Amazon Trade-In FAQ 5.0

Status
Not open for further replies.

handsomepete

CAGiversary!
Feedback
20 (100%)
Welcome to the Official CAG Amazon.com Trade-In Thread

THIS IS NOT A FLIPPING THREAD. USEFUL CREDIT TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES WELCOME, BUT KEEP THE PROFIT MARGIN TALK / SNEAKY OR LYING SHENANIGANS OUT

Hey trade-in pals! SENDING THINGS IN DISC / CARTRIDGE ONLY / GENERIC CASE NO MANUAL / ANYTHING BUT COMPLETE COULD RESULT IN REJECTION. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS. YOU MIGHT GET ACCEPTED, YOU MIGHT NOT. NO ONE KNOWS. IF YOU CUT OUT A UPC OR DO ANYTHING TO TRICK THE FINE(?) FOLKS AT AFS EXPECT IT TO BE OPENED AND REJECTED. THERE ARE NO HARD AND FAST RULES. IF IT IS ACCEPTED, IT WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY ONLY BE CONSIDERED "ACCEPTABLE." RISK YOUR TIME AND EFFORT AT YOUR PERIL!

I'm getting an acceptance rate of about one per day; it makes me think some supervisor is standing around with a glass of absinthe next to a couple of dumptruck loads of games...while the one responsible for the glitch is made to scan each item and recite its TIV with tears in their eyes. - Indigo_Streetlight
Amazon.com Trade-in Home Page

------- FAQ BELOW - LEAVE ME ALONE PLEASE -------
Useful links:

-- BlueLobstah

-- CheapAssGamer

THANKS TO DISILLUSION386 and GI60 FOR POSTING AND MAINTAINING THE PREVIOUS AMAZON TRADE-IN FAQ THREADS

This thread’s primary purpose is to discuss Amazon.com’s video game trade-in program. Conspiracy theories about AFS smashing games before sending them back / stealing children / sneezing and touching public door handles / etc welcome, but try to avoid going nutso. PLEASE READ THE TRADE-IN DEAL DETAILS AND FAQ BEFORE ASKING ANY QUESTIONS.
Trade-In Procedure

1. SELECT ITEMS: Search for items to trade in. Your trade-in items must meet the product eligibility criteria.
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

Shipping Instructions

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 UPS Store and mail it by (one week from submission of trade)
7. Or you can ship to:
note to self: look up new address
Trade-In Product Eligibility

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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

GENERAL FAQ (Updated 12/26/2012)
Can I post a question on this thread?
Only if you can't find the answer from below. And please let me know if it needs to be added to FAQ.

Can I edit this FAQ? (updated 6/7/11)
You bet!

Since when did Amazon start doing trades?
The program began in 2009 and is handled by a third party merchant, previously known as NorAm International. Now known as AFS (Amazon Fulfillment Services).

What kind of shipping does Amazon provide us?
Free UPS ground ---- USPS is no longer available for free. There is now also an option to provide your own shipping.

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? (updated 3/9/11)
Not necessarily - people have sent in multiple boxes for the same trade-in submission successfully. It's even possible to send half at one time and the other half at the end of the valid shipping period. However, it's probably best to always ship everything at once.

Can I put separate trades in to a single box? (updated 6/7/11)
Sure, and they'll likely be accepted just fine. However, it isn't recommended since you would only have proof that you sent one of the trades (whichever mailing label you used). So it can be pretty risky.

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?
UPS Ground already provides you with tracking information, and I imagine you could get some sort of insurance added at a UPS store or location if you were so inclined.

I don't trust UPS ground. Can I pay for postage myself? What's the address?
Yes. You're more than welcome to do so. Just use the address on the amazon provided shipping label and make sure to get some sort of tracking.

When do I have to send my games once I have submitted my trade order?
You have 1 week (7 days) to send your games. There have been reports of submitting trades up to 15 - 20 days late, but that is definitely ymmv and not in the written rules. Send on time for the best chance at success!

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? (Updated 9/9/13)
Load up any existing order (if you don't have any, check your browser's history or just submit a new one to use the link), and substitute the transaction ID for the trade-in order you need at the end of the URL.

