Amazon Trade-In FAQ 5.0

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handsomepete

handsomepete

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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
Click to expand...
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.
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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!

 
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i just traded in a 3DS XL., Journey and AC3 today... and gosh their values are all jumping!

the total difference is as much as $25.35.. gosh
 
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[quote name='perfectsil']Far Cry 3 tiv is $11 now, is it really going to jump to $44 tomorrow?[/QUOTE]
Only during that 2 hour window.
 
Man, tough decisions. Definitely trading in Blops 2 and Forza at those prices, and Madden 13 ($38.50 for 360, yikes). Also pretty tempted to trade-in Hitman and try to beat/trade-in AC3 since both games are likely to drop in the near future. Amazon's doing it's best job at purging the backlog picked up from BF.
 
great i can move two more copies of forza at that price tomorrow :bouncy:

considering my new madden and ac3 copies as well, although i can probably get more cash out of ac3 and maybe even madden on the local cl.
 
[quote name='Vigilante']$38.50 for ACIII is tempting since it's a slightly better value than Gamestop's $37 after PUR...:whistle2:k[/QUOTE]

Well Amazon credit is always better than Gamestop credit.
 
[quote name='Donut2922']Well Amazon credit is always better than Gamestop credit.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I would have taken a couple dollar less for Amazon credit for my Forza. Too late, though.
 
My attempt at trading in a like new red 3DS to Amazon for $100 failed. Somehow, the console doesn't work even though it was working perfectly when I mailed it to them. I hope they didn't break it somehow:cry: It is being shipped back to me.
 
[quote name='kk012']My attempt at trading in a like new red 3DS to Amazon for $100 failed. Somehow, the console doesn't work even though it was working perfectly when I mailed it to them. I hope they didn't break it somehow:cry: It is being shipped back to me.[/QUOTE]

I bet the battery ran out and the person trading it in didn't attempt to plug it in.
 
Disney's Sing It Family Hits Bundle went up to $20.00 now if you locked it in at $16.25 but some may consider going the Ebay route because they have some recently completed listings that range from $80-100 for the Wii versions which shocked the crap out of me.
 
[quote name='Donut2922']Well Amazon credit is always better than Gamestop credit.[/QUOTE]This is very true.

[quote name='boogie4114']Disney's Sing It Family Hits Bundle went up to $20.00 now if you locked it in at $16.25 but some may consider going the Ebay route because they have some recently completed listings that range from $80-100 for the Wii versions which shocked the crap out of me.[/QUOTE]
I found two copies of the stand-alone Wii version at different Gamestops for $4.99 in "new" condition; I had planned on trading them in at $12.50 each, but on a whim, I listed them in the Amazon marketplace at $29.99 each...and they both sold within 24 hours. :shock: Needless to say, I cancelled the trade-in. :lol:

The same sort of thing happened with the Party Hits bundle for Wii--found new for $4.99, $12.50 trade locked-in, listed for $44.99, sold within a day. It shocks me how much people are willing to pay for stuff. :whistle2:#
 
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[quote name='Sway']The TIV bonuses aren't live until 2PM Pacific PST. He was referring to this: http://www.gamespot.com/news/gamespot-black-fridays-trade-in-opportunity-6401124[/QUOTE]

Don't forget if you took part in getting AC3 with Amazon's goldbox $33 dotd there's also (theoretically) a $3 bonus trade-in credit tied to your account upon validation of your trade. It sucks because I'll likely be unable to resist trading it back in for $41 since I got it for $23 with the Vita coupon.
 
[quote name='handsomepete']Don't forget if you took part in getting AC3 with Amazon's goldbox $33 dotd there's also (theoretically) a $3 bonus trade-in credit tied to your account upon validation of your trade. It sucks because I'll likely be unable to resist trading it back in for $41 since I got it for $23 with the Vita coupon.[/QUOTE]

I never got the email. Is it a code or automatic?
 
[quote name='slowdive21']I never got the email. Is it a code or automatic?[/QUOTE]

according to the promo you'll get a promo code for the credit after you lock and get credited for a trade. so no emails no nothing until your trade is accepted I reckon.
 
[quote name='shivan128']awesome, there's hope for me yet. Gonna try to get the 3DSXL upgrade from BB or Target PM then if I can lock this in at amazon.[/QUOTE]

The prices are live 3DS TIV has been updated, $122 for the Cosmo Black 3DS, lock it in now and send within 7 days!
 
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[quote name='unforeseen']Same here. Just checked other values but no updates.[/QUOTE]

All the other deals are live to.

At least Syndicate is.

But still not TIV bumps.
 
Might consider trading in my PS Vita. $150 is pretty good, and I honestly don't touch it anymore.

Great system but after losing my saves after switching to digital I doubt I will touch it again soon.
 
What are the odds my limited edition ACIII game will be accepted as the game only version? Should I just sell it elsewhere? I already own another copy of the game on ps3. I got the Xbox limited version for the extras as it was $20 cheaper.
 
