Gamers In Control — Local services in Salinas

Edit 2: Recently went back in. It's so much different. I'm leaving my reply up because I want people to see that customer service can in fact change. Maybe we were both in weird moods at the time who knows it has been a while but customer service was really good this time around. They have really good deals on some older games which their collection seems to have grown since the last time I was there. They also have decent trade in credit compared to gamestop. I will definitely come back and I apologize for the older review but my feelings were valid at the time. Also idk what $5 game he was talking about to this day as I never ask for discounts in retail/small business stores but this whole interaction is just funny thinking back.

I visit this place every now and then but I dont know what it is about the guy running it but man does he have a good way of making you feel unwelcome at times. I get that sometimes I or someone I'm with doesn't purchase something can be frustrating as an owner but don't make them feel unwelcome. I remember when this place used to be inside the mall and the guy had an arcade cabinet and his little shop was a little smaller so it's awesome to see him doing well. Just hope he changes his attitude. That's it. Other than that, the prices aren't necessarily competitive with the other game stores nearby.

Edit: Take a note of the type of response the owner gives here. Narcissistic just like most of the people I've talked to have described. Very telling of the type of customer service you'll have here. Also it's the internet guy, this is just one of 4 reviews I've done. Sorry the review told you some truths maybe you need to...

Stopped by for my first time ever to check out the store and ask about the trade requirements and had no issues. Store had good stock on everything game and hobby related. Just had a weird interaction with the guy wear the hat in the front. I was trying to make conversation and asked him how long they'd been around, which he replied "10 years". I told him I've heard about them, but never came in until now. He then bitterly made comment about how people don't support local stores and what not. Like, did I say something bad to get that rude comment towards me. I said thank you and left. Interactions like this are just sad to be honest and could've been easily avoided.

Edit: It's crazy how when the owner sees how he got the 1 star, then proceeds to say how it's somehow the customer's fault for that result. Just look at all his 1 star reviews. Either says that they're fake or tries to call out the customer for being negative. Narcissistic to the teeth! 05/21/22

This guy is so funny! You're still proving my point by how you keep coming back and leaving comments on reviews. Just looks bad on you and your business. Nobody cares how much money you make buddy. That's the only come back you have, it's just sad. Remember, this all started because you had a bad interaction with a customer. Look what you turned it into, such a shame. I'm not the only person you've done this to.

I love how I live rent free in your head. Nobody cares about your sales bro. Glad you're still showing everyone how you truly are! Money hungry! Keep...

We love to support the local retro businesses like the collectibles shop in the mall or Gamers in Control, stuff might be more expensive but its better than giving the money to onlineshops. I brought a friend to the store and he asked the owner if they sold a specific XboX 360 accessory, we figured we check our local store instead of going online, the owner replied with a huge sigh and a "...no", whatever no big deal. We continued browsing for 5 minutes until the owner said "If you're not going to support us or buy anything then get out of my store". This was in the middle of the day on a Sunday, the other guests looked quite shocked since we were just browsing quietly minding our own business. We weren't sure if it was directed at us or someone else. However, a small family bolted out of the store.

I'm giving it a one star because I'm frustrated with the fact that I brought a friend to spread the word and to support Gamers in Control and the interaction that day was embarrassing. How can people support your shop if they cant browse what you sell? After 3 years I wont be supporting this shop...