people with preorderes being denied their copies?

[masterx1918]

I have seen alot of stories arise on the internet where people with pre-orders are saying they're being denied their bundle because the store they ordered from isn't getting as many copies of the game as they have pre-orders? This worries me.....alot. I do not want to walk into my gamestop on tuesday afternoon only to be told that they're straight out of copies of Rock Band. I plan on calling my gamestop before, but I find it kind of scary that game stores aren't being able to satisfy pre-orders and now i'm paranoid I won't get my copy until next year.

[AnonymousHate]

I should doubt this would happen with this game. Im thinking each store is allocated a certain amount of copies based on the size of the store and they determine the reserve slots from that number. So i doubt they're going to be short any copies unless the guy behind the counter is selling the reserved copies.

[SmokaCola]

I have seen alot of stories arise on the internet where people with pre-orders are saying they're being denied their bundle because the store they ordered from isn't getting as many copies of the game as they have pre-orders? This worries me.....alot. I do not want to walk into my gamestop on tuesday afternoon only to be told that they're straight out of copies of Rock Band. I plan on calling my gamestop before, but I find it kind of scary that game stores aren't being able to satisfy pre-orders and now i'm paranoid I won't get my copy until next year.


You're just paranoid, just like me man. Give them a call and ask how many bundles they'll be receiving. I was freaking out so bad then they told me it was in the teens, so I'm pretty calm and just waiting now. I was extremely paranoid trying to find all the info I could. Give them a call, ask them how many they're getting, how many have pre-ordered, then check on your order (what you owe and such). If everything goes well and they guarantee that you'll get it. Just sit back and relax, and wait till that beautiful Tuesday afternoon :)

[SteppinRazor]

Pre-orders are a fudging racket.

They are more than happy to take your down payment and (and make 6 months interest off it regardless), but preorders no longer mean you get a copy for certain.

Several years ago I swore I would never preorder again. I had been screwed around enough by more than one retail chain.

Recently, I broke that rule and pre-ordered RB. Guess how that has turned out so far?

I am a Canadian (No, don't make this one of those threads, but it is relative to this story).

I had been planning to camp out Future Shop on launch day. But as November got colder, I started to consider hedging my bet with a pre-order. In my immediate area, EB is the only pre-order taking retailer.

Long story short, I asked a lot of questions about their policies and shipping for pre-order fullfillment, the manager sold me a line of BS about being able to get the game on the 20th, and I went home happy that I wouldn't be camping in the snow. Next day I start hearing the rumours about the Canadian shipping date being different than the North American date.

Now I am back to my previous position that pre-orders are BS and that stores will take your money and tell you whatever you want to hear, but that your preorder probably has no effect on the number of units they're going to receive.

I certainly hope I can get the game one week before X-mas, but I can tell you I have little faith in my pre-order meaning anything by that time. I don't relish the thought of spending the night on a sidewalk in December either.

[masterx1918]

You're just paranoid, just like me man. Give them a call and ask how many bundles they'll be receiving. I was freaking out so bad then they told me it was in the teens, so I'm pretty calm and just waiting now. I was extremely paranoid trying to find all the info I could. Give them a call, ask them how many they're getting, how many have pre-ordered, then check on your order (what you owe and such). If everything goes well and they guarantee that you'll get it. Just sit back and relax, and wait till that beautiful Tuesday afternoon :)
alright thanks man. I know last weekend I went in there to pay it off and I asked them if I was ensured a copy and they told me yes but i'm not too sure how much I can trust them.

[BodhiWolff]

I am really very certain that you can trust them to ...
a) only order as many copies as they have pre-orders
b) only sell copies of pre-orders in the first two days
c) sell your copy if you do not pick it up within two days

So long as you get there in the first day, I think you're fine.

While people might have anecdotal evidence to the contrary (read: atypical stories which pop up now and again due to human error and the inevitable stupid mistakes which happen due to the fact that retail stores hire minimum wage clerks) the business model of these stores is such that they *need* their client-base to trust that the pre-orders will be there. They *need* their clients to order through them, to come and pick up the games, and to keep the stock flowing. They *need* their clients to do this, again and again. If they screw up, their clients stop coming, and they go out of business.

So I'd say you have a solid, 98 percent chance that your pre-order will go through as planned.

Of course, something might have screwed up. They might not get in enough copies, etc. Some poor minimum-wage clerk might've messed up on his first week there, and through completely understandable human error some orders got messed up.

But these things happen.

It isn't like they use your money to stock their shelves, then sell "your" copy to the first person who walks in, and then laugh at you and simply give you your money back, leaving you out in the cold.

They couldn't stay in business if this was the norm.

