they have stated that they are not taking any trade ins any more. All they have is a really small section of used Xbox and ps4 games, and a few Mario like collectibles that look like Amiibo, but they aren't Amiibo. they still get a few new games on the shelf behind the counter, but that's it. The GameStop in my town is finished.

What I don't get is why isn't there competition going out and eating their lunch? Someone with good policies could swoop in and take their business. But no, they will eventually die and we will be stuck with the likes of Walmart or Target with no selection.

 

[LegendOfKage]

I recently ordered an limited edition game from gamestop.com When the game came, the package was opened, the game was not sealed. There was clear sign of usage (light scratches on the disc). So I started a return process on gamestop.com. And I returned the game to the local store. The employee told me that technically the game is new, not customer has used the game. I told him that I have heard that employee are allowed to checked out the games and sell them as new. He said that customers are expecting them to have first hand knowledge of the game, they are doing it for the customers' benefit. And If I wanted a sealed copy, I should have pre-ordered. I returned the game without problem. But I was pretty amazed by his remark and the its corporation policy.

That's not acceptable. I ordered a new copy of a limited edition, and it's not my fault I was not given a new copy of a limited edition. I don't want a return, I want what I ordered. I would now like you to call other stores and find a new copy of what I ordered. If you are not willing or able to do this, I would like to speak with your manager. I will make it clear to them that I don't believe you personally did anything wrong, and that my true criticism is with your policy, but I do believe this store can and should make this right.

 

[junguler]

his justification was retarded and you did the right thing returning the game.

 

[strange headache]

If it has been used don't sell it as new. Simple.

 

[MiguelItUp]

It's insane to me that this policy hasn't changed. When I worked at Electronics Boutique in 2002/2003 it existed. It was a neat "perk" for employees as you were allowed to "rent" titles as long as they weren't the ONLY copy present. Of course I did it at the time, I was 18 and didn't think anything of it as I took very good care of everything. But I figured it would've changed at some point.

We had quite a few customers tell us how disappointed they were, and I totally understood. Even then I would be honest and say that I agree with them, but it's company policy that we have to abide by.

I felt so gross wrapping boxes and sealing them only to have us say they were new. But that's what we were told to do.

Big reason why I haven't gone to those stores in a VERY long time.

Please don't give these stores your business. Especially for "new" titles.

 

[Roll Fizzlebeef]

Playing the game for first hand knowledge, but they open the limited edition? I call horseshit

 

[Fbh]

I don't know how that's even legal.

It's like "hey here's your new car, it says it has a couple hundred miles because we let our employees take it for a spin on the weekend, they need some hands on experience after all to really be able to sell the car. There might be some empty soda cans on the backseats and Dave left some cheetos stains on the front seat...but it has never been driven by a customer so it is new".

 

[DonkeyPunchJr]

Last time I tried to buy a game from GameStop was Halo 3 launch day. Guy there asked me if I had a preorder. Then he was like “I don’t know, it’s a really hot game, I’m not sure if I have enough to sell you”. Like he was doing me some great favor by allowing me to buy one.

I walked right out and into the Target next door and they had a fucking pile of new Halo 3 games like as tall as me.

Protip: if your specialty store sells the exact same shit as Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon, you better make your shopping experience really fucking pleasant or your customers will go elsewhere.

 

[dorkimoe]

If it has been used don't sell it as new. Simple.

Yes but opened does not mean used. It’s a game not underwear.

 

[Kagoshima_Luke]

No other retailer that I can think of does this. Hell, even ebay sellers for the most part clearly note if something has been opened, so you know what you are getting. At GS, new could be sealed or opened and with the disc and case scuffed up. It's beyond ridiculous.

 

[Hollowpoint5557]

I don't know how that's even legal.

It's like "hey here's your new car, it says it has a couple hundred miles because we let our employees take it for a spin on the weekend, they need some hands on experience after all to really be able to sell the car. There might be some empty soda cans on the backseats and Dave left some cheetos stains on the front seat...but it has never been driven by a customer so it is new".

They literally do that. It's called a "demo" vehicle funny enough.

 

[chilichote]

I've never bought a game from Gamestop, partly because I've heard time and time again that they sell used games as new. In this respect... it's their own fault that the store is going down the drain.

