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
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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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Stellar Inertia said:
You sure took awhile to send some of those in. Guess Im different I send mine out immediately. I don't like credit in limbo and I also fear the influx of the same game from many people to weigh on their decisions to reject or not. I sent Supreme Commander, Dynasty warriors, and a few other things from your list about a week and a half ago. All have been accepted as I hoped. I guess I should add I clean every case very well and remove all stickers to where it looks like they were never there. Only have King Fu High Impact im waiting on.
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Well I submitted the older ones on Aug 16 and sent them out yesterday. The reason being is to look for most of them complete and since there is a "25" day window I would chance it since it always takes 2 days for them to receive it.

 
Well, either I have found the magical time on the 25th day when something goes from not late to late, or the processors have the option to mark something late manually.

I sent three separate items locked on 8/2. The 25th day was today, and all three packages arrived yesterday. I received an email today at 3:33pm (ET) telling me one had been accepted and gift card value deposited. Then I received two emails back-to-back at 4:04pm stating the other two were Expired/Late.

I'm not peeved or anything, it was my own fault for sending them out late, and the item that did get accepted was a PS3 game in a black case that got valued at Good. Just thought it was an interesting sequence of events.

 
EldritchOnRye said:
I usually goo gone them off just out of consideration of whomever might be stuck cleaning it but I have also sent stuff in with the stickers and not had a problem so like most things probably depends largely on the person who inspects it.
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It's not the point, of you "not having a problem". The fact is like Donut said, that somebody at Amazon fulfillment is upset. We cags leaving stickers on Games we flip makes it worse for everyone now...

Examples are:

$6 Spectral Force being traded for $17

$14 Kung Fu Panda 2 for $23

$17.99 Pinball Hall of Fame for $34

$2 Rock Revolution for $19 Acceptable...

A junior detective noticed this, and is now holding a grudge. Discs are now mysteriously disappearing, Games getting "severe damage", and things that were normally accepted getting sent back for wrong version.

It is never smart to leave a sticker of any kind from one company when you are sending it to another. The only passable offense to this rule is if The sticker price is higher than the trade price.

But the obvious "hey AFS/Noram we just flipped this to you" mentality has got to stop, because it will be the end of this thread altogether. Especially dealing with a company that can reject a game, "Just because they don't want it" even though you locked the trade in.

 
Stellar Inertia said:
Were those Tomb Raider CEs $50 and traded for $150?
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$45 a piece before tax and shipping (I spent $55 a piece with tax to get them faster and in ahead of most other people who were going to send these in) trading for $75 a piece.

doc_j88 said:
It is never smart to leave a sticker of any kind from one company when you are sending it to another. The only passable offense to this rule is if The sticker price is higher than the trade price.
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Oh yeah that's just dumb and asking for trouble.

 
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Miami Flash15 said:
Didn't some state WAY earlier in this thread there was a different UPC for Pinball :pS3: at GameStop than the one Amazon was asking?
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It was me. The copy I picked up had a different UPC though it was still accepted for the full value.

Edit: Just had a big trade accepted with no problems

2 each of the following - Kung Fu Panda 2; World Series of Poker 2008; Juiced; Supreme Commander; Afrika and Bladestorm. They were all complete but you never know so I'm happy to say the least. Thanks to all for posting these.
 
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Kojubat said:
Well, either I have found the magical time on the 25th day when something goes from not late to late, or the processors have the option to mark something late manually.

I sent three separate items locked on 8/2. The 25th day was today, and all three packages arrived yesterday. I received an email today at 3:33pm (ET) telling me one had been accepted and gift card value deposited. Then I received two emails back-to-back at 4:04pm stating the other two were Expired/Late.

I'm not peeved or anything, it was my own fault for sending them out late, and the item that did get accepted was a PS3 game in a black case that got valued at Good. Just thought it was an interesting sequence of events.
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Well they don't just need to ARRIVE by the 25th day, the other two expired before they got the chance to process them.

 
Darn, I really wish I would have seen this thread earlier. I'm going to have to keep an eye on this thread now. 

 
My 2x Tomb Raider will be here tomorrow from GS. Ordered Saturday night, will arrive via UPS Ground (free value shipping) tomorrow... in plenty of time to get them out to Amazon for $75 each. Thank you to whomever posted about these, my PS4 preorder will hopefully be that much cheaper upon trade-in.

 
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Anyone have any luck with Sing It: Family Hits yet?  I picked one up Friday to send in, but the fact that it's saying Microphone Required on the front makes me think it's going to be a wrong upc rejection even at acceptable. 

 
I agree with everything about the stickers. Is it really that hard for you to take them off. I also feel like it enhances the odds of getting "good".
 
kitsunisan said:
Anyone have any luck with Sing It: Family Hits yet? I picked one up Friday to send in, but the fact that it's saying Microphone Required on the front makes me think it's going to be a wrong upc rejection even at acceptable.
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I'm just gonna pull the artwork out. You don't need artwork to get an Acceptable grade. I'm not gonna risk trying to get a Good rating on these music game bundles. I submitted them as Acceptable and will send disc only. I think trying to get a Good rating on something like these will just draw more attention to them.

