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Where can I return unopened games without a receipt?

39K views 41 replies 27 participants last post by  totalownership 
#1 ·
I got a couple of games as Xmas presents that I have no intention of playing, but being gifts no receipt was included.


Would really like to trade them, for store credit, to purchase games/accessories I would actually use.



Thanks!
 
#4 ·
I think Target has a policy where you can return two things per year, without a receipt. They require your drivers license, and I think there is a limit in regards to the cost of the item. The limit could be $50, and you of course will get the lowest price it ever sold as.


I think Wal-Mart does this as well.



If you have a Costco membership, and the game was ever sold at Costco's in your city, you can say that you got this as a gift from another Costco member. I'm not sure if Costco would actually look up that members account and see if they indeed did purchase it or not, but normally, Costco has a pretty lenient return policy, for things that were sold in their stores. Costco doesn't carry a big selection of games tho, so very possible they didn't have either of those games for sale.
 
#5 ·
Target, Walmart, Best Buy.


Just tell them they were gifts from a work xmas party and u never got a receipt. Only downside is that they will give you credit for the lowest price that the game was ever on sale for....
 
#7 ·
Will try Target & Costco first.. as they are the closest to me.


I want to say this happened last year and Walmart would not accept a return. They gave me the exchange only speech.




Im actually surprised its such a big deal these days. I remember a few years back, stores too anything back after Christmas. The product is new, still in the packaging. I understand the stores have to protect themselves from people who may try and abuse their return policy, but the 2-3 items returnable with no reciept policy and $50 limit sounds acceptable. Either way the gift card/store credit Im using will only work in the store I return it too, so they at worse they being nice to customers and attracting more foot traffic in stores.
 
#8 ·
people are always trying to take advantage of the system. I remember waiting in line at Old Navy to snag a free Dance Central with $40 purchase. And the mom behind me said she was getting it so that she could "return" it to Walmart to get cash/credit back to buy other gifts.


Costco will take anything back! They're really nice and lenient. Maybe that's why fees keep going up. My ex bought some pre-made salad and forgot about it in the fridge and it spoiled. So she brought it back to Costco, said she just got it and they refunded her the money. My friend was waiting in line at Costco and some guy brought in broken sunglasses (probably broke it himself) and said he wanted a refund or a new pair. They look at the receipt and it's 3 years old. But the manager relented and he got what he wanted (not sure if it was a refund or exchange).
 
#9 ·
Yeah, the problem is, in this day and age of Slick Deals and Fat Wallet, and everything else, there are so many cut throat people that will do anything to scratch a couple of bucks together. People are ruthless nowadays. I remember the glory days, back when Montgomery Ward and Kay Bee Toys and places like that existed, and you could actually return stuff without a receipt. Some stores would even mail you a check in the mail. People abuse the system too much. Return Fraud can be a huge problem.
 
#10 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Anthony1  /t/1450487/where-can-i-return-unopened-games-without-a-receipt#post_22803944


Yeah, the problem is, in this day and age of Slick Deals and Fat Wallet, and everything else, there are so many cut throat people that will do anything to scratch a couple of bucks together. People are ruthless nowadays. I remember the glory days, back when Montgomery Ward and Kay Bee Toys and places like that existed, and you could actually return stuff without a receipt. Some stores would even mail you a check in the mail. People abuse the system too much. Return Fraud can be a huge problem.

The "flippers" on Slickdeals absolutely disgust me. People who have nothing better to do in life, than purposely purchase something another consumer is seeking.. for the onlypurpose of reselling it for a profit, not for consuming it!


I'm not talking about the guy who bought Halo for $60 bucks, didnt play it yet, found it somewhere else for $40 and returned his brand new, unopened copy to save $20. Im talking about people who have no intention of playing a game, but will use a credit card to buy 10 copies of the $40 game.. just to return it to a store selling it for $60 (or sell it on Ebay), so they can reap the $200 "profit". Thats not profit. That's unethical & lacking moral.


I completely understand its a free market, and capitalism will determine what an item is truly worth. But as a person looking for certain items now (AR lowers, Pmags, BCG's). Its disgusting to see these items completely sold out on every website with regular prices, but TONS of them available on Ebay and Gunbroker for triple the price. I dont care how someone else feels about these flippers.. It disgusts me. And my opinion will not change.
 
