Need Info: Anyone ever shop at a Play N Trade Store?

[neogamer]

Okay, I have the ability to open up a video game store franchise. It is a Play N Trade franchise. I have been reviewing the company for some time, but have yet to actually get a chance to shop in a Play N Trade store (next step in a long process).

My questions are simple:

Has anyone ever shopped in one of these stores? Are there any near you?

I just would like to hear the thoughts of anyone who has ever shopped at one or even had a problem, complaint etc.

If you never even heard of the company, please speak up as well! In a world dominated by Game Stop and EB Games, I was surprised to hear of this company and they claim to be opening up stores in the US every other day! Any way, let me know! Thanks!

[norkusa]

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=101711

There's one by me and I stop in once every month or so. The prices are decent but they need to carry a lot more games because their selection is very light. They're the only store by me that caries NES & PS1 stuff though, so I really like that. And I don't know if it's a chain wide thing or just my local P 'n T, but they host tournaments too (just had a GHII tourney a few months ago).

Overall, I think it's a good store and it definitely feels like it's geared towards hardcore gamers. There's always people hanging out in there when I go in and there's plenty of demo systems set up for people to play (they even have a DDR area set up with 2 shiny new Afterburner metal pads). Employees are amazingly friendly and knowledgeable too and not dicks like the ones at the local EB/GS.


The only complaint I have is that the last time I went in there, I saw a *used* copy of Call of Duty 2 marked with some insane price (I think it was marked $39.99 or $49.99). Don't know what that was all about.

[neogamer]

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=101711

There's one by me and I stop in once every month or so. The prices are decent but they need to carry a lot more games because their selection is very light. They're the only store by me that caries NES & PS1 stuff though, so I really like that. And I don't know if it's a chain wide thing or just my local P 'n T, but they host tournaments too (just had a GHII tourney a few months ago).

Overall, I think it's a good store and it definitely feels like it's geared towards hardcore gamers. There's always people hanging out in there when I go in and there's plenty of demo systems set up for people to play (they even have a DDR area set up with 2 shiny new Afterburner metal pads). Employees are amazingly friendly and knowledgeable too and not dicks like the ones at the local EB/GS.


The only complaint I have is that the last time I went in there, I saw a *used* copy of Call of Duty 2 marked with some insane price (I think it was marked $39.99 or $49.99). Don't know what that was all about.

Thanks for all the info. I am looking at opening one up within 1-2 years when things settle down, may be sooner, if I can plan the market just right! I have to finish my MBA first, then go from there!

I already have the money (no problem there), it just depends on whether I want to commit to it!

[Nate Nanjo]

I would say know your area. The one near me the owners don't know focus to much on new products. They do not try to get any old games in, the only time they did was when Rhino went out.

[Anthony1]

There is a Play N Trade by me, and personally, my impression is that they are an amatuer GameStop clone. I doubt they will exist 5 years from now. I think you are better off not paying the franchise fee, and opening up your own deal. You can make it look real professional, make it look like a chain, but save yourself the franchise fee, and do everything exactly the way you would want to do it.

Of course, this is just my take after visiting a local one 3 different times. I was the only customer in there each time. I can't really disrespect them too much, considering I got a Dracula X for Super Nintendo for $14.99 from them.

[otaku]

Two of them within a half hours drive from me (one in boise one in meridian) anyway not a big chain store guy and I get the impression they're alot like other chains, like gamestop etc. I did notice they had some teenagers waving signs on the freeway this week but still didn't stop in. Personally I like to shop at local stores or online I don't buy games from chain stores just individuals/mom/pop shops on or offline. Open a cool store like DP has!

[G-Boobie]

My experience has been pretty similar to everyone else's.

It's funny; I walked in with my girlfriend and we just started laughing; the walls and shelves are all painted black, with neon blue piping... horrible. The wall closest to the door was covered in boxed Messiah Famiclones, though; not used to seeing those in a chain.

Light game selection, with a very small 'retro' section, mostly common SNES and Genesis games. This particular store also does repairs on PS2s and Xbox's; I don't know if thats policy or just this franchise.

All in all, it's OK. I tend to buy most of my stuff used online or new at Best Buy or the equivalent, though.

