Dear GameStop: Back Off, Already
I'd forgotten why I generally detest going shopping for games at my local GameStop. You see, I normally rely on either snagging a review copy from a publisher or I'll pick it up from the Fry's Electronics near my house. The latter has a surprisingly large selection of games, and I've never experienced any pressure from the sales people there. In fact, I've often been surprised at just how knowledgeable and generally friendly the clerks there are. Unfortunately, sometimes certain games have limited supplies or just don't make it into the store's system because of their small releases. Today, when I arrived at Fry's, I found out that Odin Sphere was totally sold out. I called Best Buy, since they're right down the street, only to be told that the game isn't coming out until June (once again proving why I generally don't bother shopping for games at that store), so I only had one option left if I wanted to snag a copy of Odin Sphere before I took off for the weekend. I took a deep breath, braced myself, and called GameStop.
As soon as the phone was answered, I was immediately asked if I wanted to trade in my games for cash and then the clerk gave his name. I ignored the question and asked if they happened to have a copy of my sought-after game, and I was delighted to hear that they actually had one left. Not only that, but they were willing to put it on hold for me so long as I made it down before they closed in the next 45 minutes.
Needless to say, I hauled ass down to the store and made it with twenty minutes to spare. The clerk behind the counter asked me if I was interested in selling any games for cash before I even told them what I wanted. I politely declined and then told him what I was there for; as the guy rummaged through the glass case, another clerk came up from behind me and started telling me about how if I really liked hard-to-find games I needed to pre-order Atelier Iris 3 through GameStop because no one else would be carrying it (his words, not mine). Again, I politely declined and began to silently pray to Whatever God Looks Out For Tortured Retail Customers in the hope that I'd be granted a speedy exit. When I turned back to pay for my game, I had a binder with lists of upcoming releases shoved in my face and the cashier began telling me about all the popular PS2 titles coming out in the near future. I pretty much tuned him out and stared at the wall with a glazed expression until he handed my credit card back, and then I hightailed it out of the store as quickly as possible.
Having worked in the retail industry for a while, I understand that clerks have certain sales expectations they are required to meet by their employers. However, every time I wind up in a GameStop, I encounter situations like the one I described above and feel like they're trying to squeeze every single buck out of me they can. As a result, I find myself increasingly adverse to shopping in their stores because of their high-pressure sales tactics. I can't be the only person having these kind of experiences, and I'm probably not the only one who's given up patronizing GameStop in exchange for the non-obnoxiousness of eBay.
Boy of Tomorrow
Posted to Miscellany on 25 May 2007
· Comments (60)
Other stuff like this: Atelier Iris 3, gamestop, high pressure sales tactics, odin sphere, ridiculous, weirdo clerks
Same experiences. I only buy online now. I'd rather pay extra for shipping than deal with that.
I live down the street to a gamestop, I go miles away to a fry's for my video game needs. (Though gamestop is admittedly good in a pinch, but always irritating.)
I did the exact same thing yesterday. Tried Fry's Target, and Best Buy. I was forced to get it at Gamestop. (or online, but I wanted it for the weekend)
I walked in as the clerk sold a crappy phone plan to some poor sucker.
Wow...my Gamestop must have been where they put all the slackers...the clerks there just talk to each other until you go to the register, and then they just ring you up. No big deal...
I would hate that kind of pushy salesmanship, too, though.
I don't know if your GameStop does this, but mine ALWAYS has a message on the receipt about taking a survey about my shopping experience there... I never miss an opportunity to let them know I only went there b/c of immediate need and despise their heavy-handed approach.
While I can totally understand your experience and reaction to Gamestop, Boy of Tomorrow, I can't be surprised. Gamestop and to a lesser extent, the former EB Games, have been doing this crap for years, but yet somehow droves of people still manage to spend their hard earned money there nearly every week.
Just stop shopping there. And that doesn't mean exhaust other options first and THEN shop there. It means don't shop there. Period.
Still love ya tho! ;)
Yeah, the register biscuits have things they have to say and its not really their fault n junk, but for many years gamestop/eb has just plain been out of touch with us core gamers. We feel patronized, ripped off and disenfranchised the majority of the time. I don't shop there if I can avoid it (curse you, bioshock limited edition!) but sometimes they are just so damned convenient.
