Gamers all over the country and the world are always looking for the best deals when it comes to purchasing video games, video game accessories, and video game consoles.
With so many retailers to choose from, including brick-and-mortar stores and online stores, it can be tricky to find the cheapest items.
Competitors are constantly trying to outprice each other, leaving customers to do extra research on their best options.
Does GameStop Price Match?
Yes, GameStop has recently started a price match policy, though it is still unofficial.
Because the price matching policy is still unofficial, it’s technically up to each individual store as to what their exact policy is.
In general, to utilize GameStop price matching, the product must meet certain criteria such as the product must be in stock at the GameStop store and at the competitors’ store and the product must be the exact same, including the format (i.e. a physical copy as opposed to a digital copy).
GameStop will not match prices on digital copies with physical copies and vice versa, as digital and physical editions of a game are considered two different products.
They will only price match for the exact advertised price, so be prepared to either have a hard copy of the advertisement or be able to pull it up on your phone.
Also, GameStop will only price match with larger, well-known retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target.
FYI for all your shopping this year! @GameStop will price match! Thx @rogXue for confirming! pic.twitter.com/rQH56rdUfp
— loopbreakr.loopring.eth (@jbjohnson40) October 27, 2021
They will not price match with smaller, local retailers.
Along these same lines, GameStop does not price match with third-party online vendors such as those on Amazon or Walmart marketplace.
They claim this is due to price inflation and unrealistic pricing in third-party markets.
Additionally, GameStop does not price match sales or discount prices, including Black Friday sales.
They also will not match bundles, rebates, coupons, or flash deals.
GameStop does not price match online yet, but this will likely change as soon as the company adjusts to its new policy.
Price matching is still new for the physical GameStop stores, so it needs to find its footing first.
Price matching makes it convenient for loyal GameStop customers to support their favorite gaming store while still getting the best deals around.
There are stipulations to the GameStop price match policy, so it’s best to be informed before trying to take advantage of this policy.
It’s a good idea to call your local GameStop store to find out their exact terms of conditions on price matching.
What Are The Advantages Of Shopping At GameStop?
Some shoppers and gamers might not think going into a retail store is no longer worthwhile when they can shop for everything they need online.
However, brick-and-mortar stores, like GameStop, still have their advantages.
The biggest advantage is in the thrill of the hunt.
Because GameStop stores resell used video games and video game consoles from trade-ins, among other electronic devices, you never know what you’ll find at a specific location.
Each location will have different offerings.
Collectors still appreciate the hunt for that rare, elusive Nintendo game from 1987.
By reselling old Sega Genesis, Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Super Nintendo, GameCube, Xbox 360, PlayStation, Nintendo Wii, and other consoles and their accompanying video games, the selections will be different, and the inventory will constantly fluctuate at each store.
GameStop also has the advantage of nostalgia for many gamers who grew up going to GameStop.
There’s a sense of comradery with other customers and associates that goes along with being part of the gaming community.
GameStop also allows pre-ordering for many of its games, ensuring that those who sign up have access to copies of hard-to-find games or games that will surely sell out.
Gamers might also have a better chance of getting copies of the newest releases, as their video game inventory is most likely different than general big-box stores.
GameStop also offers a rewards program to their devoted clientele, in which customers gain points for each purchase that can then be redeemed for coupons and more.
What Are Other Ways To Save Money At GameStop?
Besides price matching, GameStop has other ways gamers can save money by shopping at the retailer.
The biggest money-saving incentive is the PowerUp Rewards program, or Pro, which works like a points program and entitles members to exclusive benefits.
Points can be redeemed for coupons.
The GameStop website explains how the program works by stating:
“For example, Pros can redeem 5,000 points for a $5 off one single item coupon. That means the 5,000 points you get for renewing are worth $5 in rewards, and the 20 points earned per dollar spent is like getting 2% back in rewards.”
When you join this program, you automatically earn 10,000 in Welcome Points ($10 in rewards) just for signing up.
Every month after that, you’ll receive a $5 Reward Certificate ($60/year).
You’ll also get 20 points per $1 spent on most items and 10% more on trade-ins.
When Pros renew their membership, they earn 5,000 points.
