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I've done some intense research over the past few minutes in search of the UK's BEST online games retailer, and here are my rankings, in reverse order. If they're not even here, then it's because they're not as good. Simple as that. So, here are DA WINNAZ:
9th: Simplygames
Nice, moderately cheap games. Problem is, there aren't many games in their database. Plus, their search engine is sh!te. Not bad though. OH - their delivery service ain't that reliable, and trying to call them is more trouble than it's worth, with the phone line engaged most of the time. And no "On hold" line either. Pffff.
8th: dabs
Dabs? Don't they sell other stuff as well? Yes, and admittedly their games catalogue is even more limited than Simplygames - but they're quite cheap. I don't like their after sales service, so a loss of brownie points here.
7th: cd-wow
Now we're getting somewhere. Moderately cheap games and fast delivery. Site is quite good too. However, they ship items from their warehouses in the Far East, so a potentially dodgy area they're doing business in.
6th: Gamesplanet
Not bad, a nice website in my favourite colour. They got the shade perfect as well. Oh, broad games selection, all quite cheap.
5th: GAME
Would have been higher but their recent customer service has been lacking. Refunds take ages, and the games are pricer than most. In fact, the only reason I've included them here is because of the ***0 b**b* I got from them.
4th: gameplay
Not bad. Occasionally publish a catalogue, though it's flimsy and printed on thin toilet roll paper. Also smells bad. Their prices aren't the cheapest, but at least it does beat those of GAME's. You have a choice of whether your games will arrive in a padded envelope or box too, which I guess is nice if you're picky or admire the packaging more than the game itself.
3rd: play
Okay, though on the website you have to select the field you are searching in before typing in the search. Then pressing Enter. A trivial problem, but still wastes a bit of time for the user. Stuff arrives from Jersey, which I hear is a nice place. Good.
The runner-up for the best online games retailer goes to...
Amazon:
Nice selection of games and other stuff you might need; search toolbar is rather conveniently placed too. Website design is rather cluttered however, and takes a bit of getting used to at first. Also, the games bought from there smell a bit rotten, as if someone's been eating bananas and left the whiff behind on your games prior to packing.
And the UK's best online games retailer goes to......
Special Reserve
The best in the UK, possibly the world. The only one featured that has a lively online community present on forums, in addition to a huge games database. Searching is easy, just type part of the product name and there's a good chance the item you want is near the top of search results.
Regularly publishes a catalogue featuring not only the best of its product database, but also reviews and competitions. It even has a website dedicated just to the members of the forums, it's that good. Ordering from the site is easy and delivery is fast.
The killer blow comes in the form of free gifts offered, claimed by collecting Special Resrve's own "Reddy" system. Cool.
So there you have it. SR are the best. Woo-hoo
EDIT: Not biased in any way, so this topic can be relied on in determining future shopping habits.
9th: Simplygames
Nice, moderately cheap games. Problem is, there aren't many games in their database. Plus, their search engine is sh!te. Not bad though. OH - their delivery service ain't that reliable, and trying to call them is more trouble than it's worth, with the phone line engaged most of the time. And no "On hold" line either. Pffff.
8th: dabs
Dabs? Don't they sell other stuff as well? Yes, and admittedly their games catalogue is even more limited than Simplygames - but they're quite cheap. I don't like their after sales service, so a loss of brownie points here.
7th: cd-wow
Now we're getting somewhere. Moderately cheap games and fast delivery. Site is quite good too. However, they ship items from their warehouses in the Far East, so a potentially dodgy area they're doing business in.
6th: Gamesplanet
Not bad, a nice website in my favourite colour. They got the shade perfect as well. Oh, broad games selection, all quite cheap.
5th: GAME
Would have been higher but their recent customer service has been lacking. Refunds take ages, and the games are pricer than most. In fact, the only reason I've included them here is because of the ***0 b**b* I got from them.
4th: gameplay
Not bad. Occasionally publish a catalogue, though it's flimsy and printed on thin toilet roll paper. Also smells bad. Their prices aren't the cheapest, but at least it does beat those of GAME's. You have a choice of whether your games will arrive in a padded envelope or box too, which I guess is nice if you're picky or admire the packaging more than the game itself.
3rd: play
Okay, though on the website you have to select the field you are searching in before typing in the search. Then pressing Enter. A trivial problem, but still wastes a bit of time for the user. Stuff arrives from Jersey, which I hear is a nice place. Good.
The runner-up for the best online games retailer goes to...
Amazon:
Nice selection of games and other stuff you might need; search toolbar is rather conveniently placed too. Website design is rather cluttered however, and takes a bit of getting used to at first. Also, the games bought from there smell a bit rotten, as if someone's been eating bananas and left the whiff behind on your games prior to packing.
And the UK's best online games retailer goes to......