It seems that they've only gotten worse. I didn't have the "binder experience" until recently, when I went inside one one at a mall to see if they had Puzzle Quest.
They did - and a whole bunch of other stuff too! I had to preorder Final Fantasy Anniversary (even though it's the GBA remake - again?), blah, blah, blah.
I finally folded my arms and stared at them and said nothing and let them peter out. When they were finished, I said "Are you going to ring me up sometime today?"
I think they're obviously making money, but usually when a place goes high pressure like this, they have a major crash because customers get pissed off (which is why they're trying to be exclusive stores now to *force* us to use them to get games like Chulip).
My Gamestops (and EBs) aren't nearly as bad as the horror stories people are always pushing. Especially the EB closest to my home (it's in a small town, the only game competition is Wal-Mart, I guess they don't care about pushing that crap).
Anyway the worst experience I've had with GS is when they failed to get my Portrait of Ruin pre order set in. I waited like 2 months checking back via phone almost every other day before they actually recieved them. I had allready finsihed the game by that point.
Gamestop can be very annoying. I am someone who likes immediate gratification when it comes to games, so I often pre-order in a Gamestop store so I don't have to wait for shipping or get frustrated when a store is sold out. When I went to pick up my copy of Odin Sphere, I had the experience as above, asking for more pre-orders and trade ins.
I will say though I actually like Gamestop. When I was in college, the nearby Gamestop was great. I went in there quiet often, so the employees knew me, and I pre-ordered a lot. No one bothered me about pre-orders or trading in games. They knew I would pre-order if I wanted something, and they never bothered me about trade ins, and when I was shopping or checking out we would just talk about games. Getting to know your Gamestop employees makes the experience a whole lot better. Of course, it also depends on the people working there, because other Gamestops I have been to, the employees are dicks no matter how much you talk to them.
In my recent job hunt (yes, I was considering working for them...ok, not really) I found that they were the only potential employer that didn't list sexual orientation as one of the characteristics they specifically do not disqualify applicants for. Until they change this verbiage, as a matter of respect to their gay and lesbian clientele, I will not shop at Gamestop again. I think everyone else should do the same.
to motordog: mine too. except their the grossest HaloTards on the planet. I miss FunCoLand. =[
Your not the only one. I went to buy game from there recently and I saw a case for a game I had that no case. I was going to buy a second copy of the game so I had a case. I go to check out, they tell they don't have the game. No biggie *shrug* I ask if IHow wea could buy the case off them and then they get difficult with. For five minutes the clerk tells me how I don't need the case. I keep telling him I know this and that I want the case for my collection just to make it look good. This went on for five minutes. I remember when gamestop use to be friendly now it's just a bunch of tools working for them.
I've had good experiences, but I also worked at GameStop; it was common for people to get more work hours depending how many reservations/magazine subscriptions they could sell. The store's corporate headquarters is also heavily marketing and sales driven - it's no surprise that it trickles down to employees, who would otherwise just be nice and helpful instead of pushy and aggressive :(
Fortunately the guys at the store where I shop are cool; if they pitch something I just say no thanks, and if they keep at it I change the subject. To date I haven't had the "binder treatment."
EB Games isn't much better, they are the same now after all but still branded separately. When I replied to the "what else can we get, buy something please" question with "just Zelda, thanks, I was bombarded by questions about pre-ordering Phantom Hourglass, which had not set release date at that point. I asked why I should reserve something that could be pushed back, again!, their suggestion was I would be called when the date was set. Apparently I can't lookup a release date and just need to give them my money.. Of course this is the same store that tried to foist an N-Gage on me.... *shudder*
Rytheguy, that's intersting and I have to wonder if that is a recent change. One of the few things that I didn't hate about working there was that they had a progressive policy regarding sexuality, including domestic partner benefits etc.
The coporate environment of the company forces the stores to be annoying. It's sad, but true. I can remember when I first started at the company, I had a brand new store and although I had the second highest overall sales in the district with the highest overall used mix (best profit), I recieved a write up for not meeting our magazine subscription goals... Let's see, do we reward your store for it's profitability, or drive you crazy because you need to force two more kids to buy magazines...
