Burnout 2 and Retailers (not directly related to the game itself)

[Modeps]

Recently, Acclaim posted a press release to us all, stating that the MSRP for Burnout 2 on the gamecube would be $29.99, however all the e-tailers seem to disregard this fact and are charging $39.99 for it... most likely just to make a quick extra buck. So, with the help of some better writers than I on my boards (in the most recent email) I decided to try and take it to them, so far, it's been tough to get going... as I'm getting mostly canned responses. However, I hope my latest email will generate more of a stir. In anyevent, if this bothers you, I suggest you email them and voice your displeasure. Here's my recent contact with them.


Sent to help@ebgames.com:

I noticed that you're selling Burnout 2 for the gamecube at $10 above the MSRP of $29.99... is there a particular reason for that? I was going to order it when I found out from Acclaim that it was being released that low, but I think I'll hold off now. Granted the S stands for Suggested, but $10 above seems a bit much, don't you agree?

Here's the press release from Acclaim stating it's $29.99:
http://www.acclaim.com/company/pressReleases/product/Burnout2GameCubeShips.html

~Intake77

Response 1:

Hello,

Thank you for contacting EBgames.com. Sometimes our prices will vary from the publishers suggested price. You can continue to check our website for any changes in the future. If you require further assistance, we are available 7 days a week from 8 AM to Midnight EST.

Best Regards,
Steve
EBgames.com

My Reply:

I don't understand though, what makes Burnout 2 on Gamecube so special?

In the very same press release, it states that the Playstation 2 version's
MSRP is set at $49.99 (the same price at which you are selling it for) and the XBox version also has the MSRP of $49.99 (the same price which you are currently allowing preorders for). It seems to me, only to be fair of course, you should be charging $59.99 for both of those versions.

~Intake77

Their Response:

Hello Intake77,
Thank you for contacting EBgames.com. This is something that we may look into with Acclaim to see why they are listing that price, but for right now that is what our retail price is and also most of our competition is offering the same price. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause you.

If you require further assistance, we are available 7 days a week from 8AM to Midnight EST.

Have a great day!
Tyson
EBgames.com

My Reply:

The question remains however, why would you go to the market and price gouge just like your competitors? If you sold the game at MSRP or even $5 above MSRP, you'd get more customers out of it just by having the lower price. Just because "He's not doing it" doesn't make good business sense at all.
You may be getting more in the terms of profit, as I'm sure plenty of people just go to your website and order away (like I typically do), but the sheer
number of sales could overtake the lower price in terms of profit.

Lets just say this, if the MSRP is $29.99, I'm sure you're getting it for less than that and you're taking advantage of the fact that people just expect to pay $40+ for a "new game" (even though this was released on the PS2 months ago). You are exploiting your customers just to make a buck.

EBGames.com is a great place to get all the latest games and everyone loves dealing with you in terms of preorders and the expediant manner in which
your games ship. Do not take us for a ride.

~Intake77

 

[amnesiac]

Do you know what MSRP is?

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price.

I could go into the basics of capitalism, supply and demand, etc. but suffice it to say you need to take an economics course.

There's nothing wrong with selling an item above "retail."

Car dealers do it all the time. Many suppliers that cater to businesses charge 5-10% above retail to their clients.


Now, there would be a problem if they were selling bottled water for $15 a gallon when there's a definite need for it. That's known as price gouging, and is illegal.

 

[profet]

i'd be happy its still $10 less than other systems...

 

[Modeps]

Yeah, I figured I'd get a response like that Am. I know it's suggested, however what makes it so special that they'd change their normal practice of offering games for MSRP?

 

[Rent]

Oh god, you sound like one of the retarded customers that walk into my store.

"But its supposed to be cheaper!"

Me : "Well it isn't and there's nothing I can do about it"

"But its supposed to be cheaper!! WAH"

Me : *sigh*

Its a new release, it will probably retail for $39.99 for at least a month. Deal with it.

 

[Modeps]

Originally posted by: Rent
Oh god, you sound like one of the retarded customers that walk into my store.

"But its supposed to be cheaper!"

Me : "Well it isn't and there's nothing I can do about it"

"But its supposed to be cheaper!! WAH"

Me : *sigh*

Its a new release, it will probably retail for $39.99 for at least a month. Deal with it.

