Re: EB lies to get out of price matching? (1 month ago)

^ This thread and others are littered with comments regarding the differing prices at the various gaming retailers, my comment was it response to those. For example:

Re: EB lies to get out of price matching? (1 month ago)

If you look at the stores that offer good prices on release for games, they have other product in their stores with large profit margins to absorb the costs of selling their videogames at below or close to cost prices. E.g. BigW has clothing.

GAME and EB are similar in that they basically just sell games and gaming related items. They must charge above cost price to ensure the store makes enough money to pay rent, wages, etc. GAME does have great prices on release day, but these prices do quickly bump back up to RRP a few weeks later. EB just charges RRP. Both stores have some great sales, however GAMEs recent sale can really only be described as insane. Are GAME's prices sustainable? Well, I guess we shall find out. They are a retail chain, and no retail chain that is selling their product under or that close to cost can continue that way. If you don't like paying RRP then don't shop at EB, but I think it is incredibly naive to expect a company to operate in a manner conducive to losing money.

Re: EB lies to get out of price matching? (1 month ago)

A couple of staff members making some ill-advised comments regarding a competitor does not represent a company wide stance.

As for matching the GAME prices, EB has never committed to matching clearance prices. Some staff will, and some staff won't depending on how closely that p[articular staff member adheres to the conditions of the policy.

I simply cannot fathom why anyone would expect an EB Games store, or any other gaming retailer for that matter, to match clearance prices that are so far under cost. The purpose of the business is to make money, not lose it.

Re: Pokemon Discussion Thread (1 month ago)

I did have Snorlax holding the Quick Claw, but it didn't help him.

Tonight I caught a Golbat with Mean Look and popped the Quick Claw on him instead. Mean Look worked, so I just hit Latios with Air Cutters until its life was red and then kept throwing Ultras. I ended up catching him after only throwing a few, so I'm pretty happy.

So now I have to beat Red. He destroyed me last time, so I'm not looking forward to it. Any suggestions on the best place to level up my Pokemon? They are in their 60s.

Main definite main team so far:
Espeon
Meganium
Typhlosion

I'm thinking of taking Swampert in as my water Pokemon.

Just not sure on the rest.

Re: Pokemon Discussion Thread (1 month ago)

Well, I caught Mewtwo this evening using a Ultra Ball. The battle was a breeze, so that was kind of lucky. Mewtwo's attacks hardly touched my Espeon, so I just kept throwing balls until he was caught - took about 10 Ultra Balls in the end.

I'm starting to get the urge to move onto another game, but I know if I do I'll never complete SoulSilver to the degree I want. For me to consider it completed (enough) I still need to:
- Catch Latios
- Catch Groudon (and then trade a Kyogre, to unlock Rayquaza)
- Defeat Red

@YapoWapo
Thanks for the offer, but it looks like I have my Master Ball spare. Now I just have to decide if I'm going to use it, or try and catch Latios fair and square.

Re: Pokemon Discussion Thread (1 month ago)

I've only got one and it is needed for MewTwo, yes?

I just caught Zapdos, Articuno and Moltres today. Yay! At least I'm making some sort of progress.

Re: Pokemon Discussion Thread (2 months ago)

^ Nope. I have a Snorlax with Block, but I don't get a chance to use it.

Re: Pokemon Discussion Thread (2 months ago)

So, I finally caught Entei after weeks of trying. He was just nasty. Now I have all three Legendary dogs- finally.

I also caught Ho-Oh easily, so that ticks off both Lugia and Ho-Oh.

Now I'm stuck on Latios. He flees before even my highest Pokemon gets a turn. >:

Re: What really ticks you off? (2 months ago)

^ He was 25, and just married. I do believe that his widow will be seeking legal advice after the funeral. She isn't after money, just some admission of fault. An earlier diagnosis would most likely have made no difference to the eventual outcome, but he would have certainly spent his last few weeks very differently.

It is all so odd. I feel like I'm always leaving the doctor's having has a blood test, they are so routine. I don't understand how a man complaining of weakness to the extent of being unable to lift his arms could simply be sent home as a 'worry wart'.

Thanks for the kind words, everyone. I just feel so sorry for his wife and mother. I can't imagine the kind of grief they would be feeling.

