Shortt Sirket
Member
And everyone from Indy knows the Keystone and 82nd Store is the best GameStop in Indiana.
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Is working at Gamestop really as bad as people make it out to be?
- Thread starter Izick
- Start date
And everyone from Indy knows the Keystone and 82nd Store is the best GameStop in Indiana.
Pre orders, cards, magazine subscriptions, protection plans (the most bullshit thing they push), and trying to get you to buy used over new so you can save two whole dollars.
It's pretty fucking bad, dude.
There was also the guy who kept bugging me to buy a PSP instead of a DS, but I'm sure that wasn't store policy, just one isolated dumbass.
Just like any industry it can depend on the specific place that you work. Additionally how your regional managers and stuff treat you. Some of the horror stories seem blown out or proportion, but I don't doubt that it could get pretty awful around the holidays. Then there is always the problem about meeting quotas.
Skiptastic
Member
I used to love the Castleton one when it was an EB and I knew the manager there pretty well. Then he moved west to 86th near Michigan. Then he left and I'm a Gamestop Ronin. The 82nd street one is pretty awesome. I like the Clay Terrace one too, but that's because it's close to home.
Do you work at the one at 82nd Street? If so, can you hook me up with any deals? :3
Joei
Member
Any job where the sole focus is sales is going to suck. The profit margins at a place like Gamestop, or any video game store, have to be super thin, so your focus is going to be sell, sell, sell. And for most people, doing that sucks, sucks, sucks. The more inane the product, the higher profits and the more they want you to push it. This isn't just for Gamestop, this will be for any place: banks, toy stores, department stores, anything that sells something.
That said, corporate does not care about your feelings selling their stupid magazine, their backwards security system, or batteries if someone is buying a basketball. These things bring profit and that's their number one focus.
That said, corporate does not care about your feelings selling their stupid magazine, their backwards security system, or batteries if someone is buying a basketball. These things bring profit and that's their number one focus.
SkyMasterson
Member
Bingo.
Seriously though, I'd imagine Gamestop isn't that bad. It's not like you're working on the docks or something lifting heavy shit and freezing your ass off. You're selling video games...
and when you're not busy, you're playing them or looking at the thousands of games in the store. Doesn't sound to bad for $8-11 an hour.
RedNumberFive
Banned
Will you be able to sleep at night knowing that you're stealing food from the mouths of game developers? Could you really live with yourself?!?
I wouldn't ever try to push a different game/system on to someone, if they didn't ask specifically for my advice. They are the customer, and I don't have any right to tell them what they should buy. If they want to buy a game that may be shitty, that's their choice. I can't believe anyone would try to convince you to buy a console over another console though, that's crazy stupid. I wonder if they were overstocked on PSP's at the time though?
Either way, yeah, it kind of is lame I'll have to ask about that extra stuff, but none of the clerks there have ever been overbearing about it, at least to me, it's always a quick question, I say no, then the purchase is made.
Miggytronz
Member
Cant be that bad man. Here's what i do generally.............
You come to the counter with said game to purchase.
"sup man, just getting this game?"
"Got a membership with us?" if not i ask if they are interested in it or like to hear about it. "Nah" ok i leave it be.
"Would you like to add a Warranty on the disk for scratches", "nah" i carry on.
"Wanna pre order anything while you're here?", "nah" ok i move onto............
"your total is $______________"
"Aight man have a nice night, enjoy the game"
Literally takes a few minutes. Its not that bad.
Corporate overlords, my friend. Corporate overlords.
EDIT:
That's what I'm saying. It takes only a couple extra seconds, and it's not that bad.
It's fun for some quick cash, the discounts, and minor retailing experience. If you have a nice group of coworkers it can provide some good times. I worked there for a few years during college and it wasn't the WORST thing ever. There are FAR worse retail jobs out there. I worked during the Wii launch periods and the Guitar Hero/Rock Band fad phase and there were some pretty depressing and "not worth it" kinda moments. I'd say working there today is probably less annoying because that wave of nonsense is over. Although, they do take in phones now for trades. I can't imagine how barfy and annoying those transactions could be.