Special Reserve
The best in the UK, possibly the world. The only one featured that has a lively online community present on forums, in addition to a huge games database. Searching is easy, just type part of the product name and there's a good chance the item you want is near the top of search results.
Regularly publishes a catalogue featuring not only the best of its product database, but also reviews and competitions. It even has a website dedicated just to the members of the forums, it's that good. Ordering from the site is easy and delivery is fast.
The killer blow comes in the form of free gifts offered, claimed by collecting Special Resrve's own "Reddy" system. Cool.
So there you have it. SR are the best. Woo-hoo
EDIT: Not biased in any way, so this topic can be relied on in determining future shopping habits.
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Depends what you did in the first place.
Icaruss wrote:
> If you've experienced problems with them, then it's
> obvious you've done something wrong to upset them.
So, as the customer, I'm supposed to keep them happy? Okay....for Christ's sake don't start your own business Icarus.
> If you've experienced problems with them, then it's
> obvious you've done something wrong to upset them.
So, as the customer, I'm supposed to keep them happy? Okay....for Christ's sake don't start your own business Icarus.
Well in my view Special Reserve have been the best; although not mentioned, their customer service is one of the most friendly I've encountered, and their delivery service to me has been top notch. If you've experienced problems with them, then it's obvious you've done something wrong to upset them.
Now apologise immediately and wipe my ass too.
Now apologise immediately and wipe my ass too.
ÂLŠ†ÂÎR wrote:
> I laugh so loud at your bum cleaning attempt to show your appreciation
> for a site which over charges, has crap customer service and games
> due out very soon that aren't even on their database.
>
> God bless SR.
Yes I thought it was somewhat blatant brown-nosing and wondered if he had actually used the other retailers?
Of them I'd rate GAME and Gamesplanet as equals when you want the game on or before day of release and, more importantly, don't want your money taken ages before the game is ever released. After that Play.com for non-urgent stuff and special offers.
Customer service wise, GAME wins out, you can cancel by email, and, in my experience, always get through on the phone.
SR....well nearly two weeks since I sent in three paper reddies I've first had them claim I'm not a member, then was told on Sunday it'd be okay in 24 hours...and still don't have them - reddies are a good idea but I suspect that I won't ever see the 3 I sent in again, which means nothing for around £110 worth of purchases. Yay. Though they did exchange SOCOM II for the headset version with no hassle which was good.
At the end of the day I limit my browsing to Amazon, GAME, Play and Gamesplanet and tend to buy what is cheapest, or whoever is most likely to get the game to me on release day.
> I laugh so loud at your bum cleaning attempt to show your appreciation
> for a site which over charges, has crap customer service and games
> due out very soon that aren't even on their database.
>
> God bless SR.
Yes I thought it was somewhat blatant brown-nosing and wondered if he had actually used the other retailers?
Of them I'd rate GAME and Gamesplanet as equals when you want the game on or before day of release and, more importantly, don't want your money taken ages before the game is ever released. After that Play.com for non-urgent stuff and special offers.
Customer service wise, GAME wins out, you can cancel by email, and, in my experience, always get through on the phone.
SR....well nearly two weeks since I sent in three paper reddies I've first had them claim I'm not a member, then was told on Sunday it'd be okay in 24 hours...and still don't have them - reddies are a good idea but I suspect that I won't ever see the 3 I sent in again, which means nothing for around £110 worth of purchases. Yay. Though they did exchange SOCOM II for the headset version with no hassle which was good.
At the end of the day I limit my browsing to Amazon, GAME, Play and Gamesplanet and tend to buy what is cheapest, or whoever is most likely to get the game to me on release day.
Glad I made someone laugh; now you can repay the favour by wiping my bum.
I laugh so loud at your bum cleaning attempt to show your appreciation for a site which over charges, has crap customer service and games due out very soon that aren't even on their database.
God bless SR.
God bless SR.
Play and amazon have the best prices, but i'd say gameplay are the most reliable and quickest. Thats from my experience anyway.
I've hated gamesplanet ever since they messed up with the launch of CM4.
I've hated gamesplanet ever since they messed up with the launch of CM4.
SR's customer service is damn good, or has been when I have needed it services in anyway. play is also good for this, it only took one day for a reply from both sites, very good. :-)
Mr Snuggly wrote:
> Saying this is hard, considering I leave in 2 and a half days, but
> Special Reserve is getting... *gulp* better. Our game prices are
> dropping quote substantially over the next few weeks.
Yikes just look at the price of Far Cry!!!
EXCELLENT
> Saying this is hard, considering I leave in 2 and a half days, but
> Special Reserve is getting... *gulp* better. Our game prices are
> dropping quote substantially over the next few weeks.
Yikes just look at the price of Far Cry!!!
EXCELLENT
Icaruss wrote:
> ***0 b**be I got from them.
>
> That should help
No, that doesnt help at all
> ***0 b**be I got from them.
>
> That should help
No, that doesnt help at all
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