A Quick Note To All Before My Arrest [DP Store] [Archive] - Page 2

PC-ENGINE HELL

01-19-2010, 06:14 PM

Someone could probably Google-fu this, but I seem to recall lawsuits against Blockbuster for photocopying covers and manuals...

I think this was it?

Nintendo of America, Inc. v. Blockbuster Entertainment. (1987)

Blockbuster Video built its business upon providing surprisingly lenient terms for the rental of commercially released videotapes. When home console videogames came along in the 1980s, they rented them out to their customers, too. Nintendo, the largest manufacturer and licensor of videogames at the time, sued Blockbuster for copyright infringement. The chief complaint was that the practice of unauthorized software rentals of Nintendo videogames on the part of Blockbuster was a violation of federal law. The two parties eventually settled out of court, with Blockbuster retaining the legal right to continue the practice, but one particular aspect of the case deserves special mention. Nintendo successfully prosecuted Blockbuster for providing photocopied instruction manuals along with its rental NES carts. Blockbuster unsuccessfully argued that it was only protecting its investment in the original manuals, as it would cost more to replace the originals than it would to photocopy replacements. In this particular part of the case, the courts found in favor of Nintendo, therefore Blockbuster was required to start providing the original manuals with its rental games. After the settlement was reached, Blockbuster and other videogame rental outlets all but discontinued the practice of providing the manual with a rental game except by request - an action which went unchallenged. The practice continues to this day.

The implications from this are obvious - any copy of the original instruction manual for a piece of computer software that has not been authorized by the original vendor or developer is illegal. This has also been extended in later cases to cover documentation for any and all computer-based systems.

jb143

01-19-2010, 06:17 PM

Someone could probably Google-fu this, but I seem to recall lawsuits against Blockbuster for photocopying covers and manuals...

Even so, you could just have 1 (or a few) open copies out and the rest sealed behind the counter.

kedawa

01-19-2010, 06:25 PM

That says nothing about inserts, just manuals.

BetaWolf47

01-19-2010, 06:40 PM

Since the post is targeted at the recent thieves, wouldn't the thief who felt personally "threatened" have to admit to shoplifting in the process of reporting the article?

Sounds like a Darwin Award candidate to me.

You don't have to be a potential victim to view something as a threat. If someone were to say, "I'm going to stab a random person at the park tomorrow!" would you really expect people who don't live near that park to avoid reporting the person making the threat?

vivaeljason

01-19-2010, 07:09 PM

Card board + image of the cover + time = lost time and no theft.

Yes, because it wouldn't cost any money to, you know, print every single friggin' cover out. I forgot that things such as ink and supplies are free, especially when one wants to make a repro cover that doesn't look like complete shit that will turn customers away.

digitalpress

01-19-2010, 07:13 PM

I love you guys!

Thanks for all the responses, concern, and ideas. Truth is, I was all fired up when I wrote the blog entry. You'd be too. Even at my angriest, I would never raise a hand to a minor - not even a scumbag thieving minor. When I got up this morning I took more intelligent steps.

Switching to empty cases on the shelf is absolutely my last resort and I'm nowhere near that. Things get stolen so infrequently that a day like this is an epidemic to me. Truth is, there are more regular customers in the store on any given day than potential thieves and we run the store much like a forum community - I look out for my customers, they look out for me. It's rather difficult to find a time when there aren't eyes on you in this store. Yesterday was an unfortunate window of opportunity.

Short term, I've added some signs to the store and posted photos of yesterday's thieves, which has been met with some great local support. By Friday I should have names to add to the photos and video, and all of that will go right to the police. They haven't been a great help to me in the past but I've got rather damning evidence!

megasdkirby

01-19-2010, 07:15 PM

That's good to hear!

I hope the police does something with the video proof you will provide. In PR, it does work, even after the event took place.

Hopefull, that will teach a thing or two to those scoundrels!

Steve W

01-19-2010, 07:21 PM

Electric lock? If you think a kid is going to run before you confront him, hit it. Worse case scenario is that some customer will be confused that the door is stuck.