Some step by step directions:
1. Go to your trade-in page on Amazon and find the Trade-In ID of the transaction:

Trade-In Placed:

August 24, 2013

  • Total Amount Submitted: $35.00
  • Amount Paid: $0.00
2. Copy the entire Trade-In ID (i.e. TRN-1234567-1234567) to your clipboard by highlighting it and hitting Ctrl+C or right click -> copy with your mouse

3. Paste the Trade-In ID to the end of this link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/tradein/multicondition-your-account/print-label/ref=trdrt_ya_yaprnt?ie=UTF8&orderID=

So it should look like this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/tradein/multicondition-your-account/print-label/ref=trdrt_ya_yaprnt?ie=UTF8&orderID=TRN-1234567-1234567

The Print Shipping Label screen for that trade should now come up.

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 (Amazon GiftCard) in 3 to 5 business days, however.

How long does the "processing" status usually take? (Updated 10/11/12)
Usually a day or two with little delay at all. It may take multiple days or even weeks if it's an usual item/hardware.

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.

I do not have the manual, cover art, or original case for a game I want to trade in. Will they accept it? (updated 6/9/11)
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 since some were also rejected by missing manual or cover art. 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.

It should be noted that with the new condition requirements (see later in the FAQ), you may be able to send an item in missing some or all of the required items (manual / cover art / case) and still have it accepted in "Acceptable" condition.

I do not have the manual, accessories, original box, original included game, etc for a console or accessory I want to trade in. Will they accept it? (updated 3/9/11)
The current wisdom is "probably not" - it's pretty YMMV but AFS seems stricter than they should be on this. Your chances seem to be better for them accepting a console or accessory without the box / manual / etc if it's older generation or rare. You're more than welcome to give it a shot though if you're feeling lucky - just pack it well and include as much as you can! Don't expect greater than 'acceptable' condition though.

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 came with DLC codes and I used them. Will my game be accepted? (Updated 12/28/11)
It is expected that included DLC codes have already been redeemed, so you should be fine. It is a kindness however if you have no use for it to not redeem it and let the next lucky soul who buys it from awd or wherever have a crack at it. Up to you!

My cover art (PLATINUM HITS) differs from the pic on amazon, will my trade be accepted?
It all depends on the UPC so just turn your game around, type in the UPC into the amazon search box. If the game comes up, then it's accepted regardless of cover art. Click on that result to submit your trade.

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 very YMMV.

The UPC barcode is not intact on my game's cover art, will that be accepted? (updated 3/9/11)
This is YMMV, but probably not. The UPC is all powerful within the walls of AFS..

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. Once you submit, you can no longer change quantities on that trade-in batch.

How many multiple copies of the same game can I trade-in (updated 1/11/11)?
Maximum of 2 copies within 3 a month period.

I locked in X copies of a game but I now only have Y available to send. Can I just send in Y without being penalized? (updated 3/9/11)
Yes, you can always just send in a portion of your trade-in order and they'll just credit you for whatever they receive. However, the quantities you submitted for will stay locked in that instance (I think) so if you, for example, submitted for 2 copies and only sent 1, you may not be able to trade any more copies of that game for 3 months (see previous question).

Will the Trade-in of the Day TIV stay for 24 hours?
It's been reported that there is a limit (maximum # of copies) that will get the promoted TIV so lock yours.

So if I find a good flip, I can just send 2 copies of that game and not worry about Amazon accusing me of stolen merchandise?
Technically yes, but do 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. This is probably moot for most folks now with the per account / address trade-in limit.

Wow, these TIVs suck (updated 3/9/11)!
Really? Hrm. While that may be true, they're often better than other comparable places. Your options of what to do with your used games are greater now than they've ever been, so feel free to shop your trades around or just sell them off on glyde/ebay/whatever. Also, not a question.

What the fuck? 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 cancel the trade submission if you end up not finding the games.
LOCK = SUBMIT YOUR TRADE, Don't just put it in the cart.

Can I edit a submitted trade?
Nope - once upon a time you could modify trade in quantities of submitted trades, but that ability has been removed.

Can I use my credit 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.

