TheSlySoul
Member
Without Gamestop where would Nintendo make an exclusive hard to find Amiibo?
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What is the point of Gamestop anymore?
- Thread starter sn00zer
- Start date
Aces&Eights
Member
I've had my good and bad experiences with GS for sure. Bottom line, though, for games I'm on the fence about I can buy a physical copy and then trade it in 30 days later. I get 40 trade in credit plus 10% pro member. If I use the trade in towards a promotion, I can get another 5-10%. So, all in all, it can be a good deal. All games that I know I'm gonna love and keep I just do the trade in thing for PSN cards and buy digitally.
It doesn't matter if they're no longer relevant or not. They spend millions to mark themselves as a specialty store and will continued to be viewed as such until one of the big box retailers step up their push.
I don't have cable but does Target, Walmart or Best Buy advertise on TV that they have trade-in programs and competitive pricing that is typically better than GS?
I don't have cable but does Target, Walmart or Best Buy advertise on TV that they have trade-in programs and competitive pricing that is typically better than GS?
Xilium
Member
The only people I ever see complaining about GS are on gaming forums. Most of the gamers I know IRL (from casual to core) will shop at GS for their selection and (relatively) hassle-free buying and selling of used games. The ones that don't (myself included) don't shop there simply because we prefer to get our stuff from Amazon.
The average consumer (of any product) simply isn't as obsessed with finding the best deals. New games cost $60 on average and that is what most people go in expecting to pay. Older games are often bought used and with store credit (the average consumer also doesn't buy many older games).
I do find it interesting that enthusiast gamers, whom largely give GS shit because of their used game market, have become increasingly adverse to paying full price for anything gaming related.
The average consumer (of any product) simply isn't as obsessed with finding the best deals. New games cost $60 on average and that is what most people go in expecting to pay. Older games are often bought used and with store credit (the average consumer also doesn't buy many older games).
I do find it interesting that enthusiast gamers, whom largely give GS shit because of their used game market, have become increasingly adverse to paying full price for anything gaming related.
I'm all about half.com and ebay myself... any game you want from any console generation, and at the lowest price possible. Only thing I use Gamestop for is when I'm impatient (there is one like two blocks from my house) and there is some new release I want.
Gamestop could cease to exist altogether and I wouldn't care.
Gamestop could cease to exist altogether and I wouldn't care.
This. Not just that but their coupons. I am holding on to 1 right now that you get 2 used games and get a 3rd one free. Gotta read the fine print tho because the free game will have to be equal or the lesser value of the lowest valued item.
Get 2 games $27 then free game cant be more than $27.
Get 1 game $27 the other $14, free game cant be more than $14.
But I understand where the OP is coming from. Just doing some checking around online...I got 4 used games recently from Gamefly that were cheaper than Gamestop. The kicker? They were supposed to be used....but the ones that came with codes...they actually worked. About 4 games I was gonna get from Gamestop wound up being cheaper on Gamefly. I saved $37 in total. (codes working with used games is something I like about Amazon too)
Right now for online shopping I check Gamefly also. That wound up being a nice surprise.
EnVy_CaLiBeR
Member
I like Gamestop and the trade-in promotions are sometimes pretty awesome. Don't understand the hate that the business gets sometimes.
*shrugs*
*shrugs*
sensui-tomo
Member
They used to make it apparent that all three of them had "THE LOWEST PRICES available" with a "Price match guarantee" and all of them price match amazon (and some price match Fry's electronics if you're in that part of the usa... wish they were in michigan) while Gamestop doesnt guarantee jack shit.
skLaFarebear
Member
Because amazon recently has been straight up garbage for me for pre-ordered games by delivering them days after the game came out (though they oddly were fine for DeSu2:RB). And my experiences with best buy's and walmarts gaming department is annoying because they don't have anyone on staff there so it's take forever to find someone to get me the game I'm picking up.
For GameStop, when a game comes out I want, I just pre-order it, walk in, pick it up and leave. It's so simple.
For GameStop, when a game comes out I want, I just pre-order it, walk in, pick it up and leave. It's so simple.