I must just be the lucky one. I've had to go in Gamestops frequently recently looking for wiis, and they ususally greet me with a "Can I help you" and just tell me what I need to know. They even say goodbye most of the time.
Freaky.
My Gamestop is now putting game cases out for unreleased games, complete with artwork, full retail price and stickers that say "NEW". It does NOT say "Coming Soon" or "Preorder Now". They actually try to trick you into thinking they have a copy in stock. When you finally get it up to the counter is when they reveal to you that you can not purchase the game they are advertising as new and in stock - but would you like to preorder it instead. This really ticks me off especially when getting to the counter can take upwards of 10 - 15 minutes while they do their hard sell song and dance to the people in line before you. GAME STOP SUCKS.
The gamestop a mile from my apartment is good, the employees are not pushy. But as for every other gamestop I've been to locally, I definitely agree, they're obnoxious.
Ugh. Gamestop. I hate going in there. I once was there looking at Street Fighter branded controllers. When asking what other characters there were in the set, the sales monkey shrugged and said, "I don't know. I've never played Street Fighter."
I promptly put down a few purchases and walked out the door. Haven't been back since.
Now the EB practically knows me by name. Or at least as "That girl who hovers outside waiting for the shipment of her preorder to arrive." They know if I want to preorder something, I'll tell them. And they tend to put the smaller release games lower on the shelf since they know I'm coming for them. It's how I got the last copies of Puzzle Quest and Lunar Knights.
*sighs* Here it goes again... How the hell would a specialty retailer like gamestop survive if they didnt do something like that? Asking about trading in your games? Well considering they only make money on used games, that would make sense. We are just the middlemen for new games. Reservations? Its because if we presell enough, we can go to the publisher and say "Look, we've already guaranteed yout his many sales, give it to us for less"
Yeah, I sound like some fucking pidgeon now...but it makes sense from a business standpoint. Trades keep gamestop in business. Reservations let them make deals with publishers. Whats the difference between tons of other places? Its retail, thats how the world works.
But for god's sake let up on us employees, shit. We have to ask everyone, everything. And we have to try to get you to say yes. Now some do it poorly, but I have gotten pissed off at customers who say no too. You dont want to reserve something? Well personally the "Fuck you" response comes to mind. Why? Because thats what gamestop bases our god damned jobs around. Is it different from going to say Cingular? Or Verizon? Or shit like that? Well yes... They get commission. We get to keep our jobs.
I've more or less given up on making it a big deal though. I'll pitch them a couple games, offer them the magazine, then talk about the game they are buying for the rest of the transaction. Sure, some customers probably think I'm an ass, and god knows I dont want to be, but thats what it's done to me.
YOu know that phone call in thing on the receipt? They dont actually listen to suggestions. They only use it to judge the stores and the sales people. SO everyone who calls in and leaves a negative response is just hurting the store they shopped at. Whats that do? Makes the employees even worse to deal with.
Now, dont get me wrong. We get paid to do a job. To put on a false smile, to sell games, to get reservations and subscriptions, to get people to trade into us, and to generally like coming to gamestop, but god damn its hard when the company itself does so much shit.
Name me one person who LIKES getting calls asking us to rate their experience in the store! Please, for god's sake, do something to make them change. Really, I pray to you to start some huge campaign against gamestop or something until they stop forcing their employees to force this shit on the customers. I beg you. I really really do.
I just have to say that I haven't been asked if I want to trade in games at an EB/Gamestop in a long time. When I go in these days the people working there usually say "hi", I look around for a bit and if I'm feeling sociable I'll chat with one of them about video games for a bit and then I leave.
If I find something I want to buy, I bring it to the counter, they ring it up and I'm on my way, that's it. So, yeah screw Fry's I'm not driving all over the place to find one of those.
Here's something for you to throw at gamestop, too. Why the hell should we sell a game to someone who didnt preorder it? What right do customers have to expect us to have a game if they dont support us as employees?
That mentality right there is in the back of every single employee's mind. Gamestop has fucked up. They gotta fix that shit, because EVERYONE who works for them thinks that. Sad, but true.