Strategy guides? I can trade in game/strategy guides? Whaaaaa?
Go to the Textbook Buyback section (http://www.amazon.com/Textbooks-Trad...ode=2205237011[/URL]). You can either search on the title of a strategy guide you have to see if they'll accept it, or search for guides. The two best search strings to start with are 'prima guides' and 'bradygames'. Might try 'doublejump' if you want to trade in some of those. (Thanks eugaet)

I locked in some hilariously overvalued trade for some weird rare game/accessory/etc that I can pick up for cheap cheap cheap. They didn't accept it. What should I do? (updated 3/9/11)
The truth is that AFS can reject things for any reason they see fit. While some people have managed to get silly things like a $200 credit for some cheerleading game (or for a PS2 - just ask io!), it's sooooooo YMMV that often it's not worth the effort. EXPECT REJECTION ON THINGS THAT ARE CLEARLY MISVALUED. That said, as long as you're willing to risk it, go for it!

What's all this item condition nonsense? And how can I get screwed over by it? (updated 6/9/11)
We're still kinda sussing out the details surrounding the new item condition portion of Amazon Trade-Ins, but it looks like there's a couple things to consider:
Good Condition eligibility (games):
- The video game, original manufacturer packaging and all original elements are included, but shows wear from normal use
- Game still plays perfectly
- Disc may have light scratches and other elements may have minor damage
- Item may have been personalized (marked or identified)

Acceptable eligibility (games):
- Game still plays perfectly
- Item may have been personalized (marked or identified)
- Item may be missing or have irreparable damage to one or all of the following: case, manual, artwork, bundled accessories, UPC

Note that a game will almost certainly not be accepted if it meets any of these conditions:
- Game does not play perfectly
- Disc is cracked
- Marked Not for Resale (or is otherwise marked not for sale)

Consoles/accessories have some slightly different criteria, but the idea is the same.

Did it seriously just ask me if I wanted my game / other item returned if they refuse to give me credit for it? (updated 6/9/11)
Yes, that just happened.

Unless you're purposefully sending them things you deem to be trash, please remember to choose the option that has them return your item to you during the checkout phase.

Who is AFS? (updated 9/14/13)
Amazon Fulfillment Services (previously known as NorAm). Dunno if they changed names, were bought up by Amazon, or what. Not too interested anyhow.

Why does my package jump back and forth between states? (updated 9/14/13)
Look at a map of the involved cities and it'll make sense. Something to do with UPS hubs and proximity to the state border/cities.

Post away!

 
Last edited by a moderator:
How were you able to print the shipping label? Not only that, but how did the trade-in offer not expire? I could have sworn the trade offer expired after a set amount if time.

I want to believe.
You swap the number of the expired trade into the URL of a good one when you go to print it. They do expire after about a month normally but there's been a couple periods over the last few months where things have gotten stuck in a temporal bubble and not expired.
 
thanks Donut. You explained this better than I did. I did end up checking today and my GS listed Flatout as OOS, so I did get the last copy. I get why they'd wanna keep the case and just give me a disc only copy, but it really is just sloppy that a GS wont remove the case from the shelf if its the last one. Even just toss it in the back or something so that nobody else comes along after I picked up the disc only copy, gets to checkout, and it turns out there's no copy in the store. Thats a bad situation for the customer and Gamestop itself.

But, anyway, since I found the case it is no issue. Will gladly take my profit and move on!
Sometimes I think it's just the employee being lazy or too busy to find the case for you.

 
for an acceptable grade, how tough is amazon on severity of scratches on the disc? not sure if i need to return to gamestop or try sending in disc...
 
Last edited by a moderator:
for an acceptable grade, how tough is amazon on severity of scratches on the disc? not sure if i need to return to gamestop or try sending in disc...
Like everything here, it all really comes down to the individual grader, so it's gonna be a YMMV situation. If the scratches are bad enough that you have to ask though, I'd probably only risk it if the profit margin was high enough to truly justify the risk.

 
http://www.amazon.com/Madden-Anniversary-Edition-Sunday-360-Xbox/dp/B00CF7KVMI/ref=trdrt_list_asin

:360: Madden 25 Anniversary Edition with Sunday Ticket

Should be able to get $49.27 as acceptable with regular edition.
Thanks - it seems within the last couple of months, Amazon Warehouse Deals has been selling this version. I assume, obviously, to get rid of all that extra stock since the season was nearing the end/over.

Edit - This edition does say "Anniversary Edition" on the disc, but it's very, very small.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Like everything here, it all really comes down to the individual grader, so it's gonna be a YMMV situation. If the scratches are bad enough that you have to ask though, I'd probably only risk it if the profit margin was high enough to truly justify the risk.
thanks. ill just return the game, if i was grader i'd reject this disc.
 