[neogamer]

My experience has been pretty similar to everyone else's.

It's funny; I walked in with my girlfriend and we just started laughing; the walls and shelves are all painted black, with neon blue piping... horrible. The wall closest to the door was covered in boxed Messiah Famiclones, though; not used to seeing those in a chain.

Light game selection, with a very small 'retro' section, mostly common SNES and Genesis games. This particular store also does repairs on PS2s and Xbox's; I don't know if thats policy or just this franchise.

All in all, it's OK. I tend to buy most of my stuff used online or new at Best Buy or the equivalent, though.


Yes, the pictures of the store I got, don't look that great! I'm more worried about the type of products they sell,etc.

[Wolfrider31]

Yeah, perhaps you should talk to DP about opening up your own instead of a franchise first.

By the way, how much does a venture like that cost?

[TurboGenesis]

It is not a good idea to get into video game retail.

This is something to serious consider (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=106217)

Another thing is that Game Stop is put the stranglehold on the market, it is make it very tough to be successful and profitable.

I had worked in video game retail in the older days and a few years ago had considered a venture in video game retail and rental but the whole revolution of things like Ipod, on demand cable, XBLA and Virtual Console have made me realize that it would not be profitable.

Before long, you will start to see alot of these Game Stop stores closing up as well as alot of Best Buys and the like. They are not go out of business but today they are have many store fronts and will have to reduce and cut back to remain profitable. Many of the small ones will likely have to shut down all together. Niche shops that have been around can survive and continue to fill that niche but a new niche shop may not survive for long and be profitable.

[neogamer]

Yeah, perhaps you should talk to DP about opening up your own instead of a franchise first.

By the way, how much does a venture like that cost?

First, I am looking for any insight into this.

Those that know my background already know that I am close to finishing my MBA and I do have a few hundred thousand dollars in operating capital to start with.

To answer your question: the franchise fee is around $25,000.

Then you have to have enough capital for inventory, overhead, rental fees, etc. (yes, I am missing a lot-just enough posted to give you guys a basic idea).

One last note: I live in PA, but have never visited the DP Store. Stupid question, but where is it? I could probably find out on the home page, so I'll check it out. It may be worth the drive. Thanks again!

[neogamer]

Yeah, perhaps you should talk to DP about opening up your own instead of a franchise first.

By the way, how much does a venture like that cost?


One more quick note:

In the long run, unless you already have an established name, franchises are better. They provide you with more training and support and they failure rate is so much lower than going it alone.

DP already has a unique and loyal following. Therefore, they can probably succeed on their own.

[SaturnFan]

I was just in my local Play N Trade store and the owner just teased me with a copy of Halo3 that he recieved today. Couldn't get him to sell it to me though :)

PNT is a great store but I wouldn't open my own. He was busy in the summer but now durning the week i'm like the only guy that comes in. Used vintage games arn't selling either. During the weekends the store is just a "daycare" for kids with people just running up the electric bill and not buying anything. It's nice to have a store like that but nothing can compete with GameStops, they have already made there make on the used videogame stores.

[Melf]

Interesting. A Play 'N Trade is going to open soon in the mall near me. Do they all carry Genesis games, or are they mostly just for current and last gen stuff like GameStop?

[Flack]

There aren't any Play N Trade's in Oklahoma yet, but my first impression of them is that on their website it says there is one coming soon in Edmund, Oklahoma.

Edmund is in reality spelled Edmond.

[neogamer]

There aren't any Play N Trade's in Oklahoma yet, but my first impression of them is that on their website it says there is one coming soon in Edmund, Oklahoma.

Edmund is in reality spelled Edmond.

Hopefully they will learn that when they get there!

[Tommy]

There aren't any Play N Trade's in Oklahoma yet, but my first impression of them is that on their website it says there is one coming soon in Edmund, Oklahoma.

Edmund is in reality spelled Edmond.


My personal opinion would be to be different and open a local mom pop type deal. anywho, you know what you want to do and go with that. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.

P.S. Flack, you lost a shit ton of weight man, keep up the good work :cool:

[Kitsune Sniper]

I'm no economics expert, but your store would have a bigger chance of making it IF you opened up a Gamestop franchise. The name's very recognizable.