It's kind of a dead end though unless you want to be a lifer.
It's kind of a dead end though unless you want to be a lifer.
Imbarkus
As Sartre noted in his contemplation on Hell in No Exit, the true horror is other members.
I used to work at Electronic's Boutique from about 1988-1990. The job was an amazingly chill retail job. There weren't a lot of add-on sales, the membership club didn't exist, pre-orders didn't exist. We sold Nintendo and Sega and TurboGrafx games. And PC games. And C-64 games, and Amiga games, and a few Apple II games in some corner somewhere. Gameboy came out while I worked there, but I went Lynx. That, however is another story.
It was a "shoptender" job, like the bookstore was at the time. They hired you then because not a whole lot of people knew about games, what was available, and how to get them working on the PCs of the time. I got hired just from hanging out in the store so much on my own.
We borrowed games all the time, possible an unofficial store policy. The manager had shrink-wrap machine in the back. Borrow and play what you want, wrap it up, tag it, and put it back out there. Returns were pretty common and defective stuff was sent back and other stuff was just rewrapped and put back on the shelf. The bookstores did it. Book stores was the retail model these stores followed at the time. I knew many, many games and felt like I did the best job of many of my coworkers of steering people to the game or titles or technology that was right for them. I knew the library we offered, and would often pick which games should have a run on the "demo units" we used to keep out for C-64 and PC games.
I feel bad for these kids in the Gamestops now, listening to that endless video loop of hype (fuck that shit I wear headphones and listen to podcasts when I go to Gamestop now), forced to inquire about so many add-ons and protection plans and membership exclusives.
But it ain't like that's just Gamestop. Bookstores push their little card, buying any appliance anywhere comes with a blizzard of bullshit you have to turn down. I helped my mother-in-law buya computer at Best Buy the other day and most of the work for me was just saying no to additional coverage, printer ink, cords, bullshit she didn't need.
At some point the "shoptender" jobs got replaced everywhere by "retail sales" and you have to go to used book stores or something to find some slightly crotchety guy behind the counter who knows everything in the store backwards and forwards but doesn't want to chat so he can later pressure you buddy-style into buying more.
It was a "shoptender" job, like the bookstore was at the time. They hired you then because not a whole lot of people knew about games, what was available, and how to get them working on the PCs of the time. I got hired just from hanging out in the store so much on my own.
We borrowed games all the time, possible an unofficial store policy. The manager had shrink-wrap machine in the back. Borrow and play what you want, wrap it up, tag it, and put it back out there. Returns were pretty common and defective stuff was sent back and other stuff was just rewrapped and put back on the shelf. The bookstores did it. Book stores was the retail model these stores followed at the time. I knew many, many games and felt like I did the best job of many of my coworkers of steering people to the game or titles or technology that was right for them. I knew the library we offered, and would often pick which games should have a run on the "demo units" we used to keep out for C-64 and PC games.
I feel bad for these kids in the Gamestops now, listening to that endless video loop of hype (fuck that shit I wear headphones and listen to podcasts when I go to Gamestop now), forced to inquire about so many add-ons and protection plans and membership exclusives.
But it ain't like that's just Gamestop. Bookstores push their little card, buying any appliance anywhere comes with a blizzard of bullshit you have to turn down. I helped my mother-in-law buya computer at Best Buy the other day and most of the work for me was just saying no to additional coverage, printer ink, cords, bullshit she didn't need.
At some point the "shoptender" jobs got replaced everywhere by "retail sales" and you have to go to used book stores or something to find some slightly crotchety guy behind the counter who knows everything in the store backwards and forwards but doesn't want to chat so he can later pressure you buddy-style into buying more.
