Rumor: Your money is no good for GameStop reservation [update 1]
by Alexander Sliwinski 
{ Sep 16th 2006 at 4:00PM }
NeoGAF points us to a clearer version of a blurry poster floating around the net regarding pre-orders at GameStop/EBGames for the Wii and PlayStation 3 purportedly starting this Monday, September 18. The catch? Well, the catch is that "cash and store credit will not be accepted." The only way to make the reservation is to trade in $50 worth of used games -- which inevitably ends up being a real life version of Deal or No Deal at the register -- and will actually end up costing you $150 to $250 worth of games.After calling six different GameStop stores in six different states, nobody knew or could confirm the poster. The best information we got was from a Manhattan store which said, "We can't release that information."
The super fine print at the bottom allegedly says: "All trades must be in working condition and are subject to manager approval. As GameStop cannot control production and shipping issues by the manufacturer, the reservation deposit will only guarantee a spot in line when the PlayStation 3 or Nintendo Wii becomes available. The reservation deposit does not guarantee receipt of a system available to purchase by Christmas."
We've contacted GameStop corporate and will let you know what we hear.
[Update 1: According to reports from Go Nintendo and Gamers Reports, the program is indeed true for stores in Hawaii and Guam. The program is purportedly being tested before a possible expansion into other territories. We're still awaiting an official response from GameStop corporate.]
See Also:
Circuit City offers to set-up Xbox 360 backward compatibility
[Thank you to all those that sent this in]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
halobreaker @ Sep 16th 2006 4:06PM
WHAT A JOKE.
Marlos Hill @ Sep 16th 2006 4:07PM
Thats completely ridiculous... mannnnn this is getting so lame lately.
ahigee @ Sep 16th 2006 4:12PM
It's not true. All promotional materials that are used these days have Ebgames AND Gamestop on them. I have not seen a Gamestop only branded sign in months. Besides, we were told that they would not create a SKU for either until they know exactly how many they were getting(we were told this on Wed. also).
Joystiq, if your reading this I would make a note about the branding of the sign. I also sent in news regarding another piece of news but you still haven't emailed me or posted it.
PunisherAB @ Sep 16th 2006 4:14PM
This is bs. I just trade in all my stuff I don't need at gamstop for the Wii.
They better let us pre-order the systems for cash/credit.
Goober @ Sep 16th 2006 4:17PM
What so new gamers aren't allowed to pre-order a Wii at Gamestop then? What a joke. I suppose I'll just buy mine through Amazon or some other site then that doesn't treat me as a cash cow.
Either that or I'll just wait till there are a bunch sitting on a shelf unreserved a few months later.
Eric @ Sep 16th 2006 4:21PM
I told my old GameStop manager and he circulated the news to other managers in his district who talked to the district manager who claims that this is fake.
No word out of the district I work in now, but pay attention to the bottom of the flyer and the legal stuff - our flyers now have both the GameStop and EB logos at the bottom, so one can assume that this was photoshopped from an older flyer we circulated for something else in the past.
It's true that GameStop wants your trades, but I seriously doubt we'd force you to do trades for a reserve. Now the one week thing I can understand 'cause with the XBOX 360 first-wave reserves went by in a matter of a day or two.
So for now I wouldn't pay attention to this - it's fake. At least 99% sure. There's always a chance that the DM didn't know about it yet or they are keeping it under wraps.
Novead @ Sep 17th 2006 12:33AM
I higly doubt that is true. I think that the "Trade in $50 of stuff" is just giving an example of how you can get reserve the units, not as the only way to do so. Gamestop and EB are always pushing trades, cause that is the only way they can compete against superstores like WalMart and BestBuy, so it makes sense for them to keep pushing the trades in any way possible. Also if trading in was the only way to reserve it would state that more clearly because if you tell people right off the bat that you need your trades then they are more likely to bring them in when trying to reserve either systems... this poster is too ambiguous for the company to get across the point that they want your trade ins for your reserve
SockMonkey @ Sep 16th 2006 4:26PM
I know a girl who works at a Gamestop in Hawaii.
