1007 replies to this topic

[disillusion386]

Welcome to the Official CAG Amazon.com Trade-In Thread

This thread’s primary purpose is to discuss Amazon.com’s new video game trade-in program. The trade-in deal will be updated whenever one is available, and a list of flippable games will be in the second post. PLEASE READ THE TRADE-IN DEAL DETAILS AND FAQ BEFORE ASKING ANY QUESTIONS.

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Current Trade-in Deal
[QUOTE] Trade in Games and Get an Extra $30 Toward Your Next Video Games Purchase (EXPIRES 08/31/09)[/QUOTE][QUOTE]
Submit a video game trade-in order with a total value of $60 or more in our Video Games Trade-In store before August 31, 2009 and in addition to your Amazon.com Gift Card, you'll receive an extra $30 credit to use toward a video game or accessory purchase in the Video Games store. Limit one discount per qualifying order. [/QUOTE]Details:

Spoiler

[QUOTE]
-To qualify for the $30 credit, you must create a trade-in order during the promotion period (July 19, 2009 - August 31, 2009). Items must be postmarked no later than September 7, 2009 to qualify.
-In the case of multiple trade-in orders, the coupon code will be given for each qualifying order that is received.
-Coupon code applies to products shipped and sold by Amazon.com in the Amazon.com Video Games store.
-Trade-in submissions not accepted and returned to you do not qualify for the promotion. Your trade-in submission could be returned to you if the items are damaged or non-working, incorrect items are included in your package, or accessories such as artwork or manuals are missing. Any submission postmarked later than 7 days after a mailing label is printed will be returned to you automatically. You should receive returned games within 14 days of receipt via the U.S. Postal Service.
-Qualifying customers will be emailed their coupon code within 10 days after their trade-in has been accepted.
-Coupon valid for all video game products sold by Amazon.com in the Video Games store.
-Coupon code applies only to items shipped and sold by Amazon.com. Does not apply to items sold by other merchants on the Amazon.com Web site. Does not apply to any products purchased in Amazon.com's other sites, including Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Amazon.fr, or Amazon.co.jp, or in Marketplace.
-Coupon code applies to the lowest priced qualifying item.
-Coupon code valid on purchases ordered before 12/31/09.
-Applies only to complete orders shipping to a single address that meet all other promotional requirements.
-No substitutions or rain checks.
-Offer must be redeemed through the Shopping Cart. Does not apply to orders placed with 1-Click.
-Tax, shipping, and handling charges may apply to all products.
-Offer may not be combined with other offers, including promotional certificates.
-Void where prohibited.
-Limit one discount per household, per qualifying order.
[/QUOTE]

Trade-In(s) of the Day
Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Trials and Tribulations - $16.00
Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Justice for All - $13.00
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - $13.00


If you have not used the previous trade-in deal coupon (50% off on a game or accessory), here is a list of big-ticket items that qualify (thanks to Japakneez):

Spoiler

[quote name='Japakneez']**UPDATED 7/26/09**

Here are some items that work with Amazon promo coupons. Last day to redeem Amazons 50% off coupon is 8/31/09. Some items on sale. Click on links to see latest price and promotions.



$100 Batman: Arkham Asylum
$100 NBA 2K10 10th Anniversary (Click on 'Special')
$120 Tony Hawk Ride Bundle
$120 DJ Hero with Turntable
$120 Hori Real Arcade Pro 3 SA (all Sanwa parts)
$150 Madcatz Tournament Edition Fighting Stick (all Sanwa parts)
$150 Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2: Prestige Edition ($80 Hardened Edition)
$150 Tekken 6 Bundle with Wireless Stick
$200 Band Hero Superbundle
$250 Rock Band Beatles
$300 Ion Drum Rocker



$100 Batman: Arkham Asylum
$100 NBA 2k10 10th Anniversary (Click on 'Special')
$120 Tony Hawk Ride Bundle
$120 DJ Hero with Turntable
$140 Hori Real Arcade Pro EX-SE (all Seimitsu parts)
$150 Madcatz Tournament Edition Fighting Stick (all Sanwa parts)
$150 Tekken 6 Bundle with Wireless Stick
$150 Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2: Prestige Edition ($80 Hardened Edition)
$160 120gb Hard Drive
$200 Turtle Beach Ear Force X4
$200 Band Hero Superbundle
$250 Rock Band Beatles
$300 Ion Drum Rocker