CitizenCope
Member
Eh it's been good to me and so has COD for that matter. GAF opposite.
Edit: Oh job wise. Whoops!
Edit: Oh job wise. Whoops!
Krappadizzle
Member
I worked at one here in Hawaii and I liked it quite a bit. It was more like due to the fact I had great bosses. I was/am pretty knowledgeable when it comes to game so I could sell a ton of used games to customers who came in. That made the bosses happy and in turn made me happy. Granted that was 6 years ago so I don't know if things have changed. The GameStop I frequent now is lame, it seems that the employees are just going through the motions when it comes to customer relations and it annoys me. I hate when people have fake enthusiasm as it come across as pathetic.
Shin Kojima
Banned
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Risible
Member
Should have been the first reply.
Krappadizzle
Member
Though now that I think about it I wouldn't work there again as the pay is garbage. I make quite a bit more money now than I did then and wouldn't want to work there for years just to get a management position just to make a little bit more.
Jasper Avenue
Member
I have friends that work at Gamestop and the majority of them enjoy it. If you're in a good store with a manager that doesn't give a fuck, you can basically do whatever you want.
Honestly though, all retail is horrible. If you're just looking for a part time job, go into the restaurant industry. Not fast food but a nice restaurant where you can work as a server or a cook. The pay is nice and the perks (girls, social aspect) are much better.
Honestly though, all retail is horrible. If you're just looking for a part time job, go into the restaurant industry. Not fast food but a nice restaurant where you can work as a server or a cook. The pay is nice and the perks (girls, social aspect) are much better.
I was wearing a phillies hat when I went to preorder SFxT. The guy working there asked me if I wanted to preorder mlb 12 the show and then proceeded to dodge my "no"s with a 5 minute speech as to why I absolutely must preorder it. I know it's their job but are they going to get fired if they stop at the first "no"?
plagiarize
Banned
i worked part time at one for a few years to make some new friends, earn a bit of extra cash and save a bit of money on games. i enjoyed the job and didn't mind selling pre-orders or subs or whatever. i could tell when someone didn't want to hear it, and our manager never really slammed us for having bad numbers so long as we were telling people about them.
generally we'd have one person on the staff who would push that stuff on everyone and everything, who didn't understand that good numbers and good customer service weren't the same thing, but overall the staff there were friendly, knowledgeable and good to work with.
then some of those staff were forced to split open new product and take out an advertised free copy of Deus Ex: Human Revolution from the PC version. i knew that Gamestop would end up apologising to the fullest over that crap, but i was expected to tow the company line on something that i knew was wrong. i handed in my notice and walked away.
whatever my price is, it's a lot higher than i was earning working 8 or so hours a week at Gamestop.
so really, it's the same as any retail job. if the staff there are good, it will generally be a good experience until corporate expect you to do something that fucks over your customers and have you on the frontline defending it.
i still shop there. still get on with everyone. i think my old manager would take me back in a heartbeat and i do miss it... but i'm not selling myself out on those principles.
generally we'd have one person on the staff who would push that stuff on everyone and everything, who didn't understand that good numbers and good customer service weren't the same thing, but overall the staff there were friendly, knowledgeable and good to work with.
then some of those staff were forced to split open new product and take out an advertised free copy of Deus Ex: Human Revolution from the PC version. i knew that Gamestop would end up apologising to the fullest over that crap, but i was expected to tow the company line on something that i knew was wrong. i handed in my notice and walked away.
whatever my price is, it's a lot higher than i was earning working 8 or so hours a week at Gamestop.
so really, it's the same as any retail job. if the staff there are good, it will generally be a good experience until corporate expect you to do something that fucks over your customers and have you on the frontline defending it.
i still shop there. still get on with everyone. i think my old manager would take me back in a heartbeat and i do miss it... but i'm not selling myself out on those principles.
