GameStop accused of deceiving consumers

[racersimage]

GameStop accused of deceiving consumers - plugged in - Yahoo! Games

What if you bought a new product only to discover that it had been previously used by someone else?

According to gaming blog Kotaku, repackaging used games as new games is far from an uncommon occurrence at GameStop, the world's largest video game retailer. If indeed true, the long-rumored practice could be considered deceptive marketing and deemed illegal by the FTC.

Kotaku asserts that the problem stems from GameStop's "check-out" policy. To prevent theft, store shelves are populated with empty game boxes. Store employees are allowed to then "check-out" the game discs for up to four days. Citing multiple sources within GameStop, Kotaku claims that often those used games are then mixed in with truly unplayed discs, resulting in consumers potentially paying premium prices for used games -- roughly a $5 difference.

When pressed by the site, GameStop's Chris Olivera, VP of Corporate Communications, offered a no-comment comment.

"We do not comment on corporate policies that are competitive in nature," he said. "As your questions relate to company training, operations and discounting practices, I would not be able to provide feedback."

Similarly, the FTC noted that as a rule, they couldn't confirm or deny whether or not an investigation was underway or pending.

[07jackd07]

They have to take those discs out to keep turds from stealing them. Since the manufacturers of the games know that, why not seal the discs in plastic so they can be taken out of the box but not played without tearing open the seal. Duh?

[NEW2]

Or better yet...only display ONE dud box and have sealed stock on the shelves behind the counter like every other retailer does? Duh...that's just lame on their part.

[REUTIMANN_00]

Originally Posted by NEW2

Or better yet...only display ONE dud box and have sealed stock on the shelves behind the counter like every other retailer does? Duh...that's just lame on their part.

:amen: I was just thinking the same thing lol

[HAPPY33]

Originally Posted by racersimage

GameStop accused of deceiving consumers - plugged in - Yahoo! Games What if you bought a new product only to discover that it had been previously used by someone else? According to gaming blog Kotaku, repackaging used games as new games is far from an uncommon occurrence at GameStop, the world's largest video game retailer. If indeed true, the long-rumored practice could be considered deceptive marketing and deemed illegal by the FTC. Kotaku asserts that the problem stems from GameStop's "check-out" policy. To prevent theft, store shelves are populated with empty game boxes. Store employees are allowed to then "check-out" the game discs for up to four days. Citing multiple sources within GameStop, Kotaku claims that often those used games are then mixed in with truly unplayed discs, resulting in consumers potentially paying premium prices for used games -- roughly a $5 difference. When pressed by the site, GameStop's Chris Olivera, VP of Corporate Communications, offered a no-comment comment. "We do not comment on corporate policies that are competitive in nature," he said. "As your questions relate to company training, operations and discounting practices, I would not be able to provide feedback." Similarly, the FTC noted that as a rule, they couldn't confirm or deny whether or not an investigation was underway or pending.

NO, NOT GAME STOP?? :deal:

[thunder_alley1984]

I have never got a used game in a new box there. But then when I buy games at Gamestop they are almost always used anyways. I think it's stupidity on the employees part. I know of one Gamestop that opens all packages and puts the cds new and old behind the counter. They seal them all in plastic cases and have drawers marked NEW and USED games. That store then would show you the cd and have you confirm it was new before you paid for it. Also if you buy a game and the box is open why not check the damn thing first?!?!?!

[Geebi]

I always ask for a sealed copy and get it. No questions asked here at my local GameStop. I want to open the damn thing myself.

[Dr. J]

I have never had this problem, but then again I have only purchased one new game from GS in the past year. I just buy new games at Wal-Mart.