Making A Return at Gamestop: A Customer's Guide
Welcome to the Return Policy Vault, where we appreciate the complex adventure of uncovering the perfect gaming products that align with your distinct tastes and desires. Exploring the immense universe of video games, consoles, and gaming accessories can be both thrilling and bewildering. That’s why we’ve devoted ourselves to clarifying one essential part of your gaming journey: grasping the GameStop return policy.
Join us as we decode the GameStop return policy, transforming what might appear to be a routine part of shopping into an empowering mechanism that elevates your gaming acquisition experience.
GameStop’s original name was Babbage’s, named after the 19th-century mathematician Charles Babbage, who is considered the “father of the computer”.
Gamestop Return Policy Overview
Gamestop Return policy Window
You have 15 days to return new, unopened items purchased at GameStop. The 15 day countdown starts on the in-store purchase date or online shipment date.
For pre-owned items, GameStop gives you 7 days after purchase to return or exchange.
The following qualify for 30 day returns if still in new, unopened condition:
- Unopened PC games, hardware, and accessories
- Software, controllers, headsets
- Game consoles and accessories
- Clean, unworn GameStop apparel
Used defective items can be exchanged within 30 days of purchase. New defective items fall under the standard 15 day policy.
2 days only to get a full refund on a new GameStop Pro Membership if benefits weren’t used.
Return Condition Requirements
- New items must be unopened in the original packaging with tags still attached. Remove carefully to preserve packaging.
- Pre-owned items should work properly and include all original components, manuals, and parts.
- Video games, consoles, and electronics must be returned with all original packaging materials.
- No returns allowed on opened new video games, accessories, or hardware. Defective exchanges only within the return window.
- GameStop reserves right to refuse returns without receipt or order number as proof of purchase.
Refund Methods at Gamestop
- If you have a receipt or order number, your original form of payment will be refunded. This includes credit card, debit card, gift cards, etc.
- For “buy now, pay later” financing through Affirm, Klarna, etc. you must request a refund directly with them, not through GameStop.
- Refunds may take 1-2 billing cycles to appear depending on your payment method.
- A 5% restocking fee applies to laptop and monitor returns. This is deducted from your refund amount.
How to Initiate a Return at Gamestop
In-Store Returns
Making returns in person at GameStop is quick and easy:
- Bring your item(s) and receipt to any GameStop store.
- Hand both to the store associate at the customer service desk.
- The associate will inspect your return for eligibility and process a refund or exchange on the spot if you qualify.
- Just make sure your item wasn’t an online purchase over $500, as those must be returned by mail
Online Returns
- Visit the GameStop Returns Portal and enter your order number and email address.
- Carefully follow the step-by-step instructions provided to set up your return or exchange by mail.
- Print any shipping labels you’re provided with.
- Drop off your package at your chosen shipping carrier and await your refund. It will go back to your original payment method.
Return Shipping Costs
- GameStop charges a $8.99 return shipping fee when sending returns back by mail. This will be deducted from your refund.
- To avoid return shipping fees, bring items back to a local GameStop store if possible. In-store returns are always free.
- Keep in mind that for online orders over $500, mailing the item is mandatory. The $8.99 fee applies.
Gamestop Return Policy Exclusions
- Digital content, subscriptions, in-game currencies
- GameStop gift cards (even unredeemed ones)
- Trading cards like Pokémon TCG, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Magic: The Gathering
- Items with point-of-sale activations like Xbox Live Gold
- Any product bundles containing digital items
- Clearance merchandise
- Opened new video games, accessories, or hardware
- Breast pumps
Gamestop Return Policy Special Circumstances
- Defective technology items like gaming PCs must be handled directly with the manufacturer, not returned to GameStop.
- Items purchased through limited time sales or promotions may have special return restrictions.
- Attempting to frequently “return” stolen or lost items can result in your account being banned.
- GameStop reserves right to make the final call for approving or denying any return.
“I think what happened with GameStop is fascinating, and it’s not just about GameStop, it’s about the fact that there’s a whole group of people who are disenfranchised from the stock market.” – Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, on the GameStop stock surge.
In the exhilarating world of gaming, the GameStop return policy stands as a pillar of assurance and accessibility. As we’ve investigated, this policy is more than a series of directives; it’s a dedication to gamer contentment, enabling you to explore and indulge in your gaming passions with certainty.
FAQs About the Gamestop Return Policy
What is the GameStop return policy?
GameStop offers returns within 15 days for new items and 7 days for used items. Select electronics, hardware, and unopened software get 30 days. In-store receipt or order number required.
How long do I have to return an item purchased at GameStop?
The return timeframe depends on the item category. New, unopened items get 15 days. Used items get just 7 days. Unopened electronics, software, and apparel get 30 days.
Can you return opened video games to GameStop?
Unfortunately no, GameStop only accepts returns on new, unopened video games. Opened games can be exchanged for an identical replacement within the standard return window.
Does GameStop allow returns without a receipt?
GameStop is very strict about requiring a receipt or order number for all returns. There is little flexibility allowed for returns without proof of purchase. You typically cannot get a refund without a receipt.
What is the GameStop refund policy?
If you have a receipt, your refund will go back to your original form of payment, whether that’s credit card, debit card, gift card, etc. Restocking fees apply to some items.
Does GameStop offer free return shipping?
No, GameStop charges an $8.99 return shipping fee when you mail back returns. To avoid fees, return items to a local GameStop store rather than mailing them.
How long do GameStop refunds take?
In-store refunds are done on the spot. Mailed returns take longer, around 1-2 billing cycles for the refund to show up. Timing depends on your payment method.
Can you return defective items to GameStop?
Yes, defective used items can be exchanged within 30 days of purchase. Exchanges for defective new items must be done within the standard 15 day policy.
What's GameStop's holiday return policy?
GameStop doesn’t have an extended holiday return window. Their standard 15, 7, and 30 day policies apply year-round, including after the holidays.
What items can't be returned to GameStop?
Non-returnable items include digital content, gift cards, trading cards, opened new video games/accessories/hardware, breast pumps, and anything marked clearance or final sale.