#11 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Daekwan  /t/1450487/where-can-i-return-unopened-games-without-a-receipt#post_22799812


I got a couple of games as Xmas presents that I have no intention of playing, but being gifts no receipt was included.

Would really like to trade them, for store credit, to purchase games/accessories I would actually use.

Thanks!

Just curious what games did you get? Inquiring minds want to know....
 
#12 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rage Guy  /t/1450487/where-can-i-return-unopened-games-without-a-receipt#post_22807152


Just curious what games did you get? Inquiring minds want to know....

50 Cent: Blood in the Sand & Forza Horizon.


I had both on my Amazon wish list, as things I would probably buy sooner or later. But didnt want to pay full price for. Low & behold.. my girlfriend recommended those purchases to her mom & sister as my christmas gifts.


Amazon will accept the return, only IF I can get the original order number or if I can give them the email of the person who purchased it for me as a gift. I dont want to go thru the trouble of getting either, as they were gifts and I do want to chance the person who gave them to me finding out.
 
#13 ·
Throw away Horizon, but ermahgerd you have got to play Blood On The Sand! It is the single finest work of parody that has ever graced a console. As an added bonus it's mechanics are implemented well. The situations that the pair of players get in to and the commentary that flows between them is just so perfectly executed. If I were to pick a game this generation that was "Great, but nobody played", Blood On The Sand is it.


50 Cent: Blood On The Sand is the Beyond Good And Evil of this generation.
 
#16 ·
Is it not a bit odd that the OP wants to return games to a store from which they did not come? Is that not taking advantage of said store and thereby directly conflicting with what the OP states he hates most about flippers? I hope people understand games are purchased by the stores below consumer cost so the retail stores can turn a profit on them. If you return something to a store from which it did not come they are out money that comes from not only the cost of the game but restocking etc. I don't understand how flipping games to another store or returning something to a store that originally didn't sell the product are exclusive. Sorry.
 
#17 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Daekwan  /t/1450487/where-can-i-return-unopened-games-without-a-receipt#post_22801676




Im actually surprised its such a big deal these days. I remember a few years back, stores too anything back after Christmas. The product is new, still in the packaging. I understand the stores have to protect themselves from people who may try and abuse their return policy, but the 2-3 items returnable with no reciept policy and $50 limit sounds acceptable. Either way the gift card/store credit Im using will only work in the store I return it too, so they at worse they being nice to customers and attracting more foot traffic in stores.

B2G1F caught up with them. People were buying the 2 games and exchanging the third, typically weeks later, when a big round of new titles hit. B2G1F is a promotion to make room for new stock for those new titles, so you can see the problem from all ends.
 
#18 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by PowerCreep  /t/1450487/where-can-i-return-unopened-games-without-a-receipt#post_22881259


Is it not a bit odd that the OP wants to return games to a store from which they did not come? Is that not taking advantage of said store and thereby directly conflicting with what the OP states he hates most about flippers? I hope people understand games are purchased by the stores below consumer cost so the retail stores can turn a profit on them. If you return something to a store from which it did not come they are out money that comes from not only the cost of the game but restocking etc. I don't understand how flipping games to another store or returning something to a store that originally didn't sell the product are exclusive. Sorry.

1) I'm not flipping anything. I'm not looking to make any sort of profit from this transaction.


2) I'm looking to trade an unopened product that is/was a gift with no reciept, for a gift card/store credit, to a retailer where I would immediately use that credit to purchase something else in the exact same store where I would be making the return.


3) Because the game(s) I am returning are unopened, the store is paying/recieving the exact same item they would directly from the manufacter. The cost to the store is neither higher, nor lower, than what they are currently paying the manufacter for the item.


4) Because I'm an honest, stand up individual. Chances are I'd spend more in the store than just the
 
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#19 ·
"3) Because the game(s) I am returning are unopened, the store is paying/recieving the exact same item they would directly from the manufacter. The cost to the store is neither higher, nor lower, than what they are currently paying the manufacter for the item."


Do you not realize that a $60 game does not cost a retailer $60? How do you imagine that the store creates an income?
 
#20 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by darklordjames  /t/1450487/where-can-i-return-unopened-games-without-a-receipt#post_22884988


"3) Because the game(s) I am returning are unopened, the store is paying/recieving the exact same item they would directly from the manufacter. The cost to the store is neither higher, nor lower, than what they are currently paying the manufacter for the item."


Do you not realize that a $60 game does not cost a retailer $60? How do you imagine that the store creates an income?

