EBX problem

[spitcodfry]

I need some feedback on a problem I've run into with EBX's policy on reserves. Way back in July I started putting money down for Half-Life 2 there. Over the course of the next several months I managed to pay off the game in full. I did this so I wouldn't need to worry about shelling the difference out when the game arrived. What I didn't expect at the time of those deposits was the delay. Not to mention having no clue whatsoever as to when the game will arrive. I've had my eye on the Two Towers Extended Edition for a while, and thought about extracting some of the money on the reserve for that purpose. I actually called EBX about a month ago and confirmed whether or not I could get my money back from a reserve, to which the attending clerk told me "I don't see why not." Today I walk in there with my reserve receipt and tell the employee there I'd like to get my money back save for the minimum deposit of $5. He looks at me as if I'm retarded and tells me I can only use that for store credit. I explained to him about my previous call. He gave me a cocky smile and just said "Sorry about that." I was so flabbergasted I just walked out with a scowl across my face. I didn't know what to do. Does it seem right for them to withhold my money, allowing me no other option than to buy something else from their store? I can understand their return policy if you've actually acquired something from their store, but obviously I have no game in tow. My father recommended that I ask to speak to the manager when they open tomorrow, and explain to them my predicament. He thought the argument about the game's slip in release and subsequent lack of knowledge as to when it'll become available would suffice, yet from a distributor's perspective (EBX), that is something which is out of their control. The publisher, Vivendi Universal, is responsible for the game being on the shelf (assuming the game is done, that is). Even though I pointed this flaw in his logic out to him, my dad still said to go with it. If the manager wouldn't hear me out, he recommended me calling the state Attorney General's office and telling them about it. I've never dealt with anything like this before. I sure could use some advice. Any and all help would be most appreciated.

 

[ph34r t3h cute]

Thats an evil thing to do, in there defence, they wanted to make money, but in your defence, there a bunch of evil ****tards :bounce:

 

[spitcodfry]

Originally posted by ph34r t3h cute
Thats an evil thing to do, in there defence, they wanted to make money, but in your defence, there a bunch of evil ****tards :bounce:

Well it's obvious the policy is in place to ensure they don't lose a cent. I can remember a long while ago when I could take an opened game into Software Etc and get every dollar back from the full price I paid for it. Now you can only trade games in for less than a third of their value. If it's been opened you're pretty much screwed. I don't know any of the legalities behind all this, but it sure doesn't benefit the customer in any way to have policies in place like this. Unfortunately most retail game store chains have adopted this policy in one form or another. Wish there was one out there that still let you get your money back.

 

[Shuzer]

Here's what you do. Get a store credit, get a game for the same amount that you've put down. Walk out of the store.

Go to Circuit City, tell them that you got this game (this game being the one you were forced to get using store credit at) for a gift, but you've already got it (or some similar excuse) and ask for a store credit there. Then, buy TTT Extended Edition, all is well

BTW, I've tested this. It works, atleast where I live. Circuit City couldn't care less if it's their ACTUAL product, as long as they get it back in stock.

 

[spitcodfry]

Originally posted by Shuzer
Here's what you do. Get a store credit, get a game for the same amount that you've put down. Walk out of the store.

Go to Circuit City, tell them that you got this game (this game being the one you were forced to get using store credit at) for a gift, but you've already got it (or some similar excuse) and ask for a store credit there. Then, buy TTT Extended Edition, all is well

BTW, I've tested this. It works, atleast where I live. Circuit City couldn't care less if it's their ACTUAL product, as long as they get it back in stock.

Thanks...never considered something like that. Think I'll wait till Wednesday, though, so I can use the trade for Invisible War. Should Circuit City not allow me to do that, at least I'll not have purchased something I'm totally uninterested in.

 

[ph34r t3h cute]

Originally posted by spitcodfry
Well it's obvious the policy is in place to ensure they don't lose a cent. I can remember a long while ago when I could take an opened game into Software Etc and get every dollar back from the full price I paid for it. Now you can only trade games in for less than a third of their value. If it's been opened you're pretty much screwed. I don't know any of the legalities behind all this, but it sure doesn't benefit the customer in any way to have policies in place like this. Unfortunately most retail game store chains have adopted this policy in one form or another. Wish there was one out there that still let you get your money back.

Im lucky, my local gameing store, (GAME, used to be EB) is very nice, I know some people who work there too, I have never had trouble with refends or anything

 

[spitcodfry]

Originally posted by ph34r t3h cute
Im lucky, my local gameing store, (GAME, used to be EB) is very nice, I know some people who work there too, I have never had trouble with refends or anything

I've heard GAME mentioned on here before, but never seen one. Is it a new retail chain? Only in some states?

 

[Shuzer]

Originally posted by spitcodfry
I've heard GAME mentioned on here before, but never seen one. Is it a new retail chain? Only in some states?

Pretty sure it's European

 

[The Terminator]

I would go back to EB and ask again. If the clerk says no dice, then ask to talk to his manager, he will either get scared and do it for you or he will call the manager out and the manger will prolly do it for you. If he doesnt just tell him that youll call whoever your dad said to. Basically just do what you Dad said, I was thinking what he said out before I read what you said he said. Get me?