The Last Days of the Hastings / GoHastings Universe - Check the latest posts!

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kodave

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BEFORE YOU ASK A QUESTION IN THIS THREAD, READ THE FAQ BELOW!

GoHastings.Com Promotional Deals and Codes

AMARILLO, Texas - Texas-based Hastings Entertainment Inc. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Company officials say the reorganization filing includes its parent company, Draw Another Circle, and sister brands Movie Stop and SPImages.

A statement posted Monday on the Hastings website says the Chapter 11 process will help prepare the business for an intended sale, while providing protections and financing to continue operations. Further financial details weren’t released.

Hastings will no longer accept or honor deposits for movie purchases and will no longer rent games. Hastings gift cards expire July 13, 2016. The company’s buyback program has been suspended.
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Full List Of Online Coupon Codes

In-Store Sales / Discounts / Liquidation will vary from Online Sale / Coupon offerings

Check latest posts in thread for more specific updates

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Please read me before posting a question!

Click the "Show Spoiler" button below to see the FAQ
General
Question: What is Hastings / GoHastings.Com?
Answer:
Founded in 1968, Hastings Entertainment, Inc. is a leading multimedia entertainment retailer that combines the sale of new and used books, videos, video games and CDs, and trends and consumer electronics merchandise, with the rental of videos and video games in a superstore format. Currently there are 146 superstores. Hastings also operates www.goHastings.com, an e-commerce Internet Web site that makes available to customers new and used entertainment products and unique, contemporary gifts and toys.

Question: Gee, this is a really long FAQ. Doesn't Hasting have their own FAQ for customers?
Answer:
Hastings does have their own FAQ. You can read Hastings' official FAQ by clicking here. However, this FAQ goes into many details that Hastings' own FAQ does not. So be sure to read through all of this before asking a question!

NEW!
Question: How can I filter and sort Used Video Games to remove the out of stock items?
Answer:
Find the "Stock" dropdown menu option when browsing the used game selection and choose "In Stock." Games that have been purchased in the past day and are now out of stock may still appear.

NEW!
Question: Where can I find clearance video games and other clearance items?
Answer:
Clearance Video Games are in New condition; Plus $2.28 shipping per game
Click Here For Overall Video Game Clearance Items > Sort by Platform on the drop down menu
Click Here For Overall Clearance Items

Game / Item Condition
Question: What is the difference between "used" and "previously viewed" items on GoHastings.Com?
Answer:
"Used" games and movies are items that have been traded in to a Hastings retail location by a customer. "Previously viewed" games and movies are items that Hastings has rented out to customers at their retail locations but are now selling to the public.

When it comes to video games, most CAGs report no real difference between the two other than some ancillary stickers, but both "used" and "previously viewed" games are subject to being scratched, abused, or incomplete depending how well it was previously taken care of.

When it comes to movies, the "Previously Viewed" rental versions often lack features from the full retail versions and may come in different boxes, have different UPCs, have white barcode stickers around the center ring of the disc, etc.

You may encounter a situation where a customer has purchased a "previously used" item from Hastings, then traded it back into Hastings, thus making it a "used" item. This practiced is frowned upon by most customers, but Hastings has shown next to no incentive to change it. It mostly happens with movies.

Question: Do used and previously viewed video games come complete with the original case and manual?
Answer:
GoHastings.Com states as follows:

Due to the nature of used products; booklet inserts, digital movie downloads and manuals are not guaranteed in our used video games, movies and CDs.
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However, the vast majority of CAGs have reported that a large majority of their games do arrive complete. Incomplete games are more of an exception rather than the rule.

Question: Are used collector's editions and limited editions of games guaranteed to come with extras like bonus discs, statutes, and other items?
Answer:
No. Hopefully the used CE and LE games would at least come with all of the discs, but this is not guaranteed. And there is absolutely no guarantee other physical items or "swag" will be included for these used copies. However, CAGs have reported that they have purchased used CE and LE games and received all of the extras. If you order a used CE or LE and it does not come with the extras, just contact customer service and ask about a return/refund.

Question: What condition do "used" and "previously viewed" discs come in?
Answer:
Mosts CAGs seem to get games in good, playable condition if not better. However, there have been cases of receiving a game so scratched up that it would not load/play. These games can be returned to GoHastings.Com at no cost to the customer for a full refund.

NEW!
Question: Are New condition games factory sealed or gutted and re-sealed?
Answer:
As of mid-2013, Hastings retail stores have adopted a policy of gutting games then storing the game discs, manuals and DLC papers separately. This is so they do not have to lock up games or put security cases on games yet still allow the customer to physically handle the boxes in-store. When a new game is sold, Hasting will either re-seal the game or they will place the game in a bag that cannot be opened if you want to return the game as new.