Especially considering every transaction that does not include a reservation hurts the employees ranking within the company, why sell a game to someone who didnt preorder, and who probably never will preorder?
a lot of these comments make me sick. as a former gamestop "register biscuit" and "sales monkey", i can honestly say that it's because of attitudes like most of yours that i quit.
let me put it this way, if you worked at gamestop...would you honestly want to wait on someone who was rude, dismissive, and condescending? because that's the attitude i get from these comments.
walking out because the sales associate never played a certain game? GROW THE FUCK UP!
when i was working there, we were required to deliver a sales pitch about game informer and and reservations. usually, it amounted me to me simply asking "what you like to subscribe to game informer"? "is there any game you'd like to reserve"?
i realize those extra twenty seconds are precious to you, but gimme a break...it was my job.
...and why is it they always ask me to preorder Madden; when I just came in and bought Odin Sphere along with Taito Legends 2 (which is a GS exclusive).
and another thing...
"As soon as the phone was answered, I was immediately asked if I wanted to trade in my games for cash and then the clerk gave his name. I ignored the question and asked if they happened to have a copy of my sought-after game, and I was delighted to hear that they actually had one left. Not only that, but they were willing to put it on hold for me so long as I made it down before they closed in the next 45 minutes."
so....let me get this straight...they were willing to hold the LAST copy of a game for you (which they're not supposed to do...i can't tell you how many times i did that for customers, only to have them not show up), and you still have the gall to be bothered when they make their little sales pitch?
YOU are the reason why i quit gamestop.
I work at GameStop and have for the past two years. The company has strict guidelines on sales tactics and most likely it is the stores Distract Manager who is placing pressure on the employees. The DM decides almost everything in the store and dictates what the Store Manager must do.
I deal with most customers well however as of late the company and their constant pressure on employees to shove merchandise down customers throats has finally gotten to me. For example GameStop made an error in their recent "HUGE" sale brochure. Instead of selling the item to the customer that was listed in the ad we are told to tell the customers that we do not have the game. Is that a honest from a business prospective... no, however it does save them money.
The people in the store make or break it. I will not step inside some stores because it is either disorganized, unclean, or the employees are complete asses and shove shit down your throat. Finding a good GameStop is a needle in a hay stack.
Two week notice for them is coming in soon
I also work at EBgames, and yes, it sucks to have pushy salespeople, at the same time, you need to understand it's our job.
So long as I can ask if you have your edge card, or you want a gpg, and you say no. It's no hassle from me. I HAVE TO ASK THAT, IT IS MY JOB. Complain about the company all you want, but don't sucker punch the employee's for saying it.
I try my best to help and please the customers when it comes actual customer service because I know what it's like on the other side of the fence. I play all sorts of games, I'm knowledgable. If I don't know about a game, I ask a fellow co-worker. Because I want the customers to have a good experience, not for the company, the company is horrible... but so that they know that I'm a good person who's honestly just trying to help them.
And about the phone comment, that's low... reaaaal low. We get the DM and sometimes other stores calling just to check and make sure we say the tagline. I quickly just say it and get on with the question. "EBgames play and trade it MuneTeika speaking, how may I help you tpday?" If that sends spiders crawling up your skin you have problems.
You all either truly have horrible people working at your EB/GS places, and yeah, it can happen, I wouldn't doubt it. But I hate when you act like we're all walking piles of trash, get over yourself. -_-
I duno, gamestop doesn't bug me too much. The prices are okay, and I usually can't find games like Odin Sphere anywhere else. Yah, they upsell, but EVERYONE who works in customer service has to. Usually when I get asked if I want to preorder, I just do it. I'm going to buy the game anyway, and now at least i get a phone call from them as a reminder (and it's always some girl named Lara. . . cute). And I might as well help the guy out by preordering, the guys at my local gamestop have to deal with a lot of bs. Last time I went there was a a family with 5 kids and all of them were "sampling" DS games one by one before they'd buy anything, and another customer couldn't understand why a ps2 game wouldn't work on her dvd player.
And btw, it was nice of the guy to save the last copy of the game for you huh? You could've returned the favor by listening to his "sales ptich" and being polite.