I was going to suggest this. Ever been to a gas station late at night in a dicey neighborhood? They've got those magnetic clamp electric door locks on them and the guy behind the counter has to let you in and out of the shop. Maybe Joe can salvage one from an old gas station door, if he sees a station that's about to get demolished. Call the landlords, ask if you can have the mag lock off the door, and install it at the shop. Salvaging one would be less expensive than getting one new.

Game shops are just going to be robbed, unfortunately. The type of personalities that modern games appeal to tends to have a bad element who'll do anything to get what they want without paying for it. It's also the way kids are raised nowadays, with a sense of self-entitlement, where they shouldn't have to pay for anything since you can get it for free online anyway.

There was a three store chain of game rental places back in the early '90s that I used to go to, the nearest location of which was in a lousy neighborhood. They were robbed three times in about a year and a half, eventually the whole chain closed up. Must have been happening at all the locations, not just the one I went to. Twice they did a smash-and-grab at the store I went to, where they'd steal a van and ram it through the front of the store, knocking down the security grill, then they'd load the van as much as they could before the cops responded to the alarm system.

If I were to design a video game store, I'd end up blowing so much money on an anti-theft design that I'd have no money left to purchase stock. Automated gun turrets don't come cheap, you know.

digitalpress

01-19-2010, 07:43 PM

Here's a little more good news: the 3 kids that were willing to take $20 for an XBox 360 (we turned them away, it was clearly stolen) last week were all caught by the local juvenile detectives and are literally sitting in a jail cell right now. I have a pretty good feeling they're going to track down yesterday's thieves too.

Raedon

01-19-2010, 07:49 PM

Oh I'm sure they are loving that. Do the crime, be ready to do the time.

Better they see what lockdown is like now then when they have their Heroin habit and long list of Felony convictions.

DDCecil

01-19-2010, 07:49 PM

When I had my store, the only thing of value stolen* were the front window Nintendo and Atari signs, which had to be replaced for $25 each. The place that put them on the window said they would never be messed with - yeah right.

The night after I noticed they were stolen, I drove around a few times to check on the store, and noticed a car parked right in front. I pulled up behind them and sat there until the driver came out of the car. It was a lady told me that she had a fight with her husbund. If that were true, why exactly would she pull over to right where my store was after I was ripped off the previous night? Up until I went out of business, I didn't have anything messed with.

*I had a N64 NFL Quaterback Club '98 stolen, and I caught a guy switching price tags. I found out later he had stolen the disk to a cheap Xbox game. After this, I moved everything ot the glass case, and took out all CDs and put them into a binder.

I also had 2 kids steal 2 of my Saturn imports on the day after Thanksgiving, and a few months later, a little kid (their cousin? brother?) brought them back with the Japanese Die Hard Trilogy manual missing. I told the kid to tell his brothers or whatever they were had better not ever walk into my store ever again. They never did.

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/9343/picture030l.jpg

Of course there were also the couple of times in my dad's store (I mentioned the "bringing the guy into the back room and making him pull his pants down to reveal a case with no game in it" in another thread.), but everything that happened back then - well that's for another time.

Frankie_Says_Relax

01-19-2010, 08:18 PM

You don't have to be a potential victim to view something as a threat. If someone were to say, "I'm going to stab a random person at the park tomorrow!" would you really expect people who don't live near that park to avoid reporting the person making the threat?

The threat wasn't targeted at any "random" people, it was clearly directed at the party or parties responsible for stealing from the DP Store.

Ye0ldmario

01-19-2010, 08:27 PM

http://i45.tinypic.com/160ol74.png

http://i49.tinypic.com/21j96p4.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/wcffo4.jpg

TonyTheTiger

01-19-2010, 08:48 PM

I'm glad to hear the situation is heading toward some good results.

Leo_A

01-19-2010, 09:22 PM

Electric lock? If you think a kid is going to run before you confront him, hit it. Worse case scenario is that some customer will be confused that the door is stuck.