I have it on good authority that this campaign is for Hawaii only. They are using Hawaii as a test market to see if this is a viable option for the mainland. If no employee gets shot or mutilated during this event they may choose to pre-order on the mainland.
They say that trading in games is to deter the ebay users but we all know GS's margin for profit is astronomical on used product.
If you read the poster it will tell you that they are accepting reservations for the week but I doubt they will accept them past monday night.
Ralod @ Sep 16th 2006 4:27PM
Is it me, or is this getting stupid? Is this just the precursor to $1000 bundles? The idiotic way Ebgames/Gamestop has been acting the last year, makes my think I will stop shopping there altogether. From the enforcing of bundles people didn't order at the 360 launch, to the rumors of holding consoles in reserve to drive up the hype and force people to buy bundles. And there treatment of PC games and gamers as of late.
Now this BS about trading in games for a preorder, that is not a preorder at all. To be honest I think it is stupid to trade in games for what they pay for them. You would be better off putting your old games on E-bay. At least you'll get half of what there worth or more.
The new corporate masters of the EB/Gamestop conglomerate need to get wise, and fast. We have many other places to get our games if they don't stop acting like douchebags. They may soon no longer have a customer base to abuse if they continue on this path.
Matt @ Sep 16th 2006 4:29PM
#3 is correct, EB Games and Gamestop signage has displayed both brands since March 2006, so the chances of this particular sign being legitimate are slim, however such a deal would not suprise me by my former employer.
Jay @ Sep 16th 2006 4:33PM
Gamestop also bought out EB which means this could be transition into using Gamestop's name only on everything. It happens eventually. We shall see.
ahigee @ Sep 16th 2006 4:33PM
Enforcing bundles at EB/Gamestop was only done through the website and stores never were allowed to do this. If they did, then they were not acting in compliance. About this thing being a test market in Hawaii is also false. No matter what sign goes out from now on will have both EBgames and Gamestop on the footer as I said before.
....Sorry Eric, I beat you to the punch. ;)
Matt @ Sep 16th 2006 4:36PM
#6,
Working as a Third Key for the past year for an EB store, I would not be one bit suprised if this were to be true. Gamestop's way of doing business has always been shadier than others', and now that they have EB assimilated into their collective, they have nobody to offer a viably better deal.
With that being said, the chances of Gamestop (I refer only to them, as their name is on the checks of all EB employees) running any kind of promotion or pre-order on the Playstation 3 before October is very unlikely unless in a very limited test market. The corporation has what is known as "the manager's convention", held in Las Vegas (and this year moved to Texas) every year at the end of September. They have give word to all employees in, from what I understand, all districts that pre-orders for the Playstation 3 would not be taken until after this convention, so they can use the convention as a launchpad, if you will, for store manager information.
As far as Wii pre-orders, the official corporate word has been "not until we know launch quantities" as well, but now that we know the release date, price, and quantity of systems in the country, I would imagine pre-orders could be done within the next week, assuming they too were not confined to the manager's convention.
Alec @ Sep 16th 2006 4:37PM
For those with free long distance, call a store in Hawaii. They are 99% sure that it's for Hawai only.
aj @ Sep 17th 2006 11:35AM
I was at EB games today to pre-order a wii and they said that they aren't taking preorders yet. But they let me pre order zelda
ahigee @ Sep 16th 2006 4:43PM
The only reason why I am calling the Hawaii thing false is because there is no such thing as a Wii or PS3 SKU in the computers. All stores get the same information so if there is no Wii or PS3 SKU in the computer then how do you reserve it? Only thing I see here is that it's a non-official promotion done by the DM in that District/Region to get more systems quicker by putting a name on a list and getting the money then so when the SKU does go live then they will have 50+ done by 12pm. If this is the deal then people will get fired.
Alec @ Sep 16th 2006 4:47PM
ahigee, they could easily update the SKU list on Sunday night.
And besides, I doubt they are restricted by the rule of "If one computer has the SKU, every computer must have it." It might have been like that back in the DOS PoS days, but not with the new one.
Moggie @ Sep 16th 2006 4:59PM
And what about those who never, under any circumstances, sell games?
I sold enough games when I was a dumb kid. No longer. If this means I don't get a reserved Wii, then so be it.
