Gamestop scrounging pennies, literally

Retr0gamer

I've noticed recently that every gamestop I go into and buy games from, none of them have any 1 cent coins. Everytime I'm told, sorry we've no 1 cent coins. This has happened in Gamestop Santry, Swords, Balbriggan, Blanchardstown Limerick and the various ones around Dublin city centre. I never cause a fuss about it since it's small change but thinking about it Gamestop must be raking in a few million a year doing this. Anyone know if this practice is illegal or can they do this?

cherryghost

I was told this in Athlone store too!

JoseJones

In future just tell them "that's fine, I'll take a 2c instead!"

TerrorFirmer

Pretty much get it any time I buy anything in Galway too. Weird.

megaten

Pay by laser so the banks rip them off instead of them ripping you off.

Dermo

It's not illegal. In fact the shop does not have to legally give you any change at all!

The act of handing over, for example, €50 for a €49.99 game is you offering to pay €50 to buy that game. They give you change out of the goodness of their hearts (or usually because of standard business practices and to prevent outcries like this)

Grayditch

I'm going to bring in 19 pennies. I'll hand them
In and take a 20c when I buy something, so I'll get my penny. So will the next 19 people.

I'll be watching.

super_furry

Dermo wrote: »

It's not illegal. In fact the shop does not have to legally give you any change at all!

The act of handing over, for example, €50 for a €49.99 game is you offering to pay €50 to buy that game. They give you change out of the goodness of their hearts (or usually because of standard business practices and to prevent outcries like this)

Got to call bull**** on that. What if you hand over a €20 note to pay for a €3 purchase? You're certainly not offering to pay €20 for a €3 item.

Kiith

Dermo wrote: »

It's not illegal. In fact the shop does not have to legally give you any change at all!

The act of handing over, for example, €50 for a €49.99 game is you offering to pay €50 to buy that game. They give you change out of the goodness of their hearts (or usually because of standard business practices and to prevent outcries like this)

That can't be true. You've agreed on a price of €49.99 by handing them the game with €49.99 on it. They can't just change the price without any agreement. They are legally obliged to give you the money they owe you, or to give you a full refund.

I would assume :pac:

Dermo

I actually read about it here on boards. Think it was a post by seamus. I'll try look it up

maximoose

super_furry wrote: »

Got to call bull**** on that. What if you hand over a €20 note to pay for a €3 purchase? You're certainly not offering to pay €20 for a €3 item.

He's right. Shop is not legally obliged to provide change, but obviously if they didn't you'd go elsewhere so it's standard business practise. Its a silly law.

And back on topic, yeah I've noticed this at every Gamestop I've ever bought anything with cash in.

Dermo

Dermo wrote: »

It's not illegal. In fact the shop does not have to legally give you any change at all!

The act of handing over, for example, €50 for a €49.99 game is you offering to pay €50 to buy that game. They give you change out of the goodness of their hearts (or usually because of standard business practices and to prevent outcries like this)

I'm not a lawyer, but WTF?

Tommy_NDX

Happened to me a couple of weeks ago for the first time and I tought nothing of it. That 1 cent coin would normally be left in the bag with the receipt anyway but if their doing it on purpose I'll start using the laser card to be stubborn:)

IsThisIt???

super_furry wrote: »

Got to call bull**** on that. What if you hand over a €20 note to pay for a €3 purchase? You're certainly not offering to pay €20 for a €3 item.

I think in the wording of the law you actually are. However obviously no shop would employ such techniques as to rob consumers of their money, word of mouth would instantly kill their business.

And while I'm on it, people should really do their research before quoteing what is illegal to shops (not directed at you super_furry, just my own experience of working in retail ). The amount of misinformed people who quote "that's illegal" to a shop assistant or manager when they want a refund or an item that is marked cheaper than it scans for and the shop refuses. Some shops may allow these things but are not obliged to.

Zero-Cool

last time I was in Gamestop, a mam was buying harry potter for her son but GS were all out. She got them to ring another store and they had it. Manager then says, since you're going to that shop would you drop this package in. You could see she didn't want to but felt obliged to. He just said I'll owe you one. I seriously think he should have at least given a 5 euro voucher as a thank you but thats just me.