 

[radewagon]

A while back, I ordered a new copy of a switch game that shall not be named. It showed up already opened with one of those "nah, bro, it's new cause we put a clear sticker to keep you from opening it" stickers. I opened it and noticed that the cartridge had those wear lines on the contacts showing that it had obviously been used before. So, I called Gamestop's support line and explained that I had expected a new copy and the rep was very polite and understanding. She had a new one shipped out to me and didn't even want the original one back.

A few days later a brand new copy arrived at my doorstep..... that was already opened with one of those "nah, bro, it's new cause we put a clear sticker to keep you from opening it" stickers.

So, I gave up almost entirely on Gamestop. If there is something that is only sold through Gamestop, I will order from them but for literally everything else I will shop anywhere but Gamestop. They lost a very good customer over their ridiculous new but opened titles.

SPOILER:
The game was SNK Heroines. Fight me.

 

[LegendOfKage]

It's insane to me that this policy hasn't changed. When I worked at Electronics Boutique in 2002/2003 it existed. It was a neat "perk" for employees as you were allowed to "rent" titles as long as they weren't the ONLY copy present. Of course I did it at the time, I was 18 and didn't think anything of it as I took very good care of everything. But I figured it would've changed at some point.

We had quite a few customers tell us how disappointed they were, and I totally understood. Even then I would be honest and say that I agree with them, but it's company policy that we have to abide by.

I felt so gross wrapping boxes and sealing them only to have us say they were new. But that's what we were told to do.

Big reason why I haven't gone to those stores in a VERY long time.

Please don't give these stores your business. Especially for "new" titles.

ALL Gamestop has to do here is open a new copy, and then sell it as used, which it is. Like you said, it's crazy that this is still going on.

 

[UnNamed]

I don't know how that's even legal.

Sony and Nintendo games (don't know xbox) have a seal which guarantees the titles is brand new. Remove it and the title is not brand new anymore.

 

[DonkeyPunchJr]

A while back, I ordered a new copy of a switch game that shall not be named. It showed up already opened with one of those "nah, bro, it's new cause we put a clear sticker to keep you from opening it" stickers. I opened it and noticed that the cartridge had those wear lines on the contacts showing that it had obviously been used before. So, I called Gamestop's support line and explained that I had expected a new copy and the rep was very polite and understanding. She had a new one shipped out to me and didn't even want the original one back.

A few days later a brand new copy arrived at my doorstep..... that was already opened with one of those "nah, bro, it's new cause we put a clear sticker to keep you from opening it" stickers.

So, I gave up almost entirely on Gamestop. If there is something that is only sold through Gamestop, I will order from them but for literally everything else I will shop anywhere but Gamestop. They lost a very good customer over their ridiculous new but opened titles.

SPOILER:
The game was SNK Heroines. Fight me.

Yeah every copy I got from GameStop had some some obvious jizz stains on it. Really pathetic.

 

[Saint Boot]

What I don't get is why isn't there competition going out and eating their lunch? Someone with good policies could swoop in and take their business. But no, they will eventually die and we will be stuck with the likes of Walmart or Target with no selection.

I have been using Amazon to be honest. That and the super Walmart in my town discounts Switch games by 10 dollars.

 

[Rubik8]

One of the many reasons I don’t shop at GameStop and won’t miss them when they are gone.

 

[SlimySnake]

Been shopping at Gamestop recently since Sony started charging $70 for games. They have decent trade in values and give me some extra discounts on buying new games because im a pro member. Like $10 off new game every month, extra trade in credit when trading towards new games, etc.

And yet every time I shop there I feel ripped off. Once they denied that a promotion to get 30% off pre-owned games when buying a new full priced games applied towards Switch games. Then a week later, a different store employee said no they were definitely included. Then a month later, they refused to give me 30% extra trade in credit because i used the $10 off coupons for being a pro member.

This kinda shit happens far too often at gamestop. I never had any issues trading in games at Bestbuy other than the process taking forever.

 

[Keihart]

What a cheap excuse, if that was the case, gamestop would have an "employee" library instead of opening what they sell as "new"

 

[Kuranghi]

Imagine applying this to a big tech item, like a TV you just dropped 2-3 large on:

Game in the UK has similarly bad customer service, I was actually close to throttling a woman behind the counter once, she refused to sell me a game for over five (5) minutes because she had an attitude for some unrelated-to-me reason and so couldn't be bothered to check the drawer or something, she was a complete arsecandle.

I think I went and bought it in a supermarche instead.