Luckily I have what my wife calls my "postal" stare that even after years of marraige spooks her.. Its a look that she and others told me look like I am about to grab someone's tongue thur thier bunghole and eat it as I pull out uzi's and blow the place to hell..
But seriously EB Games use to be okay until Gamestop took them over or vice versa.. Best Buy I never buy games from them, computer stuff in a pinch or movies period (okay I purchased my washer and dryer from them)..
Local stores are usually good, however they are a quickly dying breed.
The onliners are okay.. just be wary of the used market guys.. had some bad dealings (not like stealing you money or online terrorism but I had some mis-dealings)
I Also work somewhere that sells Video games, Lots of them and more Nintendo products then any other Retailer.
I HATE going into Game Stop. Because each and everyone that I've been to in 3 different states if staffed either by slackers or assholes.
Perfect examples the 2 guys working sitting behind the counter playing thier PSP's when there is Stuff all over the floor. (boxes game cases).
Another time I wanted to ask a question, I guy working couldn't be bothered to get off his cell phone long enough for me to ask about a release date.
I walked in and was asked if I wanted to reserve Madden, I politely said "no thanks", HE KEEP pushing, I replyed "I don't like Sports games" , He walked over to the otehr guys working and I quote ""Bet he like gay shit like Zelda."
With that I walked over to him as he for his Fucking DM's number - Talked to his DM - was like talking to a Brick Wall.
THAT is why so many of us HATE GAME STOP.
I get the asking for reserves WE do it also, but CHRIST be polite about it.
The PROBLEM with GAME STOP is the CEO's and rolls down hill from there.
I was rudely made to wait for over ten minutes because I did not pointedly decline that I wanted to reserve any games. I said nothing of the matter but however was furious over the fact I had to listen to those idiots chatter and they didn't bother to tell me why they were keeping me waiting until I was so fed up I had to ask why the hell the system was taking so long. I'm never that rude but honestly, the answer I received was more than enough to justify it. Jerks.
I have 2 Gamestops in my Area, the one in the Mall does these 'sales tactics' and I never like going there. The other one I go to never does any of that, and when I do call them they just say "Gamestop we buy sell and trade used games this is ***** Speaking whats up". So I go there.
There is no Frys in New York Unfortunatly.
"Perfect examples the 2 guys working sitting behind the counter playing thier PSP's when there is Stuff all over the floor. (boxes game cases)."
so...you think YOU have the right to tell them how to do their jobs? how do you know what they were doing five minutes before and five minutes after you left? i once spent three hours on my hands and knees putting a new section together. i decided to take a five minute break afterwards, and went behind the counter to get something to drink. as i stood there, someone like you came in, looked at me, and said "i wish i had a job where all i had to do was stand around all day".
ASSHOLE!
I used to work for Software Etc. (back before it became Gamestop), and back then we had to push "Multiple Sku Transactions", that is getting the customer to buy more than one item. I never pushed it beyond suggesting a strategy guide every now and then, because I hate that kind of pushy behavior when I shop, I'll be damned if I'm gonna do it to someone else.
My biggest complaint with shopping at Gamestop these days is how, if it's the last copy, they'll sell you a gutted floor display at full price. Sorry, once the factory wrapper is off the game, that copy is Used. It may not be pre-owned, but it was used as a display and therefore should not be sold at full price. I also love how a used copy is a whopping $5 less than a new copy. What a great deal!
What's most-awful about the dominance of evil evil Gamestop, is just how much stress it puts onto independent game sellers. Your average, slack-jawed, wolf-shirt, mall dwelling teenage male doesn't care who his money is going to; he just wants to play Halo. The lowest common denomitator make all the difference, and Gamestop only spreads like a miserable blight on the progress of gaming.
The whole cycle occludes the creative process of gaming, driving out mass-marketable media for holiday sale surges. Just look what Valve achieved by releasing their own shit!
In summation: Don't buy from gamestop. You didn't just pre-order a game; you traded them your soul for $11 of store credit.
I think its Annoying and I dont care for it. but this is not high pressured sales tatics. All you have to do is say no. I have shopped at gamestops and eb games in 2 different states and many many stores and after I say no maybe twice they ring it up and everyone's happy.