I'd check with your lawyer if you actually consider this. While you and your employees have a legal right to detain someone for questioning and hold them (Such as by making a citizen's arrest) until law enforcement arrives if you have probable cause (Such as witnessing a theft on your closed circuit security camera), you want to ensure your not liable for something yourself, such as illegal imprisonment.

Shadow Kisuragi

01-19-2010, 09:37 PM

There was a three store chain of game rental places back in the early '90s that I used to go to, the nearest location of which was in a lousy neighborhood. They were robbed three times in about a year and a half, eventually the whole chain closed up. Must have been happening at all the locations, not just the one I went to. Twice they did a smash-and-grab at the store I went to, where they'd steal a van and ram it through the front of the store, knocking down the security grill, then they'd load the van as much as they could before the cops responded to the alarm system.

If I were to design a video game store, I'd end up blowing so much money on an anti-theft design that I'd have no money left to purchase stock. Automated gun turrets don't come cheap, you know.

I've got one for you...

A Play-N-Trade opened up in a richer area of town nearby. It was robbed 3 times in 2 months and ended up going out of business because of the amount of money spent on repairs and security.

1st Robbery - People walked in, grabbed as much as possible, and ran out. Guy installed security cameras and did the whole empty cases deal. Everything in locked drawers and all.

2nd Robbery - Smash and Grab. Ran a car through the front of the store at night, broke open the cases and ran off with half of his stock. Guy stored his stuff in a safe and reinforced the walls to prevent it from happening again.

3rd Robbery - Broke into the place next door, which had lackluster security, and somehow broke into his place through theirs. Hauled off the safe somehow...

Baloo

01-19-2010, 09:37 PM

I actually thought of another thing you could do to prevent shoplifting.

Over at Next-Level Videogames, along with all the discs of games being behind the counter, any cartridge games with boxes are re-shrinkwrapped or a sticker is put on the opening edges to prevent stealing, and the more valuable and desirable cart games are put in a glass case. I'm not sure how you feel about re-sealed games, but it would keep the game in its case on the shelf for you, and it would prevent stealing at the same time.

So the only things left out are loose cartridge games worth less than ten dollars and $1.99 bargain bin stuff, which basically isn't worth stealing. Discs are kept behind the counter as are controllers, and cart games with boxes are re-sealed.

Sonicwolf

01-19-2010, 10:00 PM

I've got one for you...

A Play-N-Trade opened up in a richer area of town nearby. It was robbed 3 times in 2 months and ended up going out of business because of the amount of money spent on repairs and security.

1st Robbery - People walked in, grabbed as much as possible, and ran out. Guy installed security cameras and did the whole empty cases deal. Everything in locked drawers and all.

2nd Robbery - Smash and Grab. Ran a car through the front of the store at night, broke open the cases and ran off with half of his stock. Guy stored his stuff in a safe and reinforced the walls to prevent it from happening again.

3rd Robbery - Broke into the place next door, which had lackluster security, and somehow broke into his place through theirs. Hauled off the safe somehow...

Good lord. I cant believe those criminals. Very craft bunch if they go that far. Its too bad that this crap still happens nowadays. Luckily it isnt happening to that extent to Digitalpress.

tubeway

01-19-2010, 10:06 PM

Some of these ideas are pretty much reducing video game stores to drive through establishments lol.

Steve W

01-19-2010, 10:33 PM

FantasiaWHT

01-20-2010, 07:41 AM

Way to go DP!

My next suggestion was going to be just keep a shotgun on the counter. Doesn't have to be loaded, but they don't know that.

JSoup

01-20-2010, 11:52 AM

Way to go DP!

My next suggestion was going to be just keep a shotgun on the counter. Doesn't have to be loaded, but they don't know that.

Actually, keep it loaded with snakeload or rocksalt. Not sure about where the DP store is, but in California snakeload and rocksalt are considered non-live ammunition. You can't kill a person with either, but you'll sure void any ideas of thievery from their minds.