$90 Wii Fit
$??? Wii Fit Plus
$120 Tony Hawk Ride Bundle
$120 DJ Hero with Turntable
$200 Band Hero Superbundle
$250 Rock Band Beatles

[/QUOTE]

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Amazon.com Trading Info

Amazon.com Video Game Trade-In Store

Trade-In Procedure

Spoiler

[QUOTE]
1. Select Games: Games must be in good condition and your trade-in shipment valued at $10 or more
2. Ship Games FREE: Print a shipping label and packing slip, package your games, and ship them
3. Get a Gift Card: An Amazon.com Gift Card will be deposited into your account upon receipt of games [/QUOTE]

Shipping Instructions

Spoiler

[quote]
1. Print this entire page. (Packing slip and shipping label once you have submitted a trade)
2. Cut out the shipping label and the packing slip.
3. Make sure your items are in good working condition and include the case and cover art.
4. Securely pack the items in a box or envelope and include the packing slip in the package.
5. Attach the shipping label squarely onto the outside of the package and add your return address.
6. Take it to your nearest USPS Post Office and mail it by (one week from submission of trade). [/quote]

Trade-In Product Eligibility

Spoiler

[quote]Trade-in items must match the exact version displayed in the Amazon Trade-In Store, not be damaged, include original packaging (e.g. the manual, cover art, and case), and be postmarked no later than 7 days after submission. You will receive an e-mail confirmation and an Amazon.com Gift Card will be deposited into your account within 2 business days of item receipt and verification by the merchant. Items not accepted by the merchant will be returned to you approximately 14 days after receipt.[/quote]

If you are concerned about the reliability of Media Mail, you may send the games yourself and pay for postage. The address to send the games is:
NorAm International
43 Broad st. C403
Hudson MA 01749


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FAQ

Since when did Amazon start doing trades?
The program began earlier this year and is handled by a third party merchant, NorAm International.

What kind of shipping does Amazon provide us?
USPS Media Mail

Do I have to provide my own box or envelope?
Yes.

Do all my games in the same trade-in submission have to be shipped in the same box?
Yes.

Can I send in sealed games?
Yes. They won't reject games that still have the original shrink wrap.

Can I add Delivery Confirmation and Insurance to my shipment?
Yes. If you’re worried about your package, definitely take advantage of these shipping options. You’ll just have to pay a little extra to ship your games. NOTE: There have been cases where the post office doesn’t allow adding these options on prepaid shipping labels, but try anyway or go to a different post office.

I don't trust Media Mail. Can I pay for postage myself? What's the address?
Yes. You're more than welcome to do so. The address is:
NorAm International
43 Broad st. C403
Hudson, MA 01749

When do I have to send my games once I have submitted my trade order?
You have 1 week to send your games.

Crap, I have one day to go before my shipment deadline, but the website states that my deadline has already passed. How do I print out a shipping label and packing slip?
Load up any existing order (if you don't have any, check your browser's history), and substitute the transaction ID for the trade-in order you need at the end of the URL.

How long does the whole trade-in process usually take?
From the time you send in your games, it may take up to 14 business days for the package to arrive. Most people usually receive their credit in 3 to 5 business days, however.

My games were received on Friday (based on Delivery Confirmation), will I have to wait until Monday to receive credit?
People have received credit on a Saturday.

Can I do two different trade-in submissions that add up to the requirements of the trade-in deal?
No. In order to qualify for any of the trade-in promos, they have to all be in one trade-in submission. You can't add another game later on to make the minimum.

I submitted my trade-in order online, how do I know if I qualified for the current trade-in deal? Is there a confirmation page or e-mail?
No. They will automatically send you a coupon code once they have accepted your shipment of games and credited your account.

Is the trade-in deal coupon in addition to the credit I will receive for my games?
Yes.

Can I trade in DVDs to take advantage of the current trade-in deal?
You may trade in DVDs to add credit to your Amazon account, but they will not be added to the amount you need to qualify for the deal.

When do I receive my coupon code for the current trade-in deal?
The Terms of Service states 10 days after Amazon has accepted your games and added credit to your account, but it usually takes 2 to 3 days.

Can I take advantage of the current trade-in promo more than once?
These deals are “One per household” unless stated otherwise. However, you may use a different Amazon account. The credit for your games will be tied to the specific account used for the trade, but the coupon codes for the deals are not.