And while I'm sure that there are going to be people who swear up and down that this is exactly how they were treated, I am equally sure that there are at least *some* indivuals who ... ahem ... conveniently forget to mention a fact or two which might explain why their orders sometimes get lost in the shuffle, or sometimes aren't completely paid for, etc.

Rest assured that any company which failed completely to fulfill simple pre-orders - especially when they rely so heavily on them for substantial income -- would suffer such horrible business losses that it would close its doors within months.

[visualdeity]

Pre-orders are a fudging racket.

They are more than happy to take your down payment and (and make 6 months interest off it regardless), but preorders no longer mean you get a copy for certain.

Several years ago I swore I would never preorder again. I had been screwed around enough by more than one retail chain.

Recently, I broke that rule and pre-ordered RB. Guess how that has turned out so far?

I am a Canadian (No, don't make this one of those threads, but it is relative to this story).

I had been planning to camp out Future Shop on launch day. But as November got colder, I started to consider hedging my bet with a pre-order. In my immediate area, EB is the only pre-order taking retailer.

Long story short, I asked a lot of questions about their policies and shipping for pre-order fullfillment, the manager sold me a line of BS about being able to get the game on the 20th, and I went home happy that I wouldn't be camping in the snow. Next day I start hearing the rumours about the Canadian shipping date being different than the North American date.

Now I am back to my previous position that pre-orders are BS and that stores will take your money and tell you whatever you want to hear, but that your preorder probably has no effect on the number of units they're going to receive.

I certainly hope I can get the game one week before X-mas, but I can tell you I have little faith in my pre-order meaning anything by that time. I don't relish the thought of spending the night on a sidewalk in December either.

That's stupid. You can hardly blame the EB manager for the Canadian delay, it's entirely possible he had no idea. Moreover, unless they run game stores in Canada way different than they run the ones down here, your preorder will still be good in December. Delays happen, and game stores don't run around canceling people's preorders because of it.

[Bakkster]

I've said it before, but it's worth repeating: if they don't give you your preorder day one, call the district manager and make a fuss. Their policy states you're entitled to a game, and they should do everything in their power to prevent a PR nightmare.


That's stupid. You can hardly blame the EB manager for the Canadian delay, it's entirely possible he had no idea. Moreover, unless they run game stores in Canada way different than they run the ones down here, your preorder will still be good in December. Delays happen, and game stores don't run around canceling people's preorders because of it.

Agreed. He was telling you as accurate information as anyone else had at the time.

[raregamer]

Does anyone else think that a 170.00 toy in such high demand and not just a hype made to sell as many units as possible. This is a new franchise and would need to sell a lot of copies and we are talking EA here and Mtv I think they'll make sure to have that product on the shelf.

[FailedNinja]

From what I understand, EB/Gamestop sets their initial distribution based on preorders. Your preorder means another Gamestop somewhere else will have its Rock Band diverted to your Gamestop to fulfill your preorder.
I've only had 1 problem with Gamestop, when Gears of War didn't arrive on release day. I got $5 off and the game the next day, which I was just fine with.

[AdamBomb629]

It seems that Gamestop has been able to fulfill their pre-orders based on the cut-off date (I think early November at some point) and beyond that, SEE YOU IN '08!

[waffsrocks87]

i went to my local gamestop to ask about a midnight release and thankfully they are having one!!! they said they are only getting 25 in and to get there early. i got the rest of bandmates to meet me there for the wait at 6. it will be a long wait but worth it when we can play that night!

[masterx1918]

.....you're getting there 6 hours early? I hate to say your crazy but you took the managers advice of getting there early a little too literal. This game will be in high demand but not so much that you'll need to get there 6 hours early

[Reaper2099]

i was worried about the limited quantities too, I called EBgames/Gamestop a few days ago and they told me that as long as I got some money down on it that I was guaranteed a copy.

[bamaredwingsfan]

I got to thinking about that myself, so i decided to check the work calender to see if anyone had the 20th off, and sure enough it was open. I took it off so i can be there when the doors open an make sure i get my copy, even though i paid it in full, i still have no worries that i would get left out even if i didn't go pick it up on the 20th. Main reason i took the 20th off was to have all day long to play the game:) I know im ok at my local gamestop for the following reason, i preorded COD4 and it was very scarse around here where i live, nobody had it but gamestop. I went into the store the day after the release, and picked up my copy, it was the last remaining copy the store had. I walked into the store picked up the last copy of COD4 in a big crowd of people, and had them making me offers on the game as i left the store:D Most of those places that take preorders give you 48 hrs to pick the game up, then if its not piced up then they reserve the right to sell it. I have no problem with that, they only sell the copy if you still owe on the game, if its fully paid for then they won't sell it.