Also people! as someone who has worked in a game store before. Pre order your sought after games. its freakin 5 bucks that goes to the game. then you don't have to hunt for the game and they wont pressure you to do it because you are pre ordering a game. if i don't shop online I preorder it.
"In summation: Don't buy from gamestop. You didn't just pre-order a game; you traded them your soul for $11 of store credit."
um...yeah.
you forgot the part where we eat babies.
Rythefly:
Did you know that Gamestop has same-sex partner benefits with their medical and dental plans? Well, they do... so get over it.
I've never had binder experiences or anything like that, but I get really aggravated when I go in to pick up a quick game and they proceed to give me a dissertation on the production of Phantom Hourglass...after being read a laundry list of DS games that will be "impossible to get on the release date." That, compounded with the fact that when I called to see if Etrian Odyssey was in, I got HUGE attitude and a bithcy explanation that the game SHIPS on the release date and that it may not be in until the next day. I would shop somewhere else, but Gamestop so convenient.
my god...i've never seen so many WHINY BABIES on one forum.
"i'm outraged! i went in to the EVIL gamestop...and get this...THEY TRIED TO SELL ME SOMETHING!"
The Gamespot near my house never hassles me and the group of employees are really nice to me. As a matter of fact, I've had NO real sales hassles/hangups anywhere such as Best Buy etc...
I just get in there, buy stuff and get out.
They're just video games people. There are more important things in life. No, really.
"snicks:
my god...i've never seen so many WHINY BABIES on one forum.
"i'm outraged! i went in to the EVIL gamestop...and get this...THEY TRIED TO SELL ME SOMETHING!"
Posted by snicks | May 27, 2007 7:30 PM"
My god... I have never seen such a cranky bitch in a forum. You do realize that the point of this article is about Boy of Tomorrow's experience at multiple GameStops. He even mentions that he understands that there are sales quotas that need to be met by the stores, but he is not a fan of the way in which some employees carry it out. He never once says that he mouthed off to the clerks, either. I don't know why you're so damn angry, but maybe you need to go play some games and cool off.
ninja dear...
i was simply pointing out that if you guys think it's rough to have to be a gamestop customer...think how hard it is to be a gamestop employee, and having to put up with you guys.
and i called BOY on the fact that the store was willing to hold the LAST copy of a game for him (which i learned my lesson about after the 50th time that the customer decided not to show up), yet STILL got annoyed when they tried to deliver their obligatory sales pitch.
you get back what you give out, people.
if you go in with a attitude like you're above everyone who works there, and are rude and dismissive, then that's the attitude that you're gonna back.
God, after reading the comments since my last one...jeez, i agree. Grow up people. Its our job, is not like we are trying to trick you into giving us your credit card. We are trying to figure out things you might like, in order to, omfg, give us more money. Why? Because its our job. Let me restate that. ITS OUR JOB OMFG!!!!!!! Its the thing that gives us money in order for us to make a living. In order to buy food, make rent, and yes, play more games.
Also, get this, selling a new game does nothing for us. We dont make very much money off of a new game. Now a used game? Well thats pure profit to our store and the company. But putting aside a new game that was just released because you didnt preorder it? God you should feel fucking lucky for that. They had no reason to do it. They dont owe you anything.
I've never read such an all around rude and disrespectful thread of replies on this site. It reminds me of all those other boards I go to...it's a shame, as this used to be a laidback, friendly sort of oasis where everyone at least got along (if not always agreed). Can't we disagree and remain civil?
Meh, perhaps I'm being naive...
Never had a bad experience at my mall GameStop and theres another a few blocks away in a strip mall that has to be one of the most laid back places I've ever shopped. Yes, at the one in the mall I get the binder treatment but the guys have the rhetoric down to a slur of words at the end of which I look at them in reverant awe before we both bust out laughing. I noticed the subtle way a lot of the salespeople now refer to GameStop as "Used and New Games" (or as one fast talker put it "Usin' You Games") as opposed to the reverse. They know what's up and for the main part they empathize.
