Game retailer GameStop is looking into expanding its tiered-customer program. Right now, if you want to be special in the eyes of GameStop you can sign up for an "Edge Card" that allows you to save 10 percent on used games and accessories and receive 10 percent more when you trade in games. But that's apparently not enough. GameStop sent a questionnaire to some customers asking for feedback on a few new ways of differentiating Edge cardholders from you common peasants, including:
- Offering "sneak peek previews of new titles delivered to your inbox or mobile device,"
- A 3-day free trial on previously owned games
- early access to trailers and other new insider game content.
- Rewards for purchases and trades.
- A special "birthday surprise."
- Year subscription to Game Informer
- Early access to collectors editions of games
But that's not all. The top-tier of GameStop, the Elite, costs $15 to join, and members will receive:
- 15 percent off all used game and peripheral purchases
- 15 percent more cash paid back for used trade-ins.
Below is a picture representing the full list of ideas, including a personal shopper and immunity from zombie attacks:
Obviously, the idea behind these kinds of offers is the same as all "loyalty programs." GameStop knows you can buy and sell used games in a lot of places, so they want to make sure you use their stores and website instead of its competitor. The question is: Do you want these things? Do you care about them? I mean, other than the obviously important immunity from zombie attacks, of course. Which perks are the most useful? s.
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Kanaye
Gamestop is getting worried, if anything. Their cash cow - the used games market - is being threatened by the potencial of downloadable games, pioneered by companies like Sony and Microsoft. What I'm trying to get at with this statement is that this move is to be expected. Does it add value to Edge Card holders? Indeed.
A grievance I have of Edge is the GameInformer subscription. Sure, I know that is offered to me as a bonus, but I'm paying mainly for the privilege of paying less for used games. If only I could opt out of it since I get most of my gaming news from the internet...
joer22784
I actually enjoy the edge card, i like my game informer subscription. I actually got this survey yesterday and some of the new stuff they have sounds pretty good. Like changing the 10% discount to 20% That will be nice. But yes i agree, gamestop does rip you off, especially when your trading games in. They give you 10 bucks for a game and then turn around and sell it for $50.
joer22784
I actually enjoy the edge card, i like my game informer subscription. I actually got this survey yesterday and some of the new stuff they have sounds pretty good. Like changing the 10% discount to 20% That will be nice. But yes i agree, gamestop does rip you off, especially when your trading games in. They give you 10 bucks for a game and then turn around and sell it for $50.
joer22784
I actually enjoy the edge card, i like my game informer subscription. I actually got this survey yesterday and some of the new stuff they have sounds pretty good. Like changing the 10% discount to 20% That will be nice. But yes i agree, gamestop does rip you off, especially when your trading games in. They give you 10 bucks for a game and then turn around and sell it for $50.
Iggyhopper
Well...
If you have a used game, keep it or sell it on eBay, it saves everyone money.
Bonzoso21
I buy the vast majority of my games new and sealed, so I rarely shop at GameStop or any other retailer that deals in used media. If the Edge membership provided any benefits towards the purchase of new games, then maybe I'd end up there from time to time. But as it is, my local GameStop and Best Buy are in the same plaza, and Best Buy Rewards gets me cash back I can spend on anything. I have no brand loyalty whatsoever...the store/product that gets me the most for my money is the one that gets my business.
AvengeMyGhost
I'll be getting this just for the immunity from zombie attacks.
xdarkness06x
i dont see the reason for all the Gamestop bashing. they offer things that amazon and eBay don't. you have the buy 2 get one free...like every other weekend. not gonna say the system is skewed, but i understand that you cant buy a $45 game and a $20 game, and try to get a $35 game for free (trust me i tried). but if you are signed up to the weekly news letter, which i am, you get a coupon for (normally) 30% used games...limit 3, if you combine that with your edge card (which i have one and its saved me tons of money) is 40%. so for example you go to buy C.O.D. 4 for $44.99, and you get 40% off, you get it for $26, how can you cry about that? now don't get it twisted, i don't work for Gamestop, nor would i want to, but it is sad that i know more about games, and about their trade system, then most of the managers in my city. i think the new card is an excellent idea, and i ever took the survey yesterday to see what kind of benefits i would want. i say long live Gamestop. May they stay Monopolizing the used gaming market for many years to come.
