Bizarro land in my local Blockbuster

[Gibb]

I have a Blockbuster near my house that I've been going to for years. The employees have all been really nice and helpful, but today was like some sort of twilight zone.

I wanted to rent the PS3 game "Pure", which just came out last week or so. There was a placeholder for it on the shelf, but no empty box behind it meaning that have it in stock. I know this blockbuster well, and that usually means nothing as they're pretty bad about getting the empty boxes put back behind the game case.

I go up to the counter and there is a new guy I've never seen helping me.
Gibb: Do you have Pure for PS3?
Guy: Did you see one over there?
Gibb: What does it say in the computer?
Guy: We have one, go find the empty case and bring it to me
Gibb: Well there isn't an empty case over there, I just figured I'd ask up here since you guys sometimes have the game anyway.
Guy: If you don't have the empty case for the game, I can't do anything for you.
Gibb: Um the case isn't over there, I can't bring you an empty case that doesn't exist.
Guy: Then I can't rent you the game, I'm sorry.

At this point the female employee who was standing near by went over to the game section to try and find it. She said "If I can't find the case, I'll still rent the game for you." She finds nothing either, and goes back to talk to the jerk.

Girl: Yeah there isn't a case over there, just rent the game to him and we'll fix this game section during inventory next week.
Guy: Ok I'll rent you this game, but this is the last time I'll do it without the case.

At this point my friend who's with me chimes in
Friend: We're sorry for being such lousy customers, next time we'll try harder! Please forgive us!

Anyway I wrote down the phone number of the main store manager, a woman who is incredibly nice and has known me for 2 years now. I'll be calling her to explain this situation in detail. I've never wished somebody to lose their job more than this guy before. He even had "manager" written on his nametag. How this guy even made it to manager is beyond me.

[GreatNekoKoneko]

...reminds me of that POPCOPY training video from Chappelle's Show.

[HSaabedra]

I have a Blockbuster near my house that I've been going to for years. The employees have all been really nice and helpful, but today was like some sort of twilight zone.

I wanted to rent the PS3 game "Pure", which just came out last week or so. There was a placeholder for it on the shelf, but no empty box behind it meaning that have it in stock. I know this blockbuster well, and that usually means nothing as they're pretty bad about getting the empty boxes put back behind the game case.

I go up to the counter and there is a new guy I've never seen helping me.
Gibb: Do you have Pure for PS3?
Guy: Did you see one over there?
Gibb: What does it say in the computer?
Guy: We have one, go find the empty case and bring it to me
Gibb: Well there isn't an empty case over there, I just figured I'd ask up here since you guys sometimes have the game anyway.
Guy: If you don't have the empty case for the game, I can't do anything for you.
Gibb: Um the case isn't over there, I can't bring you an empty case that doesn't exist.
Guy: Then I can't rent you the game, I'm sorry.

At this point the female employee who was standing near by went over to the game section to try and find it. She said "If I can't find the case, I'll still rent the game for you." She finds nothing either, and goes back to talk to the jerk.

Girl: Yeah there isn't a case over there, just rent the game to him and we'll fix this game section during inventory next week.
Guy: Ok I'll rent you this game, but this is the last time I'll do it without the case.

At this point my friend who's with me chimes in
Friend: We're sorry for being such lousy customers, next time we'll try harder! Please forgive us!

Anyway I wrote down the phone number of the main store manager, a woman who is incredibly nice and has known me for 2 years now. I'll be calling her to explain this situation in detail. I've never wished somebody to lose their job more than this guy before. He even had "manager" written on his nametag. How this guy even made it to manager is beyond me.

Sounds like the guy is a little high from the nametag. He might have been recently promoted and wanted to make sure he wasn't doing anything wrong.

Hope that guy gets a stern talking to or at least a demotion.

In related news, the assistant manager at the Gamestop I work at overslept yesterday, and he didn't get in until 10:20 AM. He really didn't want anyone to know that I had to open up the store (without the proper keys, no less) so I told the third key the story. He freaked out and we ended up relating the story to both the store manager and the DM.