Yes, Gamestop corporate is slimy as hell. But individual Gamestop stores are only as good as the people managing them. The two stores in my area have good business because the manager is always around to help, and most of their employees are decent folks. Gamers, even. In the end, it's up to you, though.

[neogamer]

I'm no economics expert, but your store would have a bigger chance of making it IF you opened up a Gamestop franchise. The name's very recognizable.

Yes, Gamestop corporate is slimy as hell. But individual Gamestop stores are only as good as the people managing them. The two stores in my area have good business because the manager is always around to help, and most of their employees are decent folks. Gamers, even. In the end, it's up to you, though.

Um,
you can't buy into a Game Stop franchise....

It's corporately owned!!!

[Kitsune Sniper]

Um,
you can't buy into a Game Stop franchise....

It's corporately owned!!!

... really? I thought you could open a store if you asked them. Oops? :p

[neogamer]

... really? I thought you could open a store if you asked them. Oops? :p

Nope, it's a privately owned company!

That's what makes them so dangerous...lack of choice in the marketplace if and when Game Stop becomes a monopoloy.

assuming...they already aren't!

[neogamer]

Someone brought this up in the Classic Gaming Thread! I just want to "bump" it, so they can read all the comments originally posted!

Thanks!

[nate1749]

It is not a good idea to get into video game retail.

This is something to serious consider (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=106217)

Another thing is that Game Stop is put the stranglehold on the market, it is make it very tough to be successful and profitable.

I had worked in video game retail in the older days and a few years ago had considered a venture in video game retail and rental but the whole revolution of things like Ipod, on demand cable, XBLA and Virtual Console have made me realize that it would not be profitable.

Before long, you will start to see alot of these Game Stop stores closing up as well as alot of Best Buys and the like. They are not go out of business but today they are have many store fronts and will have to reduce and cut back to remain profitable. Many of the small ones will likely have to shut down all together. Niche shops that have been around can survive and continue to fill that niche but a new niche shop may not survive for long and be profitable.

Wow, it doesn't much more cynical than that. I guess if you're from detroit
though I can see how you'd feel that way.

I think a play n trade could be a great idea if you know a great location (although then what isn't). Probably something near a few colleges, hopefully one of them a commuter school since they have more disposable income. If your location is something like a small town in Ohio or something like that, then I'd think a play n trade would be a disaster (just do your own then).

As for the name, well it's not known now, but in a few years that could change and would open up plenty of opportunities (and I'm sure their franchising fee isn't that much since they know they're not well known).

As for opening your own, I'd say you might want to do that if you're into working 60-80 hour weeks for a while and really love/care about the small store your running. This type of franchise on the other hand kind of just runs itself (or at least that's kind of the point) so you can come in look at a few reports and make a few changes here and there.

Nate

[Razor Ramon]

Okay, I have the ability to open up a video game store franchise. It is a Play N Trade franchise. I have been reviewing the company for some time, but have yet to actually get a chance to shop in a Play N Trade store (next step in a long process).

My questions are simple:

Has anyone ever shopped in one of these stores? Are there any near you?

I just would like to hear the thoughts of anyone who has ever shopped at one or even had a problem, complaint etc.

If you never even heard of the company, please speak up as well! In a world dominated by Game Stop and EB Games, I was surprised to hear of this company and they claim to be opening up stores in the US every other day! Any way, let me know! Thanks!

Bump yo

[vpfrederick]

Neogamer, I sent you a message regarding Play N Trade. Good Luck.

[studvicious]

Nope, it's a privately owned company!

Gamestop is a publicly owned company. Anyone can buy a share in the company and instantly be a part owner in the company. As far as I know they don't offer franchises, (like McDonalds).

[Steve W]

I've tried a few Trade N' Play locations now. Plano, TX, Lake Charles, LA, and Broussard, LA. They seem to be nice, uncluttered game stores. Sometimes their classic retro game selections tend to be hit or miss. The store in Plano has nothing pre-NES, whereas the one in Broussard had several Atari 2600 games (including Tax Avoiders, which I picked up).

