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:
fuck man, they received my nba 2k14 on Wednesday and it's been in processing status ever since.... I chatted with Amazon customer service and they said I have to wait up to 5 business days.... fuck!!!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
fuck man, they received my nba 2k14 on Wednesday and it's been in processing status ever since.... I chatted with Amazon customer service and they said I have to wait up to 5 business days.... fuck!!!
Pfft I take that. I have to always wait 2weeks. I don't know why they take so long.

 
So far 4 of 6 rock band bundles have been accepted and like new. 2 more are in processing along with an indigo gamecube. Hopefully all will go well and I will have about 700 in amazon credit (spread among 3 accounts)

 
So far 4 of 6 rock band bundles have been accepted and like new. 2 more are in processing along with an indigo gamecube. Hopefully all will go well and I will have about 700 in amazon credit (spread among 3 accounts)
I thought we could only return 2 identical items to Amazon. Is that not true?

 
Found a Brand New Kinect w/ Kinect Adventures on Craigslist for $35. Comes with the box and everything, and locked in a trade for Like New. Hopefully it all goes well as this is my first time ever trading in to Amazon!
I still have the box for mine but was afraid it would be sent back for wrong item because the box is different. I sent it without the box and am just hoping for acceptable.
 
I thought we could only return 2 identical items to Amazon. Is that not true?
That is true. But my sister has an account, I have an account, and my girlfriend has an account. All have different names with different billing addresses/home addresses. I use all three accounts all the time depending on what is going on so with the credit divided among the three account doesn't bother me (just one account has prime).

 
I'm freaking livid. Traded in 30 dollars worth of games to get the 30 dollar credit for the Dual Shock 4. Kingdom Hearts: CoM got denied because it wasn't the right edition. I guess it HAD to be the Greatest Hits version. I assumed you could trade either, since they are the same exact game and there is no option for the black label version. I missed the fracking promotion by a measly $1.57. I don't know what the heck I can do either.

Funny thing is that I actually thought to myself, "maybe I should trade in another game in case one of them gets denied." I didn't have any other games I wanted to get rid of though.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
For some reason I got a random refund of $11.xx on my NBA 2k14 trade up order. I have no idea why.
same here. So random

Hello,

We're writing to let you know we processed your refund of $11.90 for your Order

This refund is for the following item(s):

Item: NBA 2K14 - Xbox One
Quantity: 1
ASIN: B00DBRM3EU
Reason for refund: Pre-order price protection

Here's the breakdown of your refund for this item:

Item Refund: $11.00
Item Tax Refund: $0.90

We'll apply your refund to the following payment method(s):

Visa Credit Card [expiring on 5/2016]: $11.90

We've processed a refund for the above order in the amount of $11.90. The refund should appear on your account in 2-3 days if issued to a credit card.
Refunds issued to a bank account typically take 7-10 days to reflect on the account balance.
 
It is because regardless of the credit and where you got it that you used TOWARDS the item, that for yesterday, even if only for a short while, xbox one games were/(are still?) $49. Amazon matched, hence you got $11.90 back.

 
First time I have traded in on Amazon.  Using the BattleField trade up promo.  Printed the label, mailed it out Monday, it was at its destination the next day (Tuesday), the following day (Wednesday) the status went to "processing....".  Fast forward about 60 hours later and it's still "processing".  I Emailed Amazon and this was the response I got.

"It looks like the merchant has received your submission but is still processing it.

If your submission is accepted by the merchant, Amazon Gift Card funds in the amount of the quoted trade-in value for your item will be automatically deposited in your account within two business days. We cannot send cash or a check for your trade-in.

Your payment for this item should be issued soon. In the rare case that your trade-in submission status doesn't change and you wait longer than expected, please contact us on December 10 to let us know"

Really????  Just shut up till December 10th and accept it.  Well, this is the first and last time I trade in with Amazon. 

 
SyxxHallNash said:
First time I have traded in on Amazon. Using the BattleField trade up promo. Printed the label, mailed it out Monday, it was at its destination the next day (Tuesday), the following day (Wednesday) the status went to "processing....". Fast forward about 60 hours later and it's still "processing".
Wait, you just mailed it Monday and it is now just Friday and you are upset!? Processing has been taking 4-5 business days recently so I wouldn't have expected it yet anyway. Just be lucky that you get such fast shipping. For those of us on the West Coast, shipping takes a week or more, and then we also have to wait the 4-5 days for processing.

The Dec. 10th thing is just in case it gets overlooked - they want you to give it the full potential shipping/processing time. Most likely you will get your credit Monday or Tuesday though.
 
It is because regardless of the credit and where you got it that you used TOWARDS the item, that for yesterday, even if only for a short while, xbox one games were/(are still?) $49. Amazon matched, hence you got $11.90 back.
Oh yeah, I got NBA today for $24, not bad.

 
So ive been going through the thread and cant seem to find an answer to a question I had regarding the Trade-Up program.

Does the item sent in HAVE to be purchased through Amazon to be eligible for the trade up program? Because im thinking I may snag Battlefield 4 from Walmart for $25 during Black Friday and trade it through Amazon for the the X1 version.

 
So ive been going through the thread and cant seem to find an answer to a question I had regarding the Trade-Up program.

Does the item sent in HAVE to be purchased through Amazon to be eligible for the trade up program? Because im thinking I may snag Battlefield 4 from Walmart for $25 during Black Friday and trade it through Amazon for the the X1 version.
No, it doesn't.