ElementsUnknown @ Sep 17th 2006 4:53PM
Gamestop should just have a add on to their signs out front,
"GAMESTOP: THE LAZY RETARD SHOPPER AND CLUELESS SOCCER MOM EXCLUSIVE SOURCE FOR VIDEOGAME BS!".
It is not hard to know/learn about what your kids are playing or do a few minutes of internet research! If dumb/lazy people want to bend over and spread em' at Gamestop then be my guest. Hopefully over time, as knowledge of videogames becomes more and more mainstream this kind of retail fleecing will end.
Mitch Raynor @ Sep 16th 2006 5:14PM
I think this is a fine idea. How refreshing. Bravo Gamestop!
Jedimonkey27 @ Sep 16th 2006 5:33PM
I have long thought about opening my own game store. Why have I never seen an independent shop that specializes in games? The only place where I can buy games with a large variety is Gamestop. Most new games cost the same anywhere you buy them so it would not be like where the big stores like Wal-mart and Gamestop would be undercutting my prices. Why then has no one done this?
Amos @ Sep 16th 2006 5:40PM
@ 19,
Probably because it's such a niche market. Game stores have a hard time succeeding already. But if you've got a good area, and can provide all sorts of gaming materials (think PC/Videogame/maybe even into pen and paper) you can probably do it. I know one store in IL that has all that in one, and they seem to be doing fairly well. They even have a LAN room.
Uchendu Nwachukwu @ Sep 16th 2006 5:53PM
I never shop at GameStop or EB anyway. I buy all my games from a friend of mine who owns a game store, and if I want to get a PS3 or Wii on launch day, I'll camp out in front of the Sony Experience store or Nintendo World, both just a few blocks away from each other in NYC.
nootau @ Sep 16th 2006 5:44PM
@Jedimonkey27
These did exist for a time, EB/Gamestop destroyed them...there was Funcoland (here in Ohio), Video Game Trader, etc. Some still exist some suburban/rural areas. Most have either converted to Music/DVD/Game type stores or are gone.
@Everyone else
This is a great idea for controlling the money for pre-orders. Many times people dont show up for their pre-orders or cancels them. This keeps them from getting any cash back if they cancel or dont show up (and get mad because they have to wait, so they go to walmart instead and cancel). EB/gamestop wont have to give any cash back. Your $50 will stick as store credit of which you have to buy something from them. They you coming and going! Its actually ingenious....if this isnt real, i'd be shocked.
We shall know Monday.
Spaceboy @ Sep 16th 2006 5:48PM
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: EB Games and Gamestop are horrible. Since they've joined "forces" their twice as horrible! Good job! The best place, bar none, to buy/trade games is Game Crazy. That's all you need to know.
Matt @ Sep 16th 2006 5:49PM
#15,
That is not as easy, as adding the SKU during an overnight polling session would then allow every store in the company access to the SKU. There is no way for the company to make exclusive to a particular District or Region a SKU or set of SKUs. The system is country-wide and specific.
#19,
Smaller "mom and pop" type game stores are fairly common, although more often than not they are comprised of small, local chains to as to keep profitability up. The only problem is that these stores are pretty much exclusively dealing with used product, as that seems to be the only way they can stay profitable.
Wedge @ Sep 16th 2006 5:49PM
You're a moron nootau. If this is real, it's nothing more than an incredible abuse of the profit margins GS makes on what they get from screwing people over on trade-ins.
The ZeroCorpse @ Sep 16th 2006 6:08PM
@ Jedimonkey27
I have worked in the retail video game business for over a decade, on and off, including some independent shops. The problem is that the overhead is too high. Basically, the market changes so fast, and prices drop so quickly, that any mom & pop videogame store must struggle to remain competitive when pricing used games and consoles. They may pay out 50% of the console's price for a used one, and then three months later can't sell it for any markup because the company who produces the console dropped the retail price. Same with games.
The other problem is that the major players don't want to deal with small-time dealers. You can't get Nintendo, Sony, or MS representatives to come to your store and provide demo units, or allocate new stock on a new release. Forget getting promotional materials like standees and posters, too. In some cases, the big companies may even FORBID a small dealer carrying their new products. You can't get support from any of the big guys. It's a constant fight to stay up-to-date and relevant because you have to get your stock from distributors, not from the manufacturers, and the distributors aren't always the best or fastest.