Like I said before, they tend to be very uncluttered. I like that, in comparison to GameStop stores, where they have every foot of their floorspace (that's the size of a closet anyway) filled with racks of crap I would never buy in the first place. The Lake Charles store used to be damn near pitch black, but they moved to a location on the opposite end of the mall they're in, and they decided to install a few more light bulbs. I just wish the locations I've been to would have a little more classic stuff. But I understand that they can only sell retro stuff if people trade in that stuff.

[swlovinist]

I have a some Play N Trades in my area. The one close to me is owned by a family, who is just trying to have a good game store. They have always been nice to me, and was have came to a previous NWCGE show in Portland. Thy can stock whatever they come across, and dont have to rely on what people bring in. I do hear that stocking their shelves with product a ongoing problem with these places. I see these stores carrying a niche market and surviving past 5 years. The more that the ecomomy starts to waver, the more people will resort to used games I fee. If nobody else on a franchise level will carry PS1, N64, Dreamcast etc, then that is a niche market on a national level. I for one have seen Play N trades go from a couple of stores to now popping up everywhere. I think that any franchise that dabbles with the retro game market(and in driving distance to me) is a good thing. I do see them having an uphill battle to compete with gamestop/gamecrazy, but I dont see them going out of business.

[DigitalSpace]

As swlovinist posted, there's a few Play N' Trades in the Portland area now, and they've been running TV ads since the first one opened up. I've only been to one of the local stores, but I was impressed enough to visit it two more times, and I'd probably check it out the next time I'm in that area.

The prices on classic stuff are pretty identical to what you'd see at GameCrazy a couple years before they made the decision to clear everything out. The first time I visited the store, they had several SNES, PSX, and N64 games, but only a few NES and Genesis games. But on my most recent visit a couple months ago, they had a decent selection of NES and Genesis (though the woman working at the store that day told me that most of their Genesis stock came from one person who had recently traded in several games). I also took advantage of a B2G1 deal they had going on for any of their $4.99 and under games.

[TheDomesticInstitution]

There's a Play N Trade near me, and it seems to be a pretty good store for pre-PS2 game systems. The have a decent selection of classic games and accessories at ebay-ish prices. I was surprised at the amount of CIB 2600 and Colecovision games this particular store has. I wish their Genesis and SNES section were a little better, but I guess it all depends on what gets traded in. Three cheers for a semi-national chain that stocks retro gaming shit.

[SpaceHarrier]

I've got a P n T about 10 miles from me. Stop in there maybe once every couple months. They have had some cool stuff pass through there, like a Panzer Dragoon Saga ($150) and last time I was in there they had a good used copy of Abe's Exxodus for Playstation ($15 I think).

I like their mix of stuff, they remind me of how GameQuest used to be. Stuff that Gamestop wouldn't touch like the aforementioned famiclones. I personally like the all black interior. And you can test games out and stuff.. They carry nes/snes/genesis used games. Selection was a bit light, as previously mentioned. Still worth a look for me.

I walk in to Gamestops now to laugh. They look terrible. I mean they have 2 week old games come back used and resold in a generic box with a Gamestop picture on it --and you get a $5 discount?? WTF

I bought the Play N Trade t-shirt they sell in store, I'll model it later ;)

[Luvelvis42]

First off, I am not a gamer myself,however, I do buy, on average, $100 in video game equipment/accessories/games a month. My boyfriend is big into them so we actual have "the gaming fund' built right into our budget. So, I am frequently in stores like Best Buy, FYE, Game Stop(formally known as EB) shopping. And it is usually a pleasant experience. I mean, the staff is friendly since they're at a place that promotes a passion of theirs.

I was very excited when this store opened near by, only to be horribly disappointed. The staff spoke to me like I was an idiot and pressured me into buying things I felt I did not need. I did ask, "What if he doesn't like it?" to which was replied, "Then he can just return it." What they failed to tell me was they only do store credit! No cash or credit refunds. I would have never made the purchase in the first place.

Then when I brought up the fact that I was not told about this policy, the manager replied it is right on the counter and he pointed to a plastic sign that was facing away from the cash register (one could not see it if they were making a purchase). I felt the staff was rude at times and they will not be getting my business.

[mills]

A friend of mine shops very frequently at a play n trade in virginia. In the course of a month they got in dragon warrior 2, 3, and 4, and megaman 3, 4, and 5. He bought all of them, lucky bastard!