XYXZYZ

01-20-2010, 12:11 PM

BetaWolf47

01-20-2010, 12:13 PM

Shadow Kisuragi

01-20-2010, 12:23 PM

It was. Though some greedy people used to hide the slips/tickets for desired games.

You're damn straight I did. There was only one copy left of Metroid II and I wanted it.

jb143

01-20-2010, 12:25 PM

Truth is, there are more regular customers in the store on any given day than potential thieves and we run the store much like a forum community - I look out for my customers, they look out for me.

With that in mind...maybe you could pass out "catch-a-shoplifter" cards. Everytime a customer catches a shoplifter they get their card punched. 5 punches and they get a $10 gift certificate.

The Shawn

01-20-2010, 12:32 PM

With that in mind...maybe you could pass out "catch-a-shoplifter" cards. Everytime a customer catches a shoplifter they get their card punched. 5 punches and they get a $10 gift certificate.

How about you just give the card to a shoplifter, and everytime he's caught stealing you punch him?

BetaWolf47

01-20-2010, 12:40 PM

With that in mind...maybe you could pass out "catch-a-shoplifter" cards. Everytime a customer catches a shoplifter they get their card punched. 5 punches and they get a $10 gift certificate.

Then you'd have people setting up fake shoplifts so they can get a free $10 gift certificate.

pseudonym

01-20-2010, 12:50 PM

You think it's worth all that trouble for a $10 gift card? Let's be partners in crime, you can be my main operative. :cheers:

Sonicwolf

01-20-2010, 01:00 PM

You think it's worth all that trouble for a $10 gift card? Let's be partners in crime, you can be my main operative. :cheers:

People can be pretty obsessive when it comes to free stuff and bargains. Look at those black Friday sales that happen in the United States. People are trampling other people to save a few bucks.

jb143

01-20-2010, 01:00 PM

Then you'd have people setting up fake shoplifts so they can get a free $10 gift certificate.

You think people would risk getting 5(or lets make it 10) of their friends banned from the store or worse just for $10? It would be more of a "shoplifting is not tollerated in this store" type of thing anyways, and not to be taken too seriously.

tubeway

01-20-2010, 01:34 PM

*facepalm*

Guys... seriously...

I'm pretty sure he was joking about the punchcard.

NoahsMyBro

01-20-2010, 01:40 PM

Having just read through all 5 pages of this thread, here's my opinions:

1) game discs in cases on shelf or behind counter: I'm not a business owner and can't say whether or not this is a good or bad idea overall. As a customer though, I HATE when stores do this, and will always consider the game used, and of less value, if the original factory packaging has been opened in any way. I'm pleased that Joe has so far avoided this and stated in this thread he considers it a last resort option.

2) Frankie's Voice-Of-God, reminiscent of Real Genius. I absolutely LOVE this idea! Super-Slashdotty-Geek-Bonus-Points if you can integrate cell-phone access to the system! (I.e., view camera feeds on phone, and activate/transmit to the loudspeakers FROM the phone.)

3) Prominent Wall of Shame - fantastic idea as well.

4) Electric lock - I think that is a terrific idea too.

Finally - I wonder if it would be feasible or even worth consideration to create some sort of obstacle between the store and the front door. I'm thinking a counter, cabinet, or railing of sorts, so that there isn't a straight path to the door, but instead people need to walk toward the side of the room and then along a path to the door? That could slow people down as they make a break for it, and allow staff to catch up to them.

NESGamer24

01-20-2010, 01:41 PM

Ooh, you could always locate a former bank building that still has it's vault intact, and keeping all your disc games, cartridges, and what-have-you in the vault room. I've heard of people repurposing old banks in different ways, this might get you some extra publicity in architectural magazines and websites! And the building's exterior would be fairly sturdy so as to keep low level criminals from being able to get inside.

I just stayed at a hotel in Baltimore that used to be a bank. The lobby was pretty sweet and you can see where the vault doors still are. That would be sweet. A video game store in an old bank.

Remember Toys R Us, when they had a slip of paper for each copy of a particular game? And then you'd pay the cashier for the slip of paper, then you'd bring that paper to the bullet proof fortress in the front of the store and they'd spend 20 minutes looking for your game?