Shipping
Question: Why are my items shipping individually? Why does GoHastings.Com include a shipping charge for each individual item ordered?
Answer:
Hastings does not have warehouses for fulfilling internet orders. All items are shipped from individual brick and mortar retail stores. If your order contains multiple items, your order may ship from multiple locations at different times if one location does not have all of the items you ordered. Because items could ship from more than one location, GoHastings.Com charges a per item shipping fee. Yes this can be frustrating, so its best to either get over it if you intend to shop at GoHastings.Com, or if you can't get over it, shop elsewhere. Like all "deals," include the shipping price per item into consideration for the total cost of the game being purchased.

UPDATED!
Question: How much is shipping per item?
Answer:
Video Games and PC software ship for $2.28 per item.

CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays ship for $1.29 per item.

Books have a per-order charge of $3.00 plus $0.99 shipping per book ordered.

Game Hardware, Electronics and Trends have a per-order charge of $1.99 plus $0.10 shipping per ounce for each item ordered.

Full shipping information, including expedited shipping prices, can be found HERE.

Occasionally, GoHastings.Com offers free or reduced shipping promotions.

Please note, books used to ship for $0.96 per order with no per item charge but Hastings discontinued that pricing scheme as of January 10, 2014. CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays used to ship for $0.96 per item, but Hastings raised that price to the current cost as of approximately May 25, 2014.

Question: How long does it take GoHastings.Com to ship my order?
Answer:
Standard Shipping:
Order processed within 48 Hours
Shipping time is 3-10 Days

Priority / Expedited Mail:
Order processed within 48 Hours
Shipping time is 2 - 3 Days

Question: What service does GoHastings.Com use to ship items?
Answer:
GoHastings.Com primarily ships items using the United States Postal Service (USPS). Video games ship via USPS First Class Mail. Books, movies and music ship via USPS Media Mail. Larger orders may ship via UPS.

Question: Will GoHastings.Com give me a tracking number for each shipment?
Answer:
Every shipment usually has a tracking number associated with it. If you did not see a tracking number in the shipping confirmation email, check your order history on GoHastings.Com.

Question: What will GoHastings.Com ship my items in?
Answer:
It will vary. Hastings might use a yellow paper mailer with bubble padding on the inside. They might use a white plastic envelope with bubble padding on the inside. They might use a stiffer paper/lighter cardboard envelope with no padding. Hastings will try to jam as many items into any of the above envelope options as possible, resulting in frequently damaged books, broken game/movie/CD cases, etc. On rare occasions, someone at Hastings will have the common sense to put larger or heavier items into a box for safer shipping, but even then they will neglect to use padding. Hastings used to ship items in a white plastic poly-bag with absolutely no padding or protection, but after numerous complaints, the company claims these are supposed to be phased out and no longer in use. They still pop up from time to time.

Order Cancellations / Out Of Stock Items
Question: Why was an item cancelled out of my order? Why is that item back in stock right now?
Answer:
GoHastings.Com fills their stock from their Hastings brick and mortar retail locations. Additionally, GoHastings.Com sells items on Amazon and eBay. Their online inventory system is antiquated and does not update stock instantaneously across physical store locations, GoHastings.Com, Amazon, and eBay. Therefore if someone bought the same item first in store/on Amazon/on eBay, their order will be fulfilled first and your item will be cancelled if there is not enough inventory to go around, even though you thought the item was in stock. Yes this sucks, but now you know about it so you can simply choose not to shop at GoHastings in the future if you can't deal with it. No need to endlessly complain about it in posts. Consider writing a letter to the president of Hastings, whose contact info can be found below this FAQ.

Because Hastings' physical store locations accept trade-ins for the used items that they sell, an item that was out of stock may quickly come back into stock if someone trades in the same item, or if someone returns the same item. However, as stated above, GoHastings.Com has an antiquated online system, and they will not be able to fulfill any items on your order once they have been canceled. You will have to re-order the item, at which time the promotion you initially ordered under may have expired. You can try to contact customer service to see if they will create a new order for you with the price point your originally ordered under.

Question: I just ordered something and now it shows as out of stock, either on my order history page or on the item's page. Will my order be canceled?
Answer:
Probably not, but it is still possible. GoHastings.Com updates its inventory count immediately when sales from the website are made. Therefore if they had one item, and you ordered it, it will now show up as out of stock on GoHastings.Com. However, if someone ordered it off Hastings' eBay or Amazon Marketplace listings first, they may fulfill that order first and cancel your order. Also, if someone walks into the store and purchases the item before it is pulled to ship to you, your order will be canceled. Additionally, store employees may not be able to locate the item and thus cancel your order for that reason. Hastings also has a problem on their website where items in your order history show as out of stock, sometimes regardless of the actual stock. Your best bet is to take a deep breath and not worry about it.

Sale Pricing
NEW!
Question: How can I tell if one promotion or discount is better than a different commonly offered promotion or discount?
Answer:
The following guides are only for video games since they take into consideration the $2.28 per game shipping price. You will have to do your own math for music/movies, books, trends/electronics and other shipping sales.

Remember, stock and prices fluctuate constantly and may not be the same by the next sale.