I remember back when used games cost like 50-70% of what new games cost and you could actually get decent credit for your used games. Then Gamestop came along, hiked the prices of new games, started to sell used games for the same price other stores sell new ones, and decided that you only get like €10 or less in credit for your used games. For example, I could go to Gamestop right now and buy a new copy of Bloodborne for €70 or a used copy for €60, or just go to another store and get a new copy for €60. Despite of all this, they have somehow managed to become the leading video game store chain in Finland.
I don't understand it either.
I don't understand it either.
2 Slice Toaster
Member
The new wave of people bragging about how they shop for games at Best Buy and not Gamestop is just adorable.
sensui-tomo
Member
If gamestop makes their program worth a damn and gives me 20% off any new game(unopened/not used) then i'll shop there again, and allow for price matching. seriously why would you want to spend more money?
If you were being sarcastic, i missed that point completely.
AyaisMUsikWhore
Member
There is no point. Power up rewards is a joke as it doesn't offer any value whatsoever and is the biggest ripoff to date. Game informer is basically digital now but I'm not sure if they are independent.
Their used new games are still priced higher than your typical mom and pop including other retailers especially best buy where you pay half the price for their membership and get a bigger discount for new games... Like... They have no point. They should just be a retro games marketplace and call it a day.
Their used new games are still priced higher than your typical mom and pop including other retailers especially best buy where you pay half the price for their membership and get a bigger discount for new games... Like... They have no point. They should just be a retro games marketplace and call it a day.
Fbh
Member
I don't live the US and I've only entered a gamestop once when I was on vacation in Europe but I used to work in the "gamestop equivalent" (ripoff) in my country.
From my experience, one of the advantages of buying at our place (compared to supermarket and big box stores) was that we were "videogame specialists". So there wasn't much of a price advantage compared to other places but the people working there actually knew what they were talking about and had the knowledge and skill to help and give advice to customers.
A big part of our target audience wasn't "gamers" but rather all the other people that still buy games. Moms, dads, kids, uncles, grandparents, even young adults and teens that weren't that much into gaming and wanted some advice on what to buy.
So, for example, when a dad came to ask us the difference between the Ps3, Xbox 360 and Wii we could actually provide him with a good answer, explain the differences in type of games, features, accesories, etc and give him a recommendation based on what he needed ("my kid is this old and likes games like this and that"). At a big box store or a supermaket the store clerk would read him the features on the back of the box and call it a day.
But again, I don't know how it's in the US. Mabye gamestop employees aren't that good or mabye places like Best Buy actually have "videogame specialists"
From my experience, one of the advantages of buying at our place (compared to supermarket and big box stores) was that we were "videogame specialists". So there wasn't much of a price advantage compared to other places but the people working there actually knew what they were talking about and had the knowledge and skill to help and give advice to customers.
A big part of our target audience wasn't "gamers" but rather all the other people that still buy games. Moms, dads, kids, uncles, grandparents, even young adults and teens that weren't that much into gaming and wanted some advice on what to buy.
So, for example, when a dad came to ask us the difference between the Ps3, Xbox 360 and Wii we could actually provide him with a good answer, explain the differences in type of games, features, accesories, etc and give him a recommendation based on what he needed ("my kid is this old and likes games like this and that"). At a big box store or a supermaket the store clerk would read him the features on the back of the box and call it a day.
But again, I don't know how it's in the US. Mabye gamestop employees aren't that good or mabye places like Best Buy actually have "videogame specialists"
PeakPointMatrix
Member
Wait is this a real question?
Welp. First of all, not all places are just littered with "mom and pop" stores that I can just stumble into one and find used games. They're quite out of the way where I live and in the distance it takes to get to one, I've passed 3 Gamestops.
Secondly, they will happen to have most gaming peripherals in stock, where big box places keep only a smattering of certain things stocked at their leisure. Best Buy. Target. Walmart. A *different* Target. These are all the stores that I visited looking for a Pro Controller and a copy of Mario Party. Literally none of them had them in stock, no matter where I looked. It wasn't until I want to Gamestop that I was finally able to conveniently grab both with little to no hassle.
