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Results so far:
| Gamestop | 69% | 72 votes | Total: 104 votes | |
| Amazon | 31% | 32 votes |
Gamestop
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Add to FavoritesI believe that Gamestop is the better choice for video games, new or used. A specialized company, Gamestop and it's employees (usually) know what's good in the video game world, and know quality when it comes to the physical components.
For the internet shopper, gamestop.com is quick, easy to use, and has user reviews for just about anything having to do with video games. Their site is easy to use, and you can search based on Prices, System, Item Type, etc. They're almost guaranteed to have what you want. When you're ready to purchase your selected items, the checkout is quick and easy. Also quick, is their delivery. They are the quickest to deliver any item, in my experience.
Now, for those who don't mind walking or driving to your local Gamestop, they have great customer service, and in my experience, employees who know their way around the gaming world. You can get good advice and input on a variety of gaming topics, from consoles, to controllers, to the games themselves. Dealing with used games, they guarantee any used product, games or otherwise, to be in fully working order. They test everything people want to sell to them, before even accepting the transaction. You're not forced to go by some complete stranger's word. (Though I'm sure Amazon is on top of their sellers' reputations.)
When buying used games, either online or in store, you will receive a working disc. The box and book that comes with the game are NOT guaranteed, but far more often than not, they are also included. You may not be able to haggle the prices as much with Gamestop as you can with someone on Amazon, but the prices are well within the fair price range, when compared to other companies that deal in games. (Such as Circuit City, Comp USA, Walmart, etc.) Also, if you dislike your purchase for any reason, you can return ANY used game within 7 days and get a full refund, (Usually store credit) no questions asked.
In my personal experience, I bought Assassin's creed the day after it came out, used, for $50, $10 less than it's "NEW" price. I took it home, and 3 days later, beat the story line, and found no interest in finding the hundreds of hidden objects. So, on the 5th day, I returned the game, and even told them "It works, but was too easy." Instead of store credit, I decided to buy two older used games with my $50.
So with all that said, I believe that those reasons, make Gamestop a great choice for used games. I believe Gamestop to beat Amazon in every category. Even if you don't wish to buy a game, stop by your local Gamestop and talk to the employee(s), and see for yourself, why Gamestop is so well known for their gaming expertise.
Learn more about this author, Michael Dishon.
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Amazon
The differences between Gamestop and Amazon.com are numerous and seemingly obvious. Gamestop is a large corporation committed solely to video games and video game accessories, while Amazon is a marketplace website that sells used goods of all assortments, specializing in none. Gamestop has employees with video game experience, while Amazon merely sells games and ships them to their new owners. At Gamestop money is placed directly into a cash register in return for a game. On Amazon consumers must deal with the fear of fraud and receiving potentially broken or unusable games in the mail, meaning they've wasted their money. These differences all have one thing in common; they are misconceptions.
While Amazon is a website and thus buyers will experience the usual credit card paranoia when making their purchase, items bought on Amazon are usually in good condition, and credit card purchases are as safe as on any other certified website. If the unthinkable happens, Amazon has quality assurance employees that can be contacted, and the problem will be addressed with either a full refund or gift card of equal value. Gamestop stores can be found almost anywhere; it is a behemoth of a corporation, and many buyers will feel safer entering a video game store than ordering games with a credit card online. With games priced at between twenty and fifty dollars used, the security that comes with that car ride and a direct purchase may no longer be financially justifiable. Amazon will give buyers the better price, because at Amazon you don't pay for a company name. The game F.E.A.R. for Playstation 3 can be found for $19.99 before tax at Gamestop used, while the same game in equal condition costs $13.74 on Amazon.com. You can even get it new for $15.50. The only question that buyers should have in mind when choosing between these two methods of obtaining used games should be "How much do I want to pay?" If the answer is more, by all means visit the Gamestop nearest you.
Gamestop employees are no more knowledgeable of the video game world or its products than any other gamer, they are merely there to watch the store and sell games. They are more guards and clerks than experts in the field. Going to Gamestop for superior video game knowledge is equivalent to shopping at Abercrombie for superior clothing knowledge, when there is a discount clothing store next door. Getting a job at Gamestop is as easy as applying and being selected to work there based on availability. Anyone reading this article is qualified to work at Gamestop, as is anyone posting a used game for sale on Amazon.com.
The real difference between Gamestop and Amazon is quite clear; Gamestop is direct and more expensive, while Amazon.com takes slightly longer and is much cheaper. Buyers are lulled into a false sense of security because they believe Gamestop employees have superior knowledge of the gaming industry, but they in all likelihood have qualifications equal to those who post games on Amazon. So once again the choice lies with the buyer, the same product for less, or the same product for more? Anyone who chooses the former should visit Amazon.com for their used games.
Learn more about this author, Eric Meyer.
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