The math in the Buy 2 Get 1 For $1 deal assumes you choose three equally priced games to maximize your potential savings.

Free Shipping:
Vs. 96¢ Per Item Shipping: Use free shipping, obviously
Vs. 20% Off: Use free shipping with items $11.40 and less
Vs. 25% Off: Use free shipping with items $9.12 and less
Vs. Buy 2 Used Games, Get 1 For $1: Use free shipping with items $7.84 and less
Vs. 30% Off: Use free shipping with items $7.60 and less
Vs. 33% Off: Use free shipping with items $6.91 and less
Vs. 40% Off: Use free shipping with items $5.70 and less

96 Cent Shipping:
Vs. Free Shipping: Wait for Free Shipping, obviously
Vs. 20% Off: Use 96¢ shipping with items $6.60 and less
Vs. 25% Off: Use 96¢ shipping with items $5.28 and less
Vs. Buy 2 Used Games, Get 1 For $1: Use 96¢ shipping with items $4.96 and less
Vs. 30% Off: Use 96¢ shipping with items $4.40 and less
Vs. 33% Off: Use 96¢ shipping with items $4.00 and less
Vs. 40% Off: Use 96¢ shipping with items $3.30 and less

20% Off:
Vs. Free Shipping: For items over $11.40, use 20% Off
Vs. 96 Cent Shipping: For items over $6.60, use 20% Off
Vs. Buy 2 Used Games, Get 1 For $1: For items under $2.50, use 20% Off

25% Off:
Vs. Free Shipping: For items over $9.12, use 25% Off
Vs. 96 Cent Shipping: For items over $5.28, use 20% Off
Vs. Buy 2 Used Games, Get 1 For $1: For items under $4.00, use 25% Off

30% Off:
Vs. Free Shipping: For items over $7.60, use 30% Off
Vs. 96 Cent Shipping: For items over $4.40, use 30% Off
Vs. Buy 2 Used Games, Get 1 For $1: For items under $10, use 30% Off

Buy 2 Get 1 For $1:
Vs. Free Shipping: Use free shipping with items $7.84 and less
Vs. $0.96 Shipping: Use 96¢ shipping with items $4.96 and less

33% Off:
Vs. Free Shipping: For items over $6.91, use 33% Off
Vs. 96 Cent Shipping: For items over $4.00, use 33% Off

40% Off:
Vs. Free Shipping: For items over $5.70, use 40% Off
Vs. 96 Cent Shipping: For items over $3.30, use 40% Off

Question: GoHastings.Com totally raised their prices prior to the sale! OMGWTFBBQSauce! Should I call the police / attorney general / president of the United States?
Answer:
GoHastings.Com claims to not raise their prices prior to sales. Their pricing is based on algorithms that consider things like supply, demand, competitor pricing, market rates, etc. If a game was $10 before the sale and $15 24 hours into the sale, chances are there were only a couple of copies of the game and someone bought one when the sale started, thus affecting the supply and demand. You are not the only one monitoring a Wish List on GoHastings.Com. However, there have been some clearly documented instances of raising prices right before a sale, especially with books rather than games.

Promotional Deal Codes
Question: Why is the promotional code not applying to my order?
Answer:
Certain M-rated games carry the disclaimer that "This item is only available for purchase by customers age 17 and older." If you have such a game in your cart, be sure to check the box by the "Check Out" button that says "I am at least 17 years of age" before clicking the "Apply Promotion Code" button to apply the promotional code.

Additionally, some promotional codes only apply to select qualifying titles. Be sure that your order only contains such titles. Occasionally the GoHastings.Com programmers miss something and games that are supposed to qualify do not work with the promotional code. If this is the case, please contact GoHastings.Com. Contact information can be found below this FAQ.

Question: Can I use more than one promotional code at the same time? Can I stack promotional codes?
Answer:
No, you can only apply one promotional code per order. This prevents code stacking. If there are two promotional codes valid at the same time that you would like to use, you must place two or more separate orders.

Question: What time do promotions normally begin / end?
Answer:
GoHastings.Com operates based on the Central Time Zone. Weekly promotions usually start on Sunday and usually last the whole week. Various other promotions may have different start times and durations. Promotions usually begin at midnight Central time. However, sometimes the new promotions take a while to go "live" on the website, so always double check your order that the correct discounted price is shown.

Order Problems and Contacting Customer Service
(Including Returns/Replacements for Wrong Item or Damaged/Defective Item)
Question: I am trying to place an order and have entered my correct shipping address, billing address and credit card info. The check out page says there is a problem with my information and I need to correct it, but nothing is incorrect. What is going on?!
Answer:
This is a random error that seems to affect some people and not others. There is no known cause for it. People have reported it occurring with different credit card companies (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, etc.). Some people think it has to do with what web browser you use, so perhaps try a different one. Some people have reported they can't place orders from computers or IP numbers located out of the state where their billing or shipping address is located. The bottom line is there is no fix for this problem from the customer's end. Your only attempt to get it resolved will be to CALL Customer Service. Contact details for Customer Service can be found below this FAQ.