 

[anthony2690]

SPOILER:
The game was SNK Heroines. Fight me.

No wonder they didn't want it back and sent you another out XD

 

[Polelock]

Yes but opened does not mean used. It’s a game not underwear.

No, would you rather wrap your little jimmy with an opened condom but said to not be used or would you rather have it sealed?

 

[Punished Miku]

They did this to me on Soul Calibur IV, and I did pre-order it. That was the last game I ever bought from Gamestop.

If it doesn't have that new plastic smell, I will know.

 

[StreetsofBeige]

Gamestop was always going to go the Blockbuster route, but when digital sales have skyrocketed and MS/Sony online marketplaces have nice discounts, you'd think GS/EB wouldnt try selling used games for $5 less than new.

But they still do it.

I remember seeing them selling a $29.99 new game for $27.99 used.

Fuck that. I'll just buy digital.

 

[Relativ9]

...the its corporation policy.

It is definitely not corporation policy, at least not just cause he said so, the average gamestop employee has no freaking idea what corporation policy is, and are 99% of the time talking out of their ass...trust me, I used to be one.

 

[HTK]

I recently ordered an limited edition game from gamestop.com When the game came, the package was opened, the game was not sealed. There was clear sign of usage (light scratches on the disc). So I started a return process on gamestop.com. And I returned the game to the local store. The employee told me that technically the game is new, not customer has used the game. I told him that I have heard that employee are allowed to checked out the games and sell them as new. He said that customers are expecting them to have first hand knowledge of the game, they are doing it for the customers' benefit. And If I wanted a sealed copy, I should have pre-ordered. I returned the game without problem. But I was pretty amazed by his remark and the its corporation policy.

This happened to me 10+ years ago and I went fully digital and since then I've never stepped another foot into GameStop.

 

[ZoukGalaxy]

That's really the best of the worst.
They are so pathetic with these lame arguments.

 

[Salty Popsicle]

What I don't get is why isn't there competition going out and eating their lunch? Someone with good policies could swoop in and take their business. But no, they will eventually die and we will be stuck with the likes of Walmart or Target with no selection.

Most game purchases take place online now, whether it be a digital storefront like Steam or Xbox Live or through order/delivery services like Amazon. The dying breed who do still buy physical discs at stores will usually go to Walmart or BestBuy for loyalty rewards and guaranteed easy returns. Brick and mortar stores dedicated to only selling video games and peripherals are a few years away from becoming Blockbuster.

 

[Omali]

The manager of the location I worked at was really strict about this, for the few games that were lendable he figured out a way to finagle the system so we had one more than was shown in stock so it wouldn't get sold and eventually get shifted over to pre-owned. All pre-ordered stock was sacrosanct, even if corporate wanted us to gut it for display boxes, and if someone was buying a copy that was one of the gutted display pieces they were told up front about the circumstances, and if they didn't agree with it we'd call a nearby store (most places were 5-10 minutes away) and get a sealed copy put on hold for them. For popular games where our stock would likely be bought up immediately, or for games where we only received a small number of copies, there were no rentals period. None of the employees I'm aware of actually took out games from our store, and the managers didn't need to since they got free copies of many of the AAA releases from corporate regardless.

 

[Bitmap Frogs]

The whole selling games opened is a big turn off.

 

[TexMex]

It is a bullshit policy. I refuse it whenever it comes my way. They sure as shit wouldn’t accept it as new if you tried to return it. Fuck em.

 

[StreetsofBeige]

Devils Advocate..... why do gamers care that much if a promotional used copy is sold as new? You still get the a warranty.

In most things out there, what you buy might not be new either. That pair of jeans just got a new price label on it. Someone with a smelly ass might had worn it and returned it. That toaster must had been taped back up. Walmart or Home Depot isnt going to sell you used priced clothing or appliances.

That new car you buy isn't even new either. Before you get it, it gets driven out of the factory, tested at an off site facility and driven to the dealership to pick up. Probably has 100 km on it by the time you get it.

Nobody cares either.

But for a game disc, its a big deal?

 

[Banjo64]

Lmao feck off. When I used to shop in brick and mortar stores like Gamestation and Grainger Games I’d always specify that I wanted a sealed copy and they’d either pull one from a filing cabinet or order one in for me no sweat.

Funny enough ASDA, Tesco etc just give you sealed copies only.

New means new. Not slightly used, not open box - factory sealed.

