Do You Have to Pay to Preorder at GameStop? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is: Yes, you generally do have to pay something to preorder at GameStop, although the full cost isn’t usually charged immediately. GameStop operates a system where a small deposit is required to secure your preorder, but the full payment isn’t processed until closer to the release date. Let’s break down exactly how this works, what you need to be aware of, and answer some common questions related to preordering from GameStop.

Understanding GameStop Preorder Payments

GameStop utilizes a deposit system for preorders, typically starting with a $5 deposit required to reserve your product. This deposit acts as confirmation that you are serious about purchasing the item and helps GameStop manage their inventory and demand. The deposit ensures your copy is held for you and prevents the possibility of missing out on the release.

How Deposits Work

The $5 deposit is not the full cost of the preordered item. Instead, it’s a partial payment applied towards the overall purchase. When you place a preorder, the full cost of the game will be applied when the item is ready to ship, or close to the release date for pick up in store. This deposit is important for ensuring your preorder is valid and your copy is reserved for you, especially for highly anticipated games or limited edition merchandise.

Timing of Full Payment

GameStop does not charge the full amount immediately upon placing a preorder with a credit or debit card. Instead, they process and charge your card typically around 10 days before the game’s release or early access period, depending on what you are pre-ordering. However, there are a few exceptions:

• Account Credit: If you’re using account credit for a preorder, the balance will be deducted from your account immediately.
• Combined Payment: If you split the payment between a credit card and account balance, the account balance will be deducted immediately, and your card will be charged closer to the release date.
• Pre-Authorization Hold: When you place a preorder with a credit card, GameStop may place a temporary pre-authorization hold on your card for the full amount. This hold is temporary and will not charge you right away.

Pre-Authorization Holds Explained

A pre-authorization hold is not an actual charge. It’s a temporary amount that your bank or card issuer holds to make sure you have enough credit to cover the future payment. This hold can temporarily reduce your available credit and lasts for approximately 1 to 8 days, depending on your financial institution.

In-Store Pickup vs. Online Orders

It’s crucial to distinguish how preorders differ between in-store pickup and online delivery:

• In-Store Pickup: You’ll select a specific GameStop location during the checkout process where you plan to collect your preorder. Your card will be charged typically a few days before the game is released, and you must go into that store to finalize and collect your purchase. GameStop will hold your item for approximately 48 hours after release. If you don’t pick up your copy within that time, they might sell it to another customer, but the money you put down towards the purchase will be available for you to use later.
• Online Orders: For online orders that are shipped to your home, your card will only be charged when the order ships from the warehouse. The delivery time is usually 2 business days after they process your order.

Why GameStop Charges a Preorder Deposit

The deposit system provides several benefits to both GameStop and its customers:

• Guaranteed Reservation: The deposit ensures that GameStop will hold a copy of the product for you, especially important for high-demand items.
• Demand Management: Preorders allow GameStop to estimate how much product they need to order, helping them avoid overstocking or shortages.
• Customer Commitment: The deposit demonstrates a genuine intent to purchase, reducing the number of abandoned preorders.

Can You Cancel a Preorder and Get Your Deposit Back?

The answer is yes, you can cancel a preorder at GameStop, but it is crucial to cancel before your card is charged. If your card has not been charged, then you can generally cancel your order online. However, once the card has been charged, refund options become more complicated.

If you cancel a preorder after your card has been charged, GameStop typically issues a virtual gift card that you can use on their website. The refund is not given back to your original payment method. This is a very important detail for the customer to be aware of as it is not cash back, and must be used on GameStop merchandise or online purchases.

FAQ: Additional Questions about GameStop Preorders

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify how GameStop preorders work:

1. Does preordering guarantee I get the game on release day?

Generally, preordering does not guarantee you’ll receive a physical game on the release day. Typically, for home delivery, you may have to pay an additional fee for expedited shipping to have your game arrive on the actual release day. If you pick up in store, you can pick it up on release day, or within the next 48 hours, depending on when the game arrives in store.

2. What happens if the price of the preordered game drops before release?

GameStop offers a price guarantee on preorders. If the price drops between the time you order and the end of the release day, you will be charged the lower price.

3. Can I change the store location where I want to pick up my pre-order?

Once you place your order, you cannot change the selected store. Therefore, be very careful to pick the right store when placing your preorder.

4. How long will GameStop hold my preordered game?

GameStop will hold your preordered game for approximately 48 hours after its release. Make sure to pick it up promptly.

5. What if I don’t pick up my preorder from GameStop?

If you don’t pick up your preorder within the allotted time, GameStop will sell the item to another customer. However, you will still retain the deposit you paid and can use it for other GameStop purchases.

6. Can I use a credit card to preorder?

Yes, GameStop accepts credit cards for preorders. However, your card will not be charged until the item ships from their warehouse for online deliveries or, for instore pickups, a few days before the release of the game.

7. How does preordering a digital game work?

For digital preorders, your selected payment method will be charged up to 7 days before the game’s release. The game will then be pre-loaded onto your system, so you can play immediately when the game releases.

8. What is the benefit of preordering a game?

Preordering allows you to secure a copy of a desired product, especially for high-demand titles. It also often provides early access or pre-order bonus content.

9. Is it better to preorder a game or wait?

There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Preordering guarantees you get a copy on release and sometimes includes bonuses. However, waiting allows you to read reviews and see if the game meets expectations.

10. What happens if my preorder payment fails?

If your payment fails, your preorder will typically be canceled by GameStop.

11. Can I get a full refund if I decide to cancel a preorder?

GameStop does not provide full refunds for canceled preorders once the card has been charged; instead they will issue a virtual gift card. So the best way is to cancel before your card is charged for your preorder.

12. How long does a pre-authorization hold last?

Pre-authorization holds typically last for 1 to 8 days, depending on your financial institution.

13. What is a “made-to-order” option, and is it the same as a preorder?

Made-to-order means a product is created only after an order is placed, typically one item at a time. This is different from a pre-order where the manufacturer produces a set amount in advance, and they are reserved for customers.

14. Is there any advantage to using GameStop account credit for a preorder?

When using account credit, it will be taken from your account immediately upon placing the preorder. This is a good option if you prefer to have your funds deducted right away instead of waiting until the payment window before release.

15. Why does GameStop require a $5 deposit?

The deposit is a commitment that you will purchase the preorder. It also allows GameStop to manage the high demand of many games and makes sure they have enough stock coming into their stores.

Conclusion

Preordering at GameStop does require a form of payment, typically starting with a $5 deposit. While your credit card won’t usually be charged immediately for the full cost, it is important to understand how the process works, including pre-authorization holds and payment timelines. By being informed and understanding these details, you can make the most of the preordering process at GameStop. Be sure to cancel before your card is charged if you decide you don’t want the item, and be aware of the refund policy if you cancel after your card is charged.