Shame, shame EBgames.....

[Sgian Dubh]

So, being the patient soul I am, I went to the EBgames store where I pre-ordered SH4 - having withstood the temptation of calling yesterday or before to see if things were on target, so to speak.

So I walk in and ask, with confidence, for my pre-order.

The puzzled look on the clerks face was not encouraging. The clerk retires to consult the glowing oracle behind the counter.

"We didin't get it. Its not on my shipping list. Did you pre-order it here? I don't see it on my pre-order list"

This was sounding ominous indeed. I produced my pre-order receipt, issued at that very store.

"We didn't get it. Its a PC title, right? PC titles, not being in demand, are not shipped overnight even as a pre-order. It might be here tomorrow or Friday."

Note: Apparently my money, being destined for a PC-game, is not as good as the money spent on console games.

Hmmmm. Yet another reason to add to my already long list of reasons to hate console games and firming of resolve to never own one of the hedious devices.

So I don't know when I will get it. It won't be tomorrow becasue I will be on the road all day. I apparently am not even in the system as having pre-ordered so who knows if they will reserve one for me, even though I asked them to again today (I'm surprised they didn't ask for another $5 dollars).

I have to go to Columbus tomorrow. I'm going to check in the stores there. If I can find it ANYWHERE but EB, I will buy it and they can keep the $5 Pre-order as it will be the last money they ever get from me.

No other stores near me have it, or expect to get it anytime soon (Best Buy, Target (regular), etc.

[AVGWarhawk]

I paid for it yesterday expecting todays delivery. Well, not really, I know how that goes. I will call tomorrow. Funny part is they usually ship in 24 hours after ordering. Patience friend!!!! Your game will be there before the weekend with any luck. Now you have something to look forward too.

Oh well, keep it light with EB Games....my kids love the store


Anyway, I checked Best Buy website and compusa. Both shows sold out for shipping and not available in stores yet. We can email you when it comes in!?!?!?!?

[MikeJW]

I also pre-ordered but with Gamestop (same as EB now) and am still waiting for my order. I heard somewhere they had a problem with their distributor. Its backwards to blame consoles though. CompUSA normaly gets new games on Thursday, at least here in TN.

[Skorn]

I had a bad experience with EB games as well today. I went in and pre-ordered it a few days ago and the kid said to come back today at about 12 and I could pick it up. So at around noon today I go in and it's not there, and the guy said they should be getting their next shipment anytime, so I go back home and call back a few hours later...still not there. I'm disappointed...he said their warehouse usually makes sure that reserved copies arrive on the release date and that this seems "retarded," which is comforting for me to hear. I'll remember this next time a PC title comes out that I want reserved..

[Spaxspore]

looks like us PC gamers are becoming 2nd class citzens according to these gaming stores...

I rember when we were the kings of the hill.. now any 13 year old with a little japanese wII gets the latest pointless games first... and we have to wait cause were arnt payin the console premium of 60$+ for a game.

[Sgian Dubh]

Originally Posted by MikeJW

I also pre-ordered but with Gamestop (same as EB now) and am still waiting for my order. I heard somewhere they had a problem with their distributor. Its backwards to blame consoles though. CompUSA normaly gets new games on Thursday, at least here in TN.

I am not blaming consoles beyond the point that I highly dislike them and cannot comprehend their unbounded popularity.

What I do blame is a corporate policy that implies that my pre-order should be treated different than someone else's pre-order. They sell the product, they should treat each customer with the same respect and courtesy.

This is why I more and more try to find wargames by small, independant shops.

[Payoff]

I have checked with EB, Best Buy, Comp usa, Target and several others in the greater Nashville area and nobody has it on order or even knew what I was talking about. Kinda makes you feel second rate as stated.

[Nightmare]

I just got off the phone with my local Gamestop (same company owned by EB Games). My copy was supposed to come in yesterday but since it didn't I was assured today. Now I got off the phone and they are saying Friday. I asked why since I had pre-ordered earlier in the month and they've had it in their system for 2 weeks. The response I recieved was pretty much the same as above. Console games are now the only ones shipped prioriy.

It's a shame. I've been a loyal Gamestop/EB customer for more than 6 years. Looks like my local Best Buy is going to be getting my business in future for new release games.