Re: What really ticks you off? (2 months ago)

My cousin has been sick for around 5-6 weeks. He has been to the Doctor's over and over, but was sent home each time with the doctor telling him he was just run down and needed to rest. He just died. Turns out he had Leukemia. I'm sad obviously, but also really, really angry. I guess that is normal, but it just feels like someone has stuffed up terribly.

Re: Gaming Bargains V2 (2 months ago)

Well, that's what I thought. But I couldn't work out why one would think it was a download code - so I thought I must have missed something in a earlier post. It is definitely a full retail copy, and if you don't want the game you can trade it straight in for credit.

Re: Gaming Bargains V2 (2 months ago)

Sorry, I can't work out what you are referring to. I have read back a few pages, and am obviously blind. heh.

What is a redeemable code for what EB 360 deal?

Re: What really ticks you off? (2 months ago)

^ We try to give them regular work, but it is difficult when always turning down shifts. We write up a months roster in advance, but it changes a lot during that month because people decide they can't work.

I guess I'm expecting too much of a bunch of 18-19 year olds. I was just taught that you don't call in sick or turn back shifts unless you leg is falling off or something.

The problem is exacerbated by the fact that I'm leaving in September so I need to train up a decent replacement. Unfortunately there is no one appropriate for the role, so we will have to hire someone and train them up which means getting rid of one of the current casuals - and that is part of the job I really don't enjoy.

Re: What really ticks you off? (2 months ago)

I'm a cranky ball of rage at the moment. Work is really getting to me.

We can't find casual staff that actually want to work - they keep turning back shifts. I end up getting called in to work on my RDOs.

Why can't I find a hard working, polite, switched on and knowledgeable person that wants to earn money?

Re: Your newest purchase (2 months ago)

^ Lucky you. My pre-order on Hexyz Force at Play-Asia has gone into back order. They have of course shipped the rest of my order and charged me full postage for the entire order already, so if I cancel the order to re-order through someone else (that won't stuff me around), I lose the money I have paid on shipping already.

I have had to cancel more than 50% of my orders with Play-Asia this year because of constant 'supply issues'. It is driving me insane. And the shipping delays make me GRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

EDIT: Emailed them requesting them to remove the order and just send Disgaea Infinite for PSP instead. But only if it is actually in stock. I'll try and get Hexyz Force from VG+ or eStarland.

EDIT2: Wow. They got right back to me. Order is all changed around and Disgaea Infinite is already allocated.

My newest purchases:
Hexyz Force PSP - ~$43 @ eStarland
Disgaea Infinite PSP - ~$29 @ Play-Asia

heh.

Re: The New Xbox360 250GB (2 months ago)

Yes, I know $449 is the RRP (this wasn't under dispute), but I haven't seen a retailer charging that in ages. EB having been selling the console for $399 for ages, and I'm pretty sure JB and GAME have been too (or cheaper). If retailers have been charging $449, I must have not been frequenting those stores.

Customers that have been waiting on the slim console will walk into stores and see a price increase. I know the in-built wireless easily justifies this additional cost, but I have to wonder if your average customer is going to recognize value added. The price increase will seem even larger when JB are offering wonders such as:





I hope that there will be a nice bit of price competition on release, at we see the Elites still sitting at $399.

EDIT: As for 'awesome' EB Trade Deals, I'm not so sure. The pre-owned models sell for $220-$280ish prior to the price-drop on the new consoles and trade values have really dropped of late. They won't trade 2006 models anymore either. The high failure rate of the 360 creates a pretty undesirable pre-owned product to have to warranty for 12 months, so I can't see why stores would want to accumulate stock of them. They might do a Trade Deal, but could it really be 'awesome' if they actually want to make money on it?

Re: The New Xbox360 250GB (2 months ago)

Are any retailers selling current Elites for $449? All I have been seeing is $399. So for your average consumer, this is going to look like a price increase.

Re: What made you smile today? (2 months ago)

Moving back to Melbourne in September, or maybe a little earlier. The sooking and whinging paid off.

Re: Price matching eBay (2 months ago)

EBGames will not match online stores, and definitely not ebay.