[easter_bilby]

I just called my gamestop and was told that I would get my pre-order. It probably depends on your store and isn't a widespread problem.

[I_Like_Juice]

So I just called my EB games here in town I pre-ordered RB from. I spoke to the manager. He said, everyone that pre-ordered is getting a copy of the game. They stopped taking pre-orders when they knew they wouldn't be able to fill them. And, that you don't have to pay it off before tuesday. And they will know tomorrow if there will be a midnight release. So, I guess I just need to sit back and relax and wait until Tuesday. :)

[waffsrocks87]

.....you're getting there 6 hours early? I hate to say your crazy but you took the managers advice of getting there early a little too literal. This game will be in high demand but not so much that you'll need to get there 6 hours early


you think thats too early? i just want to make sure i get my copy. if i can wait till 10 then ill stay home and watch heroes befoe heading out.

[Reaper2099]

you think thats too early? i just want to make sure i get my copy. if i can wait till 10 then ill stay home and watch heroes befoe heading out.

from the sound of things there are two possibilities:

if you preordered you are safe and the guy was telling to get there early so you can get out the door as quickly as possible to start playing, if you get there at midnight then you will have to wait in line to get your copy. I think thats what he was talking about.

If you did not preorder then there is no reason to go to ebgames/gamestop cause they don't have any. You are up fcked creek without a condom :)

[waffsrocks87]

from the sound of things there are two possibilities:

if you preordered you are safe and the guy was telling to get there early so you can get out the door as quickly as possible to start playing, if you get there at midnight then you will have to wait in line to get your copy. I think thats what he was talking about.

If you did not preorder then there is no reason to go to ebgames/gamestop cause they don't have any. You are up fcked creek without a condom :)
Trust me..i preorderd it about a month or so again. it doesnt really matter what time i get out of there. i dont have class the next day. they are however having a mass effect release as well..so im assuming its going to be crowded.

[Reaper2099]

Trust me..i preorderd it about a month or so again. it doesnt really matter what time i get out of there. i dont have class the next day. they are however having a mass effect release as well..so im assuming its going to be crowded.

yeah, it'll probably be pretty crazy, I'm half tempted to go to a midnight release and buy some arbitrary game just to get strange looks :D

[Eastwood]

No midnight for me, but I keep badgering the manager to make sure I get a copy. I also paid in full early on. My money is in their pocket, so RB better be in my living room by noon 11/20/07!! :D

[Ultrace]

.....you're getting there 6 hours early? I hate to say your crazy but you took the managers advice of getting there early a little too literal. This game will be in high demand but not so much that you'll need to get there 6 hours early
If they're only getting 25 copies in and we can assume at least 5-10 were preordered... I don't know if I'd risk it. I've certainly waited in line for worse things. If it came down to waiting 6 hours now or not having the game for a couple of months... Well, it'd be time for me to schedule getting off work early. :)

Thankfully, we preordered a ways back with full payment at EBGames... And I'll be asking my wife to stop by to pick it up first thing Tuesday morning to be extra safe.

[xiaNaix]

I was told by a Game Stop manager that, ever since they were purchased by EB Games, they are only being shipped the quantity of games for their pre-orders. If you have not pre-ordered, do not go to EB or Game Stop expecting to buy a copy.

[Bakkster]

I was told by a Game Stop manager that, ever since they were purchased by EB Games, they are only being shipped the quantity of games for their pre-orders. If you have not pre-ordered, do not go to EB or Game Stop expecting to buy a copy.

My understanding is that GS stores got enough inventory to cover preorders. The stores with the most preorders got extra stock, which then also promptly got preordered. Basically every copy of the game in a GS/EB is reserved for someone, so it's not worth going there lloking to pick up a random copy.

[masterx1918]

yeah my gamestop just told me that only got enough copies to cover pre-orders so I should be fine for tuesday.

[Struct09]

I was told by a Game Stop manager that, ever since they were purchased by EB Games, they are only being shipped the quantity of games for their pre-orders. If you have not pre-ordered, do not go to EB or Game Stop expecting to buy a copy.

Just to be a nerd and correct you, it was Gamestop who bought EB, not the other way around :p

[MartyMcFly]

I just want reassurance: I pre-ordered back on July 12th. I'm paid in full at Gamestop. I plan on calling out sick from work and getting to the store at opening.

Will I have to wait in a line? Will there even be a line? And it is definite that they're only selling to pre-ordered people?

Thanks

(I said in another thread I wasn't going to come on the forums again till next week. But I'm paranoid as well!)

[FailedNinja]

I just want reassurance: I pre-ordered back on July 12th. I'm paid in full at Gamestop. I plan on calling out sick from work and getting to the store at opening.

