100 Point games

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Mister E... Posted: 10-12-2008 5:07 PM

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I've got a suggestion for 100 Point games - forgive me if this has been suggested before, but I didn't see it in a quick search of the forum.

I'd guess many people don't see any worth in trading a 100 point game when it costs just as much to ship for what they receive in points.  I'm sure most people will put these games up on hold in hopes that their worth increases and release them then.  However, since 100 point games are a "free" game for new members, that would suggest that we need these games to be moving in the system.

My suggestion would be to offer bonus points to members once they've successfully traded/shipped a number of 100 point games: 

After sending out 5 100 point games a member would receive a bonus 100 points.  After 10 100 point games shipped, a 200 point bonus - i.e. a total 300 point bonus (100 at 5 and 200 at 10) after 10 games shipped.  This can continue with bonuses at 15, 20 and 25 games shipped (300, 400, 500 point bonuses).  Or, just stick with a 100 point bonus for each 5 (and reset the count after 5).

Any opinions?

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xtowelyx replied on 10-12-2008 6:53 PM

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I could see this being easily scammed.

Example: Scammer sets up multiple accounts and "trades" between them. He could mass an incredibly large amount of points within a relatively short time.

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firenextdoor replied on 10-12-2008 6:56 PM

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While I agree that sending 100 points is a waste of time and money, many others have no problem sending them. I think this is a great idea, but I don't understand how the bonuses are funded. If they're from Goozex, that's not really fair.. Explain a little more?

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Mister E... replied on 10-12-2008 8:10 PM

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xtowelyx:

I could see this being easily scammed.

Example: Scammer sets up multiple accounts and "trades" between them. He could mass an incredibly large amount of points within a relatively short time.

Except - you can't control where the Goozex system makes a trade - the scammer would be hoping that Goozex would match up the trade with one of his/her multiple accounts.  Also, other than the "free" trade, the transaction would cost $1.

As it is, there's nothing to stop someone from doing what you're proposing right now - only difference is that there's no bonus.

I see the bonus as an incentive to get 100 point games flowing in the system.

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xtowelyx replied on 10-12-2008 8:16 PM

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Mister E...:

Except - you can't control where the Goozex system makes a trade - the scammer would be hoping that Goozex would match up the trade with one of his/her multiple accounts.  Also, other than the "free" trade, the transaction would cost $1.

EDIT: I've decided that my post probably gave way too much information away about how to scam Goozex.

Bottom line: It is incredibly easy to exploit this suggestion.

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Mister E... replied on 10-12-2008 8:33 PM

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xtowelyx:

EDIT: I've decided that my post probably gave way too much information away about how to scam Goozex.

Bottom line: It is incredibly easy to exploit this suggestion.

I fully understand what you're saying - however, realize that there's nothing to stop somone from attempting that type of scam right now...

Right now, I've got a few 100 point games that are just sitting "On Hold" since the cost for me to ship (from Canada) doesn't make it worth the 100 points - shipping within Canada is ~$3 + mailer + time; shipping to the USA using Paypal is $4.20 + mailer + time.  I've got games "On Hold" in hopes that their value might bump up to 150 or 200.

So, you've got people signing up to the site hoping for a free 100 point game, but then never get them because people don't see any worth in trading them.  If the 100 point games (which will likely be or become the majority of games on the site) aren't worth trading, then old games will continue to gather dust on the shelves of members defeating the purpose of a trading site.

Finally, don't forget that Goozex will benefit from having these 100 point games flowing in the system since they'll be making their $1 per trade.

Perhaps a reqiuirement to be eligible for the bonus would be to have a certain feedback rating?

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SI_Freeze17 replied on 10-13-2008 12:34 PM

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It costs me a little under $3 to ship essentially a $5 game, but in most instances it would be hard to offload those 100 point games for more than $5 elsewhere and if I let my points build up then I take in PS3 games at a much higher value and something I am more likely to play.

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txa1265 replied on 10-13-2008 1:21 PM

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The 100 point market is a love-hate thing.  I think for games 3 - 5 years old, they still seem too new to feel you are getting reasonable value for something you (somewhat) recently paid $50-60 for.  I get that sentiment.

But for some 10+ year old stuff it is just a wonderful subculture we have here!  I think that is what makes it worthwhile.  Recently I got a ~15 year old collection of D&D PC games with code-wheels for DRM and a manual that labor unions would require a 'lift assist' to move around.  I also sent out a game that my kids simply adored and that since they were little we played as a family so as an extension the whole family knows the details.

The value proposition of 100 points is always a tough sell other than  - 100 is better than 0.  And for me, with the games I have to offer that are low-point - kids games and old Mac games I can't play anymore - it is the opportunity to pass on some great gaming for someone else to discover.  If that comes at a narrow profit then so be it.  I am here to trade games, not get rich.