Well, although we don't have used game stores here, we did have a little used book and cds one in my home town. I always made good deals with them when they started; sold cds for a good price, and saw them for sale some days later for a reasonable profit margin. They were doing pretty good working this way, and their business was growing considerably.Originally Posted by Rev. Link
Time went by, they opened new stores...and things changed. Once they were big and established, they started paying really low prices for everything, and double the selling prices they used to practice. Today, they have five stores, and are pretty much the only place to go if you need to sell some used books or discs in that town. Customer service got worse and worse, and the once really cool guys who own the place now treat you like they're doing this huuuuge favor in dealing with you.
Hey, that's free market, I know. What bothers me is that, back when they were "fair", they were growing anyway. A lot. The first two stores had a pleasant atmosphere, people were nice. I loved to hang around there; I met new bands and writers from stuff I bougth/traded there - and I wasn't the only one. Now, while they sure have a good business - since there's stuff you can't find but used -, they don't have the satisfied and regular customer base they used to. But they do have a lot of money.
I obviously can't say it's the case here; I don't know these guys, I've never been to their store. But I felt the need to mention that, sometimes, there ARE "ripoff stores". And it's sad when it happens.
Sorry about the long rant! I now it's silly, but it really gets to me everytime I remember that.
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