Question: GoHastings.Com sent me a defective game or the wrong game. How do I return it? Can they send me a replacement/correct item?
Answer:
Contact customer service to initiate the return process. Customer service contact information is located in this post, below the FAQ. GoHastings.Com will not charge you to ship the game back, and they will give you a full refund, including what you paid initially for shipping. In some instances, they will simply refund the cost of the item and let you keep the defective or wrong item for free. GoHastings.Com will not normally send you a replacement item if you received a defective or incorrect item. They will usually tell you that you must place a new order, at which time the promotion you initially ordered under may have expired. You can try to contact customer service to see if they will create a new order for you with the price point you originally ordered under.

Question: Something went wrong with my order. How do I contact customer service?
Answer:
Customer service contact information is located in this post, below the FAQ.

Question: Should I call or email customer service?
Answer:
CAGs have reported mixed experiences with both calling and emailing Hastings Customer Service. It is up to your preference. If you are contacting them regarding credit card issues, it may be best to call rather than put highly sensitive information in an email. If you call during business hours, your issue may be resolved right then over the phone. You might also have to wait on hold for a long period of time during peak hours. If you email, you may have to wait up to 48 hours to get a response, especially if you email over the weekend. Often the email replies fail to understand your entire issue with your order. Customer Service contact information is located in this post, below the FAQ.

Question: What is GoHastings.Com return policy?
Answer:
The GoHastings.Com website states their return policy is as follows:

All items purchased through gohastings.com may be returned for a full refund of the purchase price, if they meet the following criteria:

  • All new items are in original unopened packaging.
  • Return of product is within 30 days of shipping date.
  • Returned product(s) must be in the original packaging and include any manuals, cabling and accessories in saleable condition.
  • Video Game Systems that are found defective within the 30 day window must make a return using the manufacturer's warranty.
Shipping and handling charges are not refundable.
Note: Products purchased through goHastings.com may not be returned to a physical store location for refund.
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However, this can be confusing considering used items, such as games, come in opened packaging. Normally GoHastings has no problem with returns for defective or incorrect used game shipments that are promptly requested. At the very least, if a game item was found to be defective within 30 days of the shipping date, you would have a good argument toward customer service that you should be able to return the game item. Abusing the return policy to replace your own broken items with items from GoHastings inventory wouldn't be a good idea.

Miscellaneous
Question: Does GoHastings.Com collect sales tax?
Answer:
According to GoHastings.Com:

Currently goHastings.com only charges sales tax in states where we have a physical presence. Sales taxes are calculated during the ordering process and will show tax charged for the delivery destination, based on current tax rates. Shipping charges may also be subject to tax in certain states.
Currently sales tax is automatically applied in the following states:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Arizona
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Indiana
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Mexico
  • Oklahoma
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Washington
  • Wyoming
Click to expand...

Question: Where are Hastings brick and mortar retail stores located?
Answer:
Click here to find the location nearest you.

Question: Are the online prices the same in store? Are the online specials valid in store?
Answer:
Generally speaking, no. For used items and for some new items, GoHastings.Com uses algorithms where prices can change multiple times in one day. Hastings retail locations have their own set prices. See your local store for more information. Additionally, online special sales and promotions are not valid in store. Sometimes Hastings runs the same pricing online and in store for certain items.

Question: Are the brick and mortar retail location advertisements valid online?
Answer:
Generally the prices in the retail location advertisements are not valid on GoHastings.Com. Sometimes Hastings runs the same pricing online and in store for certain items.



Customer Service Contact Information
Customer Service Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday 9 am through 9 pm CST
Toll Free Phone Number: (877)-HASTINGS (427-8464)
Fax: (806) 467-8330

Email: service[at]gohastings.com
PM the GoHastings Representative on CAG: gohastings (John) [Not active since October 2013]

Regular Mail:
Hastings Internet, Inc.
3601 Plains Blvd.
Amarillo, TX 79102

Comments to the President:
John Marmaduke, President & CEO RIP In Peace

Alan Van Ongevalle, President & COO
Hastings Entertainment, Inc.
PO Box 35350
Amarillo, TX 79120-5350



GoHastings.Com / Hastings Entertainment Online Information
Website: http://www.gohastings.com
Retail Store Weekly Ad: http://www.gohastings.com/custserv/custserv.jsp?pageName=StoreAd
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gohastings?sk=wall
Twitter: @gohastings
Google+: https://plus.google.com/107834874893127887270/posts
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/gohastings/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/gohastings
Is the GoHastings.Com server down for everyone or just me?: Click here to check

 
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Got my CDs from the .99 cent sale. The most expensive one was in good condition. Insert could be better and CD is a little scuffed, but will do. Second CD is in very good condition. Last CD has an insert that's got tab indents and is all wrinkly (probably water damage) but for the price for a 20 year old CD I won't complaint. Had I paid full price I might have since they wanted collector's prices for it.
 
