Quote Originally Posted by joshnickerson View Post
My local Goodwill used to be a prime place to pick up some cheap classic gameage, but in the past couple of years, it's been going downhill. First they raised the price of cartridge based games from $1.01 to $3.03, then they started applying the price tags directly on top of the cart label. Now in the past couple of months, they've gone an extra step, and actually put packing tape over the price tag and cart label! I was just in there tonight, and I spotted a boxed copy of Tetris in the jewelry case, but upon closer inspection, they had it completely wrapped in more damn packing tape! And it wasn't even out on the floor, it was IN THE DAMN GLASS CASE! What are they thinking? I can see that some people wouldn't care too much about the condition of the game, or if there was a price tag perminately affixed to the cart label, but as a collection, it brings my piss to a boil.

Has anyone else had this experience with Goodwill?
I've seen some game boxes in display cases that were missing the games for some reason, somehow they were stolen even though they were in a case. They wouldn't give me the boxes that they would otherwise throw out because it's against company policy, but they would sell them to me. This wasn't at Goodwill though, that's not really near me so I don't go so often.

Quote Originally Posted by skaar View Post
"OMG THE CHARITY IS TRYING TO MAKE MONEY."

Goodwills don't exist to feed your need for cheap games, they raise money for needy causes. Good on them for catching on they could raise more money and do more good rather than you getting $0.99 games you can flip for $40 on ebay - why SHOULDN'T they pay attention to what comes in?

I see your complaint about writing on the games directly - sure that's valid. Just don't bitch them out for trying to make a buck when they've been getting the shaft for so many years.

Jeez.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goodwill_Industries
I wouldn't mind so much if thrift stores tested the stuff out before selling it, or allowed returns for broken products(not just exchange). I've seen plenty of stores asking for the full going ebay rate only the stuff wasn't tested or guaranteed. I've found some games cheaper at Microplay and they came with a 6 month guarantee which would give me a full refund if there were any problems. It's rare but I've come across a few dead carts over the years which is why I'm careful with what I buy.

Anyway, I used to find lots of stuff a few years ago at thrift stores but not so much lately. I used to go almost daily, but now maybe once a week and I pretty much come out empty handed. Either people aren't donating as much good stuff now, or other people beat me to it. I remember years ago getting handfuls of NES games pretty regularly.