GameStop Pre-Order Policy - GameStop’s Pre-Order Policy (2024)

If you are thinking of pre-ordering a product from GameStop, you may be wondering what GameStop’s pre-order policy is like. Whether or not it makes pre-ordering easy or more complicated for you as the customer.

Pre-ordering is a great way of getting a particular product that you want before it is ever released. Pre-ordering ensures that you will be able to get your hands on this product even as it becomes popular and starts selling out.

To find out what kind of pre-order policy GameStop has, keep reading for more information.

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What is GameStop’s Pre-Order Policy?

GameStop allows any customer to pre-order a product before it has been released. You can either pay the full amount upfront or put down a deposit between $5 to $100 depending on the original price of the product you are pre-ordering.

This option is available because many games, electronics, and gaming equipment are in high demand and sell out fast once released. This makes it better to pre-order the item so that you are guaranteed to get it.

If you choose to pay upfront, you will not have to pay anything extra after receiving your item. If you only pay a deposit, your card will be charged the rest of the fee once your order has been officially processed.

If you pre-order an item a week before the release date, you can expect to get it the day that it is released. If you pre-order it a month in advance, you will get it on the day that it comes out in most cases.

By pre-ordering an item, you can skip the worry and hassle of trying to get to the store on time. GameStop will hold your item or ship it to you so that you know you will be able to get it.

This allows anyone to be able to get the newest things being released without the craze of trying to buy one on time.

How Does Pre-Ordering at GameStop Work?

To pre-order a GameStop item online, you can do this through the GameStop website or the app. This gives you the option of taking advantage of free shipping on the item you are pre-ordering.

It will take one to two days for your pre-order to be processed once it is released, so you can expect to receive your order very quickly regardless. Most will arrive in the mail within 24 to 48 hours once the item is officially released.

When ordering a pre-order item online, you will not be charged until your item has shipped. Once shipped, your card will be charged for the full amount.

If you want to do your pre-order in the store, you can give an employee your information and put down a deposit. Or you can pay the full amount up front if you like.

Make sure to give your name, the name of the product, and your phone number so that they can call you when your order is ready. This is a bit more difficult than pre-ordering online but will still get the job done.

You will also need your ID to show that you are a legal adult. If you are under 18, you will need a guardian or parent to help you set up the pre-order in-store.

How Long Will GameStop Hold a Pre-Order?

GameStop Pre-Order Policy - GameStop’s Pre-Order Policy (1)

GameStop only guarantees that it will hold pre-orders for 48 hours, after that, it will sell your item to someone else. This is because these items are usually in high demand and go out of stock fast.

You can either get a refund for the product you bought as long as there is still one available. Though GameStop is not liable for you not getting the item if you show up after 48 hours.

This is why you will want to be ready to pick up your order as soon as possible. You do not want it to end up going to someone else instead of you.

This is why pre-ordering online is oftentimes preferred as it removes this hassle and allows you to get your item in the mail. This way, there is no risk of you not showing up in time to get your purchase.

Can You Get a Refund for a Pre-Ordered Item?

If, for some reason, you change your mind and no longer want your pre-ordered item, you may be able to get a refund. To do this, you must request a return and refund within two weeks of the item being released.

This gives you two weeks to change your mind and return the item for a full refund. Though this may not be allowed if you have opened and used the item.

Any games that have been opened cannot be refunded as copyright laws interfere with this process. Generally, GameStop will not refund used or opened products.

If you want a full refund, you must also return the item within two hours of having paid for it. This gives you a very limited time frame to return your order.

This makes it pretty difficult to refund pre-ordered items as you have to do it within this very specific time frame. Overall, most people do not manage to successfully return pre-ordered item as it is very difficult.

Can You Pick Up Your Pre-Ordered Item at Any GameStop?

You can try to pick up your pre-ordered item at any nearby GameStop store, though it is best to do so at the store that you pre-ordered from. Doing this will guarantee that the store will have your pre-order available.

Make sure you do this within 48 hours, as that is the length of time that it will hold your order. If you do not get there in time, your order will be sold to someone else, and you will either be refunded or given the same item if it is still available.

This is why it is a great idea to pre-order online if possible since it will be automatically shipped to you. This makes the process easier and less stressful for you.

You won’t have any time limits to pick up your order, and you should get it in the mail within 24 to 48 hours of it being released.

GameStop Pre-Order Policy - GameStop’s Pre-Order Policy (2)

What is GameStop’s Pre-Order Policy?

GameStop’s pre-order policy allows you to pre-order an item before it has even been released yet. You can do this online, through the app, or in-store.

This allows you to get your hands on the newest released items without having to fight to get to the store in time. It also doesn’t cost any money extra, and you can get it on the released date or the day after.