[quote name='kodave']Got two packages of poly bags in the mail today with books. Luckily none of the books appear to have any corner or spine damage as a result, which is a nice change from some of the poly bag book orders I received recently.

Today's haul included the Wolverine Noir HC, Marvel Weddings TPB, and Robin: Search for a Hero TPB. Some of the other books I didn't name earlier out of an irrational fear of jinxing them shipping to me that arrived today were the Batman: Face the Face TPB and the Batman: Mad Love and Other Stories HC, both of which are usually a little pricey but were steals at $7 a pop.

With Face the Face, Mad Love HC, Robin: Search for a Hero, Nightwing: Year One, Contagion, and Harley and Ivy, Hastings has had a gold mine of pricey Batman books for cheap lately. And I got the Batman: Harley Quinn TPB from an Amazon seller for $13 during this time too when it usually sells for $60+. My Batman collection is pleased.[/QUOTE]

Everyone buying graphic novels do me a favor and see if they have evidence of having an RFID tag ripped off the back inside cover (they may also have a white square RFID tag in them still) or tape on the hardcover under the dust cover. Trade paperbacks will have a harder plastic coating on the cover and tape reinforced spines. We just had a guy arrested for selling hundreds of our library graphic novels and books to Hastings and many of them were sold in the last couple of weeks. We recovered a few hundred, but many more went out the door. Just curious how many made it into the mail.

Thanks.
 
[quote name='blucadet3']Everyone buying graphic novels do me a favor and see if they have evidence of having an RFID tag ripped off the back inside cover (they may also have a white square RFID tag in them still) or tape on the hardcover under the dust cover. Trade paperbacks will have a harder plastic coating on the cover and tape reinforced spines. We just had a guy arrested for selling hundreds of our library graphic novels and books to Hastings and many of them were sold in the last couple of weeks. We recovered a few hundred, but many more went out the door. Just curious how many made it into the mail.

Thanks.[/QUOTE]

None of mine are ex-library. That would have raised flags. Wouldn't your books have library stamps too, either on the edges or on the inside? Also, knowing your location would help.
 
[quote name='blucadet3']Everyone buying graphic novels do me a favor and see if they have evidence of having an RFID tag ripped off the back inside cover (they may also have a white square RFID tag in them still) or tape on the hardcover under the dust cover. Trade paperbacks will have a harder plastic coating on the cover and tape reinforced spines. We just had a guy arrested for selling hundreds of our library graphic novels and books to Hastings and many of them were sold in the last couple of weeks. We recovered a few hundred, but many more went out the door. Just curious how many made it into the mail.

Thanks.[/QUOTE]

I have received 40+ graphic novels/comics from GoHastings over the last few months, and none have been former library books. Good luck, that is pretty horrible stuff.
 
[quote name='hamokmonky']wow... was he a library employee or did he just manage to walk out with that many books....[/QUOTE]

No he wasn't an employee, just walked out with stuff. Obviously our security must have let the gates go off and not stopped him multiple times.

Our property labels are easy to peel off of slick plastic covered trades and are on the Mylar cover of the hardcovers. No actual stamps like in the olden days. Just some stick on labels and RFID tags.

I'm not trying to recover anything I was just curious is all. The Hastings manager actually brought up the fact that a lot of the stuff had gone out from web orders.
 
[quote name='blucadet3']No he wasn't an employee, just walked out with stuff. Obviously our security must have let the gates go off and not stopped him multiple times.

Our property labels are easy to peel off of slick plastic covered trades and are on the Mylar cover of the hardcovers. No actual stamps like in the olden days. Just some stick on labels and RFID tags.

I'm not trying to recover anything I was just curious is all. The Hastings manager actually brought up the fact that a lot of the stuff had gone out from web orders.[/QUOTE]

Well, if I did get such a book I would definitely contact you and Hastings to return it.

Again - where are you from? That could help us be on the look out if our comics ship from a certain location. Also, do you have a list of the stolen books?
 
They are still investigating and don't even have a full list yet. We have proven more than enough for the case. I was just curious is all.

I am intentionally being vague due to the ongoing legal process and not wanting to publicize too much about the vulnerability of our materials.

I just was curious because I know a lot of us in this thread buy graphic novels as well as games.

I appreciate your interest though and will let you know if there is anything you can do to help. Right now just let me know via PM if you think you got a book that meets the description I gave.

Thanks.
 
I wasn't able to ship anything to you guys today because everything is down! (See gohastings.com as of this posting to see that we are having trouble with our servers)
 
More books in the mail today.