Oh, and when I bought LA Noire, they rang me the day before it was released and asked if I would be in to pick it up on the Friday. When I said ya, he goes 'oh, you're one of THOSE people' mmmmmm what! Very condescending.

Oh, and another time in GS a little kid was buying a game with his dad and 2 GS employees said that they highly recommend disk protection 'especially for the xbox games. Kid looked at dad confused and just started nodding his head. So....XBOX games more susceptible to getting scratched than any other?

So my long and boring point is.....They may be making a penny here and there but they seem to be making/saving more from disk protection and free logistics.

RobertFoster

The odd time I go into GameStop I usually pay by debit card, so I've not noticed them doing it specifically.

I remember something coming to €18.95 in Xtravision. I'd given the guy €19 (made up of notes, a few euro coins, and some other change - including a few ten cent coins), and he told me "I'll have to owe you 5 cent - I'm all out of fives." "That's fine - I'll take 10 cent instead." ":( Okay"

Also, a few years ago in GAME I was getting something for €29.99 (Burnout Paradise I think), paying with a €20 and a €10. The guy hands me the game and the receipt and I stand there expecting the change to come next. He closes the till and just looks at me for a few seconds: "Oh, you actually want the change?" "Erm, yeah..." - begrudgingly opens the till and gets me the cent. I leave the shop feeling like the scabbyest person in the world.

There's something about interacting with certain games shop employees (I know there's some on here, current and former, that seem sound). They make the experience really ****ty for me. I find it really awkward and annoying to have to be asked a series of questions in order to buy something as simple and uncustomisable as a video game:

"I'd like a new copy of Condemned 2 for the Xbox 360, please." (Someone posted on Boards it was only €12.99)
"We have that game as second-hand for just €10.99, would you like it second hand?"
"No, thanks."
"Are you sure, you could save €2?"
"No, thanks."
"OK then. Have you any games with you you'd like to trade in against the price?"
"No."
"Would you like the pre-order any games today?"
"..."

At the end of the day it's so much easier to mash an add to cart button than to play 20 questions with someone following a script.

Dermo

Ok guys here are 2 previous threads that explain the law better than I can about the retailer not having to give change:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056050563&page=4
&
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056036617

Thanks to seamus for putting me on the right track for these.

OP, I agree it's a ****ty thing for Gamestop to do but they are well within their rights to do it. The only way to complain is to complain with your feet and buy it elsewhere.

Gumbi

Retr0gamer wrote: »

I've noticed recently that every gamestop I go into and buy games from, none of them have any 1 cent coins. Everytime I'm told, sorry we've no 1 cent coins. This has happened in Gamestop Santry, Swords, Balbriggan, Blanchardstown Limerick and the various ones around Dublin city centre. I never cause a fuss about it since it's small change but thinking about it Gamestop must be raking in a few million a year doing this. Anyone know if this practice is illegal or can they do this?

I doubt very much that they make millions because of this.

Kersmash

This penny thing has happened to me down in Cork a few times, but I've thought nothing of it. Most of the staff in my local GS are pricks, I actually heard one of them, I think he's a manager there, saying to someone that he didn't like or play video games. He's a dickhead as well.

Kev_ps3

lol millions

witnessmenow

Kev_ps3 wrote: »

lol millions

Do you not think Gamestop, who are a major retailer in US lets not forget, does a few 100 million transactions a year? 1c off every one could easly grow to the millons of €/$ if every shop was doing it

super_furry

sheehy83 wrote: »

last time I was in Gamestop, a mam was buying harry potter for her son but GS were all out. She got them to ring another store and they had it. Manager then says, since you're going to that shop would you drop this package in. You could see she didn't want to but felt obliged to. He just said I'll owe you one. I seriously think he should have at least given a 5 euro voucher as a thank you but thats just me.

Whatever about being tight, it's absolutely stupid work practices. Regardless of what it was, handing it over to some random punter in the hope that it'll be delievered is mental.