If the coupon codes aren’t tied to my account, can I use more than one coupon on my next purchase?
No. Unless stated otherwise in the promo details, these coupons cannot be combined with other offers or promotions. IT DOES STACK WITH THE ECA DISCOUNT, HOWEVER.

I do not have the manual, cover art, or original case for a game I want to trade in. Will they accept it?
While the details specifically state that original packaging is necessary, people have reported in the past that their trades were accepted despite missing some of these. This is extremely YMMV, however. On the other hand, older gen games, such as SNES, N64, and GB cartridges, normally get accepted without the original box and manual, but still YMMV.

My game is really beat up, what are the chances they’ll accept it?
This is YMMV. Some people have reported in the past that they sent in games in bad shape that were still accepted. Your best bet is still to trade in games in mint condition. Minor scratches are expected as these are used games.

My game is the Greatest Hits version, but the one pictured on the site isn’t. Can I still trade it in?
Unless the game in question has two separate versions that trade at different values, sending in a greatest hits version is okay.

I have a game from a limited edition bundle, will they accept it?
If the game’s cover art has a UPC barcode, they will most likely accept it. If your game's cover states "Not for Resale" and does not have a UPC barcode, the game will most likely get rejected. Some people have had their games accepted in the past, but this is YMMV.

The UPC barcode is not intact on my game's cover art, will that be accepted?
This is YMMV. Just try it, but make sure to have more than enough for the minimum requirement to qualify for the deal.

So if they reject one of my games, am I disqualified from the current trade-in deal?
Unfortunately yes. The best suggestion for trading in games is to trade in $10-$20 more than the minimum for the deal. By doing so, you will still qualify for the promo even if one or two games get rejected.

I sent in my games, all of which were in pristine condition with the original packaging, but they said that one game is damaged and is now being returned.
Always pack your games well. Put a lot of newspaper around your games in the box to secure them and to prevent any damages from haphazard box cutting. People in the past have requested their entire trade-in order if it’s obvious the damage wasn’t their fault, and Amazon ended up accepting the rejected game. This is YMMV as well.

Can I trade in multiple copies of the same game?
Yes. Once you click “Trade in” for a particular game, you may change the quantities.

So if I find a good flip, I can just send 10 copies of that game and not worry about Amazon accusing me of stolen merchandise?
Technically yes, but do keep in mind that it might still raise red flags. No one has reported attempting this so we do not know for sure. 2 to 3 copies of a game should be okay, but more than that is pushing it. Also, keep in mind that other CAGs might want to participate in the current deal, and trading in a large number of the same game will definitely lower the TIV of said game. Let’s be nice to other people.

Wow, these TIVs suck!
While that may be true, you will most likely save more money because of the trade-in deal coupon code.

What the ? The TIV of a game I just bought for this deal tanked! What do I do?
The TIVs on Amazon fluctuate depending on the number of trades that are submitted, and we really can’t do anything about it. The best course of action for trading in games is to lock in your trade if you already have the games or are absolutely sure that you can obtain them. You can always edit or cancel the trade submission if you end up not finding the games.

So if I can edit a submitted trade, can I add other games that weren’t originally part of the submission?
No. Only quantities can be changed.

If I change the quantity of a certain game I have already submitted for a trade, will I keep the same TIV?
Yes.

Can I use the trade-in deal coupon on preorders?
Yes.

Can I use the trade-in deal coupon when shopping from other merchants on Amazon?
No. ONLY ITEMS SOLD BY AMAZON.COM QUALIFY FOR PURCHASE WITH THE TRADE-IN COUPON. Even Amazon's other sites (Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.jp, etc.) do not participate in these trade-in deals.

Does the ECA discount stack with the trade-in deal coupon?
Yes.

Can I use my credit (not the trade-in deal coupon) on items that are not video game-related?
Yes. This is the other perk for trading in games at Amazon since you're not limited to just video games.

Can I use my credit on items sold by third-party merchants on Amazon?
According to the fine print of the Amazon gift card use, some merchants are excluded. Your best bet is to try it on the checkout page of your order.

Edited by disillusion386, 31 July 2009 - 02:23 PM.