As far as stickers go. I always take mine off. Gamestop stickers are generally easy to peel off even without Goo Gone. You just have to be careful and peel slowly.

 
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captaintek3304 said:
My Rock Revolution got denied because of "Wrong item." This means I can complain to Amazon and get moneys right?
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It's up to you, but I'd personally consider it an abuse of amazon's generosity. The goal here isn't to rip amazon off - they actually run a decent program. Everyone is trying to pass off a disc copy as a bundle without accessories. If you get lucky congrats, if you don't just accept the loss as part of the gamble.
 
Looks like I shouldn't have any hopes of Amazon accepting my one Rock Revolution I sent in (game was complete with UPC cut out). It's processing so I guess it'll be rejected soon.
 
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Jaashuaa said:
I think he was being sarcastic pete.
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probably, but for every one person reading this thread that thinks/knows it's sarcasm there's 10 more that think 'hey I should complain!' I know of at least two times Amazon has complained about this thread regarding customer service abuse, so I don't chance it and take the chances to shut it down when I can.
 
Jaashuaa said:
I think he was being sarcastic pete.
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^ This! I have seen him post before in other threads and he is definitely being sarcastic towards people who come here and complain and then turn to Amazon and do the same to get credit knowing full well, if they have been following this thread and the previous iterations then they should know, that any game can be turned down for any reason (hello, Defiance anyone).

 
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Well, my Rock Revolution complete with UPC cut out was rejected as well for "wrong UPC".  Resubmitted at the $15.xx acceptable TIV and will send in a generic case and see what happens.

Anybody had success with the World Tour disc only as acceptable?  I found several complete copies at my GS today with the 3 for $10 deal but didnt pick any up yet in case its a waste of time.  I pass by this GS everyday so if people are having luck I'll pick up a couple copies tomorrow.

 
Hmm, my other TR CE is still processing...

kitsunisan said:
Anyone have any luck with Sing It: Family Hits yet? I picked one up Friday to send in, but the fact that it's saying Microphone Required on the front makes me think it's going to be a wrong upc rejection even at acceptable.
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GamerDude316 said:
Anybody had success with the World Tour disc only as acceptable? I found several complete copies at my GS today with the 3 for $10 deal but didnt pick any up yet in case its a waste of time. I pass by this GS everyday so if people are having luck I'll pick up a couple copies tomorrow.
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Mine should be delivered to them tomorrow so I'll let you guys know how it goes.

Jaashuaa said:
I think he was being sarcastic pete.
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Getting a little hard to tell anymore between here and the AWD thread.

 
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DealSeeker2U said:
^ This! I have seen him post before in other threads and he is definitely being sarcastic towards people who come here and complain and then turn to Amazon and do the same to get credit knowing full well, if they have been following this thread and the previous iterations then they should know, that any game can be turned down for any reason (hello, Defiance anyone).
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Im glad I was around for the defiance, I feel it will be mentioned for years.
 
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GamerDude316 said:
Well, my Rock Revolution complete with UPC cut out was rejected as well for "wrong UPC". Resubmitted at the $15.xx acceptable TIV and will send in a generic case and see what happens.



Anybody had success with the World Tour disc only as acceptable? I found several complete copies at my GS today with the 3 for $10 deal but didnt pick any up yet in case its a waste of time. I pass by this GS everyday so if people are having luck I'll pick up a couple copies tomorrow.
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Lets stop pushing our luck.
 
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GamerDude316 said:
Well, my Rock Revolution complete with UPC cut out was rejected as well for "wrong UPC". Resubmitted at the $15.xx acceptable TIV and will send in a generic case and see what happens.

Anybody had success with the World Tour disc only as acceptable? I found several complete copies at my GS today with the 3 for $10 deal but didnt pick any up yet in case its a waste of time. I pass by this GS everyday so if people are having luck I'll pick up a couple copies tomorrow.
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Isn't World Tour only trading in for $0.50?

 
funkmonker said:
Isn't RR trading in for like $0.25???
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We've been sending RR with the bar code cut out or in a blank case as the RR Drum Bundle in acceptable condition. I've had 2 accepted so far, but it's not looking good for the other 2 I sent out for my gf based on recent results.

 
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We've been sending RR with the bar code cut out or in a blank case as the RR Drum Bundle in acceptable condition. I've had 2 accepted so far, but it's not looking good for the other 2 I sent out for my gf based on recent results.



Well now I'm gonna go buy a shit load
 
So I sent a trade offer for 2 copies for $31 something then I checked local gamestops and found that they only have one in stock.

Will amazon get pissy that the packing slip says 2 copies but I only sent one
 
funkmonker said:
So I sent a trade offer for 2 copies for $31 something then I checked local gamestops and found that they only have one in stock.

Will amazon get pissy that the packing slip says 2 copies but I only sent one
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From the OP:

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).
Click to expand...
 
[quote name="handsomepete" post="11018001" timestamp="1377651037"]
Nope[/quote]
At least I can get it sent back for being wrong product
 
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