darkSpyro

I mentioned in a post awhile back that I had my local GameStop email corporate regarding the coupons from Frito Lays and why they do not accept them. Almost 3 weeks have gone by and Corp has never replied to my local Game Stop managers email.

The manager gave me Corp phone number yesterday and I was on hold for 30 minutes and never got through.
I called today and again was on hold for 20 minutes until my phone lost signal. I called later on and was on hold for 30 minutes and finally got through to an idiot that told me that they do not accept 3rd party coupons. I told him the coupon has no affiliations with Frito Lays, It has no mention of Frito Lays on the coupon and it is affiliated with Activision Publishing Inc.

After I told him that his answer was BS, the fact that they are the only Big Store that does not honor the coupons, the fact that they have an agreement with Activision so they get Special Promotional characters and the fact that they will get reimbursed from Activision there is no reason they should not honor the coupon. He finally told me there was nothing he can do, so I told him that I wanted to talk to his manager.

After on hold for 10 minutes the manager got on the phone and told me it is the stores fault that they will not accept the coupon. Not once did he blame the 3rd party spill, but said that they can not force a store to honor coupons. I told him that the store says Corp will not put it in the system so they can not use it. They (Corp and Local Store) both are blaming each other. The Corp Manager finally told me to call Activision and have them fix it.

So I did. I called Acti and explained this and also showed how GS is taking advantage of this and the variant bundles on the web site. The Customer Support from Activision was not aware of the bundles that GS has on their site and is reporting this to management.

All I ask Activision to do is to offer the Dark Swap Force Starter packs to other Big Stores since they are miss-using the agreement set between the two companies. Acti did say that I was not the first to complain about GS and we all should do more. So that GS will not get the promotional figures and give them to the other chains that do a better job of honoring their agreement.

Wait so the dark may go to target? YES!

Nicely done, Dinoah. Could you PM to me the phone number you used to reach GameStop corporate and the number you used to reach Activision?
I'll be happy to call them both and echo your complaints.
The more people that contact them about this issue (and therefore eat up their employees' time spent fielding the same type of call/complaint over and over again), the more likely they'll be to take action.

Ditto, please copy me on those phone numbers too. I am a pro at complaining!!!

I'm in as well. PM me!

Lots of words and no spacing, but I think the net/net is GS isn't honoring the $10 coupons at all? Or only for the Dark pack?

Here are the numbers:
Game Stop = 1-800-883-8895
Activision = 310-255-2050
Be patient with GS Corp number, you will eventually get someone, I hope.

Quote: Sleepy0429

Wait so the dark may go to target? YES!

I hope, either to Target, Walmart or TRU. Anyone but GS.
If Acti gets enough complaints maybe they will change the GS/coupon agreement or give the promo's to some other chain store.
Since most of us drop a lot of dough in to the franchise, the least they could do is make sure all chain stores are honoring the coupon agreements or be band from getting promotional items.

It'd be too late at this point for GameStop to not get those packs, much like the Xbox One and PS4, they have them well in advance waiting in a warehouse. Undoing that now could result in a potential PR nightmare for Activision, so they would more than likely not engage it. However this could easily help affect future GameStop exclusives and send them to other stores instead.

Quote: Kung Fu Man

It'd be too late at this point for GameStop to not get those packs, much like the Xbox One and PS4, they have them well in advance waiting in a warehouse. Undoing that now could result in a potential PR nightmare for Activision, so they would more than likely not engage it. However this could easily help affect future GameStop exclusives and send them to other stores instead.

You are probably right, but Activision could decide with enough complaints to allow another chain (if not all of them) to get some of these Dark Starter packs. Just because GS is the first to advertise the Dark Starter does not necessarily mean they have to be exclusive. Just look at the Pumpkin Eye-Brawl, I am sure that Sears and Kmart are not the only ones that will get this character. but yet they are the ones that first advertised him, I believe there may have been a few more that advertise him but cant remember at this time.

Update: Just checked Kmart.com, they are no longer selling Pumpkin Eye-Brawl. Could this happen with GS and Dark?

When you complain, don't forget to mention how GS removes the Chase Variants at the warehouse to sell as a bundle on their web site.

The Activision Customer Support was totally shocked when I showed him many bundle packs that GS has on the web site, I walked him through it and he was able to see the Scarlet bundle, Wham-Shell bundle and all the rest of them. He was definitely taking this to his management and understood my frustration of how GS is taking advantage of the rare figures and not honoring Activision coupons.

