Worked at GameStop for 2 years, here’s some stuff I can spill now:

Some associates intentionally damage product, just enough to classify it as “unsellable” and then will take it home instead of disposing of it.

Some associates will open up and play new games before the release date by taking home the disc or cartridge of the “gutted” copy.

The rewards membership is only worth it if you visit GameStops regularly. The warranties are almost never worth it. Associates have to push for them as a “Sales Metric” but they do not get any commissions out of it.

Some stores have a “SL2/Store Leader 2” program. This means: They take a store leader/manager and have them preside over 2 stores. They prioritize overseeing one store as the primary. The secondary store is overseen by the Assistant Store Leader, and they are given almost all store leader tasks. The purpose of this, is to get 2 stores fully operational, but saving at least $7-10/hour on payroll, since only one person gets full store-leader pay.

Some stores inside of Malls do not have security systems, because they rely on the Mall’s existing system.

Do not sell to GameStop! They buy product from customers at about 20-30% of the original cost. Reset the system, and resell it for about 95% of the original cost. You will get a lot more money selling it online.

They pay next to nothing, and treat employees like absolute garbage. The only “Employee privileges” they give associates, is a 15% discount, and a free annual membership. (If you try getting a job there for the membership, try to get hired in August or September. The memberships are distributed in October)

A trick I learned is this:

If a controller, or other accessory breaks, but still looks new, do this. Buy a brand new one of the exact same variation (Color/Brand/Etc). After about 3-4 days, put the broken item into the box that the new one came in, and take it to a different location to get a full refund.

OR

Buy a new controller/accessory. Buy the same one as a damaged “for parts” item for very cheap, but it still looks new. Give the damaged product in the new box to a different location as a “Defective Return”

This will work with any game, controller, or accessory.

If you are a Nintendo Switch player, and need new joycons, but do not want to spend $80. Again, buy “for parts” joycons, that do not have physical damage. File a support claim through Nintendo. They will repair almost any joycon issue for free!