Retr0gamer

Kersmash wrote: »

This penny thing has happened to me down in Cork a few times, but I've thought nothing of it. Most of the staff in my local GS are pricks, I actually heard one of them, I think he's a manager there, saying to someone that he didn't like or play video games. He's a dickhead as well.

You don't need to like games to work in a games retailer.

Grayditch

RobertFoster wrote: »

"I'd like a new copy of Condemned 2 for the Xbox 360, please." (Someone posted on Boards it was only €12.99)
"We have that game as second-hand for just €10.99, would you like it second hand?"
"No, thanks."
"Are you sure, you could save €2?"
"No, thanks."
"OK then. Have you any games with you you'd like to trade in against the price?"
"No."
"Would you like the pre-order any games today?"
"..."

Don't forget disk insurance. It's really unreal. I lost it at someone before with the pre-owned games thing. When a suggestion turns into them basically challenging you. I said no twice and the third time I just said; sell me the product I asked for, or I'm leaving, I don't want a sticky disk and ketchup on the manuel, thanks.

Another time, after buying a game, the guy tried to tell me about pre-order offers. I just said no thanks while he was in mid sentence. He continued and I reached over the counter to take my bag from his hand and he moved it back.

I f-ing lost it, that day too. Had had enough.

ED E

1. Watch as game is released, do nothing.
2. 2 months later go to boards.ie/vB.....f=346
3. Find game from an only retailer for half you would have paid instore
4. Click like 5 times.
5. Rejoice when the mailman comes.

No stress, no **** to deal with.



I'm waiting for Game/Gamestop etc to do a HMV and die off. Totally superfluous at this point.

Zero-Cool

Lethal_Bullet wrote: »

I'm waiting for Game/Gamestop etc to do a HMV and die off. Totally superfluous at this point.

HMV are my favourite gaming shop at the moment. Great prices on new releases and some great offers on trade-ins. I'll have to start using Gamesnash now that I know they take trade-ins as well.

Retr0gamer

Totally agree about waiting a few weeks with new games. Mostly they are way over stocked and end up for silly prices from online sites. I only really use brick and mortar shops for second hand games or the very odd bargain.

Helix

demand a credit note for your 1c

Daemos

Not just me then. +1 on the staff trying to push you to get disc protection and get pre-orders. I got the protection when I bought LA Noire because they said it was crashing some PS3s, so I got it to be safe. As if I needed it :rolleyes:

Same worker behind the counter recognised me a few weeks later, buying some CDs. Started talking about LA Noire for a bit before the conversation shifted:

"Have you heard about the new Call of Duty game?"
"Yeah but I won't be getting it, don't like FPSs"
"Oh, so you won't be buying Battlefield 3 either?"
"Nope"
"How about FIFA?"
"No but I'll be getting Uncharted 3"
"Would you like to pre-order it now? It's only €3"

That was a month ago and I haven't been back since. I've used GameStop since they opened, but if they're going to try to push sales on to their customers then I won't be using them much longer.

Thoie

"Would you like disc protection?"
"No thanks, I'm a grown up."

CORaven

I use Gamestop in Mullingar and used to in Blanchardstown. Never had an issue with my change.

I am surprised that there is nothing under consumer protection laws regarding incorrect change and effective varying product prices.

witnessmenow

Daemos wrote: »

I got the protection when I bought LA Noire because they said it was crashing some PS3s, so I got it to be safe.

Extended warranty, how can I lose!

The game was crashing ps3s so you bought protection against the disc getting scratched!? I'm sorry man but as long as people are still falling for it they are going to keep offering it to you!

Its pressure selling, places like burger king do it too:

"Would you like Large or super-size?"
"I'll just have a large" (I fell for this one the last time I was in )

Kersmash

Retr0gamer wrote: »

You don't need to like games to work in a games retailer.

I'm well aware, but surely you should have some kind of basic knowledge or interest in the games that you're selling? Which is lacking in this store.

johnny_ultimate

Thoie wrote: »

"Would you like disc protection?"
"No thanks, I'm not an idiot"

FYP.



