If you need used hard to find video games you may find them here
Written: Mar 31 '05 (Updated May 14 '05)
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Game Stop is the world’s largest online video game specialty retailer and largest reseller of used video games so I suppose they know the game. The brick and mortar Game Stop has been a frequent stop for us for some time. There are a lot of them around town however it seems you have to be in the right place at the right time to get a good deal on a used game. We started giving up on the hunt and started ordering our games off the internet and gamestop.com was naturally our first stop.
I am a used game seeker. I’m buying games for my kids and they are just as happy with a $10 game as they are a brand new $50 game. We go through a lot of games so we really like to save a buck and go with the used games and used consoles for that matter. Our last purchase from Gamestop.com was a used Gameboy Advance (GBA). We already had a GBA and found that we needed an extra one so that the kids don’t have to share. We were able to get one online for $40 which is great because they stopped selling this style in the regular stores since the GBA SP system came out. The newer model Gameboy SP systems are $20 cheaper than brand new.
Game Stop stores stopped selling older game systems games (at least in my area) so I have no choice but to go online for them. The tabs at the top of the website shows choices for Playstation 2, Xbox, Gamecube, Gameboy Advance, Classic games, and DVD movies. If you click the products box next to the search box you can see many more items such as the oldies but goodies like Genesis, Super Nintendo, N64, and so forth. Most of them seem to be backordered. Backordered items could take 6-8 weeks maybe longer but you will not be billed until the item ships.
I wasn’t too happy with today’s shopping experience. I wanted to order Pokemon Emerald for the Gameboy Advance for my son which has a future release date. I can preorder this on gamestop.com for $40 but preorders are $5 cheaper everywhere else that I shop at.
He also wanted Pokemon Fire for the GBA which we would be buying used. It is $35 brand new or $30 used however it is backordered. There is a box on the page that I can enter my zip code and a list comes up with stores in my area that has the game in stock.
Detailed information on the game is included on the same page such as a description, screenshots, features, accessories which would complement it, and similar games.
Their website is has a lot of information on each page. The game systems are categorized nicely with tabs on the top and the drop down box allows you to select games, pre-owned games, or console/accessories for that game system. They also sell strategy guides.
Each category is set up the same way so once you figure out how the site is set up you won’t have a problem finding things. There is a block for just arrived titles, coming soon titles, bestsellers, and featured.
Shipping is determined by how much your total is and how quickly you want the items. Shipping is as inexpensive as $2 for slow shipping (5-10 business days) and $6 an up for faster service. Orders are processed within 24 hours. Your order can not be picked up at your local brick and mortar Game Stop.
Returns can only be made back to Gamestop.com and can not be returned or exchanged at the brick and mortar store. Refunds are only given for unopened games, DVD’s, and software. Items can be exchanged within 30 days if they are defective by contacting Gamestop.com for a RMA number. Shipping in compensated if the item is defective. Shipping is not refunded for general returns. It takes 7-14 days for returns to be credited back to your credit card.
My orders from Gamestop.com have all been smooth. Simply find the items you want and add it to your shopping cart. Be sure to select the shipping method that you want because it defaults to $10 overnight. They accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You can pay by personal check through Check Free. You can see the status of your order on their website by entering your email address and order number.
Overall
Overall I don’t like to shop at Game Stop online that much because I would rather run into a local store and get an item because there’s less hassle with returns. I have other sites that I shop for used games which have a larger selection and better return policy.
I do think the shipping is reasonable so it would be cheaper to get a new release from gamestop.com than off of an online superstore which sells games in addition to everything else. Also if you were buying something like a GBA SP I might consider gamestop.com a better choice because you would have more choice of colors and could get accessories and new or used games to go with it. I do buy consoles from gamestop.com because they have new and used systems to choose from with a warranty and they are often packaged with games. Sometimes you can catch a sale as well.
I have made several purchases though gamestop.com and haven’t had any problems with the orders. I do use Gamestop.com but it's usually my 4th choice. I think they're over priced and backordered too much.
I want to mention that gamestop.com does have an Unsatisfactory rating with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) with over 43 complaints in the last 3 years. 36 remain unresolved and are customer service related.
Company Information
Address: GameStop.com; 2250 William D. Tate Ave.; Grapevine, TX 76051
Phone: 1-800-883-8895
Hours: Mon-Fri 8AM-9PM; Sat-Sun 8AM-9PM CST
Website: www.gamestop.com
Payment: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover, Checks through Check Free
Recommended:
Yes
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? GBA System / Games
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About the Author
Location: Nashville, TN
Reviews written: 723
Trusted by: 187 members
About Me: DNT TXT & DRV
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