Will I have to wait in a line? Will there even be a line? And it is definite that they're only selling to pre-ordered people?

Thanks

(I said in another thread I wasn't going to come on the forums again till next week. But I'm paranoid as well!)

Very few things are 100%, but I preordered from my local Gamestop and I am not worried in the least.

[masterx1918]

I just want reassurance: I pre-ordered back on July 12th. I'm paid in full at Gamestop. I plan on calling out sick from work and getting to the store at opening.

Will I have to wait in a line? Will there even be a line? And it is definite that they're only selling to pre-ordered people?

Thanks

(I said in another thread I wasn't going to come on the forums again till next week. But I'm paranoid as well!)
you should be set. My gamestop told me they're getting just enough copies to ful-fill preorders, and if they don't you'll be first on their list to get a copy since you've been paid in full since July. You have nothing to worry about

[stunner1210]

On both Orange Box's and Call of Duty 4's release days, I went into the EB that I've pre-ordered Rock Band from and they were sold out of both games. I was told that almost all of the games that were sold were pre-ordered, so I'm hoping it's the same deal with Rock Band.

I've had my bundle pre-ordered since the first week they were taking pre-orders, so I should be ok as should anyone else that pre-ordered. However, the one thing that I'm 100% sure of; if I somehow don't get my copy on release day, someone is getting hurt :(.

[pchan911]

This was my experience with Guitar Heroes on the Saturday of release =).

EB and Gamestop here in Queens NY all were out of stock if you didnt pre-order.

Weirdly.... Best Buy had TONS of copies and kits (with guitars), and was putting the working demo of rockband (coinky dink!).

So the hope is... I walk in to best buy on the 20th and pick one up.

If not I have a pre order in with J&R too just to cover my bases, they've been pretty good with the pre orders. They got me the wii 2 days after release last year (had to wait on shipping -_-).

[Seiana]

I have worked for GS for years. The times stuff like that really happens are 1) with Systems. (Which is why they don’t reserve systems anymore. Thanks to the 360 debacle.) and 2) Games that they take too many pre-orders the DAY OF or DAY BEFORE. A limited Quantity title like Rock Band they turn off the SKU so there can not be any overages on Pre-Orders. They turned off the sku for rock band quite a while ago. So I’m sure if you got in your order, you will be rocking away on the 20th. =}

Still debating on weather I want to call in sick… muwahahaha.

[visualdeity]

I have worked for GS for years. The times stuff like that really happens are 1) with Systems. (Which is why they don’t reserve systems anymore. Thanks to the 360 debacle.) and 2) Games that they take too many pre-orders the DAY OF or DAY BEFORE. A limited Quantity title like Rock Band they turn off the SKU so there can not be any overages on Pre-Orders. They turned off the sku for rock band quite a while ago. So I’m sure if you got in your order, you will be rocking away on the 20th. =}

Still debating on weather I want to call in sick… muwahahaha.

If you're a Gamestop employee, and you call in sick on the 20th, I don't think you're fooling anyone, man. ;)

[tmanrocks]

As far as I know people who reserve a game its like..

Store orders X number of copies per console (Lets just say 100)

And then say 100 people reserve it for PS3 and 99 reserve it for Xbox 360 , Should someone try to reserve the PS3 one , they would say you can't

When I reserved Rock band on tuesday they asked me what system and I told them Xbox 360... and then they mentioned that PS3 pre orders got stopped (Apparently all of their PS3 copies were accounted for)

I don't think stores are stupid enough to do unlimited reservations w/o having any idea how many copies they are getting... especially not gamestop... they are straight up a very professional gaming store

Edit : If anyone would tell me what time gamestop opens on weekdays I would appreciate it cause then I wouldn't have to call them

[masterx1918]

I know mine opens at 10 am

[JB4GDI]

Sweet, called up my gamestop and my pre-order's still good. Glee!

-Jaime

[Schreibs21]

I called my ebgames and they are NOT doing a midnight release, which actually might be better for me even though I have had it preordered since August, they open at 10am and I have the day off so I shouldn't have to fight anyone in a line. They have also cut off preorders in my store and they said I'm safe, while I still don't 100% trust them I'll be there a little before 10am on tuesday just to make sure. When I went to get GH3 there was like 6-8 of us waiting to get our preorders, it was pretty sad, and my best buy had and still has tons of stock for all the game systems.

[Seiana]

If you're a Gamestop employee, and you call in sick on the 20th, I don't think you're fooling anyone, man. ;)

Hehe ill just bat my eyelashes and not care lol. XD

[jordan15b]

i didnt even preorder im hoping i can walk in to bestbuy and find a copy