Xtravision used to do this penny thing once. First time I didn't care. Second time soon after I thought it was a bit weird, but still didn't really care. If it is a company wide policy though, then it is a frickin' joke.

CoalBucket

If they are not goin to supply the penny change cause they dont have them why not change the price of the games to say 39.98 or 40.00 or the nearest equivalent

Retr0gamer

Well they've no 2 cent coins either since I got 3 games off them today meaning I was owed 3 cent :rolleyes:

dreamers75

CoalBucket wrote: »

If they are not goin to supply the penny change cause they dont have them why not change the price of the games to say 39.98 or 40.00 or the nearest equivalent

7 is the new 9 (serious)

Sticky_Fingers

Daemos wrote: »

Not just me then. +1 on the staff trying to push you to get disc protection and get pre-orders. I got the protection when I bought LA Noire because they said it was crashing some PS3s, so I got it to be safe. As if I needed it :rolleyes:

Same worker behind the counter recognised me a few weeks later, buying some CDs. Started talking about LA Noire for a bit before the conversation shifted:

"Have you heard about the new Call of Duty game?"
"Yeah but I won't be getting it, don't like FPSs"
"Oh, so you won't be buying Battlefield 3 either?"
"Nope"
"How about FIFA?"
"No but I'll be getting Uncharted 3"
"Would you like to pre-order it now? It's only €3"

That was a month ago and I haven't been back since. I've used GameStop since they opened, but if they're going to try to push sales on to their customers then I won't be using them much longer.

I hate that about game shops in general, jesus lads I'm just browsing, I'll buy something if I want.

All that irritating shilling for the man ain't going to make me ever want a copy of Ironman 2, I don't care how many copies you have clogging up the backroom.

Here's an interesting video on some of the business practices of Gamestop:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQfyEdmUQ9s

Potential-Monke

CoalBucket wrote: »

If they are not goin to supply the penny change cause they dont have them why not change the price of the games to say 39.98 or 40.00 or the nearest equivalent

They don't charge the nearest Euro (ie: €40) because seeing €39.99 triggers some reaction in the human brain to fool you into thinking you're getting a far better deal and not just saving 1c. Seriously, it's something like that.

As for what dreamers75 said, yes, 7 is the new 9...

Some shops are now putting items down to the nearest 5c, saves them having to get bucket loads of 1's and 2's!

Anyway, i pay by Debit card now, but i do remember being told that there are no 1's before. And i don't get offered Game Protection anymore, i've bought too many games from them and they know not to ask anymore.

RedXIV

Just being the devils advocate, and we all know its annoying but I know quite a few gamestop staff from an old job and most of them hate the fact they have to rattle off the "would you like X, Y or Z" but they get a roasting over it if they don't. I saw a manager actually pull staff into the stock room for lectures if they weren't asking it.

I know its a pain in the tits but for most of the staff there, they are just as embarrassed as you are.

megaten

RedXIV wrote: »

Just being the devils advocate, and we all know its annoying but I know quite a few gamestop staff from an old job and most of them hate the fact they have to rattle off the "would you like X, Y or Z" but they get a roasting over it if they don't. I saw a manager actually pull staff into the stock room for lectures if they weren't asking it.

I know its a pain in the tits but for most of the staff there, they are just as embarrassed as you are.

This why I don't give out about it. I though it was common knowledge that regular employees get penalized for not doing the speals. I heard they're held responsible for cancelled preorders too.

jill_valentine

Spot on. They have to follow the script. They don't like it, but they can get fairly severe official headofficey sanctions for deviating from it at all. They can also get the head eaten off them if they don't approach every customer through the door - they don't mind if you don't need their help, but they need to be able to tell their manager that yes, everyone in the shop has been greeted already.

Regarding the pennies thing, I work in a shop and I've had customers literally throw the damn things back in my face. It's not an official policy or anything, it's just more bother than it's worth to keep them to hand.

Nobody pays for anything in pennies, so they don't get replenished, and most people don't care about the odd penny to justify the hassle of keeping them stocked or doing a bank run. So we'd have a bag in each register at the start of the day and if it's a busy day, they'll run out towards evening.

