I read that there was a 'leaked' copy of the EB Games employee handbook floating around the web a few years back, and it explained in some great detail about how to talk to customers and to push really hard on getting people to pre-order and so on. Despite my best efforts, I can't get Google to show it to me. Does anyone have a link to it (or a saved copy they're able to send me)? Also, as a side question; why do EB Games and similar video game retailers push so hard to try and get you to pre-order stuff? What's in it for them, other than a potential sale once the game is released?
posted by Effigy2000 on Dec 4, 2008 - 16 answers

We have a lot of local talented artists locally, with a pretty happening music scene. Lots of these are college students with not much money, but loads of talent. Help me help them. [more inside]
posted by mhp on Feb 8, 2008 - 4 answers

What's the fastest way to get a copy of the upcoming Guitar Hero 2 for the 360? [more inside]
posted by heresiarch on Mar 30, 2007 - 15 answers

Is any place still accepting Xbox 360 pre-orders, with a reasonable guarantee of launch delivery? The only place I could find was Gamestop.com's outrageously expensive Omega Bundle. Not gonna pay $2,000+ for a console, thankyouverymuch. At least not all at once ;)
posted by robbie01 on Oct 14, 2005 - 0 answers

I have a game that I am interesting in self-publishing. I don't have a lot of capital to put into it myself, so I'm thinking about using pre-orders to generate the bulk of the necessary revenue. What is the etiquette, if you will, of pre-ordering? What's "too long" between the submission of a pre-order and the availability of the product? I don't want people to actually give me money unless I can guarantee eventual shipment of the product; how is this handled? I'm thinking of how Amazon doesn't charge your card until an item ships; is that how pre-orders are typically handled? Do business that operate on pre-orders borrow against those pre-orders to pay for manufacturing, and then cash in on those pre-orders to pay back the bank? Any wisdom in this area is appreciated.
posted by blueshammer on Apr 20, 2004 - 13 answers