I worked as part of the management staff of a start-up called Game Power Headquarters, and they folded within a couple years because the industry is just not kind to small businesses. It took FuncoLand/GameStop/EB Games/Babbages a lot of time, lawsuits, trouble, and money to get where they are. There was a time when Nintendo of America was suing FuncoLand, Blockbuster, and anyone else selling used games! A lot of smaller dealers couldn't face Nintendo's lawyers!!!
That being said, there ARE small businesses out there. In this town (Lansing, Michigan) there is at least one. You see them here and there, but they're usually owned, operated, and run by smelly gamers with really lousy social skills and a desire to screw their customers wherever possible. Some are just pawn shops that specialize in games, while others try to duplicate the GameStop formula with varying degrees of success.
One thing is for sure: The merger of GameStop and EB Games is a negative thing. It places them in a near-monopoly position for the secondary games market, and they have taken this opportunity to hike their prices, lower their pay-outs on used items, slash the benefits of their club card, and fire all the good-natured gamers that used to work for them in exchange for a bunch of go-go-power-seller assholes (pardon my French) who don't know much about gaming, but do seem to know how to push subscriptions, reservations, and upsells. My local GameStops all became unpleasant places because they changed the layout and changed the staff, and now nobody there knows me (the old staff knew me by name and would chat with me) and nobody there cares about their customers (they frequently ignore you if you don't look like someone who would buy a lot of add-ons, or if they know you've already got the subscription card and aren't prone to reserving things).
I wish someone knew WOULD come along to challenge EB Games/Gamestop, because right now- - - They really, really suck.
The ZeroCorpse @ Sep 16th 2006 6:10PM
knew = NEW
Typo demons got me.
Kevin @ Sep 16th 2006 6:29PM
Well what is the best way to get my hands on a Wii? Amazon isn't taking preorders any longer. I sure as hell don't have anything to trade into Gamestop/EBgames. I am going to be mighty sour if I can't get one of these things.
Brad Lee @ Sep 16th 2006 6:29PM
I doubt this is true but I wouldn't be surprised if it is.
I don't shop at either store because I just don't trust them anymore. The only time I will ever set foot in one of these stores is if I am looking for an old game that I just can't find anywhere else. But, even then I usually just look online.
I've just had too many bad experiences there. The store employees always try to screw you.
One time I went to an EB the cashier kept trying to get me to join their "used games club,' or whatever it is. I told him I don't sell my games but he kept pushing, "but you get to save money on used games." And "It's only $15 to join and you can get a lot of bonus points." Or some such crap. Finally he gave up (after me saying no half a dozen times). Then, I went to a different EB to buy a used game there. The guy asked me if I had an account and I said no, so he just signed me up for free. The first guy probably would have just pocketed my $15.
Then there is the unneccessary hassle of trying to buy a DS game without getting a replacement plan. Every time I tried to buy a DS game the cashier kept asking "do you want to buy a three dollar replacement plan?" I said no. Then he said "But we'll replace the whole thing if it gets lost or broken or--" No, I said. The guy badgered me by asking at least another half a dozen times until he finally gave up.
Then of course everytime you buy anything there they ask you "are there any games you would like to reserve today" and crap like that.
Shopping there is just too much hassle. I usually just buy my games and systems at Best Buy. Sure, they try to get me to buy replacement plans and stuff like that too, but at least when I say no that is the end of the conversation.
Disco @ Sep 16th 2006 6:53PM
Hawaii and Guam Territories only at the moment, and it's just a test run. With how many complaints they've had filed already, I doubt it'll be widespread.
Nathaniel T. @ Sep 16th 2006 7:06PM
It's funny. Because I got a call from Gamestop the other day confirming my preorder for Twilight Princess (Gamecube version) and they said I could switch and buy the Wii starting Friday. They said that used games would be worth 20% more. Nothing about taking used games only!