I explain to him that I only buy from them when I have to: Royal Double Trouble, Polar Whirlwind, Molten Hot Dog (exclusive to GS the first 3 months of release)

The Pumpkin Eye-Brawl thing looks to be a hoax to begin with. It shouldn't be used as an example for anything other than how much we're all hoping to get new toys now.

The thing with GameStop is if they suddenly went and said "okay other stores will now carry these", then that causes, again, a PR problem for Activision in the now. Plenty of people that put down for a pre-order will suddenly find that they overspent and be less willing to invest in the next pre-order from *any* chain in a once-bitten-twice-shy reaction. Secondly it leads to problems between GameStop and Activision, where because GameStop are suddenly made to be advertising something falsely (an exclusive item that isn't exclusive anymore), they'll be less likely to invest in exclusives the company offers them next time, and that's lost sales for Activision.

Again, realistically all you might be able to do is give Activision some pause when dealing with GameStop in the future. At the very least if enough stink is raised, it'll allow the coupons to be usable at retail GameStop chains...though again while they can *get* an email from their higher ups to honor them, the particular manager of that store can still go "LOL NOPE" and choose not to accept them. That's the store's incentive and a reason not to do business with that particular store.

But the Dark set popping up elsewhere? I'd be amazed if stores like Wal-Mart even have a UPC in their system for it.

Quote: Kung Fu Man

The Pumpkin Eye-Brawl thing looks to be a hoax to begin with. It shouldn't be used as an example for anything other than how much we're all hoping to get new toys now.

The thing with GameStop is if they suddenly went and said "okay other stores will now carry these", then that causes, again, a PR problem for Activision in the now. Plenty of people that put down for a pre-order will suddenly find that they overspent and be less willing to invest in the next pre-order from *any* chain in a once-bitten-twice-shy reaction. Secondly it leads to problems between GameStop and Activision, where because GameStop are suddenly made to be advertising something falsely (an exclusive item that isn't exclusive anymore), they'll be less likely to invest in exclusives the company offers them next time, and that's lost sales for Activision.

Again, realistically all you might be able to do is give Activision some pause when dealing with GameStop in the future. At the very least if enough stink is raised, it'll allow the coupons to be usable at retail GameStop chains...though again while they can *get* an email from their higher ups to honor them, the particular manager of that store can still go "LOL NOPE" and choose not to accept them. That's the store's incentive and a reason not to do business with that particular store.

But the Dark set popping up elsewhere? I'd be amazed if stores like Wal-Mart even have a UPC in their system for it.

First Bold: When I pre-Ordered mine at GS, I was told that I could get my $25 back if I decided I did not want to follow through, I asked this question to the GS employee because If they did not honor the coupon and another store got the Dark with coupon, I would take my business elsewhere.

Second Bold: Speaking of Advertising, I don't think Activision sounded happy on how GS is bundling the variant and getting close to EBay prices.

Third Bold: This is all I want anyways...

Fourth Bold: If enough fans complain, who knows what will happen

My store told me I could use the coupon (doesn't mean they will), do you mean honoring the coupon is a per-store thing?

if gamestop looses exclusives that's going to hurt them quite a bit to move the figures around. the gamestops near me said they didn't have a problem with the coupons and i don't see why many are giving an issue. those types they get the money back on and it's not like they are loosing money on them

My store has no problem trying to use them but when I tried to test out the $1 off Skylanders Giant (Single), the coupon would not work on the register and because of that they can not do it. For those of you that have been told that they will honor it, I suggest try and use the $1 coupon. If it does not work, it will not work for the $10 coupon either.

My local store manager said if the coupon didnt work he would just "promo it" for the same amount. Hmmm when I go back ill ask more about what that means. I didnt ask any follow up at the time because if I was getting the credit --then i was ok with it.

Quote: shelly9871

My local store manager said if the coupon didnt work he would just "promo it" for the same amount. Hmmm when I go back ill ask more about what that means. I didnt ask any follow up at the time because if I was getting the credit --then i was ok with it.

I will check my Local to see if they will do a "promo it" today.
I will let you know what they say.

Ill find out what I can too and ill message you

My gamestop said they would honor the $10 off coupon on all the swap force starter packs. If it's not in the system they would just give it to me for the $10 off.

I'll check when I get around to preordering these. Still deciding if I am preordering 1 or 2. Son wants dark figures, as do I but idk if we are each getting a set or spliting them up this time around.