Rurouni_Chuwy
Im just in it for the GameInformer issues.........
nodhawk
I would have to say that the 15% off of used games and accessories with the 15% on trade. Would be a huge seller for customers who do not have an edge card.
PCTech714
I can't remember the last time I walked into a GameStop. I've been to Best Buy once in the last year and that was to buy a cable I needed right away. Everything else I get through Amazon. Free shipping, no tax, nobody trying to upsell me or push magazine subscriptions or credit cards, or what have you; not to mention no lines, which is especially useful during the holidays.
There's no way I could blame GameStop trying to build customer loyalty. They are like every other business -- trying to make money in a struggling economy.
I'm still a bit amused by the 20% savings on accessories. Truthfully, the markup is so high on those kinds of things that they could easily give a 50% savings and still turn a profit!
realdt
Maybe they're changing it because FYE has a better deal with their Backstage Pass. Get 10% everything, including new games and accessories with their card. You really pay for the magazine subscription with Gamestop's card.
Donny_Darko
I took the survey today and i must say i like the new direction they are going. I mean i am already buying pre owned games on the regular from them cause of the crap o conomy!!! Now I can get super uber benefits for my continued loyalty!!! But, Honestly....all they had to say is immunity to zombie attacks!!! You got my loyalty for life!!!!
shadows_fall1234
ill prolly get flamed for this but i love gamestop ......the 15 for game informer is worth it alone . and hey if i can borrow a game without paying to see if i like it then awesome. anything they offer in with the mag is well worth my 15 bucks . stop complaining about it already
Dartsytopps
I also have sworn to stop doing business with Gamestop. I would maybe go for this if for one thing. I tried to trade in a Gamecube with 15 games (all worked just fine i tried them) with 2 controllers. Also at the same time as that i tried to trade in a PS2 (thin) and about 35 games (again all worked because i tried them). Gamestop said they would give me $30.00 for all of it. Don't believe me?? Send me a message and ill tell you where this piece of trash Gamestop is at. They always gouge prices and the 3-day trial?? Oh my god thats like a license to steal now. Gamestop always has treated me like trash. I REFUSE TO SHOP WITH THEM EVER AGAIN!!!
TheSledBaron
Sure is racist in here all of a sudden...
aknaff
Love the last comment!! Best Buy Rewards program. If you haven't heard of it then get with the program. The only time I buy from anywhere but Best Buy is if Best Buy doesn't have the game that I absolutely HAVE to have, which is rare. BB Rewards program, free to join, they even have a "Reward Zone Gamers club" which give you more points for buying games, also free. To date I have received Bioshock for the PS3 for free, just by buying my games there. Basic rundown, for every $250 you spend there, you get $5 free. Not a lot, but if you buy a lot of games it eventually adds up to a free game.
KingOfOldSkool
GS Manager - *laughing* Yeah.. another stupid white trash soccer mom was all pissy at why we only gave $50 worth of store credit for a 360 and 10 games.
GS Employee - Again? I'm tired of all these ignorant people walking in wanting something for nothing.. dont they know anything about fair trade value?
(customer walks in)
Customer - Yeah.. I'm returning this game I bought new an 1 hour ago.
GS Manager - Nope sorry.. no new game returns once its opened.
Customer - What?? I'm returning it in the same condition I bought it.. you sold me an opened floor copy for full price because it was supposedly your "last copy".
GS Manager - Sorry.. no can do.. company policy.. you can trade it in towards a new game though.
Customer - *sigh* Fine.. what can I get for a $60 game that came yesterday?
GS Employee - Your in luck. If you sign up for our Edge Card you can get an increased trade in value and get up to $17!
Customer - For a game I just payed $60 for?
GS Manager - Yeah I know, great deal right?
Customer - (starts walking away) !@#$ you guys.. I'm going to best Buy from now on..
mistico5656
i always bought the edge card and my local game stop only told me about the gameinformer magazine susbcription and 10% off used games, they never told me about the used games 7-day trial bunch of rip offs anyway i never bought used because i would always take great care with my games but the games i first bought used would have massive scratches on them as if someone passed them thru a grater. and if it was the used version of a new game they expected me to pay $45 for a cheese grated game. thats why i only buy new games
WLKNDED
I would pay double the money for the protection from Zombie Attacts.
but really i have the edge card..i like getting the 10% off and on trade-ins.
Guess we will just have to wait and see what the prices are for the new stuff.
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