How picky is amazon with the upc. I want to trade in the blue/black mario kart 3ds xl bundle, but its not listed (did a upc and title search). Can i just trade it in as the regular blue/black 3ds xl with my mario kart bundle packaging and still get the full like new value?
 
[quote name='dchrisd']How picky is amazon with the upc. I want to trade in the blue/black mario kart 3ds xl bundle, but its not listed (did a upc and title search). Can i just trade it in as the regular blue/black 3ds xl with my mario kart bundle packaging and still get the full like new value?[/QUOTE]

They're about as picky as the pickiest thing you can think of if you add picky to that.
 
[quote name='handsomepete']They're about as picky as the pickiest thing you can think of if you add picky to that.[/QUOTE]

That pucking sucks, but thanks for giving me bad news in a funny way
 
Welp so much for trading in my vita. Just logged into do lock it in but the vita is already down to $100 from $150

Not worth it for $100
 
I was going to trade in my 3DS and I have the manuals and inserts and stuff, but I'm not sure I have the cardboard that seperated everything in the package. Will they take it without that? I'm trading it for "like new".
 
just got my 2 happy endings verified for $15 each. wootwoot. that was a bit later than i usually send them in but bestbuy was holding them hostage for so long and i couldnt even cancel them. wish i would have jumped on tivs last night like far cry 3, ac3, etc, but alas, i missed them. oh wellz. peace all
 
[quote name='Flame Killa']I was going to trade in my 3DS and I have the manuals and inserts and stuff, but I'm not sure I have the cardboard that seperated everything in the package. Will they take it without that? I'm trading it for "like new".[/QUOTE]

I'm in the same boat, I locked in on "good" because my son tossed the box, but even "good" requires the damn packaging. Crap.
 
[quote name='Flame Killa']I was going to trade in my 3DS and I have the manuals and inserts and stuff, but I'm not sure I have the cardboard that seperated everything in the package. Will they take it without that? I'm trading it for "like new".[/QUOTE]

I think it'd be worth giving it a shot, go ahead and send it. You have most everything it sounds like.
 
[quote name='Flame Killa']I was going to trade in my 3DS and I have the manuals and inserts and stuff, but I'm not sure I have the cardboard that seperated everything in the package. Will they take it without that? I'm trading it for "like new".[/QUOTE]

[quote name='handsomepete']I think it'd be worth giving it a shot, go ahead and send it. You have most everything it sounds like.[/QUOTE]I agree with handsomepete--give it a shot.

One thing, though: Make sure it's somewhat charged (i.e., the battery light doesn't turn red immediately when or soon after you turn the system on), as trades might be rejected if they shut off due to low power.
 
[quote name='handsomepete']Hi guys.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0055NBQQ4/ref=trdrt_cartadd_asin

30.00 space bucks, seems quite easy to source at Gamestops. Good luck.[/QUOTE]It's really only easy to find used at one store near me, but maybe I can just use a $10 off coupon on a new copy (far more readily available) to cushion the financial blow...or maybe I'll buy it without the coupon for the heck of it since I've got all this GS credit thanks to the just-ended promo for increased TIVs.

Thanks for posting. :D
 
thanks for the post. i locked it in at 30 as well, but unfortunately don't have any used within 70 miles of here. 3 or 4 of them new though within a few miles, definitely will pick them up using all that gs credit i just got from the recent promo as well!
 
Got my 2 x National Geographic Challenge :wii: used today no problems at Gamestop, both in mint condition. One last present from Saint Amazon before the year comes to a close. Without a doubt the best trade-in year ever!
 
So I sent in 2 copies of Skyward Sword for trade on the 10th. Checked the tracking number today and it says the package was delivered October 27th 2011? Anybody ever seen that before? Who should I get ahold of, Amazon or UPS?
 
[quote name='GamerDude316']So I sent in 2 copies of Skyward Sword for trade on the 10th. Checked the tracking number today and it says the package was delivered October 27th 2011? Anybody ever seen that before? Who should I get ahold of, Amazon or UPS?[/QUOTE]

Did you type in the number wrong? Maybe the number was recycled, but they haven't updated it with your info yet.
 
[quote name='GamerDude316']So I sent in 2 copies of Skyward Sword for trade on the 10th. Checked the tracking number today and it says the package was delivered October 27th 2011? Anybody ever seen that before? Who should I get ahold of, Amazon or UPS?[/QUOTE]
They re-use tracking numbers all the time, but it should have updated when it was scanned at the drop off location.
 
[quote name='GamerDude316']So I sent in 2 copies of Skyward Sword for trade on the 10th. Checked the tracking number today and it says the package was delivered October 27th 2011? Anybody ever seen that before? Who should I get ahold of, Amazon or UPS?[/QUOTE]

yes, 8 out 10 times I send something in.


No one.
 
I locked in my trade-in for a like-new flame red 3DS with the box, manual, inserts, cardboard seperator and styrofoam bags for $100 back on 12/1/2012 and sent it out a few days later. Amazon rejected it because "Console does not work" so shipped it back to me. I just got my 3DS back. Guess what?! It works perfectly fine:headache:
 
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