I defiantely am retarded. You got my number. Instead of comparing me to your customers, why not have a intelligent conversation here instead?

 

[Rent]

Originally posted by: Intake77

Originally posted by: Rent Oh god, you sound like one of the retarded customers that walk into my store. "But its supposed to be cheaper!" Me : "Well it isn't and there's nothing I can do about it" "But its supposed to be cheaper!! WAH" Me : *sigh* Its a new release, it will probably retail for $39.99 for at least a month. Deal with it.

I defiantely am retarded. You got my number. Instead of comparing me to your customers, why not have a intelligent conversation here instead?

Use some common sense. The game is going to sell above MSRP simply because 1) Its a badass game 2) It sells well @ $49.99 3) There is demand for this game.

You're writing email to someone who doesn't even have control over the price of the game. And then you argue over his reply. Thats not what I call intelligence.

 

[Modeps]

Originally posted by: Rent

Originally posted by: Intake77

Originally posted by: Rent Oh god, you sound like one of the retarded customers that walk into my store. "But its supposed to be cheaper!" Me : "Well it isn't and there's nothing I can do about it" "But its supposed to be cheaper!! WAH" Me : *sigh* Its a new release, it will probably retail for $39.99 for at least a month. Deal with it.

I defiantely am retarded. You got my number. Instead of comparing me to your customers, why not have a intelligent conversation here instead?

Use some common sense. The game is going to sell above MSRP simply because 1) Its a badass game 2) It sells well @ $49.99 3) There is demand for this game.

You're writing email to someone who doesn't even have control over the price of the game. And then you argue over his reply. Thats not what I call intelligence.

Again, a well stated remark. We can't all be in mensa, friend. Forgive me for being so thickheaded in thinking my emails may have some good. I'll remember to just rollover next time.

In the meantime, I'm just shooting an email to Acclaim's PR.

 

[RalphKramden]

I can wait. I'll purchase this at $29.99 and not a dollar more.
Reminds me I have to get to Blockbuster for RE0 for $19.99 before that's gone.

 

[Modeps]

Well, look at that, this shut me up, but at least it answers the question:

Speedy reply from Acclaim's Alan Lewis:

Intake77, it was an error in the release, which has been changed on our site. The price is $39.99.

Sorry for any confusion.

- Alan

 

[LinuxIdiot]

No matter what the price is DEAL with it if you dont like the prices wait two weeks for someone to finish it and get bored with it and buy it used. I mean come on GameStop had a deal going on buy two used games get one free for the xbox and ps2. kickass! Wish they had had a sign for the GameCube seeing as I am buying games for that at the moment :-\ however i went ahead and bought myself Star Wars: Clone Wars

 

[Rent]

Originally posted by: LinuxIdiot
No matter what the price is DEAL with it if you dont like the prices wait two weeks for someone to finish it and get bored with it and buy it used. I mean come on GameStop had a deal going on buy two used games get one free for the xbox and ps2. kickass! Wish they had had a sign for the GameCube seeing as I am buying games for that at the moment :-\ however i went ahead and bought myself Star Wars: Clone Wars

The buy 2 used, get one 1 free applies to ALL used items at Gamestop except systems. I know, I had to make signs for it

Intake77

All I ask is that you think before you start arguing with someone over something that isn't in their control. Its not hard.

 

[LinuxIdiot]

Originally posted by: Rent

Originally posted by: LinuxIdiot No matter what the price is DEAL with it if you dont like the prices wait two weeks for someone to finish it and get bored with it and buy it used. I mean come on GameStop had a deal going on buy two used games get one free for the xbox and ps2. kickass! Wish they had had a sign for the GameCube seeing as I am buying games for that at the moment :-\ however i went ahead and bought myself Star Wars: Clone Wars

The buy 2 used, get one 1 free applies to ALL used items at Gamestop except systems. I know, I had to make signs for it Intake77 All I ask is that you think before you start arguing with someone over something that isn't in their control. Its not hard.

w3rd! Damnit I wish, I had seen a sign I woulda bought a buncha games

 

[Smolek]

only problem with Gamestop's used games is they are not cheap at all. I'd rather spend full price then pay $5 less and get a used copy.