Don't Buy Used Console Games

firstadopter · 04-28-2005, 11:42 PM

Three times in the past few years, I've convinced myself it's a great deal to buy a used console game. The first time was when NBA Street first came out, I ran to EB Games and was told they only had used copies for sale. No problem. Well at least until I came home and found the game didn't work. I had to go back and get a refund, a nice waste of an hour.

The second time, I bought Panzer Dragon on eBay. The seller guaranteed it was in great condition. When I got it, I found the cover was smeared and the disc had tons of scratches on it. Well at least the game worked.

So last week, I saw ESPN NBA 2k5 for $10 on Half.com in "Like New" condition shipped to my door. Even though I could get it new for $15, I figured $5 off is a whopping 33% right? I got the game today. The cover box is in blah shape and the disc is full of scratches. Eh if it works, what can I expect for $10. Well the game hangs on the load screen. Argh!

I emailed the seller and we'll see what happens. But this is the final nail in the coffin, no more used games for me. In fact, I don't think I'll buy new games anymore from eBay or Half.com. One time I bought DDR in "brand new" condition on Half.com and found the cover punctured with a big whole. Am I just unlucky? What have your experiences been like?

arogan · 04-29-2005, 03:14 PM

Give http://www.gamefly.com a try.
They not only rent games but sell used ones. I've bought several and they always come in better condition than gamestop or blockbuster. Best of all they always come with the manual. Prices are pretty good too. Selection is a bit limited though.

Nick! · 04-30-2005, 09:34 AM

Also if you are part of the rental program, you can usually buy the game you already have out (unless its rare or pretty new). So you already know what condition the disc is in. Gamefly does not rent out the case and manual, either, so they are ALWAYS in great shape.

I've sold lots of games on Half.com myself, and I tend to understate the shape of the product and have received a lot of 'better than I expected' feedback. It's a shame there's some people who are idiots and overstate. If I look at the disc and it has one easily visible scratch on it, there's no way I can flag that as Like New.

Bakas.

firstadopter · 04-30-2005, 11:32 AM

I have sold tons of games on eBay in my lifetime, all my games are MINT condition with no scratches at all. My buyers sure are lucky.

Here's the complaint I filed. Half.com/ebay said I should wait 30 days from my buyer's complaint to be resolved. What awesome service! (sarcasm)

-------

Your Buyer Protection Claim has been submitted.

Thank you for submitting a Buyer Protection Claim for Transaction number xxxx.

All Buyer Protection Claims are investigated thoroughly and in the order that they are received. Many take approximately 30 days to resolve. Please do not contact us about your claim for 30 days as this may result in a delay.

PLEASE PRINT THIS PAGE AND RETAIN FOR YOUR RECORDS.

Buyer: xxxx
Seller: xxxx
Date: 4/30/05
For transaction: xxxx
Comments: I received the ESPN NBA 2k5 game. It was supposed to be in "Like New" condition. However the game disc was FULL of tons of scratches and when I tried to load the game it would not load and get stuck. It is definitely NOT in "like new" condition. I tried to contact the seller with my complaints, but he has not responded.

04-28-2005, 11:42 PM	#1
firstadopter Founder Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: twitter.com/firstadopter Posts: 2,983	Don't Buy Used Console Games Three times in the past few years, I've convinced myself it's a great deal to buy a used console game. The first time was when NBA Street first came out, I ran to EB Games and was told they only had used copies for sale. No problem. Well at least until I came home and found the game didn't work. I had to go back and get a refund, a nice waste of an hour. The second time, I bought Panzer Dragon on eBay. The seller guaranteed it was in great condition. When I got it, I found the cover was smeared and the disc had tons of scratches on it. Well at least the game worked. So last week, I saw ESPN NBA 2k5 for $10 on Half.com in "Like New" condition shipped to my door. Even though I could get it new for $15, I figured $5 off is a whopping 33% right? I got the game today. The cover box is in blah shape and the disc is full of scratches. Eh if it works, what can I expect for $10. Well the game hangs on the load screen. Argh! I emailed the seller and we'll see what happens. But this is the final nail in the coffin, no more used games for me. In fact, I don't think I'll buy new games anymore from eBay or Half.com. One time I bought DDR in "brand new" condition on Half.com and found the cover punctured with a big whole. Am I just unlucky? What have your experiences been like?

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04-29-2005, 03:14 PM	#2
arogan Emperor Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 978	Give http://www.gamefly.com a try. They not only rent games but sell used ones. I've bought several and they always come in better condition than gamestop or blockbuster. Best of all they always come with the manual. Prices are pretty good too. Selection is a bit limited though.

04-30-2005, 09:34 AM	#3
Nick! Knight Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 69	Also if you are part of the rental program, you can usually buy the game you already have out (unless its rare or pretty new). So you already know what condition the disc is in. Gamefly does not rent out the case and manual, either, so they are ALWAYS in great shape. I've sold lots of games on Half.com myself, and I tend to understate the shape of the product and have received a lot of 'better than I expected' feedback. It's a shame there's some people who are idiots and overstate. If I look at the disc and it has one easily visible scratch on it, there's no way I can flag that as Like New. Bakas.

04-30-2005, 11:32 AM	#4
firstadopter Founder Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: twitter.com/firstadopter Posts: 2,983	I have sold tons of games on eBay in my lifetime, all my games are MINT condition with no scratches at all. My buyers sure are lucky. Here's the complaint I filed. Half.com/ebay said I should wait 30 days from my buyer's complaint to be resolved. What awesome service! (sarcasm) ------- Your Buyer Protection Claim has been submitted. Thank you for submitting a Buyer Protection Claim for Transaction number xxxx. All Buyer Protection Claims are investigated thoroughly and in the order that they are received. Many take approximately 30 days to resolve. Please do not contact us about your claim for 30 days as this may result in a delay. PLEASE PRINT THIS PAGE AND RETAIN FOR YOUR RECORDS. Buyer: xxxx Seller: xxxx Date: 4/30/05 For transaction: xxxx Comments: I received the ESPN NBA 2k5 game. It was supposed to be in "Like New" condition. However the game disc was FULL of tons of scratches and when I tried to load the game it would not load and get stuck. It is definitely NOT in "like new" condition. I tried to contact the seller with my complaints, but he has not responded.