DCFC Fan @ Sep 16th 2006 7:10PM
If I've said it once, I've said it a hundred times. Gamestop is a farking joke. Anyone who gives them their money should be sat down and given what for, explaining not only how they try to get your dollars in every sleazy way possible including preorder fiascos, higher than norm markup, horrible trade in valuse, worthless frequent buyer programs, misleading customers, their selling insurance for games, and now "trade-in's only". Weak.
Matt @ Sep 16th 2006 7:19PM
it's either falsified or an old campaign. i called my local gamestop and they had no idea they were going to be taking preorders on monday. the guy was sincere (most of the time, if you ask about ps3 pre-orders, the clerk acts very conspicuous). he talked to me for about 5 minutes and said that this was an old idea that corporate had, but scrapped it early on. so this flyer may be legit, but very old.
JC @ Sep 16th 2006 7:31PM
#22 If Game Crazy is so great, why does the customer base increase at my local Gamestop when they get ex-Game Crazy customers and employees wanting to do business there?
I think this a bad move and Gamestop Inc. needs swift kick in the jewels to realize this. Forcing gamers to choose between trading in games for a reserve or camping out someplace to take their business elsewhere is definitely poor strategy. As a gamer with a select few games I wanna keep, I would be forced to not go to Gamestop and camp somewhere else on launch night or import my system from the Internets. Let's hope Gamestop Inc. gets wise on this one. Soon.
HotShotX @ Sep 16th 2006 7:48PM
I was debating this for a while today, and if this is true, I am no longer shopping at EB Games/GameStop.
I'll take my business to walmart, or online.
~HotShotX
goosedude @ Sep 16th 2006 8:02PM
You know what would resolve all the issues with pre-ordering......MAKE SERIOUS BUYERS PRE-PAY FOR THEIR SYSTEMS IN FULL...OR AT LEAST GIVE THOSE FULL PRICE BUYERS PRIORITY IN LINE.
Its the way it should be.
Jason @ Sep 16th 2006 8:07PM
I'll confirm this as bull. I'm a third key at a Gamestop and told my store manager about it. He immediatly called our district manager to see if this was true or not.
People, seriously, there are shadier places out there. I will say I hate the number pushing personally, but the local comic book/video game store that's right around the corner is 800 times worse. My friend traded in something, got 2 bucks and I went in about an hour later, asked for it, they were selling it for 20. I asked why it was so high and the guy said it was because it trades in for 10.
Anyway, I'm happy with Gamestop. I've always liked them. That discount card is great if you buy a lot of used stuff or trade in things, in particular for 360 games. If Gamestop sucks so hard and is so shady, don't you think they would've went out business already? I can tell you now that at least 4 of us live and breathe games. Sure, there are some that are iffy, but most people who want to work at a game store do so because they love games. We're not on commision like Game Crazy is.
Protofunk @ Sep 16th 2006 8:08PM
@22
Spaceboy, Gamecrazy is just as bad if not worse than Gamestop/EB.
@everyone else: So, where are you getting your Wii preorders done? I'd love to get it locally, but I'm tempted by getting it online. Something about a big ol' box fulla fun arriving at my doorstep sounds like early christmas to me. Thoughts?
Kevin @ Sep 16th 2006 8:14PM
goosedude:
I would gladly pay full price right now if i was able to walk in on release day and get it and walk out with ZERO hassle.
I think this would be awesome. I wish someone would do that.
geves @ Sep 17th 2006 2:09AM
this is complete bullshit. first of all. i didn't read all the comments.
second, these assholes at these game stores constantly pressure you into selling your used games. i went into and eb AND A gamestop on the same day looking for megaman ZX on DS. both of the crap companies gave insane amount of bullshit when i went to the register about pre-ordering the game that would arrive there tomorrow i was told. so they were like "why don't you pre-order the game. you only have to pay $5 and it counts towards the game's price".
i was like "wow thanks, but NO." firstly. i hate the hell out of high pressure sales. It almost seems like video game companies are no better than used car salesmen (which they aren't).