Some people are real drama queens about how "horrible" gamestop is, because they ask you to subscribe to some shit. Which by the way, it's not some herculean task to say no thank you a couple of times. And in the last two years I've only been asked if I want to preorder a game, nothing else, in and out.
Welp. First of all, not all places are just littered with "mom and pop" stores that I can just stumble into one and find used games. They're quite out of the way where I live and in the distance it takes to get to one, I've passed 3 Gamestops.
Secondly, they will happen to have most gaming peripherals in stock, where big box places keep only a smattering of certain things stocked at their leisure. Best Buy. Target. Walmart. A *different* Target. These are all the stores that I visited looking for a Pro Controller and a copy of Mario Party. Literally none of them had them in stock, no matter where I looked. It wasn't until I want to Gamestop that I was finally able to conveniently grab both with little to no hassle.
Some people are real drama queens about how "horrible" gamestop is, because they ask you to subscribe to some shit. Which by the way, it's not some herculean task to say no thank you a couple of times. And in the last two years I've only been asked if I want to preorder a game, nothing else, in and out.
Gucci Messiah
Banned
I go to gamestop for the convenience although I really hate how they:
A. Force preorders down your throat. I was in there yesterday returning a game and the clerk tried to talk me into reserving Arkham Knight for a solid 2 minutes.
B. Gut new games and try to sell them as new. I always ask for a shrink wrapped copy and if they don't have one I refuse to buy unless I'm desperate/lazy.
Still, they carry niche Vita games I can't find elsewhere and have decent prices on used games.
A. Force preorders down your throat. I was in there yesterday returning a game and the clerk tried to talk me into reserving Arkham Knight for a solid 2 minutes.
B. Gut new games and try to sell them as new. I always ask for a shrink wrapped copy and if they don't have one I refuse to buy unless I'm desperate/lazy.
Still, they carry niche Vita games I can't find elsewhere and have decent prices on used games.
Me either. Unless pawn shops and thrift stores count. Even then maybe you will see some PS4 stuff at a pawn shop but you can forgot it for a thrift store.
Maybe comic book stores sell video games. I havent been to one of those in years.
I agree with this. I remember the look a guy gave me when I asked if they had Lego City Undercover on PS3 or 360...like....dumbass you dont know its Wii U exclusive....it was funny. Hey...I just assumed since it was Lego... Him just knowing off the bat is the point I'm making tho.
AyaisMUsikWhore
Member
That's what's called great customer service. People are willing to pay for better service they get from another competitor because of it. If GameStop offered 20% off new games, points to give you certificates that can be used on future orders, and price matching capabilities, I'm sure more people would be bragging on behalf of them. These are just the three major points as to why people are.
Astral Dog
Member
Its the common place you go to buy games.
also
also
, im not sure i know what's big box store
This, too. Not only is it a gaming related store, they are everywhere. Never had a bad experience with them before.
I'm still very pissed about how they've handled Power Up Rewards in teh last year. As a gamer who has been making a huge switch to digital, a year ago it was pretty awesome when I could amass 5000 or 10000 points to be able to get the 5$ or 10$ off coupon and use it towards a PSN card. Now they made it to where those coupons can only be used pretty much on brand new physical games. Really cut down how much I cared to shop at Gamestop, and have only been going there primarily for DS games. The people at my gamestop are chill though, always cool to go in and talk to them since all of them actually do play games, plus they never sell me on anything extra. But it still has been annoying with that Power Up Rewards change, now I'm just amassing points with no idea what I care to spend it on since I can't use it on digital PSN or Eshop cards anymore.
2 Slice Toaster
Member
So if they have a sale that genuinely offers value over what their other competitors are offering (and the fact that people find it worthwhile to start threads about their sales on Neogaf indicate this happens) at any given time, you wouldn't buy from them? You would purchase from some other place and spend more money?
Gamestop offers value. Simple as. They are widespread, individual stores have searchable inventories online (so I don't have to call up and ask "mom and pop" to look through their computer, if they have an electronic inventory) and thus they become an option if I want to pick up an older title.