Being a Pro also gets you exclusive access to events, GameInformer content, and early access to new console drops and sales.
How Do Trade-Ins Work At GameStop?
Trade-ins at GameStop are a great way to get cash or store credit for your used items.
Plus, GameStop doesn’t just accept video games and game console trade-ins—they also accept iPhones and other smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, video game controllers, and gaming headphones.
If you’re looking to sell something specific, you can check GameStop’s trade-in site to search by brand or you can just type the name of game or product into the Search bar.
The trade-in website makes it extremely easy to gauge your potential sales because it shows you the trade-in value in real time without having to go to the store and ask an associate.
The site also posts the current most wanted items GameStop is looking for, such as Nintendo Switch, Xbox One X 1TB, and PlayStation Pro 4 1TB consoles, or iPhones and wireless Xbox controllers.
You’ll most likely get a higher larger trade-in value for most-wanted items, as those are what are in popular demand.
After you find your product online and agree to the value, take your product to your local GameStop store.
They like to remind customers to remember to bring all parts and accessories as well, such as cords and chargers.
If you’re trading in a phone, console, tablet, or smartwatch, don’t forget to take your SIM card or memory card out and sweep the device clean of any private information.
Then, you can choose how you want to get paid—either in cash or in store credit.
You’ll get more money back for choosing to accept store credit.
Pro members get an extra 10% back for trade-ins.
What Other Stores Will Price Match Video Games?
Other video game retailers that price match include Best Buy, Target, and Wal-Mart.
Each of these stores has its own price match policy, so it’s best to check with the specific store before attempting to price match.
For example, Wal-Mart will price match stores they believe to be competitors, but GameStop is not in this category.
However, they all essentially offer to match the advertised prices of the same exact products.
Bigger electronics stores like Best Buy can also afford to price match against big sites like Amazon.com, although Best Buy says it will not price match against third-party markets.
Most price-matching stores will also not match sale items or online pricing.
Best Buy, Target, and Newegg.com will all price match against GameStop, which is another reason GameStop has been losing sales in years past.
Best Buy states they’ll only match GameStop stores that are within a 25-mile radius.
Big box stores like Target can often sell products at cheaper prices due to their bulk of inventory.
Shoppers are already in big-box stores for other items, which puts niche stores like GameStop at a big disadvantage.
Shoppers have to make a special trip to visit these types of specialty stores.
Plus, they don’t have nearly the same number of locations, making a trip to GameStop much more inconvenient.
How Does Price Matching Work With Pre-Orders?
A lot of GameStop’s business comes from pre-orders, which allow customers to pre-pay for games that haven’t come out yet.
This ensures they’ll be one of the first to get their hands on the latest, hottest games without worrying about them selling out.
However, this adds a level of difficulty when trying to price match these items.
As a result, GameStop uses a Price Adjustment Policy.
GameStop says that if you buy a product and the price increases from the time you pre-ordered it, you will be informed about the change.
You will then be given a choice to pay the difference or to cancel the order altogether.
If the price decreases after pre-ordering it, between the time you order the product and the time it gets delivered to you, you will automatically be charged a lower price.
Pre-orders typically set a date for the game release—this is the day it will be shipped to you or it is available for pickup at the store depending on your delivery preference.
However, some dates get postponed, and on some rare occasions, an item gets back ordered or is already found to be out of stock.
In the case of back orders, a specific date for a new shipment might not be available.
Why Did GameStop Change Their Price Match Policy?
GameStop’s price match policy is a fairly new adjustment for the company and was implemented mostly in an attempt to stay relevant and afloat in a changing retail economy.
With most video game retailers moving to online platforms, GameStop has been struggling to stay open in the past few years.
Also, with the advent of digital editions of video games being easily downloadable on video game consoles, there isn’t much need for a physical video game retailer anymore.
Poor GameStop leadership in the past has contributed to the business’s failure, as well as its refusal to keep up with the changing times.
However, with Chewy.com founder Ryan Cohen taking the helm as the new GameStop chairman of the board, the retailer seems to be moving in a new direction.
One of the adjustments to the GameStop business structure was to implement the new price match policy to stay competitive with other retailers.
This apparently is only the start of the new GameStop business strategy and more changes will likely be coming.
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