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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I traded in 3 games (2 game cube and 1 gba) to get to $33 for the DS4 $30 promotion.  For some reason though it was still showing that my promotions were "Inelgible" days after I got paid.  This turned out to be a blessing in disguse.

I contacted customer service and they gave me a $30 credit to amazon.com not limited to the DS4. 

THEN I realized we also had the $20 Beyond: Two Souls promotion too (that originally I didn't care about).  I called customer service a second time telling them I got the first issue resolved but completely forgot about the second promotion.  A few minutes later I had a $20 credit to amazon.com again.

So $50 in amazon credit good for anything on their site! WooHoo :whee:

 
Miami Flash15 said:
Has anyone here already completed a trade-in for the trade-up Xbox One promo? Does the $25 credit only deduct from the Xbox One version of the game you traded in?
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If it doesnt do it contact cs. Thats what I had to do with mine they gave me a $50 promotional credit so Ill just use that to buy the games I sent it. They did it with no hassle.

 
JPizz said:
I'm having the same problem as you. My trade-in was received by Amazon on Oct 7th and it is still processing.
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did you by chance trade in last of us?

I called today and they issued me $20 credit for the beyond:two souls promo but she said she didn't have any info on the dualshock promotion. Told me to wait 5 more days to see if the trade finishes
 
neonon19s said:
did you by chance trade in last of us?

I called today and they issued me $20 credit for the beyond:two souls promo but she said she didn't have any info on the dualshock promotion. Told me to wait 5 more days to see if the trade finishes
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You could send them the promo details by clicking on "Promotions: 2 Applied" or something like that. It should be under the Date Sent and Total Credit expected when you look at your trade-in. When you do click on those promotions, you will see a link for the Dualshock promo.

 
Zolor23 said:
You could send them the promo details by clicking on "Promotions: 2 Applied" or something like that. It should be under the Date Sent and Total Credit expected when you look at your trade-in. When you do click on those promotions, you will see a link for the Dualshock promo.
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Thanks I will email them the link and ser if they follow up
 
The only flaw on my account is that when I locked-in Madden at $30 base, it says I am eligible for 8 promos, and they're the 8 games on the xbox one trade-up promo.

I tried on another account, and I can successfully do them individually with a promo for the trade up on each one.

I would cancel and do over buy Madden's base is like $16 now

 
Anyone else try to trade Madden 25 in recently for the upgrade deal?  Will I be stuck getting $16.xx for it?  I cannot even find the Promo link on the main trade in page.

 
handsomepete said:
Did anyone send in some form of the animal crossing/blue ds bundle? Curious how that will play out.
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I'm going to. I bought a DS from GS online and should be here tomorrow. I'll look at my local game stores and I believe one of them has an Animal Crossing, so should be able to send mine out by Monday. I'll come back and report if it worked.

$59.99 (GS DS) + $15 (Animal Crossing at Store) into ~$153 (Acceptable Value Animal Crossing DS)

 
Zolor23 said:
I'm going to. I bought a DS from GS online and should be here tomorrow. I'll look at my local game stores and I believe one of them has an Animal Crossing, so should be able to send mine out by Monday. I'll come back and report if it worked.

$59.99 (GS DS) + $15 (Animal Crossing at Store) into ~$153 (Acceptable Value Animal Crossing DS)
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I saw this TIV and didn't even think about it. Nice job on the trade in!

Do you have the link to the amazon page? Can't seem to find it. Never even knew there was a Animal Crossing DS Bundle.

 
With all this extension for October 31st, do we still have 21 days or the X amount of days for it to get there after? I want to send my Madden in as late as I can as I still play it but need it for the Xbox One promo

 
Miami Flash15 said:
With all this extension for October 31st, do we still have 21 days or the X amount of days for it to get there after? I want to send my Madden in as late as I can as I still play it but need it for the Xbox One promo
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I sent my fifa and nba in just to be safe. I didnt wanna lose the $25 extra seems like they killed the promotion.

 
Miken said:
Just wait. No matter what I trade in I always have to wait at least a week before the processing is done. On average it takes 12days.
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Back in the day, every game was always same day processing. Guess it's been a long time since I've traded to Amazon.
 
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Miami Flash15 said:
With all this extension for October 31st, do we still have 21 days or the X amount of days for it to get there after? I want to send my Madden in as late as I can as I still play it but need it for the Xbox One promo
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Did you lock in the trade value yet? It seems like MAdden will keep going down. The PROMO seems screwy.

 
Question: I'm sending in Rocksmith for PS3 do I have to send the game with the USB cable or can I send in the game only (both UPC's are identical). It doesnt specify in the description.