Found out the manager is at a GS convention in Vegas so I will have to wait till next week to tell him what Corp said. Hopefully he will decide to honor the coupon.

If he doesn't i'd try another gamestop. Unless the next closest is farther then $10 in gas.

A couple problem with that is that I pre-ordered there. The closest one is 30 minutes away. I think there are chained together so I don't know if they would except it if mine does not. Some employees working at both stores so I think they are owned by the same owner

Has anyone tried and was successful to use the $1 off coupon for Giants character or the $5 off coupon for Giants Starter at Game Stop?

I know the coupon says Void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted. This means any store can choose to not accept them. But as you've pointed out, they would make their money back from the manufacturer. Gamestop wouldn't be doing good business if they rejected them.
Say the same $10 off coupon is on the packaging of starter packs when they come out. Would they still honor them?

BTW It's terrible they would actually open their own boxes and sell the rare figures in bundles. I hope Activision will be doing something to circumvent the issue. I can't even imagine how many hours were wasted just searching thru all those boxes, before the release dates.

Quote: dinoah2005

Has anyone tried and was successful to use the $1 off coupon for Giants character or the $5 off coupon for Giants Starter at Game Stop?

I tried the $1 off coupon. Didn't scan in the system so they rejected it. I returned the figure the next day and took my business elsewhere.

I wonder if GameStop realizes how much of a magnificent fail it would be for them to upset the large majority of big-time Skylanders fans. They already swung and missed with their "Skylanders festival" event surrounding the release of Polar Whirlwind. If they want to be one of Activision's preferred retailers for Skylanders, they should obviously accept Activision-sanctioned coupons, such as the one inside the Frito-Lays bags.

Question ... did anyone here use that McDonald's coupon from earlier this year at a GameStop location? What was GameStop's reaction to that coupon?

I used the McDonald's coupon at GameStop and it didn't scan but the guy punched some buttons and did a manual override and took it anyway. Hopefully he will do the same for the dark starter.

I have emailed them twice now from their web page with no response. I guess it's time for a phone call. Sigh. Why is GameStop such a richard company?

-VM

I'm not surprised that people are having issues with coupons at GameStop. Think about it - how many video game coupons are there? GameStop probably just isn't really set up for accepting coupons.

Quote: Okaps

My store told me I could use the coupon (doesn't mean they will), do you mean honoring the coupon is a per-store thing?

I must quote my fellow GS friend on this one. (We kinda have a clerk-customer relationship but he does save some stuff for me)

"Save the 10$ swap force starter coupon for the release day as we cannot take them right now."
Meaning that the 10$ coupon will only work on release date.
I can also confirm that the coupon works for both the normal and DE.
Also LC Hex is still rewarded to those that pre order the DE starter

Quote: Windumup

Quote: Okaps

My store told me I could use the coupon (doesn't mean they will), do you mean honoring the coupon is a per-store thing?

I must quote my fellow GS friend on this one. (We kinda have a clerk-customer relationship but he does save some stuff for me)

"Save the 10$ swap force starter coupon for the release day as we cannot take them right now."
Meaning that the 10$ coupon will only work on release date.
I can also confirm that the coupon works for both the normal and DE.
Also LC Hex is still rewarded to those that pre order the DE starter

We all understand that we have to wait for release date. Has your store accepted the other coupons ($1 and $5) that came out of the Frito Lay bag?
I suggest trying those since no one here has been successful.

Quote: dinoah2005

Quote: Windumup

Quote: Okaps

My store told me I could use the coupon (doesn't mean they will), do you mean honoring the coupon is a per-store thing?

I must quote my fellow GS friend on this one. (We kinda have a clerk-customer relationship but he does save some stuff for me)

"Save the 10$ swap force starter coupon for the release day as we cannot take them right now."
Meaning that the 10$ coupon will only work on release date.
I can also confirm that the coupon works for both the normal and DE.
Also LC Hex is still rewarded to those that pre order the DE starter

We all understand that we have to wait for release date. Has your store accepted the other coupons ($1 and $5) that came out of the Frito Lay bag?
I suggest trying those since no one here has been successful.

yes they did (got GTR with the help of my coupon)

Good! Can multiple coupons be used at the same time?

Quote: ZapNorris

Good! Can multiple coupons be used at the same time?

It says on the Frito-Lay ones "Limit one per purchase"

Good. I'll use my coupon for the dark starter..

Windumup,
Nice. I plan on doing this when the manager gets back from Vegas. Since now Corp says it is up to the manager of the store to accept these coupons.