Do you not realize that I would take the $60 in store credit and immediately purchase another $60 game from the same store. After purchasing the game, I would purchase any additional items I needed in the store.. to guarantee the store has made a profit off my foot traction. I am literally trying to trade an unopened Xbox 360 game for another unopened Xbox 360 game. I would be sure to spend additional cash, in the same store, after that trade happens.


This is not very hard to figure out people. As I said, I hate people who purposely "abuse" the return policy on stores and especially dont care for "flippers" (people who purposely buy a game a one store, to return it to another for profit). It ends up hurting us all. If I were to get $60 in store credit.. I would probably end up spending atleast $100 in the same store. Meaning I will have spent $40 of my own cash. Considering most of these are major department stores.. Im absolutely sure I can find $40 or so worth of items to buy. Chances are I'll spend alot more than $40.. as I can easily drop $100 in Target just from weekly shopping.


Further more.. the only reason I am looking to return the game(s). Is that they were genuine gifts that I did not want and have no intention of ever using. I do not want to insult the person who gave me these gifts by asking for the receipt to return the games. All Im looking to do is to trade the unopened gift items, for items of equal value, at the same retailer who will accept the return. This isnt rocket science.
 
#21 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Daekwan  /t/1450487/where-can-i-return-unopened-games-without-a-receipt#post_22888725


Further more.. the only reason I am looking to return the game(s). Is that they were genuine gifts that I did not want and have no intention of ever using. I do not want to insult the person who gave me these gifts by asking for the receipt to return the games. All Im looking to do is to trade the unopened gift items, for items of equal value, at the same retailer who will accept the return. This isnt rocket science.

This is not meant to be offensive or judgemental, just my attempt at playing devil's advocate....


The problem with this is the grey area that comes from the part that I highlighted in your last response. Different people will have varying standards when it comes to valuing your attempts to exchange these games. I can see where people will see it as wrong for you to simply find a store that will take them back, even if you are 'justifying' the exchange by buying more items in said store. There is grey area here, simply because the 'black n white' scenario is clear. In order to spare yourself the possible insult to the person who gifted these to you, you are looking to exchange them without their knowledge. What will you say when that person asks about whether you enjoyed the game they bought for you? The best option may be to simply thank them up front, but explain to them that it is not your type of game, and that you'd like to exchange it/them. Plus there are other options....like selling the games on Ebay or CL. But again, it seems you are trying to maximize your credit, which is understandable. So you see, it may be crystal clear to you (since it's not rocket science), but we don't all see through the same eyes.


I am off my da box now, just trying to spread enlightenment through the internets.
 
#22 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by darklordjames  /t/1450487/where-can-i-return-unopened-games-without-a-receipt#post_22884988


"3) Because the game(s) I am returning are unopened, the store is paying/recieving the exact same item they would directly from the manufacter. The cost to the store is neither higher, nor lower, than what they are currently paying the manufacter for the item."


Do you not realize that a $60 game does not cost a retailer $60? How do you imagine that the store creates an income?

I agree with you, and I don't like the whole thing of returning an item to a store where it wasn't originally purchased. The store is essentially giving you $60 free dollars to spend there. Even if they put that item back out on the shelf and it sells for the same price they gave you, at best they're breaking even. At worst, it doesn't sell, ends up in a sale rack and they take a loss.


That being said, if a store has that policy, they're accepting the risk involved in not knowing if it originally came from them. If I was a store I sure as hell would not have that policy but if they do they must be confident that just getting a person in there will drive sales for other things.
 
#23 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by bbexperience  /t/1450487/where-can-i-return-unopened-games-without-a-receipt#post_22890054


I agree with you, and I don't like the whole thing of returning an item to a store where it wasn't originally purchased. The store is essentially giving you $60 free dollars to spend there. Even if they put that item back out on the shelf and it sells for the same price they gave you, at best they're breaking even. At worst, it doesn't sell, ends up in a sale rack and they take a loss.


That being said, if a store has that policy, they're accepting the risk involved in not knowing if it originally came from them. If I was a store I sure as hell would not have that policy but if they do they must be confident that just getting a person in there will drive sales for other things.

There's also a chance I could be returning the game to the store chain, from where it was purchased. Afterall.. the store wouldnt accept a return for an item they do not sell. The point of accepting no receipt returns, means there is generally no proof where the game came from. Its a risk store chains are well aware of. Still most retailers go a step further to even extend the amount of days they will take returns after Christmas.. as they understand thousands of people like myself have received a gift they would like to return.


