This was posted 8 years 6 months 19 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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EB Games Starlight Week - Free Shipping, Mystery Boxes and Other Deals

550
STARLIGHT2016

EB Games are running their annual Starlight week to raise money for the Starlight foundation.
If you make a donation then complete the online entry form you go in the running to win some awesome prizes.
Online entry form here

I actually won a prize in the donations draw a few years ago - it was the Sims 3 Collectors Edition and several other EA Games. Was a pleasant surprise after making a $20 donation.

The very popular mystery boxes go on sale at 9am on Friday.

Free shipping IF YOU MAKE A DONATION all week with code STARLIGHT2016.

I am curious if anyone here has ever purchased the $500 mystery boxes, and if so, what they got?

I've bought $20, $50 and $100 boxes. The $50 boxes were good value, the $100 not so much. But it is kinda random and the luck of the draw - and the main thing is the money gets to the Starlight foundation.

1TB Xbox One Console + 5 Games Bundle - $499

This bundle includes:

  • 1TB Xbox One Console
  • Tom Clancy's The Division
  • Halo 5: Guardians
  • Gears of War Ultimate Edition + Rare Replay
  • Ori and the Blind Forest Full Game Download Token

Related Stores

EB Games Australia
EB Games Australia

closed Comments

  • +3

    What kind of things did you get in the $10, $20, & $50 ones?

    • +2

      $10 and $20 - Skylander figures, stickers.

      $50 Xbox 360 games. Skylanders, mugs, DVDs, Pop Vinyls.

      $100 - Assassin's Creed figurine.

      It is random and I suspect they chuck slow selling items into these a fair bit.

      Nevertheless the kids love the excitement of opening a random gift and in the case of the $20 and $50 we got more than that worth of stuff. The $100 was a major disappointment.

      I am curious what might be in the $500 - I am guessing a random console.

      • +2

        Spending $500 on a mystery box/random console is not a good idea. What if they put a secondhand console in it?

        • +6

          It will be new. The boxes only have new stuff, not pre-owned…

          Having said that, $500 is a fair outlay to risk on getting a console which may or may not be the one you want and/or good value.

          You could for example get a Wii U with Mario Kart - not a great result…

        • That's only $429 value in EB, doesn't the box need to contain $500?

        • +4

          @justmiike: The point is that the proceeds go to the Starlight Foundation, not that you are buying $500 worth of random stuff for $500.

          It's like complaining that the bandaged bear you bought for $30 is pretty similar to a $15 bear from aliexpress.

        • @jjcf: I see, greater the value, the better the mystery is.

        • @GreatWhiteHunter: There could be some second hand gear…having a look at one tweet seems to imply a second hand tablet was included previously: https://twitter.com/aussiecripple/status/595005206607171584

          For an idea of what people got check out https://twitter.com/hashtag/ebstarlight

        • @Smigit: I wouldn't believe everything you see on Twitter. You can confirm the new goods only with EB…

        • @jjcf: Agreed. Though a true Ozbargainer would simply buy the stuff at the cheapest price and donate any saved money directly to the Starlight foundation (which is also tax deductible)

        • @GreatWhiteHunter: I don't, but the drone and cards are consistent with what people were getting based on a number of posts. Don't really care either way, but unless it explicitly says no refurbs I wouldn't rule it out for hardware. That could well be a $500 kit.

          The majority of packs sold are probably $100 or less meaning the likelihood of getting a refurbished good is low given the refurbished hardware they deal in, assuming that refurbished hardware is offered at all.

        • @Smigit: This doesn't surprise me in the slightest. What's the bet that refurbished tablet stops working within days/weeks of the warranty expiring. EB are using a charity fund raising event to offload excess stock whether it be new, used, broken or working. Nothing is sacred with these clowns.

      • +1

        I heard the $1000 and $1500 have consoles in it. Not too sure about $500, probably have 3ds or some Xbox 360/ps3

        • $500 probably has the vita since it doesn't sell ;)

  • +14

    I knew when i saw EB Games in the new deals section it couldn't possibly be a deal. I mean, EB Games and deals?? Yeah, sureeee… isn't this more of a competition than a deal, if you don't know what you're getting?

      • +12

        Do you know what 'hypocrit' actually means? Because even with an extra 'e', not posting bargains while also commenting that EB has rubbish sales isn't even close, champ.

    • The mystery boxes are apparently guaranteed to have at least their face value worth of merchandise (at EB prices) in them.

      Whether your individual box is a deal or not depends on the box you get. Out of about 12 boxes purchased over the years I'd say 9 were good deals, 3 sucked.

      • +5

        the key point there is EB rrp (or greater) prices.

    • I think the "deal" here is free shipping

  • are these donations tax deductible?

    • +1

      Donations are, mystery box purchases are NOT.