Just a general question about items you ordered being shipped to Amazon Locker locations.  Anyone here ever did that?  Will shipping be faster that way if you have one really close?  Ty.

 
It's almost the same except you go to the locker and input a code you get when it gets delivered.

That's weird though because it's not related to trades.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I thought for acceptable scratches didn't matter as long as the disc works "perfectly".Frankly I think it's unreasonable for anyone to expect to get a used game without some scratches.
now youre going to make me change my mind and send it to amazon...i dont usually buy used especially from gamestop, maybe im just being too critical.
 
Locked in two madden trade ins for 360. To bad its not the ps3 one, because i own that one and would like to dump it off since the football season is over now.

 
Well I was looking through my trade-ins and saw a $20 Disney Sing-It from the summer still open so I grabbed a $5 copy since the one store anywhere within 30 miles happened to be right near the zoo where we were headed anyway. Hopefully it goes through like over the summer.

Now I have to find a PS3 copy of Madden 25 for cheap since I still have an active trade on that too for $52. Everyone remember the summer when that was worse than taking it to BBY? :rofl:

I will lock 2 acceptables in and see how it goes for someone else who tries it first. Someone do it!!!
Ok. Better to be in early than late so you know, whenever there's something questionable and they start rejecting everything it's usually only the first people to get stuff in that gets it accepted.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
weird, my rejected "wrong item" gamecube hasn't come back to me

but i might not bitch, i got $209 for my 2011 black friday PS3 bundle accepted so im happy that i got $9 bonus for having that PS3 for 3 years :D

but so long gamecube :p

 
Just received a rejected game from last October in the mail a couple of days ago. Some of this stuff just gets lost/found in the cracks of the system I guess...
 
weird, my rejected "wrong item" gamecube hasn't come back to me

but i might not bitch, i got $209 for my 2011 black friday PS3 bundle accepted so im happy that i got $9 bonus for having that PS3 for 3 years :D

but so long gamecube :p
I also enjoyed making money on a BF PS3. Anyone thinking of dumping a Slim and getting a Super Slim that's in warranty should check the bundle TIV's out. The Singstar, Uncharted 2, Killzone 3, and Black Friday bundles have been getting really good values.

 
I just had a flashback. Remember when we traded to half.com? How did we get paid for that? Was it paypal or do I have a ton of credit somewhere?

(That memory was triggered because I thought about my only lost amazon purchase...2 copies of michael phelps on 360. I wish I could see the look on the person's face who jacked that package.) :rofl:

 
Last edited by a moderator:
I just had a flashback. Remember when we traded to half.com? How did we get paid for that? Was it paypal or do I have a ton of credit somewhere?

(That memory was triggered because I thought about my only lost amazon purchase...2 copies of michael phelps on 360. I wish I could see the look on the person's face who jacked that package.) :rofl:
That mail carrier in Boston who stole all those video games from the mail is probably sitting there in jail and thinking about how all those Michael Phelps games was not worth it.

 
I just had a flashback. Remember when we traded to half.com? How did we get paid for that? Was it paypal or do I have a ton of credit somewhere?

(That memory was triggered because I thought about my only lost amazon purchase...2 copies of michael phelps on 360. I wish I could see the look on the person's face who jacked that package.) :rofl:
Paypal...man that was so long ago....wish it would happen again.

 
Ahh the good days when they actually paid us in CASH instead of credit...  And when cash payment was even higher then credit payment from AZ.

Was able to pretty much find all kind of AZ warehouse stuff to trade back for cash at Half.

 
Do you guys think I'd get 'acceptable' for trading in a 160gb PS3 and Uncharted 2 GoTY in a slip cover (with all the cords+controller) as this bundle?

http://www.amazon.com/PlayStation-Friday-Bundle-Uncharted-Blu-Ray-3/dp/B0047ZC19W/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1391962024&sr=8-7&keywords=playstation+3+160gb+uncharted
Yup. I did the singstar and ratchet crack in time bundle as "acceptable" with PS3, DS3, cords, and CiT in a slip cover. No singstar, no mics, no problem. Was even processed pretty fast.
 