Let me preface this comment with, "You're absolutely right." GameStop and EB Games are all about pushing reserves and GameInformer subscriptions, and it does get annoying, however...
I worked for GameStop for two years. I know how it works. I got tired of asking for reservations. But you have to realize that NOT asking these questions can actually get you warned, written up, and fired. Yeah, as stupid as it is, you can get fired if you don't ask EVERY customer about trading in games, add-on purchases ("This rechargeable battery pack will put you back in the game that much faster!"), game reservations, and GI subscriptions. I don't know about the rest of you, but I don't LIKE losing my job. So, you have to understand, it isn't necessarily because the employees WANT to torture you (Although some are too over-the-top, I'll admit), but they have to unless they want to be looking for employment elsewhere.
Just something to keep things in perspective.
--Ry
Hey there,
the main problem with Gamestop, is that this company is making money on the back of developpers.
Gamestop will kill the industry.
I have nothing against second hand games, I think it is fair to allow that, but when the biggest retailer is pushing so hard on second hands, and is not paying a dime to developpers for second hand games, you are going to face a problem.
I wouldn't have any gripe with them if they were shelving new retail games, and have some second hands behind the counter, but not the opposite.
In fact the uber pressure we all feel in those stores are the result of one single thing. They are here ONLY for the money... When I say Only, is that you can go to some shops where they like the art of gaming, and this generates revenues in the end.
I think Gamestop is largely responsible, even if that's by rebound, of the lack of creativity and sequentials franchises we see now.
When you are the biggest retailer in one industry field, you need some morals and you need to support the industry you are making your money off its back.
Do you realize that GameStop is making its money without creating ANYTHING. And on the other hand, you have studios that can not develop cause they won't have sufficient sales, or recuring sales if one of their earlier creations is ONLY sold as second hand (even thought a reduced price would have fed the developers for longer).
Boycott Gamestop as they are killing our industry to make a buck.
Tom
I also do want to point out one very redeeming quality about GameStop.
In 2004, GS was the second largest contributor to the Democratic Party campaign from the electronics sector. They gave an ass-load of money to the Dems. They were also the ONLY electronics sector contributor to the Dems that did NOT contribute at all to the Republicans.
For all their trashy sales tactics (which, honestly, given time will probably change), they are at least putting their money in the pockets of the better team.
Of course Gamestop makes money on used games, it's the only thing they make money on. They don't actually make any money on new games, nothing, nada, zip. They're still a company (and even though I work at EB I still hate them). Fact is, everybody is out to make money...
My real problem is how much they charge for preowned games. I buy new as soon as a game comes out because I like to support the game company, not EB, but if a rare used game comes in, I'm still going to pick it up.
Welcome to reality boys(n'girls)
I worked at a Gamestop for a full year. Most of these comments are unwarranted, or you guys have really bad Gamestops in your area....
I think Shin mentioned the open-cased "new games" thing. I always gave people 10% discounts on new games that were on display. I mean, I know I wasn't supposed to do it all the time, but my manager gave me the o.k. to do it, and I liked making the people happy.
Yes, I asked people about the subs and reservations. I HAD to. My hours were dependant on them. But as soon as I got at least one subscription and two reservations, I relaxed a little. I didn't ask every single person anymore. I was generally just jumping around, helping whoever needed help.
And it's STUPID to believe that we should play EVERY GAME. Whoever was offended that the clerk never played Street Fighter is an idiot. Lots of people prefer on genre of game over another. I prefer RPGs. I have never played Madden in my life. Are you going to bitch at me because of that?
I had a lot of customers that I loved and would hide rare Atlus RPGS and other stuff for, but for every good customer, I had rude ones, like many of you. One guy gave me so much attitude that I had to restrain myself hitting him or just screaming. My manager noticed and told me to go into the back to cry a little. =/
No! I don't know jack about the 360! Don't rip me apart because of it!
It's been people like you guys that changed me from the hyperactive little Asian boy into the jaded, cold guy that eventually left Gamestop...