That was pretty cool.

That was pretty cool. I remember when I was young walking around and seeing all the slips. Sometimes I wish I was a little older back in the 80s to walk around and see NES games and merch new and in all its glory. I still remember the last game I ever bought there with the slips and fortress. Myst for Sega Saturn.

jb143

01-20-2010, 01:43 PM

*facepalm*

Guys... seriously...

I'm pretty sure he was joking about the punchcard.

Thank You! Only half joking though, but tounge firmly in cheek the whole time. I think it would be a fun idea as a joke just to point out what Joe said in the thread I quoted, that he'll look out for his customers and they'll look out for him.

boatofcar

01-20-2010, 02:24 PM

I have a question about the electric lock thing. Is that actually legal? I've never heard of places that employ such a system.

Melf

01-20-2010, 02:42 PM

JSoup

01-20-2010, 04:05 PM

I have a question about the electric lock thing. Is that actually legal? I've never heard of places that employ such a system.

Depends on where you live. One of my business associates did something like that (hit the lock when shoplifters tried to leave) and got slapped with a fine because the thief was a minor and only certain institutions can detain minors for any reason. It was double suck for my friend, cause the parents had grounds to press charges but agreed to drop it if he let it go too.

OMF2097

01-20-2010, 04:26 PM

2) Frankie's Voice-Of-God, reminiscent of Real Genius. I absolutely LOVE this idea! Super-Slashdotty-Geek-Bonus-Points if you can integrate cell-phone access to the system! (I.e., view camera feeds on phone, and activate/transmit to the loudspeakers FROM the phone.)

Logitech used to have an application in order to view a web cam from a mobile phone. I love the "Kent-this-is-Jesus" idea. A talkswitch or IP Ethernet Intercom System would probably be a sure bet when setting this up. However, I've only seen apps on smart phones that allow IP voice dialing. Otherwise, you'd have to use an internet based system in order to play God:)

That may work for Joe. Sitting back on the couch with the laptop, drink in hand, and telling someone how proper f***ed they are for even thinking about trying that crap in his store.

3) Prominent Wall of Shame - fantastic idea as well.

A camera by the door would also work in getting close up shots of shoplifters.

4) Electric lock - I think that is a terrific idea too.

With a panic button.

rbudrick

01-20-2010, 04:31 PM

Don't kids know how to steal games over tha interwebs? Sheesh.

-Rob

gepeto

01-20-2010, 04:42 PM

I hope you find peace to enjoy your day off. Being paranoid at home is dam near like working the mind won't let you rest. Maryah is going to have to be more street smart because if you can spot it from the camera then it might be a little to obvious.

I hate say it you might want to hire someone to see just how easy it is to steal just to maybe close the gaps because thieves out think people.

They spend alot of time thinking how to get away with your stuff. My next door neighbor who's a cop told me that. That is there job.

acem77

01-20-2010, 06:02 PM

Don't kids know how to steal games over tha interwebs? Sheesh.

-Rob

Very true

Dr. Dib

01-20-2010, 07:47 PM

Remember Toys R Us, when they had a slip of paper for each copy of a particular game? And then you'd pay the cashier for the slip of paper, then you'd bring that paper to the bullet proof fortress in the front of the store and they'd spend 20 minutes looking for your game?

That was pretty cool.
That post reminded me of how Nickelodeon used to do that Toys R Us run through thing where kids could grab as many toys as they wanted. I can't be the only person who thought it would have been a better idea to just stroll through the video game aisle collecting all those pieces of paper.

Back to the topic at hand, I am sort of curious to all the people who own/run game stores if they had an database to keep track of their stock. I ask this mainly because the two local game stores, both are the same brand, I frequent do not. Their argument for this is that their inventory moves so quickly that it wouldn't be worth the trouble, they sell CDs and movies too. They employ the empty case method, but obviously someone could steal something and they'd have a lonely disc in the back with no way for it to be purchased. Cartridges are behind glass cases with empty boxes for them sitting out.