Yup. I did the singstar and ratchet crack in time bundle as "acceptable" with PS3, DS3, cords, and CiT in a slip cover. No singstar, no mics, no problem. Was even processed pretty fast.
Wow, wonder why that particular bundle is so much?

Considered trading in the KZ3 PS3 bundle as I have EVERYTHING except KZ3 (could pick a copy for super cheap), but it's only getting about half as much credit as the R&C/Singstar bundle. Will trade it in if/when it goes over $200. Hopefully sometime this year, would like to trade up for a PS4 when Kingdom Hearts III and FFXV come out.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Wow, wonder why that particular bundle is so much?

Considered trading in the KZ3 PS3 bundle as I have EVERYTHING except KZ3 (could pick a copy for super cheap), but it's only getting about half as much credit as the R&C/Singstar bundle. Will trade it in if/when it goes over $200. Hopefully sometime this year, would like to trade up for a PS4 when Kingdom Hearts III and FFXV come out.
Seriously doubt bundles will go up unless there's a Wii+Mario Kart level pricing snafu on their end. The "acceptable" TIV's already blow anything you'd get from another retailer or eBay out of the water. If you're through with your PS3 backlog, I'd trade now and start camping PS's on AWD.
 
Been a week since I shipped the PS3 5in1 and no updates at all. Reused tracking shows no information. Contact CS and she told me nothing has been received. Usually my shipments get there in 2 days too. 

Guess I'll play the waiting game.

 
I saw a disturbing thing at my local gamestop - they're throwing away all the cases and manuals for ps3 and 360 games that cost less than (I think) $5.  Basically the massive stacks of games in paper sleeves thing just like gc and ps2 games.  Maybe it's been like this for a while, I don't visit gamestops very often at all.  I just hate it when gamestop trashes this stuff.

And of course I go to pick up Nier and Flatout today and both (despite being above the $5) are paper sleeve only.  I swear I'd pay a premium on used games if they'd promise the case/manual.  How they have so many disc only trades is completely mysterious to me - what do people do with their cases when they get new games?  I realize not everyone has a shelf for games, but do they just throw the case in their trash can after they put the disc in?

 
I saw a disturbing thing at my local gamestop - they're throwing away all the cases and manuals for ps3 and 360 games that cost less than (I think) $5. Basically the massive stacks of games in paper sleeves thing just like gc and ps2 games. Maybe it's been like this for a while, I don't visit gamestops very often at all. I just hate it when gamestop trashes this stuff.

And of course I go to pick up Nier and Flatout today and both (despite being above the $5) are paper sleeve only. I swear I'd pay a premium on used games if they'd promise the case/manual. How they have so many disc only trades is completely mysterious to me - what do people do with their cases when they get new games? I realize not everyone has a shelf for games, but do they just throw the case in their trash can after they put the disc in?
At the stores I frequent people trade in cases that are in suck terrible shape -- dog bites, cigarette burns, weird holes and tears -- that the employees just throw them away and put the discs in generic cases. Not a lot of disc only trades.

There's a reason why used 360 games often look like they came out on the bad end of a knife fight. Thank goodness for BluRay hard coat. Even abused PS3 (and PS4 and XB1) games are usually in playable shape.
 
Been a week since I shipped the PS3 5in1 and no updates at all. Reused tracking shows no information. Contact CS and she told me nothing has been received. Usually my shipments get there in 2 days too.

Guess I'll play the waiting game.
I feel ya, one of my loot chests was delivered a week ago and it says they're still waiting to recieve it. Everything else that got shipped and delivered at the same time has long been processed.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Been a week since I shipped the PS3 5in1 and no updates at all. Reused tracking shows no information. Contact CS and she told me nothing has been received. Usually my shipments get there in 2 days too.

Guess I'll play the waiting game.
This probably won't help, but my 5-in-1s were processed for the full value about an hour ago. Of course, this was after they had been "Processing..." for the past few days, so...yeah. Hopefully yours will be processed soon.
 
got two, 5in1 kits accepted.

however a game i had in the box is still pending. so either that one will take some more time (for whatever reason) or they just missed it in the box.

anyone with insight?

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Traded in CoD: Ghosts Prestige Edition as acceptable, and I kept the camera. They rated it as good and gave me $108, I'll take it.

 
Status
Not open for further replies.
bread's done
Back
Top