Blockbuster and the retro market

[bunnybum]

Today while waiting for my train I saw a poster in the window at Blockbuster. Apparently they are buying old games now, SNES, GBC, PS1/2, NGC...

This got me curious. Have they been doing this before? Why (Any BB workers around to share some insight)? And do they do it on a global scale?

Oh yeah, this was in Denmark.

Their trade-in prices (Store credit only and in DKK) for the curious (http://www.blockbuster.dk/media/wysiwyg/Wanted%20titeloversigt%20180412.pdf)

And in case they pull the pdf, here's the link (http://m.mobione.dk/blockbuster/indexMob.php?mo=1&tok=4f7bfbde3a96a&r=1&utm_source=QR&utm_medium=Plakat&utm_campaign=Wanted#indexLoad.php) I got from scanning the QR code on the poster.

[wiggyx]

Today while waiting for my train I saw a poster in the window at Blockbuster. Apparently they are buying old games now, SNES, GBC, PS1/2, NGC...

This got me curious. Have they been doing this before? Why (Any BB workers around to share some insight)? And do they do it on a global scale?

Oh yeah, this was in Denmark.

Their trade-in prices (Store credit only and in DKK) for the curious (http://www.blockbuster.dk/media/wysiwyg/Wanted%20titeloversigt%20180412.pdf)

And in case they pull the pdf, here's the link (http://m.mobione.dk/blockbuster/indexMob.php?mo=1&tok=4f7bfbde3a96a&r=1&utm_source=QR&utm_medium=Plakat&utm_campaign=Wanted#indexLoad.php) I got from scanning the QR code on the poster.

I believe they did (or maybe still do) buy used games here in the US. I wouldn't know for sure if they still do or not since about 99% of them in my area have folded in the last few years :|

[bunnybum]

I believe they did (or maybe still do) buy used games here in the US. I wouldn't know since about 99% of them in my area have foled in the last few years :|

They have been buying used games here for a long time as well, but never older games. Up until now they haven't accepted anything older than the 360, so seeing that poster weirded me out.

The prices they are willing to pay for some of the games just seem off, if they are accepting them only to resell them later. I mean, 1100DKK for a Mega Man X2. Whoever buys that is looking at paying close to double that amount, if their pricing on used stuff stays the same. I'm just not seeing the profitability in this move, considering their general customer base.

[Genesaturn]

We only have one BB left here...I may have to check this out.

[Kiddo]

We only have one BB left here...I may have to check this out.

The only Blockbuster nearby me closed a while back.... :<

[Superman]

I didn't even know Blockbuster was still around. Or if they were, they moved online like the competition.

[stalepie]

I don't think they're doing that in America because Gamestop doesn't buy back anything older than PS2 does it?

[Polygon]

have no idea why they would do that unless they were buying them for next to nothing to resell them later. Which I still think would be a horrible idea. Maybe they plan on renting them?

:)

[T2KFreeker]

Blockbuster Video was bought out by Dish Network. They are trying to revitalize the franchise. The stores will slowly reappear. Yes, used games is one corner they want to get into as they believe that Retro games will distinguish them from Lamestop.

[Genesaturn]

That's pretty awesome - I always welcome new retro game sellers...BUT...it seems it can go either way..being that BB isn't a game store per say will they know the worth of classic games? will this be a great place to pick up rarities cheaper than the "in the know" stores? or will they overprice all their stuff...hmmmm time will tell

[bunnybum]

have no idea why they would do that unless they were buying them for next to nothing to resell them later. Which I still think would be a horrible idea. Maybe they plan on renting them?

:)

The prices they are offering for the games can really not be called "next to nothing". Close to $200 for Mega Man 7, so, should they buy to rent them, the risk of people just keeping the games instead of returning them seem insanely high.

I really have no idea what's going on, but I'm intrigued as all hell. I'll try to ask in the store when I'm back there, though I'll probably not get an answer.