I'm just wondering for those of you who do not if you would ever notice something was stolen. I guess though that more insignificant things really don't matter in the long run, but it's still a thought.

guitargary75

01-20-2010, 08:52 PM

Karma is a bitch when it comes back! Just sit back and think of the day when it comes back them.

tubeway

01-20-2010, 09:03 PM

Karma is a bitch when it comes back! Just sit back and think of the day when it comes back them.

*sits back and thinks*

That was less enjoyable than expected.

Flippy8490

01-20-2010, 09:41 PM

I used to get pissed when people would steal shit from the store I the Game Express I used to work at. We had a bunch of oldschool stuff (and some newer) and people would slip GB games and shit in their pockets all the time. And of course, even if we saw one, we couldn't do anything if they left the store, which usually happened pretty quickly.

Damn shoplifters -_-

stargate

01-20-2010, 10:31 PM

I didn't read through all 5 pages of posts so I apologize if this has already been mentioned, but...

I would hire a huge thug looking dude to work the store versus some hot chick. I am envisioning a guy about 6'4", bald head, tats, maybe jacked on some roids or just your basic biker type that looks like he was recently in prison.

The economy is bad, plenty of people lookin for jobs. Plenty of dudes who match this description. Teach the thug looking employee to confront every customer with a "how you guys doing today?" with plenty of eye contact. Some teen punk will think twice about stealing, trust me. If the customer is legit, they will probably just think the guy is cool.

Hang a huge sign on the door stating that there is active surveillance and that shoplifters will be prosecuted. Hang another in the store.

You are getting way too emotional over this. Don't start confronting people, it just gets ugly. Trust me, I ended up in a very bad situation with someone saying I assaulted them when I never touched the guy. Police, court, the whole drama. It sucked.

I just think that you can cut your losses way down if you think of some creative ways to deter theft.

Plus hot chicks are good eye candy, but useless in these types of situations. Seriously, if there was some big, scary dude working the desk, wouldn't you think twice about robbing the place?

and yeah... I second the piece of paper with the games in lock up. Or why can't you just have one empty display case and all the boxed games in lock up? I don't see what that would cost more money and you really don't need these games on the floor. The customer just wants to look at the game and decide if they want to buy. I'm actually shocked you have all those games right out in the open.

Gameguy

01-20-2010, 11:17 PM

I have a question about the electric lock thing. Is that actually legal? I've never heard of places that employ such a system.
Jewelery stores use these methods. Usually they buzz the first door open, once you're inside and the door behind you is locked they buzz the second door open.

I would hire a huge thug looking dude to work the store versus some hot chick. I am envisioning a guy about 6'4", bald head, tats, maybe jacked on some roids or just your basic biker type that looks like he was recently in prison.
Why not hire a ninja? They could hear the actions of a shoplifter and move swiftly into action before anyone else notices, the shoplifter wouldn't have time to react before the ninja strikes.

ryborg

01-20-2010, 11:39 PM

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5tKvwoPy9SM/SvLOEECcy6I/AAAAAAAAG6w/FdzRLrCfyN0/s320/shoplifter_movie-poster.jpg

Gamingking

01-21-2010, 12:03 AM

The game store I use put the disc's behind the counter and are listed in alphebetical order so therefor no one can steal the games..Thats what I suggest. Use boxes for Wii PS2-3 or 360's and have the discs behind the counter so when someone checks out you just grab the disc and they already have the case.

Icarus Moonsight

01-21-2010, 01:18 AM

It was. Though some greedy people used to hide the slips/tickets for desired games.

You're just pissed that you didn't think to do it. :p

It wouldn't work for too long. If you asked if they had a game and they were out of slips, you could still buy it. Eventually, someone would notice that there were slips missing for sell able stock and it would get fixed too.