He might get fired or demoted, so I'm just biding my time.

[superplough]

It amazes me how much fail some customer reps have. Aren't they supposed to, you know, treat the customer like a king? Following protocol like you have a stick up your *** is not the way to win.

[Haruhi]

I used to be a regular at my Blockbuster, too. Mine had a Gamescape there, and I was even given permission to play M-rated games on their demo machines. (Normally, they don't change it out, letalone put in M-games). We went on a first-name basis and I never had to pay a late fee... This was before the game pass came around and their "No late fee" policy was set up. 4/5 times, they gave me free rentals, too. Both on games and new releases. So, I had it made.

But one day, the manager I got along with got transferred to a different location, and the new one pretty much fired my crew. Yeah, I was pretty pissed. But I wanted to be a good patron and continue shopping there, anyway. Unfortunately, they made me pay late fees, warned me about keeping movies/games out later than I should have (only a week or two) and was never treated warmly again.

So, I talked to my friend who worked as an executive in corporate blockbuster to FIRE THAT ***** MANAGER AND SHUT THE STORE DOWN.

Hah, EAT THAT, Blockbuster!

[HSaabedra]

I used to be a regular at my Blockbuster, too. Mine had a Gamescape there, and I was even given permission to play M-rated games on their demo machines. (Normally, they don't change it out, letalone put in M-games). We went on a first-name basis and I never had to pay a late fee... This was before the game pass came around and their "No late fee" policy was set up. 4/5 times, they gave me free rentals, too. Both on games and new releases. So, I had it made.

But one day, the manager I got along with got transferred to a different location, and the new one pretty much fired my crew. Yeah, I was pretty pissed. But I wanted to be a good patron and continue shopping there, anyway. Unfortunately, they made me pay late fees, warned me about keeping movies/games out later than I should have (only a week or two) and was never treated warmly again.

So, I talked to my friend who worked as an executive in corporate blockbuster to FIRE THAT ***** MANAGER AND SHUT THE STORE DOWN.

Hah, EAT THAT, Blockbuster!

Ah win. The Gamerush up the street from the GameStop I work at has some cool people and they let me flip games with no trouble for foldin' money.

[Mag]

I used to do tech support for Hollywood Video stores. I found that managers usually know the least about what is actually going on in the stores. I cannot imagine that Blockbuster would be any different. A lot of employees are also just lazy. There is a reason that they work retail.

[HSaabedra]

I used to do tech support for Hollywood Video stores. I found that managers usually know the least about what is actually going on in the stores. I cannot imagine that Blockbuster would be any different. A lot of employees are also just lazy. There is a reason that they work retail.

In my experience two types of people work retail:

1. The "goalseekers". These are the people that are going to school or have a career, but need extra money to cover expenses and need money to save.

2. The "lifers". These people get comfortable and have no drive to make something of themselves. They identify themselves by their position in the company and really believe that "job security" exists.

[KabukiSaMuRaI]

I stopped renting from Blockbuster a long time ago. Later on all the ones near me have gone out of business.

The reception I got was never consistent.

Managers don't know much because their job is to manage...it is what they'll tell you anyway. Some of the hardest working people I know are in retail (yes and some of THE laziest I'm sorry to say). It is a toss up in that kind of business. Sometimes, companies will just hire anyone just to fill the need for a body on the floor.

It sounds like Gibb was very polite and non-offensive and the female manager just had a bad attitude. I don't mind that companies follow a protocol or standard operating procedure...it is expected and part of their responsibility. It is just the manner in which they do it that I notice. Lack of sympathy or total disregard for the feelings of the customer bothers me a lot.

**Although when the customer asks for something ridiculous or is downright obnoxious...then no sympathy and a stern enforcement of rules is just what the doctor ordered.

I wonder how many Blockbusters are left....?