  • +6
  • +9

    A reminder too that if you go into the shops you can ask for a Darkrai code card for your Pokemon X/Y/ORAS game

  • +1

    I don't understand
    if i buy a mystery box is there anyway to assure i don't end up with Wii or Xbox games and accessories given I only have PlayStation

    • There is no guarantee and you can't ask for a particular console (which I think would be heaps better).

      You may well get loot (eg. Monopoly games) that are not console related.

      If you are very unhappy with what you receive I think you can return it for a refund.

      Bear in mind this is for a charity (Starlight)….

      • +1

        I'm happy to contribute however find it pointless to take an item for the sake of taking an item, and needlessly binning it. A straight donation would be better in all cases as they would be tax deductable

        If $50 is more likely to contribute platform games that $10 and $20 then would that be the option?

        • You could sell the items or donate them. No need to bin them.

    • +1

      Its called a mystery box not a whatiwant box

    • Not sure if it actually means anything but the online store has a new pair of $100 boxes with PS4 and XBox One in their title. So you might be able to limit that now.

      Ps4 - https://ebgames.com.au/ps4-217195-Starlight-Mystery-Box-100-… ( sorry it it displays weird, on my phone and the formatting is getting weirded out)
      (Edit: It did display when I posted it but its flips between being an unviewable and a working link alot)

      • Thats great they saw our feedback

        yes i will actually get one of those, since PS4 is new I don't having any games accessories or random objects.

  • +5

    $5000 mystery boxes WOW.

    I would go to the ACCC if every current console was not included with that box!

    • +2

      lolll… depends on what would make up $5000 in RRP stuff… possibly a date with a staff member …hahahaha

      • +11

        Your local EB must have very different staff to mine

        • doubt that… loll just EB's interpretation of what can make up the $5000… lol might be a voucher for a back rub in there too.. LOL

        • +1

          ebgames brookside QLD, couple of attractive female nerds

      • A full accredited course can be yours! Mark DiStefano will personally provide one on one training on how to become a better human being through self improvement and respecting others especially those from other ethnic backgrounds and those of a homosexual disposition.

    • +4

      i think you would need every console, a fight stick for every console, a steering wheel for every console and a huge stack of games to get up to $5000 value. Oh, hang on, these are EB RRP prices? Nah just a console and 2 games then ;)

      • Trade n save!

    • Which section of the CCA do you think they have breached?

      • +2

        It's the vibe of the thing.

      • +1

        Mabo?

  • I'll probably go a $50 box for charity….expectations low but I love a lot of that loot crap at eb, i've ended up buying stuff for kids (My Little Pony, Pokemon gear), myself (destiny, fallout mostly), so might be something OK.

  • -3

    dont forget you can claim it on this years tax return as a charity donation :) it outlines 100% of the proceeds go to starlight foundation so i assume rightly or wrongly all the money from the purchases will go to them. I have 3 kids so i'll be getting a mystery box … and having a good laugh when i get rubbish for my donation :P

    • +7

      That's incorrect:

      The gift must truly be a gift. A gift is voluntary transfer of money or property where you receive no material benefit or advantage.

      https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Income-and-deductions/Ded…

      • -1

        thanks for that :) just assumed, i dont know how much benefit or advantage the mystery boxes would give though ..hehehehe

      • -1

        So if it's worth nothing to you (likely with EB) then it counts as a gift.. :p

        • Hah! Maybe…

          No, I believe it has to be a recognisable token from the provider, like Legacy pins or the Red Nose things.

        • @Tihocan:

          Not sure if that counts as a donation either? As you are receiving something in return for your "donation".

          For example even charity raffle tickets are not tax deductible as there is a possibility that you may receive something in return.

        • +1

          @abc:
          That's right, raffle tickets have some sort of value and are not directly connected to the charity. The pins and such are basically a promotion of the charity and are not considered "material" gain.

          A donor does not receive a material benefit if the token given in return for the payment is an item that merely promotes the charity or advertises its activities. Such items include lapel badges, bumper stickers, red noses, Legacy pins, or daffodils on Daffodil Day.

          ATO Charities consultative committee resolved issues document

  • -1

    All mystery boxes sold out, only donation left.

    • +3

      'Please Note: This page is for donations only. Mystery Boxes will be available on Friday May 6th'

      • Thanks for the update.

  • Anybody know about how long it takes for the Mystery Boxes to get delivered?
    Should receive by June right?

  • How much of the 'Mystery Box' cost actually goes to Starlight? Probably less than you think?! (Anyone from EB care to Comment?!)

    Since donations are tax deductible you are actually just as well off off donating $100 and then spending another $37 on what you really want than buying a $100 mystery box (which is probably no more than $37 retail value anyway).

    Calculation: (assuming you are a 37% top rate tax payer - $80k+) and I know this is a little simplified…
    To earn $100 in your pocket requires you to earn $159 pre tax.
    A $100 donation is tax free, so the remaining $59 taxed at 37% is $37.

