Not to defend GameStop completely, as I do disagree with some of the shit they make us do, but...
Generally speaking, if the game has an online pass, it will be less used. I.E. Battlefield 3 for 47.99, etc.
GameStop makes more money off used. Show me a corporation that doesn't promote the thing that makes it money, and I will show you a bankrupt company.
Through GameStop, used product has a better warranty. If you are the same person that wants to bring back a new game because you "didn't like it" (aka you beat it and it was short), then don't whine to me about not having a copy in shrink wrap.
We've been using white labels at my store for almost a year now. I always double check with the customer, asking if they wanted it New/Used, just to be sure they're getting exactly what they wanted.
People steal. If they didn't, I'd be happy to put this shrink wrapped game case on the shelf. Sadly, this isn't the case. So yes, to protect our product, we have to remove the game from the case before putting a new game out. Yes, the game is still new, as it hasn't been played*. I'm sorry you don't get the fun of taking the plastic off yourself, though if you really want to I will find you a plastic bag for it.
If I wasn't told I would be fired if I didn't promote the PowerUp Rewards card, used product, GPGs, and reserves, I wouldn't fucking bug you with them. However, since the economy is kind of in the shitter, I'm just doing what is required of me at my job so that I can continue to purchase food to eat, and pay my bills. I'm sorry if this upsets you. I try my best to not shove it down your throat.
Yes, unfortunately sometimes cases break in shipping. While I do apologize that the freight was incorrectly handled somewhere between the warehouse and my store, I'm afraid there isn't magic video game case dust that I can sprinkle on it to make it all better. All I can do is make a new case, and apologize. Someone that actually cared for customers, such as myself, would have apologized profusely for this, and offered a discount. What can I say? Come to me next time.
No one forces you to shop at GameStop. Yes, the prices are usually better with used product, so maybe that's why you come there. No, we aren't infallible or perfect. I don't think anyone was claiming to be. But those of us that care, we do our best to help you, the customer. All I ask is that you don't lump us all together.
We're not supposed to talk about working at GameStop on gaming forums, for whatever reason. But I don't really care. I love my job, I do. There are things that I disagree with, and I try my best to not harass people about them. But when people come into my store and practically spit in my face when I try to help them, I'm sorry, but I just can't do that anymore. The majority of us do NOT deserve that. If you have worked retail, you know how it is. I do EVERYTHING I can for a customer. No matter how much of a dick they are to me, I still do my best to try and help them and let them know about the best possible deal. If that's new, awesome. If it's used, I'm gonna tell you. We don't make any commission off of new, used, reserves, whatever. We make minimum fucking wage, most of the time because it's what we could find. You know what keeps me going? The knowledge that some mom that wandered into the store looking for a christmas present for little Johnny actually got quality service because she talked to me, and I knew what she was talking about when she said "that army game that he played so much of". I helped that person, which doesn't always happen anymore.
That's my piece.
*: Some stores do allow employees to check out new games. This is the store manager's call. I completely disagree with it. I have never done it myself.