I got the Batman: The Black Glove deluxe HC which also includes Batman & Son. Dust jacket had some creasing but otherwise fine. Got two TPBs that were $100+ before the $7 price reduction. A WWII one and an illustrated Iliad. Both sounded interesting so I figured for $7 I had nothing to lose and if I didn't like them I could probably make my money back, then some. The WWII one actually had a clearance sticker on it. It's just somewhat humorous how Hastings was asking like $100 for this thing online, but couldn't even clearance it in store where I assume the price was probably under 1/10th of what the online price was. (Which is why they seem to remove the in-store price stickers before they send the item to you.) Got the Fury MAX TPB which was fine. Finally I got a Spider-Man: Kraven's Hunt Premiere HC and it came with the dust jacket torn about an inch or so on the bottom front corner - that kind of stuff doesn't fly under eBay/Amazon listings, but I won't go down that rant again. I don't know if that happened in the poly bag or if that's how they decided to accept the trade in. If anyone wants it, its yours for $7 + S&H. Just PM me.

Edit:
And today my returns posted. I was refunded in full, including shipping, for video games. A book, from an order that was nothing but that one book, was returned and refunded but not the $0.96 shipping. That book was shipped in a poly bag where the spine of the TPB ended up being broken in a couple of spots, and the rest of the book in general got mangled. Nice to know I'm out $1 because of THEIR fuck up in not bothering to package it with any degree of care. I guess this is a lesson to never order just 1 book in an order.
 
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[quote name='kodave']
Edit:
And today my returns posted. I was refunded in full, including shipping, for video games. A book, from an order that was nothing but that one book, was returned and refunded but not the $0.96 shipping. That book was shipped in a poly bag where the spine of the TPB ended up being broken in a couple of spots, and the rest of the book in general got mangled. Nice to know I'm out $1 because of THEIR fuck up in not bothering to package it with any degree of care. I guess this is a lesson to never order just 1 book in an order.[/QUOTE]

I dont care if this is their new "policy" Id still call and complain my butt off even if it doesnt amount to anything lol
 
[quote name='blucadet3']Everyone buying graphic novels do me a favor and see if they have evidence of having an RFID tag ripped off the back inside cover (they may also have a white square RFID tag in them still) or tape on the hardcover under the dust cover. Trade paperbacks will have a harder plastic coating on the cover and tape reinforced spines. We just had a guy arrested for selling hundreds of our library graphic novels and books to Hastings and many of them were sold in the last couple of weeks. We recovered a few hundred, but many more went out the door. Just curious how many made it into the mail.

Thanks.[/QUOTE]

Just got 2 TPBs in the mail from Hastings today that match this description, I'll PM you the details...
 
[quote name='hamokmonky']the site is still down?? wow. Glad its only a mediocre deal this week[/QUOTE]

The site is down, their email is down... and somehow their CS phone lines are down too. I'm assuming the phone system is some kind of web-based thing and not a traditional phone line.

This can't be good - especially since online orders can't be fulfilled at the moment, yet they have thousands of Amazon and eBay listings.

Me thinks this is going to turn out to be a nightmare for them.

Hopefully it was just some kind of server issue or database crash, but not one that involved them being "hacked" or our personal/financial info being compromised. And probably get on a more reliable hosting solution.

I hope their system also has a way of accurately updating the stock of items after an online down time. Otherwise there are going to be a lot of cancellations in the future and even more angry customers.

Hastings may be a smaller company but to stay competitive in the modern online era, they really need to just plunk down the money and get some seriously knowledgeable people to rebuild their website and databases from scratch.

I'm hoping we get some kind of good "We're sorry" sale out of it though!
 
Sounds like Hastings is going down the shitter, it's too bad too because I've ordered plenty from them and only got the wrong item once a few weeks ago which they let me keep.
 
[quote name='Uso']They are down for like almost 3 days now. Not good at all.[/QUOTE]

Where are you getting 3 days from? It's been approximately one day. Sometime Tuesday now into Wednesday.

I don't think the sky is falling in terms of Hastings, but they clearly need to step up their internet game.
 
The good:
After nearly a year (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=303198&page=22), I completed the challenge and finally snagged the last books I needed to complete out some series (Brightest Day 3, Brightest Day GL). I was terrified when I saw the bubble mailer show up with a GIANT rip on the side and books spilling out. The books, however, ended up being pristine. My only guess is that my mailmain HAD to tear into one of these just to see what all the packages were.

I saw him later in the day across the street. He gave me one of those "sup" nods.

The bad:
Ordered the new Demon Knight trade. In a moment of weakness, I didn't even wait for a coupon. It showed up today in a polybag. Spine was completely split.

Personally, it maaay be about time for me to purge my "Want" list and take a step back until polybag-gate is over. Honestly, it's been a good run, and I should start catching up on all the books I've accumulated.
 
[quote name='Gycot']The good:
After nearly a year (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=303198&page=22), I completed the challenge and finally snagged the last books I needed to complete out some series (Brightest Day 3, Brightest Day GL). I was terrified when I saw the bubble mailer show up with a GIANT rip on the side and books spilling out. The books, however, ended up being pristine. My only guess is that my mailmain HAD to tear into one of these just to see what all the packages were.

I saw him later in the day across the street. He gave me one of those "sup" nods.

The bad:
Ordered the new Demon Knight trade. In a moment of weakness, I didn't even wait for a coupon. It showed up today in a polybag. Spine was completely split.

