Having formerly worked with EB Games Australia in a variety of roles for just over 5 years it is safe to say I can answer almost anything.
Fire away!
[AMA] I Am a Former EB Games Employee of 5 Years
ThePriceMatchGuy on 18/10/2018 - 10:10
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Not the OP, but if you are looking to get going again, you can't go past Mario Odyssey on the Nintendo Switch. Its a brilliant game but also an amazing nostalgia trip for those who grew up on the original games.
What’s the average salary for staff / managers?
I unfortunately cannot comment on salaries and earnings but the day I started at EA I was earning roughly 30% more than I was as a Manager at EB. Since then obviously my salary has increased with meeting measured deliverables.
Why is the price matching policy so erratically implemented? It seems like the willingness of EB to price match changes from store to store and is entirely dependant on who you deal with. What was your stance when it came to customers wanting to price match?
I feel your pain there my friend. Price matching has and always will be an entitlement to the consumer in my eyes. I would never turn away a price match within reason. I can't comment on the behaviour of other uptight individuals that seem to want a power trip in refusing this right, but it shouldn't be happening EVER.
Thanks for answering my question, appreciate your candor mate. All the best in your new gig.
I can't imagine how frustrating that must be. Did you persist or just go where it's cheapest and buy there?
@Aussie World Warrior: I go where it's cheapest nowadays, it's just not worth the hassle trying to price match at EB for me.
+1
"other uptight individuals that seem to want a power trip in refusing this right"
This!
Thanks for the AMA OP!. Really enjoyed your helpful and honest responses. It looks like you are moving up alphabetically going from EB to EA :). Keep levelling up.
Thank you so much! Figured to give people more of an insight into the company and practices! :)
in one area, sometimes you could see ebgames staff and you know they are more senior, they will only be there for one day maybe? is there a local office of eb? saw a lady came with a checklist, then left after 10 mins.
i also know of a dude whos been there for at least 10 years, never relocated, compared to other staff. i wonder if one could prefer to be fixed in one store.
Every region has its own hub store where these senior people are located. (SA's is Rundle for example).
I was once one of those people who walked in and out after 15 minutes to a store. I was called in to conduct a marketing check.
Being fixed at one store for that long would be great for consumers. Throughout my journey with EB I'd eventually have people who would only come into store when I was working and no other days. Like a barber I would have people wait in line just to be served by me, when my casuals beside me were free and ready.. so puzzling..
Why are the EB Games outfits made of polyester? Cotton would be far more comfortable.
In all honesty I didn't mind the material of the uniforms, I found them rather comfortable.. maybe my body is just used to different materials haha
This reminds me too well of George Constanza
What do you do now?
Ahhhhh EA - If it's in the game, Its in the game or just purely EA SPORTS It's in the game.
I had a not-so-great experience last weekend when I went to buy another PS4 controller. Perhaps you can provide insight.
I asked for a red controller like the one in a box behind the counter. I said JB were selling them for $59 and he said they'd match that price. He then went out the back for a few minutes to get one.
As I was paying for it, I queried why the seal was broken, to which he said something dismissive about it just coming off. I wasn't that pleased, but have four kids and just wanted to get out of there. Anyway, when I checked it over in the car, I found it had a scratch on the touch pad. I was pretty annoyed, but (having survived the trip with kids) just decided to leave.
What do you think the story was with this stock?
That is extremely bizarre to hear of that experience.. Very rarely should seals be broken on any gaming peripherals.. I dare hope that the sales person didn't go out back, open it and create the scratch on the controller just because you price matched..
I sat here overlooking the CBD trying to think of a possible explanation but couldn't really think of a logical one..
Thanks for getting back to me. As I said, I was annoyed because it's obvious a seal can't like this doesn't come off by itself. I wondered if this was due to some common practice of selling returned stock when being asked to price match.
Sounds like the sold you someone else's return. Take it back, get a refund, never go back again.
Could you provide an estimate as to when gamers will rise up, now that we are living in a society?
When Half-Life 3 releases..
Up voted that instantly because I thought it was someone asking you a question
Thanks for the AMA, most of my questions have been asked and answered but there is one:
I went to cancel a per-order of a Nintendo product a few years ago, because I bought it cheaper, and there was a shortage (ebay scalpers were selling the product for 2.5x RRP and there was a huge backorder Queue).
The EB games staff member offered me $50 to 'sell him' the pre-order. ie, I would pick it up, pay for it, and he'd give me RRP + $50 cash for the product. I asked him why, he said "I'm an opportunist". I refused his offer.
Questions:
- Are there any rules against them doing this? Surely the next customer waiting for it should have had it?