If I bought a new car with 200 miles on the clock I’d want to know what the fuck was going on.

 

[Unknown?]

Most game purchases take place online now, whether it be a digital storefront like Steam or Xbox Live or through order/delivery services like Amazon. The dying breed who do still buy physical discs at stores will usually go to Walmart or BestBuy for loyalty rewards and guaranteed easy returns. Brick and mortar stores dedicated to only selling video games and peripherals are a few years away from becoming Blockbuster.

Yeah which limits gamers immensely. Those brick and mortar stores have terrible selection on new games, you won't find niche titles there. You also cannot trade them in easily, having to go through such means as Craigslist or whatever.

It's a shame, whether you care or not. Limits ownership to licenses and prevents you from selling/trading old games.

 

[sainraja]

It's insane to me that this policy hasn't changed. When I worked at Electronics Boutique in 2002/2003 it existed. It was a neat "perk" for employees as you were allowed to "rent" titles as long as they weren't the ONLY copy present. Of course I did it at the time, I was 18 and didn't think anything of it as I took very good care of everything. But I figured it would've changed at some point.

We had quite a few customers tell us how disappointed they were, and I totally understood. Even then I would be honest and say that I agree with them, but it's company policy that we have to abide by.

I felt so gross wrapping boxes and sealing them only to have us say they were new. But that's what we were told to do.

Big reason why I haven't gone to those stores in a VERY long time.

Please don't give these stores your business. Especially for "new" titles.

If the employees are upfront and let you decide, I think it is fine. I've had employees tell me they open every new game before giving it to a customer, to try and sell me an open copy of what they were calling a new game.

 

[MiguelItUp]

If the employees are upfront and let you decide, I think it is fine. I've had employees tell me they open every new game before giving it to a customer, to try and sell me an open copy of what they were calling a new game.

Oh totally! But that's the thing, they aren't SUPPOSED to be doing that at all. Those are just cool employees that know the whole thing is BS.

 

[VolticArchangel]

He said that customers are expecting them to have first hand knowledge of the game, they are doing it for the customers' benefit. And If I wanted a sealed copy, I should have pre-ordered.

Ask the lying cunt to read or watch a fuckin' review, online, before opening up a sealed copy of the game.

Also, it's NOT the customer's prerogative to provide review copies for a game. Ask the publisher to send a review copy or ask him to spent his own fuckin' minimum wage to get himself a copy and "rEviEw fOr tHe cUstOmErZ".

The shitbag wanted to play the game and check it out himself, plain and simple. Tries to conveniently throw the blame on customers wanting to know how the game is.

 

[FranXico]

Back in the day, Prima Nocta also was said to be to the groom's benefit.

 

[Cyberpunkd]

Technically he might be correct since they are selling New, not Unopened, but it’s still a shitty practice.

 

[fart town usa]

I can see why that would annoy people, especially if you're someone who collects sealed games but I've never experienced it. Not sure how I would feel about it to be honest. Most games come with zero documentation inside so if the disc was unmarked, I probably wouldn't really care.

 

[Kdad]

I work at a car dealer, can confirm, I drive all the cars 1000 miles to better understand them then roll the odometer and sell as new. It's for my customers.

 

[zcaa0g]

My digital copies are never used and don't have scratches.

 

[dano1]

Yes but opened does not mean used. It’s a game not underwear.

I don’t want anyones Covid on my disc!!
Im pretty much all digital but it’s still bullshit. Sell it for $5 off for Open box…. Pretty simple.

 

[Fbh]

They literally do that. It's called a "demo" vehicle funny enough.

Well, yeah. But at least around these parts demo vehicles are sold at a lower price than new cars.
You don't have the dealership pretend it's literally the same as a new car, make no mention of the "demo" part during the whole sales process and then act defensive when you complain that the new car you just picked up has clearly been used.

There's nothing wrong with employees taking home games to try them out. Just label them as "employee trial copies" or something and sell them for a bit less.

 

[StreetsofBeige]

I don’t want anyones Covid on my disc!!
Im pretty much all digital but it’s still bullshit. Sell it for $5 off for Open box…. Pretty simple.

They probably would if nobody bought it for full price.

Floor models of furniture and gear are dumped at demo prices because most people arent going to buy an open box TV thats been demoing a canned video for 6 months.

But if gamers are willing to bite full price, the store might as well keep doing it.