[goddessofanime]

I have a Blockbuster near my house that I've been going to for years. The employees have all been really nice and helpful, but today was like some sort of twilight zone.

I wanted to rent the PS3 game "Pure", which just came out last week or so. There was a placeholder for it on the shelf, but no empty box behind it meaning that have it in stock. I know this blockbuster well, and that usually means nothing as they're pretty bad about getting the empty boxes put back behind the game case.

I go up to the counter and there is a new guy I've never seen helping me.
Gibb: Do you have Pure for PS3?
Guy: Did you see one over there?
Gibb: What does it say in the computer?
Guy: We have one, go find the empty case and bring it to me
Gibb: Well there isn't an empty case over there, I just figured I'd ask up here since you guys sometimes have the game anyway.
Guy: If you don't have the empty case for the game, I can't do anything for you.
Gibb: Um the case isn't over there, I can't bring you an empty case that doesn't exist.
Guy: Then I can't rent you the game, I'm sorry.

At this point the female employee who was standing near by went over to the game section to try and find it. She said "If I can't find the case, I'll still rent the game for you." She finds nothing either, and goes back to talk to the jerk.

Girl: Yeah there isn't a case over there, just rent the game to him and we'll fix this game section during inventory next week.
Guy: Ok I'll rent you this game, but this is the last time I'll do it without the case.

At this point my friend who's with me chimes in
Friend: We're sorry for being such lousy customers, next time we'll try harder! Please forgive us!

Anyway I wrote down the phone number of the main store manager, a woman who is incredibly nice and has known me for 2 years now. I'll be calling her to explain this situation in detail. I've never wished somebody to lose their job more than this guy before. He even had "manager" written on his nametag. How this guy even made it to manager is beyond me.


I would've gotten smart back with the manager.

That type of worker really pisses me off. I used to have to deal with wisearses like him when I used to manage.

[The Million Dollar Prons]

Blockbuster sucks, my favorite thing is when they have signs that say "All these used DVDs are 3 for 10!"

and then you get like 20 dvds to the counter and they're like "Oh only one of these is used" and I'm all "Then why was there a sign over it, *******s."

[max payne]

It sounds like Gibb was very polite and non-offensive and the female manager just had a bad attitude. I don't mind that companies follow a protocol or standard operating procedure...it is expected and part of their responsibility. It is just the manner in which they do it that I notice. Lack of sympathy or total disregard for the feelings of the customer bothers me a lot.



The manager was male, the more helpful employee was female.

It's good practice to read something before you comment on it.


On Topic: The whole no case, no game thing seems a bit ridiculous if you still have a copy of the game. He might just deliberately being an arse.

The guy sounds like he's got his head up arse thanks to his shiny nametag.


I don't really shop at blockbuster because they always mistake me for a 12 year old and refuse to rent me games, the bastards.

[Caster13]

...reminds me of that POPCOPY training video from Chappelle's Show.

How were the bathrooms Gibb? were there some peanuts stuck to the walls?

[Bernard_Monsha]

I stopped using Ballbuster Video back in 1999 when I got a notice that my 34 cent debt was being handed off to a collection agency.

[Mag]

FYI, Hollywood Video will not send you to collections over late fees, and there is literally no limit to how high they can go. Only employees have to pay their late fees before the system will let them rent again. If they try to tell you other wise, they're lying. Don't lose the movie though, we'll get you for that.

In my experience two types of people work retail:

1. The "goalseekers". These are the people that are going to school or have a career, but need extra money to cover expenses and need money to save.

2. The "lifers". These people get comfortable and have no drive to make something of themselves. They identify themselves by their position in the company and really believe that "job security" exists.

#2 are the ones I'm speaking of.

[Caster13]

Oh man there are A LOT of #2's where I used to live. Most of the people in my class ended up working crappy jobs and are never going to get anywhere.

Thankfully, I escaped.:D

[KabukiSaMuRaI]

The manager was male, the more helpful employee was female.

It's good practice to read something before you comment on it.


