With the closure of GAME and department stores carrying limited stock, there is but only two choices when purchasing video games from your local bricks and mortar: EB Games and JB Hi-Fi. So which do you choose?
It all depends on what you want from the experience. Below we take a look at how JB and EB stack up in all the areas that matter to the average consumer.
Launch Day Price
Two years ago, launch day price was a non-issue. If you wanted the best option from a physical store, you would head to JB Hi-Fi. Realising its fault, EB Games has reduced the price discrepancy of late, and Harvey Norman even emerges as a viable contender from time to time.
However, JB is still Charlie Sheen-ing. I’m yet to see them bested in the price department by EB and I get the impression that JB is setting the pricing structure: EB is simply forced to match it.
Winner: JB Hi-Fi
Price Matching
Seen it cheaper? We’ll match it!
EB’s price matching policy is far superior to JB’s, and so it should be. Instead of trying to compete with every retailer, EB has devised the cunning tact of simply matching them if you ask and can provide proof. Their policy is to match an advertised price, so don’t let a sly staffer try and convince you it needs to be in-stock at another store. It doesn’t. Complain enough, even if sold out elsewhere, and they should give it to you.
JB, on the other hand, is less tolerant of price-matching when Gerry inexplicably decides to have a good deal. The other store in the same complex will need to have it in stock for JB to match the price.
Winner: EB Games
Pre-owned Stock
Honestly, I don’t understand buying pre-owned. I’ve always had disc condition problems on the few occasions I’ve taken the gamble, and in that situation, EB is the preferred option.
EB tends to have a much greater selection; however, JB is the victor when it comes to pre-owned stock pricing. We had a look in-store today, and both had Gears of War 3 for $69 new. Pre-owned copies were $49 at JB and $59 at EB. What’s the point in buying used for a $10 saving?
Then there are the laughable cases of new releases sitting on the pre-owned shelf. EB Games generally subtracts $5 from RRP, which conflicts with their many sales. I vividly remember Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 being $104.95 pre-owned at EB Games, while a new copy was $79 in the very same store.
I recommend eBay over either of them, but JB just edges EB out due to lower prices.
Winner: JB Hi-Fi
Return Policy
Return games within 7 days with no questions asked at EB Games. Well...there is a question, but “didn’t like it” and “too short” will suffice. In other words, you can return a used game for a full refund. EB prefer you exchange it for another game or store credit, but you’re entitled to your money back, as long as it’s in re-sellable condition.
Gamers tend to abuse such generosity, with the evolution of the “EB rent” -- buying a game, returning it within 7 days, and getting your money back. Essentially renting it for free with a $89 deposit. We don’t condone such behaviour, but the policy is there to allow it to happen.
Winner: EB Games
Trading In
Neither are brilliant anymore. Expect to lose most of your games for little reward if you’re trading them in at a retail store.
JB had some fantastic promotions when it first entered the used market, including getting new release games for three old titles, and even the occasional deal which resulted in a free new game in exchange for just one.
Those deals have, for the most part, been retired. JB still offers the three for one trade-in deal, but its value has been compromised by an overgrown exclusions list. Now that JB has expanded its pre-owned stock, the balance of power has shifted and deals are no longer tailored in the consumer’s favour.
If you need cash and plan to trade regularly, EB is a better option with bonus credit as you progress up the ranks of its EB World loyalty programme.
Overall, when it comes to trading old for new, I prefer JB’s simplified system of three games earning you a new release, even if the exclusions list rarely has gamers coming out on top.
Winner: JB Hi-Fi
Customer Service
Once the domain of very pretty, but moronic, blonde women, EB Games has followed beardy Branson’s lead and trained its staff in an area they should excel. The beauty before brains hiring policy has been relaxed somewhat to allow normal humans into the mix, and most of them have a decent grasp on the video games industry.
If you require assistance, go to EB Games. The staff are more inclined to offer help, but their recommendations still prey on clueless parents. Extended disc warranty, for example, is the biggest scam since the Ab King Pro.
JB Hi-Fi stores have one “games specialist” in store, but he or she will be busy drawing funny pictures. The business follows the principle of a high turnover of customers and isn’t designed to offer much in the way of customer service, especially if you’re only buying one video game. Help is available if you seek it out, but JB is designed for customers that already know what they want.
If you're reading this, however, you probably know a thing or two about games: that's what JB Hi-Fi is all about. It's for customers that already know what they want.
Winner: EB Games
The Store Experience
EB is undeniably a friendlier store to visit. The Rundle Mall store, back when I called Adelaide home, even has some sweet gaming stations, allowing customers to play a round of Call of Duty, Halo or whatever the flavour of the day is.
As a multi-facet retailer, JB can’t compete with such frivolities. It also doesn’t want you to linger in the store as much as EB, and the alternative (read: hipster/emo) hiring policy is conducive to less bubbly personalities. Then there’s the matter of the security guard; it’s annoying if you’re carrying a bag. Although, the reviews are good for a chuckle.
If you’re looking to kill some time in a video games store, head to EB Games.
Winner: EB Games
Sales
Does EB Games even have walls? They might as well just stick a bunch of plastic “SALE” signs to a couple of sticks. Every single store is plastered in the red and white monstrosities all the time. We’ve become immune to them and EB Games sales have become meaningless.
There is the occasional real sale, but such events require thorough research. The sale signs littered all over the place sure as hell mean nothing.
JB makes a better meal of it with regular 20% off bonanzas. Such sales are normally confined to a four day weekend, and you’ll know about it as soon as the store is insight.
Winner: JB Hi-Fi
Game Condition
There’s a negligible difference between new release stock; however, JB is more likely to use dummy cases and give you a brand-spanking-new factory sealed copy. EB has adopted this practice with some of the bigger games, but are still fans of the damaging gutting procedure.
Both retailers keep discs behind the register for older titles. EB has also garnered a reputation for attempting to resell games that have been returned as new.
There’s little difference, but JB’s preference to keep new release games sealed during launch week earns it the win.
Winner: JB Hi-Fi
Loyalty Rewards
The carrots thing is more entertaining for its hilariously bad promotional videos, but at least it’s a genuine rewards programme.
EB World is a free rewards scheme that earns you one virtual carrot for every dollar spent. No real carrots, I’m afraid. It includes a four tier level system, with perks increasing at each stage. Bonus trade-credit is the only reward of real value, but the others are better than nothing, which is exactly what JB offers.
Winner: EB Games
Pre-orders and Quantity
As Australia’s two leading video game retailers, you should never have a problem getting a game at either, even if they want to coerce you into pre-ordering. The last game I had trouble buying off the shelf was Halo 3.
Don’t be tricked into pre-ordering to “secure” a copy of a game; although hardware is a different story. However, that isn’t to say pre-orders are never worthwhile. Both EB and JB regularly offer exclusive pre-order bonuses for the same reduced launch day price. Which is best will depend on the individual offer.
Winner: Tie
By Ben Salter - Bio