Great place for gamers and movie fans (Gamestation)

Member Name: Poor_student

Product:	Gamestation
Date:	09/07/06 (1182 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Bargains galore and excellent staff

Disadvantages: a few niggles - read review

Gamestation is one of the largest game and DVD shops in the country. It has over 200 stores and is still opening more (with the aim of having a store in every town, which is no bad thing at all). Gamestation is one of the best places to go for new and used games, consoles and peripherals, and also DVDs.


The Stores
I have been into 4 different stores, and I have to say that it is the biggest let-down for the company. Usually they aisles are narrow and there can be little space to move around in (probably because they have so much stock). Also, they seem to move their stuff round once a week – nothing is ever in the same place for more than a few days in a row. The format of each shop though is the same and there is a definite identity to the company. Various sections are easy to find with well placed posters and signs. Finding an individual item can be a bit of a pain, though, as most customers pick things up and put them back wherever they feel like, leaving the shelves looking a bit of a mess. Hordes of skoolies and scallies can also be a bit of a pain too, especially when they’re hogging the demo consoles. Some stores are also quite small, and I think it is for this reason that some parents seem to think it apt that they can bring in their double-decker prams and treat the aisle as a parking space for it, but I digress.


Staff
With the odd exception, I have always found staff to be pleasant and (very rare now) helpful and knowledgeable. Staff seem to consist of students who certainly know their stuff – or know someone else who does. One thing that does irk me (I’m being unfair here) is that staff, I believe, get first pick of things that they can buy, which usually means that really good stuff goes quite quick! You won’t get the usual sales patter that you would get in, e.g, Dixons (where they will sell you anything), and if something is crap, they are not afraid to say it, which is very refreshing.


DVDs
This now seems to be a declining area for Gamestation. All the DVDs they have are second hand (except internet purchases), but you can pick up some real bargains. Gamestation buys DVDs off customers and then sells them on (at a higher price, of course). Quite a few times, I have found a new release for sale at a ridiculously low price (reasons explained under Trading and Swapping heading). Because they only sell what is bought in to them, they will not have a full range of DVDs available all the time. If you are an avid DVD collector and bargain hunter, then several visits to Gamestation a week are called for, as stock comes and goes so quickly. DVDs (and everything else) are also tested and guaranteed to work and be in good condition. An infrequent irritant is when discs can’t be found – especially if you are trying to buy a box-set of DVDs, but this happens rarely.


Games and Consoles
Well, if it exists, then Gamestation sells it! As well as the latest releases, they also have a good selection of retro stock that would please anyone pining for the days of the Atari. New and used games and consoles are sold (and bought) everyday, so there is always a good supply in. Also, new releases can usually be ordered in advance, and the prices aren’t too bad either. As well as consoles, peripheries are sold as well, including third party ones (so no need to pay the manufacturers exorbitant prices). Again, all software and hardware is guaranteed. One humungous bonus that Gamestation have above most other places is that they will let you try out a game before you buy it!


Trading
I don’t really sell much at Gamestation, but I believe that their prices are not the best in terms of taking something in to sell. You usually get more if you trade it in for something else as opposed to taking cash. What price you get is determined by their database. But here is the weird thing. With DVDs, for example, if what you want to sell is not listed, then they only offer a basic price (don’t think it’s even a pound). The good news is that, when they come to sell it, it’s at their lowest price of £1.99 – no matter what the title is! I was pleasantly surprised, therefore, when I purchased, some time ago, a 3 disc box set (released about a week beforehand) of a TV series for £2 with a penny change (RRP was £19.99). Such bargains are very rare, but they do happen. If you do want to sell something, you need to be aged 18+ and have ID and proof of ownership (to stop the druggies and scallies selling stolen gear). Thankfully, they don’t buy crap stuff – everything is tested and guaranteed.


Sales and Offers
Gamestation is one of the cheapest places to shop, but even better is when they put offers on or have a sale. BOGOFs on DVDs are common, and there is nearly always an offer of buy multiple purchase deals (e.g, 3 for £20). Their bundles are good too, with most consoles supplied with several games for little extra cost.


Website
I have not (yet) purchased anything from their website, but I have had a look around. On first appearance it looks a mess, but after a minute or so you soon get used to it. Navigation is quite easy, with various categories and a search engine also available (which, thankfully, is not riddled with ads). DVDs can be bought new or old, as can games and consoles. Their products come with a description (usually) but this can be one or two lines to a few paragraphs. There is an option for people to submit reviews, and whether the ones shown are those of customers or the stores own, I don’t know. Also, if you have your own website, you can register as an affiliate and earn money if someone makes a purchase following a link from your own website!


Overall, Gamestation offers excellent value for money and very good customer service. The niggles I have raised can be a pain, but the good points far outweigh the bad.

Summary: Great store, great prices and bloody good staff!