On Topic: The whole no case, no game thing seems a bit ridiculous if you still have a copy of the game. He might just deliberately being an arse.

I don't really shop at blockbuster because they always mistake me for a 12 year old and refuse to rent me games, the bastards.

Actually, I remembered the female manager and misplaced the roles. I am appreciative that there are such detail oriented kids like you in this forum. Thanks for the assist although you may need to work on your delivery. Try to be a little more courteous in your future posts. In addition, it would be a to take your trolling elsewhere and try to make sure your entire POST is on topic next time kid. The grown ups here would appreciate it a lot.

It is good practice for someone with you problem to carry around some form of ID so that you are not mistaken for a kid...although I don't blame the employees. Your loss. I'm sure you use that anecdote a lot.

I would've gotten smart back with the manager.

That type of worker really pisses me off. I used to have to deal with wisearses like him when I used to manage.

Retail is a beast that is here to stay. You meet all kinds of characters.

[Ken-Ohki]

I stopped using Ballbuster Video back in 1999 when I got a notice that my 34 cent debt was being handed off to a collection agency.

I tried getting a credit card and they refused and gave me a number to call to find out why. I call and wait and listen only to find out that a $2 overdue bill for blockbuster was sent to a collections agency, simply because I infrequently visited that store. I've never been back.

[Jia]

Blockbuster.....ahh...I had a call about 6 am my time from Blockbuster in New Zealand asking me for $150 in over due videos. Too bad I live in a different country.

[VidelCoolGirl]

Psh, I use HOLLYWOOD VIDEO.

This makes me a better person, by the way.

[superplough]

Blockbuster.....ahh...I had a call about 6 am my time from Blockbuster in New Zealand asking me for $150 in over due videos. Too bad I live in a different country.

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Jia]

^ I know. I still can't get over that or how they even got my number.

[superplough]

I already told you, I gave it to them :lol:

[KabukiSaMuRaI]

I tried getting a credit card and they refused and gave me a number to call to find out why. I call and wait and listen only to find out that a $2 overdue bill for blockbuster was sent to a collections agency, simply because I infrequently visited that store. I've never been back.

Bad credit haunts us for a long long time.

Blockbuster.....ahh...I had a call about 6 am my time from Blockbuster in New Zealand asking me for $150 in over due videos. Too bad I live in a different country.

I'm sure you were able to find some humor...looking back. That is one of the reason's why I don't answer my phone till after breakfast. :P

Reminds me of a movie...remember this? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To-4rYwvnls)

Psh, I use HOLLYWOOD VIDEO.

This makes me a better person, by the way.

You put us to shame.

[VidelCoolGirl]

^ Damn right I do.

[GreatNekoKoneko]

... i just steal my movies, just like a normal Internet pirate.

[Jia]

I'm sure you were able to find some humor...looking back. That is one of the reason's why I don't answer my phone till after breakfast. :P

Reminds me of a movie...remember this? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To-4rYwvnls)


I normally don't answer my phone in general. I just got repeated calls from the place and I didn't appreciate it.:P I haven't seen that movie :(

[KabukiSaMuRaI]

^ Damn right I do.

For sure. :)

I normally don't answer my phone in general. I just got repeated calls from the place and I didn't appreciate it.:P I haven't seen that movie :(

I see. Well, the punchline to the joke can still be saved!
Go to a place, that's not Blockbuster :P , and rent it. The movie I liked and has a certain sense of humor about it. The part that your other post reminded me of will be VERY apparent and you'll know right away what I was talking about. :naughty:

[Jia]

Was it the accents?

[KabukiSaMuRaI]

Was it the accents?

Nah, that's another topic.
I was referring to your anecdote about your favorite video rental store :P . Ideally, I wanted a clip of just that part(s) of the movie but things don't always work out that way. You'll just have to watch the whole thing. :) The weekend is upon us...you should have a little time, no?

[Mag]

Psh, I use HOLLYWOOD VIDEO.