Personally, it maaay be about time for me to purge my "Want" list and take a step back until polybag-gate is over. Honestly, it's been a good run, and I should start catching up on all the books I've accumulated.[/QUOTE]

I know that feel. That's what I did - jumped and ordered a book without a coupon and the polybag ruined it. Now I'm potentially out a buck even after a return.

That's what so damn frustrating about Hastings - its either win big or lose hard.
 
Aside from the poly bag debacle, GoHastings is still one of the best, if not the best place to get used movies and videogames nowadays.

Although the CS may be a pain sometimes, I've always eventually received a refund or had an order fixed when something went wrong. They've never "dropped the ball" with a refund or messed up order and it's why I continue to shop there.
 
Considering they sent me the second (shit transformers) instead of the first one and probably wont be correcting it for a week I'm slightly annoyed. I might be a little less annoyed if it was not the version I picked up from walmart for $5 earlier.
 
I noticed since the time I mentioned they still have listings on Amazon and eBay, they've pulled their Amazon listings but their eBay listings are still going.

They can't even fulfill their orders because the system is down. I'm going to guess that when the site comes back online, its going to throw a bunch of orders into auto-cancel for items that could have shipped during the down time, but didn't ship because of the crash, and are now past the 1 week cancellation window to ship. I'm actually getting the feeling that's going to happen to me on some items.
 
Well, i was going to look up my order history now that the final items from the last sales have arrived and tally up the total of everything I got, BUT.... yea. Site still down. I hope they are fixing things instead of just having issues getting it working as it was. Anyway, all in all, the books came in excellent almost new condition, the blurays from the 3 for 21 I ordered all came with the right discs, all with slip covers where applicable, one even came factory sealed, and all were in pristine condition with no broken cases. Even got some in bubble mailers. Awesome. Yesterday I got 3 of my 4 99 cent cds in a polybag together. Hmmm poly bag + brittle jewel case. Yea, that ended well. All 3 were smashed into millions of itty bitty pieces. Luckily it appears the cds are ok, although a little scratched, I can deal as long as they read. But then for 99cents + 96cents shipping, Id pay more to get them via mp3 downloads and I wouldnt have the case or artwork anyway, so I figure its a wash in the long run.
 
Is anyone having trouble with gohastings charging a card more than once? I placed an order four days ago and when I checked my balance they had charged me three times for the same order. Any thoughts or replies would be appreciated. (Since their website/customer service number is down, can't really do much at this time.)
 
[quote name='The_Lost_Generation']Is anyone having trouble with gohastings charging a card more than once? I placed an order four days ago and when I checked my balance they had charged me three times for the same order. Any thoughts or replies would be appreciated. (Since their website/customer service number is down, can't really do much at this time.)[/QUOTE]

If its pending, likely it will not go through. If its not pending all you can do is wait for CS to be reachable. But its happened a lot, but usually its just pending authorizations that dont go through.
 
Alright, now the site has been down most of Tuesday and all of Wednesday and Thursday. Pretty much three days at this point. Will Friday make it four? And if its not up by the close of business on Friday, are they going to have people working on it over the weekend?

I actually received a book in the mail today that I wasn't expecting since I never got an email confirmation. I figure it must have shipped and then the site went down the email never got to me? But then later in the day I actually got the "your item has shipped" email, which is odd since from my understanding, their email isn't working. Perhaps they're starting to get their email servers back online and its pushing out some emails? Or maybe this was just lost in the intertubes somewhere? I emailed CS a couple of days ago and it bounced back, but said it would keep trying to deliver the message for a period of 5 days.

I can only imagine how many incoming emails are trying to push their way through, especially since their CS phone lines have been down. Their CS team is probably going to be living a nightmare once the site and the phone lines are operational again.

It's almost unheard of for a site, especially a decent sized site like gohastings, to be down for three straight days. Especially in the e-commerce world.
 
[quote name='thingsfallnapart']Am I the only one sensing the possible end for hastings here...[/QUOTE]

Nah. They have like 140(?) physical stores around the country. Those still have to pull their weight aside from online orders, I'd assume.

This has to hurt the company's overall revenue though. Probably a few days is just a short term hit in the pocket book. But a week? Longer? Bad news. Bad enough to shutter the company? I doubt it.