[Steve W]

There's been a few more Play N' Trades popping up here and there. I like the fact that they're independently owned and not corporate like Gamestop/EB Games. However, since I don't buy a whole lot of modern games, I tend not to go in there too often. Mainly I go just to scope out any classic games they might have.

[norkusa]

I was very excited when this store opened near by, only to be horribly disappointed. The staff spoke to me like I was an idiot and pressured me into buying things I felt I did not need.

Yeah, this is my biggest problem with Play N Trade. The staff can be WAAAAY too pushy. As soon as I walk into a store (there are 2 near me), an employee will run up to me and start drilling me about what systems I own and the types of games I like to play. I always say "a little bit of everything" just to be polite and to get them off my back. Then they'll continue to make suggestions and pull games down from the shelves for me. While I appreciate the effort, it really gets on my nerves after a while. Especially when they're asking me if I've ever heard of popular stuff like Fallout 3 and Final Fantasy XII.

[unwinddesign]

Especially when they're asking me if I've ever heard of popular stuff like Fallout 3 and Final Fantasy XII.

What's this about a Fallout Boy game? And there's three of them?! Count me in!

[TheDomesticInstitution]

What's this about a Fallout Boy game?

What's most fun about this game, is the hours you'll spend customizing bang length and the amount of mascara around the eyes.

[joshnickerson]

A Play N' Trade recently opened up near me, and I decided to stop in and check it out. As far as current and last gen games go, the prices and condition seem to be on par with Gamestop (almost errily on par... the prices on most of the games were exactly what you'd pay at GS). They also sell older players guides, which is nice, but they only seem to go back as far as PS2. They also had some 3D0 games on display, which was interesting.

But as far as classic games go, they're pretty much in eBay territory. The cheapest N64 game I saw was $20, and the SNES games seemed to start at $15 and go up.

Then I saw it... a loose copy of Metroid for the NES.

Price? $74.99. Dead serious.

Don't think I'll be shopping there for my retro needs after all.

[Rev. Link]

I wouldn't judge the whole chain off that one experience.

The one I went to in Cincinnati had mostly fair prices, nothing like the butt-raping you just described. I would guess that each franchise sets their prices as they see fit, and that one just happens to have its head way up its backside.

[joshnickerson]

Oh, I know that. I've actually been to a couple that have very decent prices... it's just that they're a good hour away, while this one is about five minutes away from where I live. Disappointing, is all.

[The 1 2 P]

This thread just reminded me that I need to get to the lone Play N Trade they have in Maryland.....someday.

[Icarus Moonsight]

I picked up a lot of stuff before Christmas from a local PnT. All b2g1 and 20% off the two I did pay for. Pulled down lots of good stuff and cheap. Dreamcast import shmups FTW!

[rscaramelo]

We have 2, Walpole MA and North Providence RI within an hour of me. Neither one is that great anymore.

I've tried the North Providence RI one twice and have walked away pretty quickly. Both times I went there it looked like the store was filled with people who live in their parents' basements and never get out except to game at PNT. The pre-ps2 selection was minimal and not well taken care of. I'm in a Dreamcast mode right now and all they had was 20 copies of NFL 2k with broken cases.

The Walpole MA store is better but have declined recently. As recently as a year ago they had a huge selection of old school stuff at decent prices. My last 2 visits there were more pleasant than the NP store but I was bummed at the lack of selection. It looks like they ramped up their ps2 and newer stock. What used to be a massive sellection of snes carts is down to some rare titles in the case. The Dreamcast selection was again the 2K titles with broken cases. They did have some cool older consoles like the Master System and an Atari 7800. Also they do repairs and the staff is really good. Unfortunately it doesn't look like they're investing in the older stuff as much.

It's hit or miss depending on the management. 25K sounds reasonable to me as long as you can stock it as you please.

RC

[Nitrosport]

Okay, I have the ability to open up a video game store franchise. It is a Play N Trade franchise. I have been reviewing the company for some time, but have yet to actually get a chance to shop in a Play N Trade store (next step in a long process).

My questions are simple:

Has anyone ever shopped in one of these stores? Are there any near you?