Originally Posted by Sgian Dubh

What I do blame is a corporate policy that implies that my pre-order should be treated different than someone else's pre-order. They sell the product, they should treat each customer with the same respect and courtesy.

Exactly how I feel!

[CaptJodan]

I hate to "me too" but I'm afraid this is just something that bothers me a lot as well.

You know it's a bad sign when you go into the store and, in the back, on a seperate MINI shelf in the middle back of the store is the PC games. One shelf. One tiny little place where all the games reside.

You go to ask where such and such a game is, and the looks I recieve are always so unique. It's always a mixture of either complete shock that you're asking for a PC game, or like you're almost beneath contempt that you would bother with such relics. It doesn't help that you're not asking for a popular game like Battlefront, but a SIMULATION. But...but...but that kind of thing requires some thought on the part of the gamer! It's like work or something.

Oh well, we've got online ordering. Of course, that too seems to be plagued with problems (thanks Amazon ).

[MikeJW]

Originally Posted by Sgian Dubh

I am not blaming consoles beyond the point that I highly dislike them and cannot comprehend their unbounded popularity.

What I do blame is a corporate policy that implies that my pre-order should be treated different than someone else's pre-order. They sell the product, they should treat each customer with the same respect and courtesy.

This is why I more and more try to find wargames by small, independant shops.

Oh, I'm with you there. They were quick to take your deposite they should be quick to ship it or tell you up front it wont be available on release date. EB has already lost my considerable business and now I think Gamestop is going on the list. If any other store has SH4 tomorrow they'll get my business and GS can give my deposite back and say "by" to a lot of future sales. I'm hoping CompUSA has it tomorrow.

[AVGWarhawk]

Gents, it seems that Compusa and Best Buy are in the same mode. Compusa shows sold out for shipping and not available in stores. Best Buy has the same. Have some patience. I paid mine in full yesterday at EB expecting today delivery. No go. Such is life.

Now, be constructive about it and hopefully someone will know where to pick one up. I understand that someone in Vegas got one at Target last night.

This current conversation will not get you the game any faster.

[TriskettheKid]

I, too, had problems with EB Games.

They still hadn't gotten my game in, so I called around. Turns out that a Gamestop just down the road not only got in a shipment of SHIV, but has so many that there are still many copies left. So, they're holding a copy for me for when I get off of work (less than an hour to go, w00t!).

It's incredible, though. Two stores that are owned by the same company, less than 3 miles apart. One has an abundance of copies even after pre-orders, the other with no copies at all.

[AVGWarhawk]

Originally Posted by TriskettheKid

I, too, had problems with EB Games.

They still hadn't gotten my game in, so I called around. Turns out that a Gamestop just down the road not only got in a shipment of SHIV, but has so many that there are still many copies left. So, they're holding a copy for me for when I get off of work (less than an hour to go, w00t!).

It's incredible, though. Two stores that are owned by the same company, less than 3 miles apart. One has an abundance of copies even after pre-orders, the other with no copies at all.

Hey hey, here is a winner. Go ask the Gamestop folks in your neighborhood if they have it.

[TriskettheKid]

Also, EB Games will refund the entire pre-order if you cancel.

So for those of you who pre-ordered with a lot, get your money back if you find the game. On principal, I will get my $10 back....unless I spot some great bargain games, in which case EB Games would win that round.

[Sgian Dubh]

Originally Posted by AVGWarhawk

Gents, it seems that Compusa and Best Buy are in the same mode. Compusa shows sold out for shipping and not available in stores. Best Buy has the same. Have some patience. I paid mine in full yesterday at EB expecting today delivery. No go. Such is life.

Now, be constructive about it and hopefully someone will know where to pick one up. I understand that someone in Vegas got one at Target last night.

This current conversation will not get you the game any faster.

True. It won't get the game to people faster.

But it is constructive (IMHO) because consumers whould be aware of the policies and procedures that various companies engage in. In this case, EB has had my money for a couple of months and has been earning interest or something with it. In return for a Pre-order I received exactly what in return? I am not, apparently, even in the system. This is a questionable business practice, at best.

The only way we have to even try to put corrective pressure on companies is to identify bad practices and then communicate them and encourage others to act.

That is all.