 
To people that sent in their Kinect with Kinect Adventure for the $66 trade-in, I just realize the picture has a giant Refurbished Logo or sticker on the box.  The EAN is probably different from the regular Kinect bundle.  So I'm just wondering if you guys are sending the regular bundle or you have the refurbished ones?

 
To people that sent in their Kinect with Kinect Adventure for the $66 trade-in, I just realize the picture has a giant Refurbished Logo or sticker on the box. The EAN is probably different from the regular Kinect bundle. So I'm just wondering if you guys are sending the regular bundle or you have the refurbished ones?
They are just being hopeful

Amazon Graders aren't that strict

nomsayin

if they all get rejected that would suck lol

its up to you as it is your risk

From what I know they have been sending used ones.

 
Hmm - just saw the Kinect thing. I put in a trade just in case I can find one. I haven't sent anything to Amazon in a while and BF will probably drain the last of my credit.
 
To people that sent in their Kinect with Kinect Adventure for the $66 trade-in, I just realize the picture has a giant Refurbished Logo or sticker on the box. The EAN is probably different from the regular Kinect bundle. So I'm just wondering if you guys are sending the regular bundle or you have the refurbished ones?
I saw this too so I canceled my "Like New" order and placed an "Acceptable" order.

 
This is why CAGs can't get one bundle accepted down the line.
lol - if 4+ weeks after the trade value posted people still can't manage to send one in then I don't really feel bad. Even now it is still the same.

I'm thinking about having my friends do it too, and if they don't want to I'll do it for them.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
I went to target and got a copy of nba2k14 for xbox and will just return this copy to target whenever I get it.... Instead of waiting for amazon to get off their butts and finish processing my trade
 
What the heck man? They received my Madden the other day and I jsut got the email saying it was received and it 'expired' what the heck?! And now it's no longer on my trade-in account.

 
It should still be on your account. They get moved to closed trade ins and then sorted by date.
Was on the next page--you're right.

Dang it man, now the Madden TIV dropped and when I submit another trade-in for Madden(or any X1 trade-up promo) it doesn't bring up the $25 bonus credit.

I even tried my moms account and it doesn't bring it up either.

 
If I trade in COD Ghosts for the PS3. Can I get the $25 gift promo for the xbox version to get it for $10?
It has to be system to system upgrade I believe.

Speaking of my BF 4 trade I did...

I had one of those moments today. I was looking for a game in my game keeper today. I saw the Battlefield 3 single player disc sitting there looking at me while I was flipping through and I thought oh sh*t I didn't put both discs in the case for my trade in I did. Then I saw the multiplayer disc and I thought oh sh*t I didn't put either disc in the case. Then I went looking for the BF 3 case and I found it. Then I thought oh sh*t, if I didn't send in BF3 what game did I send in....That's when I opened my email and realized I traded in BF 4 not BF 3

 
i've traded in a bit before but have never ran into this issue and was wondering if you guys could help me out with some info. i submitted a trade and sent it in really late. while the package was on route to amazon the trade in expired. this was almost two weeks ago now and i assumed they would just send it back but like i said it has been a while now so i'm not really sure. anyone else have this happen?

 
It has to be system to system upgrade I believe.

Speaking of my BF 4 trade I did...

I had one of those moments today. I was looking for a game in my game keeper today. I saw the Battlefield 3 single player disc sitting there looking at me while I was flipping through and I thought oh sh*t I didn't put both discs in the case for my trade in I did. Then I saw the multiplayer disc and I thought oh sh*t I didn't put either disc in the case. Then I went looking for the BF 3 case and I found it. Then I thought oh sh*t, if I didn't send in BF3 what game did I send in....That's when I opened my email and realized I traded in BF 4 not BF 3
hahah wow

 
i've traded in a bit before but have never ran into this issue and was wondering if you guys could help me out with some info. i submitted a trade and sent it in really late. while the package was on route to amazon the trade in expired. this was almost two weeks ago now and i assumed they would just send it back but like i said it has been a while now so i'm not really sure. anyone else have this happen?
They're supposed to send it back to you. The process usually takes about two weeks. I'd give it a while longer...

 
Just contacted CS about my trade in's. My trades usually take a week to process but b/c BF is almost here I decided to contact them. The guy told me it should be processed soon and if it isn't they will credit me on the 25th. I rather not contact CS due to maybe being banned but I feel no harm comes from asking when it should be processed.

 
You guys keep talking about getting banned. What are people doing to get banned?
It's when people abuse customer service and end up getting a bunch of promotional credit, extra stuff mailed to them, etc. Just overall taking advantage of Amazon. Eventually if you do it too much, they ban your account, IP, and all your other associated accounts. This includes the cards you use (though some people say they got their card to work).

 
Last edited by a moderator:
For the kinect thing can we just pack up the kinect we have personally, a ac adapter (if needed) and a copy of the game?

I have a kinect that my buddy has left at my house for a year and a half with a ac adapter, and I'm thinking about sending it in, I just wanted to know what others were doing to send in theirs the game is only 99 cents preowned at gamestop.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Less than a week left until Black Friday and most of the trades I sent in were not accpeted. Too late now to send anything else in time. Just hope the rest that hasn't finished processing yet will still be accepted.

 
Is anyone else not getting the +$25 bonus one 360 trade-up games when they're submitting it? It's not coming up for me and I don't have a previous trade-in for that game w/ the promo.

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