Xbox 360 Fanboy

Worse than that, Xav. If the game is older than about 2 weeks, they'll offer you $10 for it then put it on the shelf for $54.99. Why people buy used games for $5 less than new I'll never understand. I'd rather pay the $5 extra so that:
A) The developer actually gets some money for it
B) I'm guaranteed a clean disc and instruction manual
C) I don't give EB about $40 in pure profit

Very few of their employees are tolerable as well. I really appreciate when I have a decent clerk and generally say as much. I've seen poor to outright rude behaviour far too many times from EB employees.

It's rare that I'll set foot inside one anymore. The few times they have a deal that's worthwhile, I prefer to register my protest with my wallet and pay a little more elsewhere.

Speaking on the employees, they don't really hire based on your knowledge of video games or the product itself, at least not where I am from. I applied there and got an interview and the manager didn't ask me any video game questions, all he cared about was my sales experience, specifically, my up-sell experience (surprise, surprise. i. e. "Would you like the strategy guide to go with your copy of GTAIV?") I asked the manager at the end of the interview "aren't you going to ask me anything about video games?" and he replied "this job isn't really about selling video games or making good recommendations. It's mostly about being good at retail. If you think that knowing about video games will make you a good salesperson here, you're going to have a lot of trouble." I wasn't hired because I didn't have enough retail experience and instead they hired two tards who have no clue about what they are selling. It's a great company.

I feel the same way about game stores. They screw you on trade ins, they screw you on new games, and they screw you on returns. Not to mention the employees are typically rude (which I can't explain).

I've been happy going to Blockbuster and Rogers Video for used games in the past. These days I rent from Gameaccess.ca and don't really buy games anymore.

@Gary Harwell

Yep right there with you dude I applied at Gamestop before and same shit happened to me. When I go into the stores no one can help with with any questions I may have and I leave angry. They are easily the shittiest store ever...

The thing with EB is you've got to know "the tricks". I almost never buy new there (Costco has it cheaper), but you can game the used system. Subscribe to their emails (or just check e.g. Fatwallet), and you get weekly coupons for various things. In the past 2 months, they've had 25% of used games for pretty much any console. Stack that with the 10% "club card" (worth it if you buy a lot of games), then you're in business. This weekend, they had a buy 2 - get 1 free event, with which you can still use the club card. 55 bucks for a game that sells for 60 new is a terrible deal. 110 bucks - 10% = $99 for 3 games that sell for 60 new -- that's a bargain.

James - that's not really applicable up here in the Great White North where there are no coupons and the US ones are not valid.

My problem with GameStop is that they take all the games out of the case, even the brand new ones! I'm not paying full price to get a disc with smudges, scratches, etc on it, and the cases are sticky with glue from all their hideous stickers, not to mention shoppers snotting them up and eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on them.

The used games market is crap today. You get very little discount on the games you buy, and you have to pay extra from GameStop to get the guarantee that the disc will work. Blockbuster at least guaranteed all their used movies for free, for life.

Thanks, but I'll stick with my Best Buy, where the games are in mint condition, the sales are good, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they give rewards points with every purchase I make!