Retr0gamer

Yeah I'm not going to give out about the employees there, it's more the companies policies fault. The employees are evaluated on how many preorders they can get, disk insurance, pre owned sales etc. so either they don't pester you or they lose their job.

Daemos

witnessmenow wrote: »

The game was crashing ps3s so you bought protection against the disc getting scratched!? I'm sorry man but as long as people are still falling for it they are going to keep offering it to you!

I know, wasn't thinking at the time. I assure you I won't fall for it again

Potential-Monke wrote: »

They don't charge the nearest Euro (ie: €40) because seeing €39.99 triggers some reaction in the human brain to fool you into thinking you're getting a far better deal and not just saving 1c. Seriously, it's something like that.

I heard it's also something to do with recording transactions, that if they're rounded to the euro staff can more easily cancel it and pocket the cash. Putting it down a cent makes it harder, apparently

Wetai

Daemos wrote: »

I heard it's also something to do with recording transactions, that if they're rounded to the euro staff can more easily cancel it and pocket the cash. Putting it down a cent makes it harder, apparently

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7522426.stm

Zillah

Dermo wrote: »

Ok guys here are 2 previous threads that explain the law better than I can about the retailer not having to give change:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056050563&page=4
&
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056036617

Thanks to seamus for putting me on the right track for these.

OP, I agree it's a ****ty thing for Gamestop to do but they are well within their rights to do it. The only way to complain is to complain with your feet and buy it elsewhere.

No, I'm sorry, this is still nonsense.

If you buy something for 25 quid then both sides have agreed to those terms, they must insist on exactly 25 euro or provide change. The idea that they are legally allowed to keep whatever you hand them is nonsense. The law of contract is really quite simple, I have no idea how ridiculous urban myths like this get started.

In the case of Gamestop not giving you a penny, you are well within your rights to insist on getting the penny or nullifying the entire transaction, as they have effectively tried to raise the price after an agreement was made. They'd likely just give you a 2c if you kick up a fuss, they certainly aren't going to risk the entire sale.

Overheal

witnessmenow wrote: »

Do you not think Gamestop, who are a major retailer in US lets not forget, does a few 100 million transactions a year? 1c off every one could easly grow to the millons of €/$ if every shop was doing it

Doubt it would have gone unnoticed. The US has its own share of consumer watchdog groups, like the consumerist. It would have been noticed.

Either way, pay by card, and they get charged a bank fee. Cash is free for them to process, Debit costs a little, Credit costs more. American Express? No retailer is ever pleased to accept these!

Can't blame the employees. They don't fill the tills. And they have to ask you for disc protection and whatever else.

jill_valentine

Overheal wrote: »

Doubt it would have gone unnoticed. The US has its own share of consumer watchdog groups, like the consumerist. It would have been noticed.

Again the one cent thing is not a head office policy and they're unlikely to be aware of it going on. There's an expected variance allowed for, in every till every day, and a few cents in on top of that won't make a huge difference.

In Ireland for instance, 22 of those transactions will disappear if so much as a single person is let off for a bag tax or something.

The scripted questions though are an unfortunate and humiliating obligation for the employee imposed by the higher ups.

Overheal

jill_valentine wrote: »

The scripted questions though are an unfortunate and humiliating obligation for the employee imposed by the higher ups.

Actually scripting the phrasing: yes. I have to offer plenty of things as part of my job, but I'm given a lot of leeway in how I approach it.

jill_valentine

There is a certain amount of flexibility in the phrasing, but to be honest, it's faster and as easy to just rattle off the script and get it over with so you can get back to actually selling the person what they want and asking them useful questions.

I used to have to do it in my old job. It was effective for one-off customers who would only be in on a blue moon, but if you had somebody in every few days, and knew what they needed, it was silly and offputting. My manager - and the weekly mystery shoppers - made no such distinction.

Them's the breaks though. I mean a job's a job, and there are plenty worse than that, eh?

NTMK

You could also pay for the game with 1 cent coins and restock them with 1 cent coins. something i do to places that piss me off :pac:

this may lead to you getting barred