    Yes I know this is not as much fun… But sick kids will be a lot better off.

    • +2

      How much of the 'Mystery Box' cost actually goes to Starlight? Probably less than you think?!

      100% of it does actually.

      "Every single dollar you spend on a mystery box goes straight to the starlight children's foundation."

      • Even the GST and shipping costs?

        Assuming so good on EB for not taking admin costs and the like which often take the real benefit to charities to a fraction of the dollars spent for these kind of purchases.

        You could still give Starlight $159 rather than buy a $100 box

    • "Since donations are tax deductible you are actually just as well off off donating $100 and then spending another $37"

      I would argue that this donation would not be eligible for a tax deduction. For a donation to be eligible for a tax donation it must satisfy 4 criteria:

      1. The gift must be made to a deductible gift recipient. We call entities that are entitled to receive tax deductible gifts 'deductible gift recipients' (DGRs).

      2. The gift must truly be a gift. A gift is voluntary transfer of money or property where you receive no material benefit or advantage.

      3. The gift must be money or property, which includes financial assets such as shares.

      4. The gift must comply with any relevant gift conditions. For some DGRs, the income tax law adds extra conditions affecting the types of deductible gifts they can receive.

      This looks like it will not satisfy the second criteria - the donation is not truly a gift, you're buying an entry to a prize draw.

      • 2 The gift must truly be a gift. A gift is voluntary transfer of money or property where you receive no material benefit or advantage

        Hmm it beggars belief that donations to political parties are still tax deductible.
        Particularly when donations to a 'charity' dinner for opportunity to meet the treasurer

        :)

        I guess there are really different rules for us and them

      • Agree, best to give the $100 to starlight direct.

  • free shipping is good.
    about time!

  • How much of the $600,000 was donations and how much box purchases?

    Donations are basically just good marketing for EB since they just pass the money on and claim the value as part of 'their' donation

    And a good excuse to clear out unwanted stock…

    Still moneys for sick kids is always good

  • Does starlight foundation get anything for the console 1TB XOne deal?

  • +3

    It's only free shipping on a purchase once you add donation to your basket. A game purchase alone is normal shipping, even with the code.

    • this.

  • there is no free shipping seeing as the minimum for donation is $5 and shipping on multiple items is around $5.
    what a disappointment :/

    • Shipping on a console would be more than $5 though.

  • whats the deal here? that free shipping isnt free unless you donate $5 and the mystery boxes arnt deals either. so again, whats the deal?

  • I was in eb on sunday and they had gold coin donation for dlc codes. For example the code for UFC2 to unlock mike tyson, bas rutten and kazushi sakuraba

    • EB Swanston Street had $5 posters (A2 size I think) of various games like Just Cause 3 and Star Wars Battlefront. They also had those Pokemon 20th anniversary posters for a Gold Coin donation.

      EB Melbourne Central had random Freddo Frogs and other chocies for a Gold Coin donation.

      I actually would've donated for a DLC code instead (provide I already own the game).

      • All I got was a scratch card for my $5 donation lol a poster would have been cool!

  • Boxes are live and the 5K box is already taken!

    I like that they also have $100 mystery boxes catering for both PS4 and Xbox One console user's. Bought 2x $100 PS4 boxes :)

    • :( sold out all $100 already

      • Yeah I just looked myself. They sold out pretty quickly.

        Only $20, $50, $500 and $1500 left now. Probably will find the $20 and $50 ones may be next ones to go.

  • So when is the expected shipping date for these boxes??

    • +1

      You should expect to get them by this Friday - 13 May.

      • cheers for the reply :)

  • Just wondering if anyone got their package yet ? Mine in austpost still showing processing !

    • Same here. I was told delivery would be today - but that's clearly not happening….

      Not sure if the delay is due to EB or Auspost. Either way, not getting it for the weekend :(

      • I haven't even got a tracking number so lucky you guys….

    • Mine has been processing since Tuesday….

  • Mine was delivered on Tuesday a thankyou card… I made the mistake of ordering when this deal was first posted 3/5.
    EB Games are saying as the promotion didn't start till the 6th orders placed before then were donations only.
    Hopefully all 100% of my donation gets to Starlight.

  • Ordered mine last Friday, got delivered today Chatswood NSW about 3pm.

    http://m.imgur.com/ZUSamur

    • was that a $50 one?

      • yeah

  • Got mine about 10 minutes ago….. not really impressed… not sure what's irking me…. 2x$50 boxes…..

    http://imgur.com/a/qrDB6

    • Hmm yeah they could have put a bit more in there

      • At least it wasn't my imagination….I liked some of the ones I've seen on twitter :( oh well…charity…something….something…good!?!?

  • Got mine delivered this morning.
    http://imgur.com/Zc7di3M

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