[disillusion386]

Here is a list of viable flips from other retailers to Amazon. Since the TIVs are very fluid and could change at any point, check the TIV of the game in the Amazon trade-in store first before going out to buy that game to flip. Please post any good flips you find (including the price of the game) or when a game’s Amazon TIV drops dramatically. I will update these lists accordingly.

REMEMBER: If you have the games in hand or know that you can obtain flippable games, lock your trade now even if you’re unsure about doing the trade. You can always edit or cancel your trade order later.

If you’re on your smartphone and can’t view the TIVs on Amazon’s website, here’s a link that takes ‘snapshots’ of TIVs. It’s not in real time, but it can give you a quick idea of what the values are on your mobile: http://tradeharvest.x10hosting.com/ (Thanks to kojubat)
Here's another tool you can use to obtain TIVs categorized by system: http://ativ.scurker.com (Thanks to BlueLobstah)

Flip for Trade-In of the Day ( Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Trials and Tribulations - $16.00; Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Justice for All - $13.00; Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - $13.00)
GameStop:
Trials and Tribulations - 16.19 USED w/ EDGE
Justice for All - 11.69 USED w/ EDGE
Ace Attorney - 13.49 USED w/ EDGE




Gamestop
Jet Set Radio Future - 2.59 (25% off + EDGE) --> 9.00
Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic - 6.49 (25% off + EDGE) --> 13.00
Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II - 12.99 (25% off + EDGE) --> 14.00
Beyond Good and Evil - 3.24 (25% off + EDGE) --> 3.00
Persona 3 FES - 9.09 (20% off + EDGE) --> 9.00

Target Clearance
House of the Dead: Overkill - 12.48 --> 16.50
Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts - 9.98 --> 9.25
Ninja Blade - 9.98 --> 13.00
NBA Live 09 - 9.98 --> 9.00

Edited by disillusion386, 31 July 2009 - 02:26 PM.

[newlu]

ya
Thanks

[disillusion386]

I'll update the flips post tomorrow. I know some of the TIVs tanked, but I'm too tired to fix things up now.

[RonnieWrecked]

nice TIV lists.

thanks

[lolwut?]

Just wanted to add something to the FAQ that I was curious about. I asked on Amazon's discussion section if trade-ins get credited on weekends. Someone responded saying that they have received credit before on a Saturday.

I was curious myself because they received a bundle of trades from me on Thursday, and did not credit me. I was worried that if Friday I didn't get credit, I would have to wait until Monday.

Hope this helps

[hmbtnguy]

In your post it says:
"Items must be postmarked no later than July 18, 2009 to qualify."

However on amazon it says:
"Items must be postmarked no later than July 25, 2009 to qualify."

Did they simply update their site? Or is the one posted the correct and most recent one?

[markyshizzle]

thx a bunch

[mis0]

That's a shit load of info. Good info.

[eastx]

Thanks for recreating your thread. It was really dumb of them to stick it in the middle of the other thread.

[io]

Just to give a general idea of how prices may drop at any time, here's part of what I posted in the old thread about the drops that happened Friday night:


Fable 2 $13 -> $12
Gears of War 2 $17.50 -> $13
GTA IV $11 -> $8
Mirror's Edge $12 -> $7
Prince of Persia $11.50 -> $7
Star Wars Force Unleashed $9 -> $8.50


Bolt $8 -> $6
Carnival Games $13.50 -> $10
Endless Ocean $13.50 -> $11.25
Guitar Hero World Tour $11.50 -> $10


Mirror's Edge $9 -> $7.25


GTA Chinatown Wars $14.50 -> $13

Edited by io, 18 July 2009 - 11:12 AM.

[SonictheHedgehog1337]

wow, i put in my orders for mirrors edge and prince of persia just in time. I guess many people are also taking advantage of the GS B2G1.

[V4oLDbOY]

wow, i put in my orders for mirrors edge and prince of persia just in time. I guess many people are also taking advantage of the GS B2G1.

yeah I just got my orders in as well literally 3 hours before the drops, if i missed the 2k9 ps3 games, I would've been even more pissed.

[Strider Turbulence]

Knights of the Old republic is up to $13 ($9.99 used)
Jet Set Radio Future $9 ($3.99)
Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone (ps2) $11.50 ($9.99)

All profits from Gamestop and Buy 2 get 1 free


Xenosaga 3 is $17.50 and $20 used at gamestop (if you need a 3rd item )

[Commander0Zero]

noooooooo!!!!! mirrors edge!!!!!!! Got them last night but didn't lock in values because i was going to get my girlfriends mother to do this and get another 50%. Also didn't have 50 bucks worth of trades. I should have known better. now time to find some other flips today.