This one bothers me to this day:
2. Is it likely he managed to get it anyway?
Now that I think about it, he just went out the back and brought out my $10 as a note when I had paid on a credit card. Normally they make a big fuss about "You must bring in the EXACT SAME credit card you paid with, otherwise bend over while we insert a gift card of the same value"…Wow that is honestly a major red flag not only for the employee in particular but that store.. While there aren't any rules to say he cannot do it, the next customer in line should definitely be getting a phone call to advise of an opening.. extremely bad practice..
I thought so. It annoys me because I was tempted to scalp, but tried not being a dick, and now I think he probably took it and made a profit.
Thanks for the response.
Was it the NES Classic?
I know EB throws away a lot of stuff, promo gear, but also game cases/slips due to stolen games, lost ones, whatever. Does this have to be thrown out or did you guys ever get to keep it? Do you ever give it to customers if they ask for it?
Absolutely! I used to have regulars that I'd know would love certain loot and goodies from various series of games. Wouldn't hesitate to give them a call to give away things to them. I had an autistic kid who loved Assassins Creed that I gave my Manager's AC4 Black Flag statue to. Sometimes its the little things that brighten your day :)
I remember an article that came out a year or two ago about staff not being paid and the demands from EB managers for staff to work more. Is it true that EB games staff have to treat every customer as though they are the world's greatest and most important human ever ?.
My staff and I would treat our customers like royalty to be honest. It showed in our sales and WOW factor. My store was top 5 in my region the entire time of my employment.
Notice how he didn't answer your question about unpaid wages?
I can't help but noticed that all your posts are very vindictive in nature, trying to reinforce the discontent you have with EB based on your experience. Instead, maybe you should try contacting EB directly re: your grievances (with supporting information) rather than targeting an ex-employee, who seems to be trying to provide some insights to the OzBargain community via an AMA. Contacting EB directly, you may actually get a much more targeted response rather than trying to incite mob mentality on a forum post. Food for thought?
Please note that I neither agree or disagree with your comments, as I don't think any of us can based on face value. So in summary, don't be a dicxhead!
Who hurt you?
Are FIFA packs worth it? The odds of packing someone good? Odds of CR7?
The odds of our packs are now displayed within the game, this way you are able to seem your likeliness of packing high rated players.
Actually can eb price match with amazon?
nope!
When does the sale end?
There's never been any sales?
Doesn't look like a sale to me.. are you pulling my leg?
"I can answer almost anything."
Find the particular solution:
y′′ − 4y′ − 12y = sin(2t)"almost" haha
definitely not that!
try y=asin(2t)+bcos(2t)
y'=2acos(2t)-2bsin(2t)
y''=-4asin(2t)-4bcos(2t)subbing into the equation: -4asin(2t)-4bcos(2t)-4(2acos(2t)-2bsin(2t))-12(asin(2t)+bcos(2t))=sin(2t)
equating coefficients: 1=-4a+8b-12a and 0=-4b-8a-12b => 1=-16a+8b and -16b-8a=o
Therefore, a=-1/20 and b=1/40
Solution: y=(-1/20)sin(2t)+(1/40)cos(2t)
Who needs MathsNerd
Do the staff in store have access to and the ability to alter online preorders? I just wanted to change one to Express Shipping or Instore Pickup and have tried using the form on the website over the last 2 weeks and they cant even be bothered replying. Would prefer to do it in person rather than calling them.
head in store, during a weekday and get them to ring HQ.
why do some eb games stores smell bad
The unwashed mouth breathers tend to frequent EB.
not too sure man!
Why did EB self ban Gal Gun Double Piece? I recall pre -ordering picking it up and bekng told it was being removed from sale. Are there other instances you can recall when EB chose to self censor or not sell a game?
Would have been an issue with AUS ratings or distributor. EB is NEVER allowed to recall games unless it comes from higher up in the chain of supply.
whats the formula/calculation for working out the trade value of a game??
take $rrp, minus 97%, give customer some poo change.
now that is a good question, if I told you I'd have to kill you.. I don't wanna do that..
He's too embarrassed to admit that EB are the lowball king's of the video game world.
This AMA is turning into a guessing game with a majority of the questions
if you dont answer my question ill report you for a death threat :)
What do you do with all the old traded in games and console you can't sell? What is the most collectable game and console you would say that would be worth some money one day?
well all consoles are sent to Head Office for refurb and quality checking so can't comment on that one. But for games, I'd say those skimpy JRPG's you see not a lot of and anything Mario.. that little Italian plumber has value!
I just tried searching if eb games is Australian owned. Couldn't find an answer hoping you might know. Cheers
It is part of Game Stop which is American
GameStop = Satan
i bought a pre owned game and all the codes inside were taken. is this normal? Also wanted to know if you can get a game, clock it in 7 days and return it saying you didn't like it?
i bought a pre owned game and all the codes inside were taken. is this normal?