Quote: shelly9871

My local store manager said if the coupon didnt work he would just "promo it" for the same amount. Hmmm when I go back ill ask more about what that means. I didnt ask any follow up at the time because if I was getting the credit --then i was ok with it.

I can tell you what it means, just from context. I've seen it done on occasion. Often any cashier system has an option to do a manual promo, but due to the power of this option only managers and such can do it. It gives them flexibility to solve problems, they have the ability to say "Give this person $5 off" or whatever.

Here's a hypothetical situation, based on a story I read earlier: A store employee finds a variant at the same time as a customer kid, and they fight over it, have a tug-of-war over it. The manager comes by, finds out, of course fires the employee, and says "Sorry for all of this. I'll give you $2 off on that figure as an apology". THIS would be what it's there for, he would "promo it", giving them a manual $2 off.

Well-I am glad I have this relationship with the store manager so he is agreeable to do this. Its looking like 6 starter packs so the $60 off will be helpful. I like gamestip because of this relationship. But TRU usually has better deals--in my experience--but id rather buy everything from one store. What I normally do to keep up both relationships with the stores is buy part from each. I wish Gamestop would price match...

6 starter packs?

2 dark
23ds
2 wii u

This is the email I received today:

RE: Re: Other (#2697-376104756-91XX)

Dear CRBEAU1,

Thank you for contacting GameStop.com.

We do apologize but we do not accept manufacturers coupons at this time

If you have any additional questions, you can respond to this email; or if you prefer to speak to someone directly, you can reach us 7 days a week 8am to 8pm at 800-883-8895.


Best Regards,
Adm
GameStop Customer Service


-2nd email from them. First one they asked me for the UPC/bar codes from the coupons.


-I get the odd feeling from reading this thread it may have to do more with the store you deal with. Wish they had a regular one I don't have I'd go out and try the $1 coupon on it.

-names/personal details altered for privacy

WTH GameStop...

"Thank you for contacting GameStop!

I apologize for the delay in responding to your inquiry. GameStop is not honoring the Frito-Lay Skylanders coupon at this time.

Best Regards,

Joe Capps - Customer Care Supervisor
GameStop Customer Service"

Well that sucks rocks. I guess I will have to work on Activision then.

-VM

D'oh.

Looks like I'll save up and get the 3DS Starter with this.

I think it might be better to just buy 1 starter for release day. I'm going with the Dark pack since it should be the rarest. Then, look for Black Friday/Early Christmas deals. Should be able to get some good savings, and I wouldn't be surprised if they have some very limited but great deals at some stores.

Quote: UncleBob

I'm not surprised that people are having issues with coupons at GameStop. Think about it - how many video game coupons are there? GameStop probably just isn't really set up for accepting coupons.

Quote: CRBeau1

[...]We do apologize but we do not accept manufacturers coupons at this time.[...]

Weird.

I'm beginning to feel pretty disappointed with GS on this one.

I'm going to check at my game stop.... just to see if they tow a different line. I've got a PSVita waiting for pickup. A potential PS3 order, and have pre-ordered the 3ds and Dark versions of swap force. Was going to order the PS3 standard version as well... but with no coupons, than can kiss 2/3 pre-orders good bye.

I've been using the $1 at Walmart, and they are taking them with a smile.

-Then again they could have a $20 off after launch at some other store.

Personally I just want to obtain as many characters in one go as I can. With the coupons and three packs, I think The boys and I do ok. Then again maybe I'm Skylander Crazy.

Soooo... I replied to Joe Capps email with this:

"So you would rather have me (and dozens of other gamers) cancel our
pre-orders with GameStop than look into working with Activision on
taking this MANUFACTURERS coupon?!? I just want to make sure before I
run you through the mud on social media... "

...and he replied with this:

"Our corporate team has reviewed the coupon and the decision was to not honor it at this time. I apologize for the inconvenience this decision might cause for you.

Thank you.

Best Regards,

Joe Capps - Customer Care Supervisor
GameStop Customer Service"

Me thinks that Joe Crapps is a jerk and I will have to cancel my current pre-order and visit a few more GS stores and see if they will take the coupon. I only pre-ordered from the closest location for convenience. Sigh. WDGSSSM?

-VM

Honey works better. Btw, I wouldn't bother wasting more time on this---just buy it and be done with it or choose not to get it. I get the principle thing but it seems as if that's their policy. I just hope they choke on the overflow of stock like the Golden Dragonfire pack.