I never shop at my local EB, because the store was bought out by a greedy bastard. i actually had lunch with. because i wanted a job there. so the owner offered to buy me launch in the food court. basicly the owner talked about trying to get people to sell theirused games, based on the profit margin. (this was probably a year ago).
anyways so i walk into the same store after turning the job down, a year or so later. my hands a F'ing empty, completely. the first thing some asshole clerk says is "do you have any used games to trade in, towards the purchase of anything in the store?"
i don't have anything at all in my hands asshole! is what i was thinking.
the used game market in it's self is such a joke of a buissnes. $50 new, $45 used...lol, you all know the crooked shit that goes on there i'm sure. nintendo (NES) games are more expensive then 64 games. if mario's name is in the title jack the price up $10-15. even though there not AT ALL UNCOMMON, based on sales of the past. wait mario kart/mario 64 were the two highest selling games on the console. yet their $15 higher than anything else!?
these people should be veto'd. don't support EB, GAMESTOP, or USED VIDEO GAME STORES. they've been raping us for years.
now your asking.. i just hear a cry baby who happens to speak the truth. where should i shop then smart guy?
shop online. by a group with reasonable USED prices. who have NO known ties to the big two. F them so hard they'll reconsider high pressure sales. fuck them.
we can do it. but of course this will only get read by maybe 5 people. so whatever. joystiq and ever other real gamer knows this is truth. JOYSTIQ. do a damn topic on the insanity of used game prices and high pressure sales. quote me. whatever. the truth must be told.
goosedude @ Sep 16th 2006 8:25PM
Smart people know not to sell their used games to EB or GAMESTOP anyway.....spend the extra time to sell it on EBAY.
Not only do you get fair value back for your used game....but the your fellow gamer isn't getting raped in the sale.
Shadow2k6 @ Sep 16th 2006 8:27PM
I think its fake, considering Gamestop flyers usually have Gamestop and EB Game's logos on it not just Gamestop. This promotion is suppose to start on the 18th right? Thats monday yet a friend of mine who works at EB Games asked the manager and he said theres no such thing. I'm calling BS.
RiemannMeetLebesgue @ Sep 16th 2006 8:52PM
OK, that didn't work, let's try it one last time...
This is true for stores in Hawaii.
William @ Sep 16th 2006 8:52PM
I just called a gamestop here in ohio and was told that there using the ps3/wii ad as a ploy to bring in people and have them trade games in. And the credit doesnt go towards a preorder but it can whenever they announce an official preorder date if and when
William @ Sep 16th 2006 9:03PM
If its true then why hasnt it been known on the web...Come on we know about europe getting the ps3 delayed but they decided to allow hawaii to preorder before japan and the us? Post a link to confirm this news
nftyw @ Sep 16th 2006 9:25PM
I live in Hawaii and got handed one of those fliers when I went down to the GameStop at Windward Mall last Friday. When I saw what they were doing, the desire I had to reserve a Wii pretty much dropped out of sight. Maybe for some others who trade every other game they own it will mean nothing, but for me who keeps almost every purchased game, it's just not possible.
Though I did entertain the thought of scouring cheap games with decent resale value and cleaning out smaller video stores for a bit. Based on the exchange rate for one game, I could have gotten maybe about 70% efficiency, which wasn't bad... In any case, I don't doubt there will be people who'll toss up their old, barely-working PS2 units for the chance to grab a PS3 for uber resale value or be the first on the block with a Wii.
Anyway yeah, screw GameStop. How dare they try to profit off of our high demand for the new systems by initiating this inane practice. Blah blah hate on GameStop. I'll still shop there though since the only other places within a few miles are, what, Blockbuster, Sam Goody and Sears. Also, don't even suggest ordering online to me unless you want to pay for my 2nd day Air shipping.
RiemannMeetLebesgue @ Sep 16th 2006 9:29PM
William,
You can read confirmation at Go Nintendo. Not only did one of their readers call some of the Hawaii stores, but MOM BRAIN did too. Add that to the countless people from Hawaii (such as nftyw above) who say this is true, and you've got about as good confirmation as you are going to get.
Anonymous @ Sep 16th 2006 9:30PM
I just finished talking to a good friend of mine over at GameStop. He spoken to his superior who told them that, yes, they would be doing this. The store is in Boston, MA in the Prudential Center.