The reason why some stores.. especially B&M stores.. understand they must have flexible return policies is that they must be both competitive and attractive to keep customers walking thru the doors. By accepting a *limited* amount of no-receipt returns.. of new/unopened items.. they are providing a level of customer service to customers who might normally choose the option of shopping somewhere else where the prices are generally cheaper. Stores have learned that having the cheapest price isnt the end all, be all of consumer wants. And that consumers generally command better service from a B&M. Stores also understand the risk of no-reciept returns.. and generally limit the amount of items you can return and while asking for a copy of ID so they can record your name & address. That way they can track those who abuse the policy, and limit the amount of returns a single customer is able to make.


One of the biggest reasons I shop so much at Costco is their return policy. With the exception of electronics like TV's, Computers, Camera, Phones, etc.. they generally accept any return and from almost any time frame. This isnt necessarily a free service to the customer.. as Im sure a good portion of the annual $55 membership provides the added insurance to keep their flexible return policy alive. But it is a small price to pay for a superior level of customer service. Nordstrom also provides the same service, but instead of charging a paid annual fee.. they simply raise their prices to cover the additional cost of superior customer service.
 
#24 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Daekwan  /t/1450487/where-can-i-return-unopened-games-without-a-receipt#post_22807017



I completely understand its a free market, and capitalism will determine what an item is truly worth. But as a person looking for certain items now (AR lowers, Pmags, BCG's). Its disgusting to see these items completely sold out on every website with regular prices, but TONS of them available on Ebay and Gunbroker for triple the price. I dont care how someone else feels about these flippers.. It disgusts me. And my opinion will not change.

You can't have it both ways my friend. If you understand it's free market capitalism then that's all there is to say about it. The practice you dislike is called arbitrage and is a natural consequence of free markets. If you don't like it you should just take an a-bomb and drop it on Wall St. Call of Duty 9: Kim's Revenge sells for the same price all over Pyongyang and they have plenty of copies available too ; )
 
#25 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by PowerCreep  /t/1450487/where-can-i-return-unopened-games-without-a-receipt#post_22881259


Is it not a bit odd that the OP wants to return games to a store from which they did not come? Is that not taking advantage of said store and thereby directly conflicting with what the OP states he hates most about flippers? I hope people understand games are purchased by the stores below consumer cost so the retail stores can turn a profit on them. If you return something to a store from which it did not come they are out money that comes from not only the cost of the game but restocking etc. I don't understand how flipping games to another store or returning something to a store that originally didn't sell the product are exclusive. Sorry.
. Actually you're wrong walmart doesn't "purchase anything" these companies extend walmart and other stores a line of credit in the form of their goods. If it sells walmart makes its part and sends the company their part after it's been sold. On top of that a lot of times I believe the companies are given 3 months to pay back the buy order! So they don't have the kind of skin in the game your thinking. Like xbox one, I just took mine back after 6 days cause it had glitches in the demos and the controls were laggy feeling. It had no hbo go and a lot of cool apps like "foxnow" which let's you watch recent fox shows thru the app as long as you have cable but guess what I have directv!! Yeah xbox is so stupid they haven't even done a deal with directv yet! So all those apps are worthless to me. Anyway I kept my reciept thinking there was no way is actually return it. Thank god I kept it he looked it over and told the other worker put this in the something bin it's not going back on the floor. I already knew this but walmart will most certainly sell you used items if they are new or seem really close to new. Mine was missing a few plastic wraps that go over the cords when you buy it and such. Anyway back to the point walmart makes out like bandits if the item sells they make money if it doesn't they just send back the unsold stuff. I think if I new stuff isn't selling well sometimes they might talk to the company they got it from about a price drop if they want walmart to keep trying to sell it for them. Walmart only loses when people steal from the store cause that does cost them outside of that you have companies begging to get some shelf space in walmart just watch an episode of shark tank you hear them talk about it all the time
 
#26 ·
I think I would just ask the person that gave me the gift if they have a gift receipt. I've seen plenty of people do that or ask the person to return it for something else. This is why I always include a gift receipt with any gift. That way if the person doesn't like it, they can always go to the store and get something else. Becasue you never know if the person has a duplicae gift or already has the item. It certainly makes it easier than me having to go back to the store instead.
 
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