Here's a glimpse at how Hastings has been performing recently:

Hastings Entertainment saw continued drops in movie and games sales but made gains in other merchandise categories in the second quarter that ended July 31.
“We reduced our losses, generated $25 million in cash flow and reduced our debt by $17 million,” said Dan Crow, who is chief financial officer for the Amarillo retailer.
Hastings showed a net loss of $2.5 million, or 31 cents per diluted share, in the first six months, compared with a net loss of $3.6 million, or 42 cents per diluted share, in the first half of 2012, according to a report filed Monday with the federal Securities and Exchange Commission.
The company posted a positive cash flow of $17.1 million for the first half of 2012.
It had a negative cash flow of $12.6 million in the same period of 2011, the report said.
Debt-reduction measures included closing seven stores, the report said.
Billboard Senior Editorial Analyst Glenn Peoples called Hastings “a survivor.”
“Music retail isn’t dead,” Peoples wrote about Hastings’ second-quarter results.
“Hastings got comparable sales growth out of every category but music and games.”
Music sales fell 12 percent; sales of video games, accessories and consoles plummeted 23 percent; and movie sales were flat, the report said.
The document attributed the declines at Hastings to a dearth of new video game offerings and the rise of digital downloads.
“There’s no question that digital has had an impact on our business,” Crow said.
Sales of goods categorized as trends — lifestyle items, licensed apparel and novelties — increased, Crow said.
Hastings has revamped 25 stores so far in 2012, including the location at 4301 S.W. 45th Ave.
A refresh of the store at 2020 S. Georgia St. should start next week, Crow said.
It will be one of 30 more stores getting a new interior layout this year.
Click to expand...


But of course none of that talks about used vs new.


At this point I'd have to imagine Hastings owns their own server equipment and that took a nosedive. I'm not an IT guy but I imagine that could take some time to get back online if they have to find new hardware and replace a bunch of old or burned out hardware or something. I'd assume databases and whatnot are backed up several times over and backed up off site from where ever this downtime event occurred.


Can we get an IT guy in here to speculate what kind of disaster would take out a website, email servers, and an entire customer service phone network?
 
[quote name='Uso']not sure if this crash related to godaddy's crash.[/QUOTE]

I actually wondered the same thing back on day 1. But if thats true, they really shouldve been back up by now
 
Andddd still down Friday morning, WTH. Getting worried, placed order for some ps3 singstar titles on 8/31 and no notification of them being shipped. At least no card charge yet. 2 other orders made same day was received though over a week ago.
 
Facebook post says they should be up in the afternoon.

hastingspost.png
 
Glad to hear they're on the verge of coming back, but I have to admit I'm bummed that the B1G1 is continuing for another week.
 
So far my self imposed exile from ordering things from Hastings is going great. I was worried I would keep checking my wish list and give in, but its been about four days since I last ordered something. I am really proud of myself and my will power.
 
Sniped an Absolute All Star Superman. Really hoping it comes in good condition seeing as how I already have one but would like it in better condition. Assuming I actually get it.

In related news, the online inventory seems to have updated at least.

Also, .Hack//Quarantine is in stock for $39.99. Could be a great deal if you find something to go with it, maybe even if you just get it by itself.
 
Would be kinda nice for those with pending weborders if they can toss us a bone with a $5 off unique coupon on next order. /sigh
 
yep, my pending weborder got cancelled. It was a really good deal on a movie ive only seen in stock once from hastings, so not surprised someone probably bought it in store.
 
Several books on my list are now showing OOS that were most definitely in stock prior to the outage. I'm really skeptical that someone came into the store and bought them all over the past few days, just because they're not really the kind of books people would jump on. I'm also annoyed something that I ordered last week got cancelled during the downtime but is sitting in stock right now... and they're going to run this crappy sale for another week so I can't even get the price down to near the $7 again. Plus they've said they won't be offering any kind of special sale to make up for the downtime. I ordered two copies of another book - got one, don't think the other shipped. Of course it shows "Shipped" on my order history because 1 of 2 shipped. I'm expecting them to cancel the other, even though there are MULTIPLE copies of it sitting in stock right now. fucking ass backward order fulfillment system.
 
[quote name='DarkSageRK']It's hard to visit their Facebook page. So much complaining and discount begging.[/QUOTE]

"Your website went down and was a minor inconvenience for 3 days. GIVE ME A 50% OFF SALE NOW!!!!"

I don't know that they need to do a special sale to make up for the downtime, but I wish they wouldn't run this promotion for another week since it's a rather weak one.
 
[quote name='kodave']"Your website went down and was a minor inconvenience for 3 days. GIVE ME A 50% OFF SALE NOW!!!!"

I don't know that they need to do a special sale to make up for the downtime, but I wish they wouldn't run this promotion for another week since it's a rather weak one.[/QUOTE]
It's true that this sale is mediocre, but it can be good to have some time without a good sale in order for them to build up stock.
Of course that would be for items that don't go out of stock the day them come in.
 
Jesus, people are so self-entitled.

Hastings already puts out deals on a regular basis, expecting them to issue a special sale because of a minor mishap is unreasonable.
 
[quote name='kobeisgod']Only part of my order shipped. If my full price item shipped and 50% off item cancelled, I basically got screwed?[/QUOTE]

yup
 
[quote name='kobeisgod']Only part of my order shipped. If my full price item shipped and 50% off item cancelled, I basically got screwed?[/QUOTE]

Not from my experience, but I'll give you the fact that your circumstance is markedly different than that which I was in. I ordered three books during a 3 for $21 sale, and only two shipped while the third was cancelled. I was charged $14, while the books were priced higher than that collectively without the sale.
 
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