ConradCervantes
Banned
I was a pretty enthusiastic gamer four years ago when I began working for GameStop. By the time I quit last fall, I had lost the will to even be enthused about new hardware rumors. It drained me dry.
There's actually a trap-door under each clerk, with a manager under the counter holding the switch.
Shit, you were around then? That sucks. That's my only real concern. If I have to do something really low down and dirty like that, I don't know if I would want to do it.
Shortt Sirket
Member
That 82nd street one is my main store but I am not working there right now. And are you talking about Kevin or Dan? Because I have known Kevin for like 5+ years, back when him and I worked together at the Pendleton Pike store.
Is like every other job. The people that hate working there, will put it as working as the worst corner of hell, and the people that don't mind; well they don't mind as long as they get paid and do their job.
Like every job, it has good employees, bad employees, asshole managers, good/helping managers, people that care, people that don't care, customers that behave well, customers that make hell and what to shit all over the place.
Is just a normal job...like most out there.
Like every job, it has good employees, bad employees, asshole managers, good/helping managers, people that care, people that don't care, customers that behave well, customers that make hell and what to shit all over the place.
Is just a normal job...like most out there.
Drives me nuts how they take games out of their cases. I remember I went to buy Rayman origins and he grabs a case and its empty then he spent about 10 minutes trying to find the game. I just said forget it and left.
Not to mention it just feels like you are buying a used game at full price.. :/
Not to mention it just feels like you are buying a used game at full price.. :/
I always thought that one of the worst things about working at Gamestop would be having to listen to the combination of the looping game promos they play in the store all day and whatever piece of music is blaring from the demo Wii. I know that I can only handle a few loops of PREORDER MURDERGUNS: BLOOD TORNADO AT GAMESTOP TO GET THE TOTALLY EPIC EXCLUSIVE BAZOOKA CANNON GUN while the music from the first level of NSMBWii blares in the background before I feel like I need to leave, but it's probably easier to ignore if you're an employee and busy with actual work.
Most longtime GS employees that I know tend to like their job, but like others have said it partially depends on how much you luck out with your superiors, fellow employees, and customers.
Most longtime GS employees that I know tend to like their job, but like others have said it partially depends on how much you luck out with your superiors, fellow employees, and customers.
Really depends what kind of traffic your gamestop gets. I could see some of them being horrible places to work in. Dealing with annoying adolescent boys and dumb parents I'm guessing is standard for a shop like this?
Either way I usually go there when I make a retail purchase but I somehow always end up on their email newsletter spam list. Need to remember next time to tell them to fuck off with that but I rarely buy retail so w/e will prob forget :S
Either way I usually go there when I make a retail purchase but I somehow always end up on their email newsletter spam list. Need to remember next time to tell them to fuck off with that but I rarely buy retail so w/e will prob forget :S
"Hello, one copy of "INSERT NEW GAME""
"Ok, would you like to save a few bucks on a used copy?"
"No"
"Would you like to sign up for a powerup card and or a game informer subscription"
"no"
"You can save a few bucks on used games"
"I don't buy used games, just give me the game"
"Can I have your Email, phone number, name and address"
"No"
"Would you like to purchase a store warranty for your game?"
"No"
"We don't have any sealed copies so I am going to give the display copy"
I walked out and bought the game somewhere else.
plagiarize
Banned
generally it was easy to ignore.
when it wasn't Cotton Eyed Joe anyway and over Christmas Gamestop TV sure beat what all the other retail staff were being forced to listen to on a loop.
specialguy
Banned
I saw a somewhat cute girl working in Gamestop the other day.
She probably wasn't even that cute, but since it was just her and like 4 dude customers in the store. she automatically seemed way cuter.
I mean I used to work in a warehouse, few women, so the ones there seemed a lot more attractive than they were while you were working, I mean in a mall those warehouse women wouldn't warrant a glance. But my friend coined a term for it, they looked good when you were suffering from "warehousitis" lol.
That is all LOL.
