GameStop Shopping Tip: How Buying Preowned Games Saves Money and Offers Returns

This may be common knowledge for some, but not for everyone. When purchasing a game at GameStop, if you buy new, it is yours. This means you cannot return it. You can sell it back to them, but you will likely get much less than the game’s original value. Even if you bought it just a couple of hours earlier, once it’s opened, it belongs to you.

So, how do infrequent gamers who want to try out a game first work around this? Here’s a tip: GameStop calls it “preowned,” which means “used.” If you buy a used game and for whatever reason you don’t like it or it doesn’t work, you can return it, no questions asked. You have 7 days to return it and 30 days to exchange it for an identical copy if you have trouble with the purchased copy.

This applies to games as well as accessories and similar items. So, when shopping at GameStop, consider asking for the “preowned” copy of the game. It’s usually cheaper, eligible for discounts if you are a “Power Up” member, and gives you the flexibility to try out the game before committing to it.

If you prefer a new copy, try the used version first; if you like it, return the used one and apply those return funds toward buying the new version. I learned this lesson years ago. Most recently, I encountered this with a game that included a key code — DC Universe Online. I wasn’t aware it required a monthly fee to play. I canceled right away, but once the key was registered, it lost its value. So keep that in mind.

I hope this tip is helpful to some of you. Enjoy the Labor Day weekend!