I just would like to hear the thoughts of anyone who has ever shopped at one or even had a problem, complaint etc.

If you never even heard of the company, please speak up as well! In a world dominated by Game Stop and EB Games, I was surprised to hear of this company and they claim to be opening up stores in the US every other day! Any way, let me know! Thanks!

The stores are very different from GameStop / EB games stores. People can come into the stores and play games for long periods of time. They have many consoles set up rather than just the standard 360, Wii, and ps3 kiosk. They also carry classic games as well as some Nes clones. The store can also be rented out for parties where people can come in and play on all the consoles.

I really suggest you have a meeting with your local Play N Trade rep. I myself had a meeting with one in my area. I was considering opening a Play N trade as a partnership with someone else. A few things bothered me however. The main thing is that you must purchase all new and used items through their distributors (other than what’s traded in) and they are a bit pricey.

You see, you will be making most of your profit from used games because stores only make about $2-$3 off of each new game sold (as I found out from multiple reps). Since your store will be new, you will start off having to buy used games and such from other Play N Trade stores (this is how they work), and their distributors. As the rep himself has said, they are still in the process of finding more distributors for used games. My point being, you’re going to be very limited in what used products you can get into the store. My greatest concern was the classics as they have even less distributors for them and they are very over priced.

My second concern is all the fees you must pay. You have to pay the franchise fee which is a percentage of all the money you gross (not net) each year. You then have to pay a high technology fee which is for the computers they provide that are used for pricing, register, trade in values, etc. There is also an advertising fee.

Basically, if you don't have tons of cash saved up for the first year or two, you will be better off looking at something else. Maybe you could open a mom and pop store?

Good Luck!

[josekortez]

They resurface anything disc-based whether it needs it or not, and they don't do a very good job. I will never buy another disc game at Play N Trade again.

[sourceguy]

I work with a ton of gaming stores helping them get set up and runnung smoothly. I help alot of PNT owners as well. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. :rocker: christopher@shopperinc.com

[dmmilkman]

Thanks for all the info. I am looking at opening one up within 1-2 years when things settle down, may be sooner, if I can plan the market just right! I have to finish my MBA first, then go from there!

I already have the money (no problem there), it just depends on whether I want to commit to it!

before you invest in a sinking ship like pnt ask them how many stores have closed since inception. around me two have closed in a 3 month span. they have many faults for the investor, an extremely high franchise fee, all new product must come from them so shipping costs as well as 5% royalties add up to no profit on new items. the pos inventory has many issues also. next ask them why they are suspended in cali for franchise sales. they have been ordered to refund all franchise fees to any who want them back in cali for non disclosure. they failed to tell of the closed stores on their circular. misrepresenting their success. many are struggling. look at the site of failing franchises and pnt comes up with many franchisee complaints and some funny disinformation from ceos.

[BetaWolf47]

That was quite a thread bump. I wonder how many of this has to do with corporate business practices, however. I've had two in my town close, but one was because of a legal issue between the store owner and the owner of the shopping center. Plus, the people who ran it had no business sense... just sat there playing games all day.

Every other one I've seen has flourished. Here in the Broward/Miami area, there's even a sole franchisee who has at least 4 stores open.

[portnoyd]

I've been to 3 PnTs and they'll all been comatose when I went in. Prices for old stuff were either nice or completely ludicrious. I would definitely not want to franchise a PnT if I opened a game store - going independent seems the better play just so you can focus on the better margin classic used games and not have 90% of a store with low margin new games.

[DigitalSpace]

There isn't a single Play N Trade left in the Portland area - they all closed up shop between the summer and the end of last year. I'll miss the one that was across the street from Mall 205 the most - I checked it out at least once a month and almost always left the store with a pretty good find.

[Steve W]

The ones I know of that closed just moved to a different location. The one in Lake Charles, LA shut down but it was because the mall they were in raised their rent drastically. The one in Broussard, LA closed, but moved down to New Iberia, LA.

It seems like some shut down because the person opening the franchise gets over his head. Maybe his enthusiasm for running a game store overshadows his experience in running a business, so he dives in and fails. The Plano, TX location was started by someone who floundered and eventually bailed, selling the franchise to the current owner. Maybe that's the instances here, Play N' Trade's corporate people aren't screening their franchisees all that well. Just letting any yahoo with a pile of money open up a location just to have it close in a year or two isn't making them look good.