She probably wasn't even that cute, but since it was just her and like 4 dude customers in the store. she automatically seemed way cuter.
I mean I used to work in a warehouse, few women, so the ones there seemed a lot more attractive than they were while you were working, I mean in a mall those warehouse women wouldn't warrant a glance. But my friend coined a term for it, they looked good when you were suffering from "warehousitis" lol.
That is all LOL.
Skiptastic
Member
Um, it's been well over five years (probably close to ten now), but I want to say his name was Mike. Because I think I called him Big Mike because he was a big guy. He was at Castleton then went over to the EB on 86th across from Brebeuf (not the Gamestop right by the Wal Mart) then he left the company.
Speaking of Gamestop, I have like $100 on my card that I should probably spend sometime...
Hm, I don't know. I never get those last two questions, or the used game statement. Nor even if I want a used copy. I get the second question though in a quick manner sometimes.
See, I've seen them ask about GI subscriptions, but never about any disc protection stuff, or warranties.
It's like any other retail job really. My gf worked there for awhile, she liked it. It really just depends on your manager, if they are cool you'll have a great time. Just be ready to meet quotes on subs and reserve's. They want 1 and 1 from new people, if you've been there awhile they might want more. If someone comes in and cancels a reserve on you, then you go down one even if your not the one who gave it to them in the first place.
SRTtoZ
Member
You forgot a few lines, Fixed now.
itzknickknac
Member
I agree, I worked at HomeGoods and Old Navy several years back, they sucked. But then again, gamestop is a smaller store, so easier to recover I imagine?
I walked into gamestop one time just to look around, these guize ruined it.. walked out as soon as they came in.
This is exactly why I hate buying games at gamestop. I buy games late where the prices dropped. But when I want a new copy.. display is what I get, and its in worst condition as some used ones (ie. Ar Tonelico Quoga )
SRTtoZ
Member
Oh to answer the question, No its not that bad working there. I worked at EBgames a few years back and it was fun. Yea I hated selling preorders and all that other junk but I was also in charge so I wasnt forced to do any of it. The best part is when you're not busy and just relaxing talking videogames. The worst part is from November to January when the holiday rush happens. You are in a small store that gets super hot with 50+ people in it and its just chaos everywhere. Fuck that noise.
Edit: That display copy shit they do is the reason I try not to buy games there. They keep the minimum amount of 'new' games in stock so you are forced to buy used.
Edit: That display copy shit they do is the reason I try not to buy games there. They keep the minimum amount of 'new' games in stock so you are forced to buy used.
GhaleonQ
Member
No, it varies by region and by the time in your life when you're employed there. It's an amazing summer job as long as you're not in a sickly area of the country. My central Wisconsin store was kept neat, had a lot of rare stuff come in, and had a clientele that went from "could hold up on NeoGAF" to "selling games for cigarette money." I loved working there.
I get the people who hate the store and the company, though.
Some can cut through for some reason. Series of awful 5-second Aerosmith loops haunt me to this day.
I get the people who hate the store and the company, though.
Some can cut through for some reason. Series of awful 5-second Aerosmith loops haunt me to this day.
Alligatorjandro
Banned
I like Gamestop.
Do employees get bonuses or have upsell stats tracked in their performance appraisals? It's not like the employees actually like doing that, right? I know it would piss me off having to go through that whole routine every checkout.
When I worked at a fast-food place, I pretty much never asked anyone if they wanted to super-size something or upgrade to a combo because I had no incentive to. Even if I did, it probably still wouldn't have gotten me to bother doing it much.
They have a quota. Gamestop clerks don't actually think you want a protection plan. They'd just rather sell you something useless than lose their jobs.
kingkaiser
Member
Well, that would explain this obnoxious smell i experienced at every Gamestop i visited...
Is it that hard to say you don't want a display copy? And if they have no other copies, go elsewhere.
I just skip ahead to that last step. There's no lack of places to buy games in my area.