This makes me a better person, by the way.

Me too! Mostly because I get half price rentals! :naughty:

[superplough]

The girl at my video rental store gave me two for one last night and it wasn;t even two for one night :thumbsup:

[VidelCoolGirl]

Me too! Mostly because I get half price rentals! :naughty:

Yay for elitism! Hollywood has awesome sales on DVDs too. You can get seasons ans new DVDs faily cheep when they have their bargin bins. Helps also that Game Crazy is always next door.

[Haro!]

The girl at my video rental store gave me two for one last night and it wasn;t even two for one night :thumbsup:
I always get two for one nights with girls. ZING!

You know this thread made me realize that I don't rent anything. Well I guess I do use the Apple TV at my parents' house, if that counts.

[superplough]

I always get two for one nights with girls. ZING!

:thumbsup: This is the Haro! I know and love :thumbsup:

Apple TV

...sigh...

[Haro!]

:thumbsup: This is the Haro! I know and love :thumbsup:



...sigh...

I'm sorry it was a birthday gift for my dad. I was considering getting that Vudu settop box, but on the website they promote (well at one point they did) their access to porn (an AVN channel) and I just found that tacky and it kept me from thinking about buying it.

[The Million Dollar Prons]

My problem with holywood video is they used to let you rent like any ammount of DVDs, so you could come home wiht like 50 movies for the weekend.

Now they limit you for five.

[Mag]

I think that's a reasonable limit.

[Smith]

My problem with holywood video is they used to let you rent like any ammount of DVDs, so you could come home wiht like 50 movies for the weekend.

Now they limit you for five.

Now, only someone like Prons can watch 50 movies in a weekend. :blink: Reminds me of that contest for most hours watching movies that happened recently.

The only time I rent something is when I feel like watching a new release on release day, and I do that off Redbox. I subscribe to netflix, 4 discs at a time.

[The Million Dollar Prons]

Now, only someone like Prons can watch 50 movies in a weekend. :blink: Reminds me of that contest for most hours watching movies that happened recently.


When there's four people in your family and only one blockbuster account (It's pretty typical) and each has like 5 movies they want to see, you end up with a lot of films.

[KabukiSaMuRaI]

I think that's a reasonable limit.

Is that a proper word to describe Prons? He's got his whole family involved in the process.

[Caster13]

I always get two for one nights with girls. ZING!

You know this thread made me realize that I don't rent anything. Well I guess I do use the Apple TV at my parents' house, if that counts.

yup, that's DEFINITELY the Haro! we know....:roll:


What the hell would you do if there was no more Apple one day? Seriously?

[Haro!]

yup, that's DEFINITELY the Haro! we know....:roll:


What the hell would you do if there was no more Apple one day? Seriously?

Well, I'd still have my allegiance to Sony or Lenovo for laptops. Um for a music player, I'd want to get an iRiver but never met someone that used them that I liked. Maybe a Cowon. Um for a phone, um I still like Sony Ericsson (and use one religiously). As to renting movies... um there has to be something simple out there.
Oh oh. I went to Blockbuster the other day with someone. Um I can't see myself doing that often. The people that work there seem depressed, and the place has a weird smell.

[KabukiSaMuRaI]

Oh oh. I went to Blockbuster the other day with someone. Um I can't see myself doing that often. The people that work there seem depressed, and the place has a weird smell.

Probably because of the close rate...

[Haro!]

Probably because of the close rate...

That would explain it.

[Caster13]

If the two Steve's died, then what?

[Haro!]

If the two Steve's died, then what?
By "two Steves" I take it you're referring to Steve Wozniak as the second? I don't care too much for Woz. He's not enough of an ******* to be admired. Nor does he have a good enough eye for design. He's not picky enough. But this is all off-topic.

What other video rental services are worth trying? Oh I hear they tend to have good stuff at the library? Anyone tried that?

[Mag]

What other video rental services are worth trying?
BitTorrent.