I freely express my frustrations w/ Gamestop/EBGames to my friends but I’ve never really posted about it here. That changes today. The lovely event that took place earlier today really sparked me to post about it. Let me set it up for you:
I walk into Gamestop.
[GS] Hello sir, anything I can help you with?
[Me] Hopefully. I’m looking for Resident Evil Umbrella Chronicles, do you have it?
[GS] Let me check for you… Yes we have one last copy here.
[Me] I’ll take it.
At this point the employee digs around in a drawer and removes the game from a paper sleeve. He carries the sleeve over to the display shelf and he removes the Umbrella Chronicles box. He then places the disc into the box off of the shelf and closes it. Then he walks back to the register and proceeds to ring up this “NEW” game for $49.99.
[Me] You’re selling me that as a “NEW” game?
[GS] Yeah, it’s new.
[Me] It has no seal. I saw you take the game out of that paper sleeve and put it into the display box.
[GS] Yeah it’s our last copy. It’s “NEW” though.
[Me] What stops you guys from playing the game in the store? Or even worse, taking it home to play and brining it back and replacing it in the drawer?
[GS] Uh… we don’t do that… *silence*
[Me] Can you at least give me the “USED” price w/ the warranty?
[GS] Nah, it’s a “NEW” game. It’s fine.
[Me] *sigh* Never mind. I’ll get it elsewhere and buy it “NEW” where it’s actually “NEW” and factory sealed.
[GS] Whatever–it’s your call.
There’s tons of things wrong w/ that but I still think the worst aspect is that some people actually would accept that full $49.99 price for that “NEW” game. Since when has this become an acceptable way of doing business?
I try to avoid Gamestop at all costs. I went there today because the 3 other stores I checked on the way home from work had no copies in stock. This is only one reason why I hate Gamestop but for now I guess it’s enough to get my message across.
Needless to say I’m going to buy it tomorrow when I’m at work from a local Target.