Frankie_Says_Relax

01-21-2010, 09:49 AM

Logitech used to have an application in order to view a web cam from a mobile phone. I love the "Kent-this-is-Jesus" idea. A talkswitch or IP Ethernet Intercom System would probably be a sure bet when setting this up. However, I've only seen apps on smart phones that allow IP voice dialing. Otherwise, you'd have to use an internet based system in order to play God:)

That may work for Joe. Sitting back on the couch with the laptop, drink in hand, and telling someone how proper f***ed they are for even thinking about trying that crap in his store...

I could see Joe enjoying an opportunity to make a shoplifter feel (deservedly) stupid via verbal abuse while simultaneously discouraging and hopefully preventing the act in the process.

That's why I suggested it.

Keeping a Skype to Skype connection open on his home setup and one of the store computers could be a cheap alternative to running a dedicated line for something like that.

OMF2097

01-21-2010, 11:57 AM

Keeping a Skype to Skype connection open on his home setup and one of the store computers could be a cheap alternative to running a dedicated line for something like that.

You know, here I am thinking of a business solution and the method of implementing the system and I never thought about just using an open Skype to Skype connection.

Simplicity is always best.

JSoup

01-21-2010, 02:36 PM

I could see Joe enjoying an opportunity to make a shoplifter feel (deservedly) stupid via verbal abuse while simultaneously discouraging and hopefully preventing the act in the process.

Unless it's some smartass kid who just grins, flips off the cashier and runs with the stolen merchandise.

Frankie_Says_Relax

01-21-2010, 04:14 PM

Unless it's some smartass kid who just grins, flips off the cashier and runs with the stolen merchandise.

Well, assuming they're going to do the leaving with the stolen merch anyway if un-interrupted with a remote microphone system ... at least Joe would have the pleasure of having told them "what for" before they bolt.

It's not a perfect concept by any means, but possibly the most fun and interesting solution offered up IMO.

Ed Oscuro

01-21-2010, 05:32 PM

"Unstable madman" is fine if you work in a garage or industrial plant amongst other grown men, but it's not the best reputation to have if you're a business owner that specializes in a retail field largely dependent on income streaming from children and their parents- the latter who are usually greatly concerned about what sort of places their children frequent and the nature of the proprietors that run them.
I'm sure Joe is really worried about staying popular with that all-important "thief" demographic. I'm with you on that run-in you had with the old codger though.

Thread is five stars btw.

Also, Kedawa is mildly learning disabled.

aaron7

03-09-2010, 01:38 PM

Problem with keeping all the disks in one place is it is WAY easier and quicker for a theif to just steal your disk drawer if they broke in.

Then, he loses his cool and collars one of our friends by grabbing his shirt; we descend like jackyls and kicked the everloving shit out of that dude.

http://www.behindthehype.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/a_clockwork_orange.jpg

LucidDefender

03-09-2010, 02:37 PM

One thing that was emphasized in my various retail stints was that merely greeting the customer, decreases the probability of said customer stealing.

I feel that too much security is never a good idea. If I'm at a shop and I feel or know that I'm being watched, as if I'm going to lift an item, it makes me very uncomfortable and unlikely to return; not a good way to make legitimate customers feel.

ryborg

03-09-2010, 02:48 PM

not sure why this was bumped, but since it already happened, let's all re-read this kedawa post and laugh again

Buying stolen shit (unknowingly, I'm sure) and selling it at a profit, like every other store that deals with second hand goods, may have brought in as much money as shoplifting has taken away.

mr obscure

03-09-2010, 03:08 PM

I really don't understand why people would risk a criminal record for a $4 game??
If i could enter a huge HIT like the great train robbery (England)or something like that,i would be like im in guys.1 hit and your good for life ,but stealing $4 shit really bavelds my mind.

ryborg

03-09-2010, 03:29 PM

Emuaust

03-10-2010, 03:13 PM

Well, assuming they're going to do the leaving with the stolen merch anyway if un-interrupted with a remote microphone system ... at least Joe would have the pleasure of having told them "what for" before they bolt.

It's not a perfect concept by any means, but possibly the most fun and interesting solution offered up IMO.

As someone who has a gamestore, I like your ideas here on this Frankie, you seem to have a good insight into this. I might setup something similar!