Well... the guy that robbed me didn't help either... hahahaha
I guess I've been lucky at the two GameStops I go to...either that or they've grown to know me well enough to know I know what I'm looking for and never come to sell games (it's that collector portion in me that I never want to give up any game I've bought). Essentially, I come in, do my quick run through in the sections I'm looking at and am at the counter and they just ask the traditional "Did you find everything you were looking for?" and I'm fine with that because I think they've come to know I'm usually the one asking if they have (insert game) in about games that some of them don't really know much (Izuna and Estrian Odyssey are the two most recent examples I can remember this early in the morning).
My closest Gamestop must get all the cool people then. I've never had anyone try to pressure me into selling/buying anything. I've also had more deep discussions at Gamestop/EB Games than I have with some of my close friends.
What's a GameStop? ^.^
I do hate it when people try to push sales on me when I shop for something. I usually just tell the people to stop pressuring me and walk out of the store without purchasing anything when this happens.
Anyway, I have my own EB/Gamestop story. I have on several occasions broke my Nintendo DS system and was able to return it with the extended warranty and get it replaced, but then I purchased a DS Lite. I soon noticed that there was a crack on the system that actually affected the structural integrity to the point where the system would soon break, and was told to return on Friday after they order a replacement. When I went into EB Games on Friday I was told that they now give people "refurbished" systems as replacements, and the DS Lite system I was offered as a replacement was thoroughly tested at EB's head office. When the salesperson showed me the replacement system I was shocked, not only did it also have a crack on it but it was dirty, missing some screws, and had scratches all over the touch screen, and there were dead pixels on the top screen. And I was told that I would have to renew the extended warranty for $20 if I exchanged my DS Lite for that piece of junk. And yes, at one point they did ask me if I wanted to trade in any games. After that experience I decided to stop shopping at EB Games and fix my DS Lite using parts that I order online.
@Richard: Given how much censorship the Democrats try passing on video games, thats, in my view, not a good thing.
this is a prime example why gamers do not like dealing with Gamestop/EB:
http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2006/12/18
No other retailer out there acts like Gamestop/EB so it is really hard to deal with.
I worked for Gamestop as a Store Manager and then moved over to the corporate office in Grapevine. It does depend on the District Manager on how a store runs and you can blame them, but then they act that way because of the Region Manager and who they answer to at HQ.
So it basically is the company's fault that going to these stores is such a terrible experience. They don’t care about the early adopters or the hardcore gamers, the collectors and pretty much any of you who go to such a site like this on a daily basis and Gamestop as a whole will not change cause what they do know and how they do it make them TONS of money.
But all of you former employees or current employees need to pull the stick out of your ass for getting all offended and upset at everyone’s actions and comments here, you guys are probably the few that are actually a joy to deal with when we visit or call your stores, but when we have to deal with the elitists fucks or the opposite ... the ignorant slack jaws that work along side you; it gets old ... real old. Think about it, is there any other place that you shop or patronize that is anything like your store and how it runs its day to day operation?
And those that quit because of people like us ... please ... like I said "we" (we are the same type, just on the opposite side of the counter) are the type of people who you want in your store who do preorder, who do get the magazine ... but when we drop the cash, subscribe and go through all the hoops Gamestop puts out for everyone including customers to jump through and in turn do not get what we paid for in equivalence to terrible customer service and shopping experience, well you know what we are going to bitch, complain, boycott, scream and yell!
Today, I've given up. Fuck customers and fuck Gamestop alike. My entire body started shaking, I got dizzy, and almost collapsed all because a person came in talking about how they were hyped for a game, then said they will never reserve another game because some other employees screwed them over. Because of some fucker from the past, I'm fucked now. WELL FUCK EVERY PERSON WHO WALKS THROUGH THAT DOOR AND FUCK THE GOD FORSAKEN COMPANY I WORK FOR!
Yeah, I have anger issues, and I handle them extremely well for the types of jackasses that come in. Why can't gamestop put more emphasis on actual sales then bullshit reservations? All reservations do is create pissy employees.
As a former GS employee I can tell you that we are pretty much forced to do those things. Secret shoppers will check to make sure they are doing that exact thing. that is almost a textbook example of what corporate wants done. If a district manager or secret shopper find an employee not doing that they can and most likely will be fired for "deriliction of duty" don't hate Store employees. HAte the people they work for who hold a cattle prod to them every day.