[Taboner]

FAQ of the year?

[ssundong]

Has anyone sent a video game in a black case, not original xbox360 case?
Did they accept it?

[Taboner]

They 98% will decline it.

[robot]

Just a heads up, Amazon.com says the items must be postmarked no later than July 25th, but your thread says the 18th.

Thanks for the heads up though, in for 2 orders.

[V4oLDbOY]

im gonna make one more order with another account and put every game that is flippable in it and lock in my values. You can edit the amount and put 0 and it removes the item. So that may be a good idea if you dont want to come home tonight and cry.

[antitravolta]

Has anyone sent a video game in a black case, not original xbox360 case?
Did they accept it?

I haven't sent a 360 game in a black case, but I sent a bunch of Wii games in a black case and they were all accepted.

[seanr1221]

Nice job, IO.

[MSUHitman]

So I just got my email from Amazon after mailing Priority on Tuesday and they rejected one game because of damage (NBA 2K9) and I've only got 47.50 in credit from what the email shows. Now that game was mint when it shipped so I don't know what the deal was.

So now I just have 47.50 in credit and I'm screwed in getting the 50% off coupon, right?

Edit: Is there any way to request to have everything returned? I want everything back if I can't get my coupon.

[parker4983]

I just recieved my 50% off code, now it is time for me to start working the Amazon Customer Service to get the G25 to accept the code.

[KrayzieKMF]

can anyone confirm that canceling your preorder will get you your 50% off discount code back?

[Ichigo1993]

Just to give a general idea of how prices may drop at any time, here's part of what I posted in the old thread about the drops that happened Friday night:


Fable 2 $13 -> $12
Gears of War 2 $17.50 -> $13
GTA IV $11 -> $8
Mirror's Edge $12 -> $7
Prince of Persia $11.50 -> $7
Star Wars Force Unleashed $9 -> $8.50


Bolt $8 -> $6
Carnival Games $13.50 -> $10
Endless Ocean $13.50 -> $11.25
Guitar Hero World Tour $11.50 -> $10


Mirror's Edge $9 -> $7.25


GTA Chinatown Wars $14.50 -> $13

Phew, I traded in Gears of War 2 just in time before the drop.

So I just got my email from Amazon after mailing Priority on Tuesday and they rejected one game because of damage (NBA 2K9) and I've only got 47.50 in credit from what the email shows. Now that game was mint when it shipped so I don't know what the deal was.

So now I just have 47.50 in credit and I'm screwed in getting the 50% off coupon, right?

Edit: Is there any way to request to have everything returned? I want everything back if I can't get my coupon.

You could possibly contact Amazon and explain what had happened. People on these forums and elsewhere have received their code if a game or two were rejected and put them a hair below the $50 mark.

And no, you cannot get all of your games back if they were approved.

can anyone confirm that canceling your preorder will get you your 50% off discount code back?

Cancelling your pre-order will get your code back.

[jmiller]

So I just got my email from Amazon after mailing Priority on Tuesday and they rejected one game because of damage (NBA 2K9) and I've only got 47.50 in credit from what the email shows. Now that game was mint when it shipped so I don't know what the deal was.

So now I just have 47.50 in credit and I'm screwed in getting the 50% off coupon, right?

Edit: Is there any way to request to have everything returned? I want everything back if I can't get my coupon.

Thats what I would do. They might give you a 50 % code instead of doing this. You will never know until you try. But let us know

[MySaturdaySelf]

OMG...

Amazon send me a 50% off video game coupon and another $50 off console coupon.. I already participated in the last $75 off console promotion.. now to test if they are stackable!!

[disillusion386]

OMG...

Amazon send me a 50% off video game coupon and another $50 off console coupon.. I already participated in the last $75 off console promotion.. now to test if they are stackable!!

How would they be stackable if one coupon works on games and accessories and the other works on consoles?

[disillusion386]

I also made changes to the 1st and 2nd posts of the thread. Please let me know if I've missed anything else.

When I find the time today or tomorrow, I'll update the Flips post more thoroughly.