 
Tyga24 said:
Question: I'm sending in Rocksmith for PS3 do I have to send the game with the USB cable or can I send in the game only (both UPC's are identical). It doesnt specify in the description.
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That's probably gonna depend on the grader.

I had one accepted as Good without the cable, while technically it should be Acceptable at best.

When you are on the Trade-In checkout page mouse over the 'Good' and 'Acceptable' descriptors and it will tell you what is expected :


Video Game Accessory - Good Condition Eligibility Criteria
Trade-in items must match the exact version displayed in the Amazon Video Games Trade-In Store.
Typical elements included with a video game accessory: accessory, bundled game(s), cables, user manual, and UPC (or EAN).
Please check your item to ensure it meets this criteria:
  • Item, packaging, and all original elements are included, but shows wear from normal use
  • Item remains in working condition
  • Item may have light scratches
  • Item may have been personalized (marked or identified)
Important Note: Accessories having one or more of the conditions listed below will not be accepted.
Video Game Accessory - Not Acceptable Eligibility Criteria
  • Water damaged
  • Severely damaged/unusable
  • Marked Not for Resale (or is otherwise marked not for sale)
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Video Game Accessory - Acceptable Condition Eligibility Criteria
Trade-in items must match the exact version displayed in the Amazon Video Games Trade-In Store.
Typical elements included with a video game accessory: accessory, bundled game(s), cables, user manual, and UPC (or EAN).
Please check your item to ensure it meets this criteria:
  • Item is fairly worn from consistent use
  • Item remains in working condition
  • The signs of wear can include scratches or minor damage
  • Item may have been personalized (marked or identified)
  • Item may be missing or have irreparable damage to one or all of the following: original packaging, bundled game(s), cables, user manual
Important Note: Accessories having one or more of the conditions listed below will not be accepted.
Video Game Accessory - Not Acceptable Eligibility Criteria
  • Water damaged
  • Severely damaged/unusable
  • Marked Not for Resale (or is otherwise marked not for sale)
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Thanks sladeums for the heads up. I never got around to playing it so the game is still new was just debating whether to keep the cable or not.
 
Got a good on my cosmo black 3ds.  Seems amazon wanted to save 10 dollars since everything was in excellent condition.   Now time to wait on the games that are taking forever.

 
I need flips. I've already found or nearly found pretty much everything reported in this thread. Black Friday is just a month away.

 
Miken said:
Got a good on my cosmo black 3ds. Seems amazon wanted to save 10 dollars since everything was in excellent condition. Now time to wait on the games that are taking forever.
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The same happened to me--it was downgraded to Good because of "slight scratches", apparently, which was bullcrap since the 3DS was pristine and I wiped it down before sending it in. So I contacted CS and explained the situation via live chat, and the CS rep gave me the $10.44 difference in promo credit.

I'd give CS a shot if you're up to it.
 
swd0010 said:
This is the same issue I've run into. Decided over the weekend that I was done with the 360 version, but they'll only give me $16.44 despite the guarantee...tried contacting CS, and they told me that they were sorry for the trouble but that I needed to keep an eye on trade-in values and only submit when there was a price that I like...then they told me if I'd like to order the game again, they'd give me a 25% discount...Can't figure out why they think me ordering another 360 version will help the matter at all. I still haven't sent the trade, because I'm very concerned that they'll say that I agreed to a $16.44 credit despite the promo guaranteeing $25.
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It's still pretty bogus...I was able to have CS give me a $8.56 promotional credit to equal the $25 for the trade-in, but I still think it should've been a bit more clear, but what do I know.

 
Well I sent in my Cosmo Black 3DS (it was the version WITHOUT the cradle) and it was accepted at $187.xx

So anyone who has the newer model without the cradle and has already locked in the trade, I would say go ahead and give it a try.

 

 
BOUNCIN PENGUIN said:
Well I sent in my Cosmo Black 3DS (it was the version WITHOUT the cradle) and it was accepted at $187.xx

So anyone who has the newer model without the cradle and has already locked in the trade, I would say go ahead and give it a try.
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Did you have it with the downgrade option? I have a "Like New" with downgrade, and a "Good" with return... Not sure which to use.
 
This may have already been answered but I have a copy of Transformers: Fall of Cybertron that I purchased from gamefly and it has some small chips on the disc.  The game plays fine, but will this affect my chances of the game getting accepted? 

 
Just like all Amazon trade ins, YMMV. However I really doubt anyone who looks at a video game with chips in it would think of it as acceptable.

 
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