some games stores are absolute ripoffs

I remember them. I think we even traded in games before. I think one time we traded in I think 3 games and got 2. But I remember more their catalog in game mags as I ordered my Super Scope and games from them. I know I ordered a few other things from them. Like Ninja Gaiden Trilogy for SNES I recall was $36. It goes for more than that now, as it is an actually rare game as it came out in I think 95 and probably didn't sell enough to do more than one low production run.

 

I remember funcoland selling NES Super Mario Bros for literally - 25 cents.

Hard to find a copy under 5 bucks now.

 

My gamestores are generally in line with online stores, or cheaper, with lots of promotions. For whatever reason, my small city has a ton of independent stores in the area. Win for me. Picked up a complete Toejam and Earl for the Genesis for 15$, right in line with online prices.

 

Yes Game Traders cops the grief, unfortunately it isn't always their fault.

The one I do the repair/mod work for may be closing down later this year. They pay $19k/month in rent in a major shopping centre, in the quite end. They checked moving to another location with more traffic that went to $30k+. Sure they could move to a smaller centre, but have no where near the foot traffic.

They also have fairly hefty franchise fee's, for example they have to pay 10% franchise fee's on ALL second hand sold console's! That means if they get a trade in or source from ebay etc, they have to add 10% on top of what they would sell it for to make a profit for themselves.

Also they have to pay staff a fair wage, this store has had to let people go as they simply can't afford to keep them.

Agree $200 for a yellowed Dreamcast is taking the piss, I sell my modified Dreamcasts through them and pocket less than that! Unless it came with a mountain of games I guess.

It is cheaper for them to source their games from the UK vs Aussie suppliers, last I spoke to the owner about it, up to $20 per game!

It will suck if they close down as it is good "fun money" for me, it is not my primary job and having a baby recently I have had to slow down a bit.

There was a local retro shop not far from where I lived and that guy was a laughing stock! A N64 controller not cleaned with a busted thumbstick for $50! I shit you not, don't ask about a Saturn (ok ask it was $150 console only). That shop is gone now.....

 

Which one was that? Gametrading?

Try BuySellXchange in the market, he's offers pretty fair prices. Checks eBay for most stuff so there is no buy low sell high but you get fair prices.

 

I only have one game store near me in Scotland and it has bad prices on most stuff but have found Shemue 2 for £1.50 before so it is good sometimes

 

Glad that you're really up to scratch on these things, because I understand they have staff to pay, rent to pay and what not but sometimes there is covering costs and trying to make a quick buck. I've never found a store that's worth going to for retro gaming stuff, not even a flea market or anything... The internet is my only place (which has been good), just nothing beats coming home with a whole lot of stuff that very day you bought it.

 

I think it was pre played but not 100% sure it was in a pretty clear plastic case so you couldn't swipe it.

 

Where is this store? O.O:topsy_turvy:

 

Tacoma, Washington.

Northwesttoyz

http://northwest-toyz.com/

give him an email - he doesn't update his site much but he has a LOT of gaming stuff. Tell'em Henry sent him you there

 

Well damn, next time i'm in the area(I live in central Oregon) I think i'll stop by and check it out.