Walmart Used Game Buy Back Program Takes Flight

[The 1 2 P]

Walmart is the latest company to try and get into the used game market, something Best Buy,Toys R Us and Amazon all tried recently as well. What I really like about Walmarts aproach is that you don't even have to deal with actual people. All you do is scan the case of your game and the kiosk machine tells you how much it's worth. If you accept, you put the case and disc into the machine and are issued credit to any credit card you choose(this might be a problem for those who don't own any credit cards). You can also rent used games and dvd movies from these kiosk (http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=23674).

This program is still only in it's initial testing phase so most of us won't get to try this out just yet(only 2% of Walmart stores have these kiosk placed). I'm not sure rather it will work or not but the way I see it, the more competition the better(especially if it means we'll start to get higher trade in values for our games).

[scooterb23]

I think you can already anticipate the first potential problem with this. Without any human interaction in the trade in process, you're going to see every broken, chipped, and otherwise shat upon CD game going back to Wal-Mart instead of a Gamestop. I'm curious as to what safeguards they have to combat this...as well as the keeping the rental games in their system in good condition.

There's an irony about Wal-Mart being the ones to join into competition...

[wallydawg]

I'm also wondering how they would police this. I sense a lot of empty cases being traded in, or even a scan and swap; scan an expensive game and toss in a dud.

[tubeway]

Those problems aren't so terrible when you consider the payment will be going to credit cards. They can just charge you back if you rip them off. They may also have a built in camera to prove that it's you doing the loading into the machine, and possibly something that will briefly scan the disc itself to ensure its physical integrity.

[JunkTheMagicDragon]

possibly something that will briefly scan the disc itself to ensure its physical integrity.

ya, i remember reading somewhere yesterday that you have to insert the disc for it to check to see if it's readable.

[Oobgarm]

I really like this idea. Not necessarily the fact that it's at Wal-Mart, mind you.

[monkeychemist]

it would be cool if in the machine they have each type of console, then it pops the game in, makes sure it works and then accepts upon that basis. That would cut out the human factor.

[ShinobiMan]

I'm looking forward to this being implemented into my local Walmart. I love the idea of a kiosk machine. Not having to deal with Walmart employees is a HUGE plus.

[garagesaleking!!]

$1 game rentals would be sick wid it.

[garagesaleking!!]

i cant find a list of participating walmarts anywhere?

[Draven]

Yeah, I like the idea, as well. Unfortunately it won't be long until someone figures out a way to totally rip them off (not saying it wouldn't be deserving...just unethical and ultimately ruin it for everyone). Name one thing that this generation hasn't done that to. Emulation, mp3's, movies...hell, even the local change machine at the car wash was victim to photocopied twenties! I just don't seeing it last beyond the test phase.

[bangtango]

Don't like my credit card being involved with the "buy back" process. I'd rather have them print a slip with the amount owed that can then be taken to the customer service desk. Sort of like you see with the self-redemption or "automatic" machines used when you bring in cans or bottles for deposit at some places like a supermarket.

I don't have any interest in renting used dvd's or games from Walmart either.

But (call me crazy), I would certainly be interested in purchasing any used game or dvd stock they might have.

[SegaAges]

The only reason why I would see credit cards being a good thing would be for the dud game situations.

You don't get creditted right away until the game is tested.

Also, what would stop a person from taking a bunch of clearence games on the shelf right there and shoving them in there. Hahahaha, That would totally work if all it does it scan.

[Matt-El]

My opinion is whatever on using credit cards, but 2-3 DAYS? Not only that but BUSINESS days? No thankyewwww....

[samael64]

And if you don't get the money right away, whats to stop them from saying the game was damaged or what not and giving you less money or no money when the game was really fine. It sounds like an interesting idea, but I don't think it will work in practice.