[Oobgarm]

We've got one local, but it's not that great. The selection is poor, they have basically nothing prior to PS2 outside of dirt commons. Their employees are stupid degenerates who look like complete slobs and are annoying as hell because they're unable to interact with human beings without yammering constantly. One guy asked me if I was the "vodka ninja" and then proceeded to tell me how me sued Microsoft for thousands of dollars over his broken 360(and won).

I bought a game there and the owner was working at the time. I asked him if the disc he was giving me was a Greatest Hits disc, and his reply was "oh yeah this game's great for kids, do you want to see more games like this one?"

I've tested just about every associate's knowledge on games, especially classics-and they don't know anything outside of Final Fantasy, WoW, or topics related to the Wii. I know crappy employees are a problem that can be controlled, but it's something that can ruin your store's image.

Only thing they have going for them is the constant buy 2 get 1 free deal.

[Icarus Moonsight]

There is only 2 left in the Houston area... And one of those it outside of metro out by Conroe (North). They're dropping like flies. Going to swing by the outskirt location tomorrow, they were not as well stocked as the other store I went to the first time I went. Now we'll see if they got better or worse.

[Icarus Moonsight]

Yeah, that one went downhill. They have Stadium Event fever... They're not going to last long. And now having talked to the main guy up there twice now, I've come to a conclusion... He's a douche slurping asshat.

Panic Restaurant, they had 2 copies @ $150 each

Flintstones 2, Bubble Bobble 2 and Little Samson price? $500

All their well known and known rarity Nintendo stuff is jacked. I bought King's Bounty, Mega Bomberman and a Mega Key 2 for $14. Last time I was there, got a CIB G Darius for $5...

[otaku]

screw franchises open your own store! We have a play n trade here and it seems to be the least successful game store around I haven;'t been in for months because even though they carry retro games (not much) I have a local pawnshop/game store that is far better and a local indie video/game store that is also better. Go indie. It can be done I've seen it be successful (very) twice in my little town of 200,000 people

[norkusa]

Haven't been inside any of the local P'nT's for a while, so today I stopped by to have a look around. They were selling a loose modded Saturn with a 3D pad and about 20 burned games for $279. Someone actually bought it while I was in there too but he talked it down to $179 because he said that's what he was told on the phone earlier.

Also had a loose Atari 600xl computer and 2 boxed disk drives for $150. Even the local thrifts don't have prices this crazy.

[BetaWolf47]

Haven't been inside any of the local P'nT's for a while, so today I stopped by to have a look around. They were selling a loose modded Saturn with a 3D pad and about 20 burned games for $279. Someone actually bought it while I was in there too but he talked it down to $179 because he said that's what he was told on the phone earlier.

Also had a loose Atari 600xl computer and 2 boxed disk drives for $150. Even the local thrifts don't have prices this crazy.
Wow, I can't believe that crap. Someone actually bought it too? Selling burned games isn't even legal! Worst I've had happen down here is having the wrong disc in a game case.

[norkusa]

Wow, I can't believe that crap. Someone actually bought it too? Selling burned games isn't even legal! Worst I've had happen down here is having the wrong disc in a game case.

Yeah, it was really funny listening to the store owners sleazy sales pitch when the customer asked about it: "I've been in the business for a long time and I can tell you this system is as rare as they come. You can tell just by looking at it that it's hardly been used and will last many years to come. You just don't see them any nicer than this."

In little over a year, this PnT has had 2 different owners and been broken into at least 3 times. Don't see it being around much longer.

[Icarus Moonsight]

Put it in court, and they bought a Saturn for $175 (horrendous rip-off, but legal) and the burns were thrown in as a freebie (again, legal). If the buyer doesn't have fair use rights to the burns, they're gonna have to prosecute the customer, not the seller, on that one. Yeah, right, that'll happen. LOL

Went to a local indy recently. I have a new favorite place. :D

They had a ton of stuff you don't find often around here. Coleco, Atari 5200 and 7800, INTV etc. Never a PnT again AFAIC. I'm done.