Re: Pokemon Discussion Thread (3 months ago)

@ Kyle Clarthy

How was the event set up? Are the staff required? The guy that works at the BigW Entertainment counter holds a grudge from when I fired him, so he won't serve me. But if I just have to go to the Entertainment area, I might stand a chance of getting a Jirachi.

Re: What store does everyone find themselves purchasing their ga (3 months ago)

EBGames and online stores such as Zaavi, VideoGamesPlus and Play-Asia.

Re: Your newest purchase (3 months ago)

Thanks so much for sharing. I saw that Deluxe pack and fell in love. A quick hint hint and boom! My very own copy is on its way to me via Anniversary gift. I'm so lucky, especially since it is sold out now. So happy. *Animal Crossing Happy Flowers*

I noticed it is an English and Chinese Language version too.

Re: Your newest purchase (3 months ago)

Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing Xbox360 - $39.95 less discount @ EBGames

Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Pre-order) Wii - £36.44 @ Zavvi

Re: Pokemon Discussion Thread (3 months ago)

White, for me! Zekrom has a cute nose. <3

I would love to get that Jirachi, but I'm nowhere near a participating store. RAGE!

Re: Gaming Bargains V2 (3 months ago)

^Its back up. Just technical difficulties.

The items seem to be the Mid Year Sale prices which start in store next week.

Re: Gaming Bargains V2 (3 months ago)

EB are selling the PS3 AC2 White Edition for $49.95 from Thursday.

Re: Phoenix Wright/pirated game identification help (3 months ago)

Pop them in a DSi. It will soon clarify if one is a fake. I'm sure a GameTraders, EB or something will have a Demo unit to test it on if you don't have access to one.

Re: Gaming Bargains V2 (3 months ago)

^ Yeah, it was a bit confusing. Staff told they need a copy of the email, a photo of a tweet or some other photographic evidence of the offer yet no mention to the customers that they needed to do this.

Re: Your newest purchase (4 months ago)

2 x World of Warcraft - $30 each less discount @ EBGames
2 x World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade - FREE
2 x World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade Hint Book - FREE
3 x WoW 60-Day Pre-Paid Game Card - $32 each @ EBGames (Pricematch)

I'm sending these off (minus one Game Card) to my sister and her boyfriend to force them to play WoW with me. <3

EDIT: And over the past few weeks...
Blue Dragon 'Pre-owned' Xbox360 - ~$16.85 @ EBGames
The Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition New and Sealed GCN - ~$80 posted @ Ebay (Finally!)
Fable XB - ~$15.30 @ EBGames
Fable: The Lost Chapters XB - ~$17.60 @ EBGames
Star Wars Jedi Knight II XB - ~$9.95 @ EBGames
BlazBlue Calamity Trigger: Limited Edition PS3 - $59 @ EBGames (JB Pricematch)
Monster Hunter Tri Bundle + FREE Wi Speak Wii - ~$84.95 @ EBGames
Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans NDS - $21.25 @ EBGames
Halo PC - $21.25 @ EBGames
Halo 2 PC - $21.25 @ EBGames
Left 4 Dead PC - $21.25 @ EBGames
Machinarium PC - $42.50 @ EBGames
WarioWare D.I.Y. NDS - ~$50.95 posted @ VideoGamesPlus
Mimana: Iyar Chronicle w/ Soundtrack PSP - ~$55 posted @ VideoGamesPlus
Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love [Premium Package] PS2 - ~$60 posted @ VideoGamesPlus (not sure if I already posted this one)
Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions Volume 2 Guide - ~$20.35 @ EBGames
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks Limited Edition Guide - $6.80 @ EBGames
Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky Guide - $6.80 @ EBGames
Demon's Souls: Limited Edition Pre-Order PS3 - $30 @ EBGames (only going to be $89.95 *shock*)
Halo Reach: Legendary Edition Pre-Order Xbox360 - $50 @ EBGames
Pokemon DS Stylus Set - ~$8.45 EBGames

A lot of that was gifts. I'm not THAT greedy. >.>

Re: Pokemon Discussion Thread (4 months ago)

^ Looking in the Pal Pad... I never would have thought of that. Thanks Jessara! <3

*embarassed face*