Yes. I'd be surprised if the codes actually worked.
Also wanted to know if you can get a game, clock it in 7 days and return it saying you didn't like it?
Yes.
How do i score a job at eb games?
Have a passion for games but not be a nerd.
Actually wrong, you just need to have a passion for retailing and the bubbly cheerful, persuasive personality of a salesperson, they don't need to have a genuine passion for games, although that would come as a bonus for the employer and would help if any of the customers asked for any game recommendations for example, if you had a prior background in the video gaming industry….
you hit it pretty spot on!
when something wrong happens and it was EB's fault, what generally happens?
I imagine the basic thing would be to apologise
but is there a guide about what situations customers will get compensation and how much? or is it all up to discretion of the individual managers?Often we have pre-guided rules as to how certain situations should be resolved but the course on how to get there is up to the discretion of each manager. We are bound by certain rules but not to how they are carried out.
Any chance to test used console on the spot before purchase?
In most cases, no. If the store isn't busy and there is a test console I would SOMETIMES plug in the proposed preowned console to see if it worked as normal.
I preordered GTA 5 and and when I went to price match they REFUSED, claiming all the competitors around the area were sold out. I got my deposit back and walked to dicksmith where they had plenty of copies.
Is this a common tactic? I only preordered at EB games for a stupid blimp code.
As has been mentioned a couple times, seems to be a few staff members on a power trip.
Not pre-ordered, but I once tried price matching Toys R' Us in the same shopping centre (had EB gift cards). They claim they called TRU and they said they had none in stock. Went to Toys R Us and saw about a dozen copies of the game I wanted - took a photo, went to EB and they still refused.
Week later, the game was on sale for the same price as TRU, but made sure I went to another EB to buy it.
that (profanity) upsets me.
Customers are ENTITLED to price matching as a service.
I'm honestly so sorry you experienced that.
I was mainly upset because,
A. They said I could price match on preorders when I preordered.
B. They refused to call the competitors and acted like the price match difference (I think around $20-30) wasn't "that big of a saving anyway".
C. They seemed impatient and tried to make me rush into buying the game.
D. Was sour that I missed out on the preorder blimp code,
After that experience, I didn't step into an eb games store for atleast 2 years.
Hi, love your AMA
1. When a newly released game is about to launch, when do you receive them in the store?
2. From your experience, which launch day was the biggest in terms of pre-order and popularity.Thank you
If a game was to launch let's say Friday (RDR2) stock would typically be delivered the Monday or Tuesday of that week. In the case of clustered launch weeks (next month with Fallout76, Pokemon etc.) items may be delivered up to 10 days before launch, very rare though.
Without a doubt it would have been Pokemon Sun & Moon. Be that strange as it may we had a combined total of 378 pre-orders for that game. Not including console pre-orders and walk-ins. I organised Pokemon cupcakes, Pokemon cookies, Pokemon card and Nintendo 3DS battles (go into the draw to win copies of the game). Twas a buzzing midnight launch!
How much / many of this / these horror story from Kotaku is true?
https://www.kotaku.com.au/2015/07/inside-eb-games-when-the-d…
It's true, all of it.
Dunno why you got downvoted, OPs been here all day, clearly doesn't wanna know about this question…
He's very selective about his responses. AMA? More like AMA and I might respond.
Wow, very interesting
Never had any of these arise in my experience if I am honest, but Aussie World Warrior will be quick to assume that this statement is incorrect anyway.
So what is the markup on games.
a. eg. Brand new games which typically sell for $100?
b. $70
c. Pre-owned games selling for $20I guess what is pricing structure and profit margin. Do employees get commission.
I tried to return a game under the 7 day return policy but the girl said I could only swap if for something else in store, wouldn't even give me store credit. Was this wrong?
Every second of every day. You are entitled to a full refund, except if you paid for the game using trades, then you receive store credit.
Regardless you get your credit back.
So dodgy. Why do they try this on for size? Hassle free returns my arse!
Im looking for a job and think EB games would be pretty good to work. What's the best way to get a job at EB? Is it walking in with a resume? And what do they specifically look out for on a resume?
Yeah, walk in with your resume and present yourself well. Be confident and have a good attitude when heading on in. If you have things listed on your resume as being outgoing and reliable plus have good referees listed you will stand a good chance.
Outgoing gamer… hmm
I did in fact get an invite to level 5 earlier in the year yet, I applied for it, but I haven't received anything in months. How long does the welcome pack take to get sent?
Never played video games apart from Mario and Contra late 90s.
How/What do I get started on whatever the peops play these days ?