GAME/EB/JB - getting a good console deal?

[Agyar]

I'm considering picking up a PS3 (currently just gaming on my 360) and I'm scrutinising console bundles, trade-in offers and my collection of games/consoles to figure out the best deal. I'm planning to trade my PS2 slim, a stack of PS2 games (maybe 15 or 16) and a handful of 360 titles (ranging from old to quite recent) to try and put a considerable dent in the PS3's cost.

The question is, what are people's experiences when it comes to getting a good deal from retailers in this type of scenario? I guess it's really two questions. Firstly, what does it take to negotiate a "better" console deal (e.g. a better game, other extras or lower price) and secondly, what does it take to get the best value for the goods you're trading in?

At face value, GAME seems like my best bet. The guy I spoke to in GAME during the week said they could give me $60 for the PS2 and $5-10 per PS2 game, and they are currently offering some decent prices on titles like Fallout 3 and Batman: AA, which I would be trading. Their PS3 Slim 120GB bundle is not fantastic however (including a choice of one ****py game).

Any tips or advice for getting the best deal here?

[Klevster]

Tip 1: Don't trade in any games or consoles, I've found recently that you will get far far far better value by selling them here: http://link.palgn.com.au/?m=l&u=19745 PALGN's Game Exchange forum is a godsend! Never will I trade in a game or console to EB\JB\GAME.... I *guarantee* you will get better prices for your PS2 stuff at PALGN...

Tip 2: If you can hold out, wait until Christmas, that's when the insane bundle deals tend to appear...

Tip 3: Pricematch! If you find a better deal somewhere, but they're a fair drive away, take the catalogue or whatever to the closer store, most stores have no probs with pricematching bundle deals... Though Big W\KMart tend not too... Spoilsports... But EB\GAME\JB, if they can verify, will match the deal...

PS. Hit me up about the 360 titles you've got, I may be interested

[Im Cheap]

Re: pricematch.

GAME Camberwell refused to price match JB (just upstairs) because its 'below cost'. I showed him the picture of the deal on my phone. 'Store policy' -  he quoted this from TnC:

'GAME reserves the right to cancel this offer at any time if the item is below cost and reserves the right to alter Terms & Conditions without prior notice.'

I had to drive all the way to Knox to do it. they were happy to price match for me. I had to pay extra petrol, but... this is principle!

that is why i created the new thread on brick and mortar stores.

Re Tip 1: another altenative is ebay. But too much fees to pay. but still better than trade-ins.

For xbox 360 trade-ins, check if your game is on GAME's recent trade-in catalogue. some of the prices are alright.

[Klevster]

GAME Camberwell refused to price match JB (just upstairs) because its 'below cost'. I showed him the picture of the deal on my phone. 'Store policy' -  he quoted this from TnC:

'GAME reserves the right to cancel this offer at any time if the item is below cost and reserves the right to alter Terms & Conditions without prior notice.'

Tip for the wise RE: Camberwell, avoid like the plague.....
The JB Games staff are ultra strict...
The EB store there on Burke Rd is ****, they have bugger all trade bait and the staff are bell-ends...
And for the GAME store... It's a GAME store...

[Moop]

Depends on the store you're buying from. (EG: The competition around them) So definitely buy from a huge shopping centre, not one of the stores in woop woop by itself. When a store is surrounded by competition they'll be more willing to cut prices just to snatch the sale on the day.

I found when I was buying my console (a PS3 slim) I liked the deal at EB, but hate spending money at EB. I got JB to match their deal. THEN I wanted an extra controller and two more games. The guy serving me said he couldnt do much of a discount on what I wanted. I pretended to lose interest and said I might just leave it then, and thats when he said he could price match the controller from Big W (at the time was $80 roughly) and the games with 15% off.

My tips for scoring consoles and accessories:

1. Always tell them you've seen it at _______ at $ X , can you beat that? They'll probably say not beat it, but can match it.
2. If they dont budge, pretend to lose interest (this will annoy the staff member who's been helping you for 10 minutes or whatever, and make them want to actually sell by the end of it all)
3. RESEARCH! Shop around... make calls, check the net (and this site!! everyone knows what theyre talking about) and dont buy anything until you're certain on what you want.. You dont wanna buy an Xbox360 now, only to discover theres a Modern Warfare bundle console coming next week. That sort of thing.

When it comes to price matching I've made up a cheaper (but still somewhat believable) price and 4 out of 5 times the guys at JB match it without checking up on it with the other store. (Again, buy from any store with staff who seem to want to sell quickly and move on to their next customer)

[Omikronflux]

I find it really funny you guys all have these little tips and strategies for getting the price matches you want. Having worked at EB for years, I can say you guys are probably over working for it

Obviously it's going to depend store-by-store, but most stores I've worked at and manage are happy to price match just about anything as long as there's solid proof it's legitimate. If an EB staff member matches a price that's fake, we can get in a lot of trouble, so you'll find some staff more adamant than others about this stuff.

But really, my advice to you all is to just find undeniable truth that the deal is running. I can't speak for GAME or JB, but EB will never deny a legitimate price match, and we don't actually know the cost of items at store level, so we can't deny you on that basis anyway. Hope this helps.