I mean I get people decry some of their practices as anti-consumer, but I'm befuddled on why people want to take a major retailer out of the system as a competitor. Do they think Best Buy will offer them even better deals once Gamestop is out of the picture?
Gucci Messiah
Banned
Why are you so bothered by people saving money via GCU? I mean, I don't have it because Best Buy is a 10 minute drive when Gamestop is right down the street but I'm not gonna hurl passive-aggressive insults at those who chose to shop there.
Fbh
Member
Oh yeah, the place I used to work for was also one of the first in my country (and I think they still are one of the only ones) that warned parents about violent content in videogames and actually refused to sell M rated games to kids unless they came with their parents.
Seeing parents refuse to buy GTA after hearing the content followed by the sad face of spoiled brats was the best part about working there lol
2 Slice Toaster
Member
Best Buy doesn't have great customer service. They have the same part-timers who don't give a shit working the register as they did before. The same as Gamestop. Their discount card for new purchases is better. Acknowledged. On that they offer much greater value than Gamestop. But if I'm in the market for a new console and Gamestop can sell it to me cheaper than Best Buy I'm not going to buy it at my good buddy Best Buy just because they've been doing me a solid with GCU.
Thats ludicrous.
TouchMyBox
Member
Isn't that where we bought games before the internet existed?
sensui-tomo
Member
Yup because they still got amazon, Frys electronics, Target and Toys r us to compete with. Gamestop generally for the most part doesnt have great deals(except with trade-ins which is something i do take advantage of). I'll buy wherever had my game for the cheapest, or game share with a friend (which is easy to do) I am a CaG .
2 Slice Toaster
Member
I don't know, why do we get a thread every month about why someone would ever shop at Gamestop?
I'm not mocking people for shopping at BestBuy, I'm mocking them for pointing to shopping there over Gamestop as a point of pride.
Saving many hundreds of dollars by not making the mistake of shopping at Gamestop is a sensible point of pride. Gamestop right now sucks and cannot compete with Best Buy.
Carnby
Member
I shop at BB for the discount, and I'll admit that it sucks. BB always provides me with a terrible shopping experience. I only go back for the discount.
What? So to understand this: Gamestop can open cases of new games because for whatever reason and sell them at full new price but don't accept opened games that consumers want to return? What in the fucking hell is this for an awful store chain? I'm so glad that Gamestop is not a common thing here in Germany. I can buy any game at Saturn or Media Markt and if I don't want it I can return it in the next two weeks and they take it back without any further questions. It's called right to return unsatisfactory products.
Man I already heard terrible storys about Gamestop like storing products in their fucking employee toilette because there is no other room. So with any luck you buy your new 3DS with piss and shit on the boxing. Really disgusting stuff. They deserve to go bancrupt and vanish from earth.
Thinking about price matching now....if they do it for Gamefly...I might have to check out the Best Buy GC.
I see right know some used games are cheaper on Best Buy vs Gamestop...interesting.
Estocolmo
Member
I found a used copy of Sonic Generation for Xbox 360 (no classic/platinum) a month ago. I have been trying to find this version because I collect games but I dont buy games with the classic mark and I just couldn't find it anywhere else. It was used so it had the regular 3-4 dirty used stickers on it but luckily I could remove them.
sensui-tomo
Member
I should let you know the only reason i like bb at the moment is due to how cheap i've gotten stuff there on a regular basis, and yeah BB CS can be bad( i havent had an issue but that doesnt dismiss other people's cases in the past) But my take, is I go where its cheap to get my stuff. Hell i just got my friend a new ps4 bundle with 3 games for $414 (counting michigan tax) (the last of us bundle, MKX and Bloodborne) at Meijers.... I go where its cheap and convenient, I wish Gamestop would allow for more competitive practices.
Gucci Messiah
Banned
If you're going to get irrationally mad over negative gamestop threads then maybe don't post in them instead of complaining or mocking posters who like to praise the deals they get at Best Buy.
TheSlySoul
Member
I was making a joke.
But yeah unless you want to browse used games, there is not a point when we have online stores.
2 Slice Toaster
Member
Maybe I won't.