You can either pick your pre-ordered items up at a GameStop store or have them delivered to you. You will have to pick it up within 48 hours if you choose to not have it delivered.

Delivered pre-orders should arrive within 24 to 48 hours, and you will only be charged once the item has shipped. If you pre-order in-store, you will either need to pay the full amount upfront or pay a deposit.

No matter what option you choose, GameStop makes it very easy to pre-order items and get them as soon as they are released. All without having to go to the hassle of trying to get to the stores before they sell out.

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GameStop Pre-Order Policy - GameStop’s Pre-Order Policy (2024)

FAQs

What is GameStop's pre-order policy? ›

Pre-order any product, and if the price drops before the release date, you will be charged the lower price. Your credit card will be charged only when your order is processed. In some cases, we will process your order and authorize your credit card up to 10 days before the release of the product.

Can GameStop sell my preorder? ›

They signed a contract with you when you pre-ordered, they are obligated to follow it. If they don't you may sue them. According to precedents of similar cases I've seen, you might be able to get between $700 and $2,000 plus legal costs.

Does GameStop give refunds on pre orders? ›

It's not a "down-payment", it's a "pre-order" as in to guarantee you the item upon release and hold it for 48 hrs. The pre-order money is still yours to do as you wish, you can ask for a refund or transfer the pre-order onto another game.

Does GameStop still do $5 pre-orders? ›

In your shopping cart, click on the "Pre-order online & pickup in-store" button to continue. A $5 deposit is required to ensure your product is reserved for you in-store. You'll need to select an GameStop store where you'll pickup your order.

Can GameStop cancel my pre-order? ›

GameStop will not charge your credit card for a pre-ordered item until about 5 days before the item is released. As long as your card has yet to be charged, you should be able to cancel your order online.

How long can GameStop hold a pre-order? ›

How long can gamestop hold a pre ordered game? Holds are only guaranteed for 48 hours. After that, it becomes available to any customer that requests it. Typically, someone from that store will make calls the week before a game releases to remind anyone with an outstanding pre-order balance, to come in and pay it off.

Can preorders sell out? ›

It is possible for a pre-order to “sell out”. If that happens, the product page for the pre-ordered item will be updated to indicate that the pre-order batch has sold out.

Can you return pre owned GameStop? ›

Pre-owned products can be returned for a full refund within 7 days of purchase.

Can you return pre-ordered games? ›

PlayStation Store refunds can be issued for pre-ordered content, as long as the request is made before the release date, or within 14 days of purchase, and the content has not started to download or stream.

Will GameStop give me a full refund? ›

To process your return, please provide your in-store receipt or GameStop.com order number. We will refund the purchase price and applicable taxes and fees to the original form of payment or provide a replacement.

How much does GameStop pay for games? ›

How much does GameStop buy games for? Not a whole lot. Generally they will only give you about 10 to 25 % of how much they're really worth. They might on occasions give you a bit more but generally that's just a token increase to mask the fact that they don't really give you THAT much of an offer.

Do GameStop points expire? ›

Points are valid for one (1) year from date of accumulation (that is, the date of when the points are posted to, or recorded on, the Member's Account). If a qualifying purchase is not made within 12 months, all accumulated points shall be forfeited and the Membership is subject to closure at GameStop's discretion.

Can I pick up a GameStop pre-order at any location? ›

You would have to go to the original Gamestop your pre ordered at and then they would call the Gamestop you want to pick up the game from and that Gamestop will then make a new Pre Order for you and your current one and the other location will be canceled.

Can you pre-order a PS5 at GameStop? ›

GRAPEVINE, Texas , Sept. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GameStop announced today it is now taking pre-orders for the Sony PlayStation®5 and Sony PlayStation®5 Digital Edition consoles. Pre-orders for the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S will begin Sept.

Can you return something to GameStop without a receipt? ›

Gamestop will not accept returns without a receipt or packing slip. They also mention if it is not opened and you want to exchange it, you can.

How does pre-orders work? ›

Pre-order refers to a sales strategy where customers can purchase products before they are officially released or become available for general sale. In other words, it allows customers to secure and reserve their desired items in advance, even if the products are not yet in stock or ready for immediate delivery.

Does pre-order mean you have to buy it? ›

Items available for pre-order don't always mean you need to pay at the same time. It depends on how the pre-order is structured, what platform is being used to handle pre-orders, and whether or not a payment gateway is connected. For example, pre-ordering a musical release or book usually means you need to pay upfront.

Do pre-orders come on release date? ›

When you place a pre-order for an item offering Release-Date Delivery, we'll deliver your order before the release day, so that it arrives on the release date.

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