Amazon Trade-In FAQ 5.0

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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
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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^Am I the only one confused? You want to move BBY credit to Amazon so can't you just buy a Kindle card?

My item rejected on Oct. 2 finally got back to me. Do they usually take this long? Lol.

 
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^Am I the only one confused? You want to move BBY credit to Amazon so can't you just buy a Kindle card?

My item rejected on Oct. 2 finally got back to me. Do they usually take this long? Lol.
They don't sell AMZ kindle cards at my BB. It really doesn't bother me to send in to AMZ since I have like a million bubble mailers. I found some for the first time yesterday but that was at GS.
 
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They don't sell AMZ kindle cards at my BB. It really doesn't bother me to send in to AMZ since I have like a million bubble mailers. I found some for the first time yesterday but that was at GS.
Thats really weird that they don't carry them. Im like an hour away from you and they have them here. Well if it works it works. Haha.

 
Does Amazon ever get pissed if you cancel a bunch of your Trade in orders?  I like to lock in a lot but can usually find better values elsewhere so I cancel a lot of my trade ins.  I'm assuming others do that as well.

 
Yeesh that's a long time. Used to be about 10-14 days. Maybe they're super busy or maybe they sit on them now to actively discourage resending the same item over and over again.
That was my first rejection. And I contacted them about two weeks ago about it never being returned. In the end they credited me the full trade value and now here it arrives way overdue. I feel bad. I wish they would have just kept the item as it was correct item and condition and everything.

 
I thought the trade-in value for certain xbox 360 games were supposed to be at least $25? I've been looking to trade in Fifa 14 to upgrade, but it's only at $20. I talked to a rep via chat the other day and they didn't really know about it, so they sent my information to whoever does the deals, then all I got was the standard email saying that trade-in values vary from time to time..

Was thinking it's low due to it being on sale lately, but it's now back up to $60 and still only locked in at $20.

 
Well they accepted my Zumbas today but downgraded them to acceptable without the outer shell. Still perfectly profitable though.

They also accepted one of my Skylanders kits that I sent in as only portal and game so I could keep the figures.
 
Does Amazon ever get pissed if you cancel a bunch of your Trade in orders? I like to lock in a lot but can usually find better values elsewhere so I cancel a lot of my trade ins. I'm assuming others do that as well.
They don't care. They'll care if you keep cancelling while they're in transit because they must repackage them and return them.

I just got upgraded to Like New on Rock Band!

 
I thought the trade-in value for certain xbox 360 games were supposed to be at least $25? I've been looking to trade in Fifa 14 to upgrade, but it's only at $20. I talked to a rep via chat the other day and they didn't really know about it, so they sent my information to whoever does the deals, then all I got was the standard email saying that trade-in values vary from time to time..

Was thinking it's low due to it being on sale lately, but it's now back up to $60 and still only locked in at $20.
i also believe that now, when you try to lock them in, it doesn't bring up the +$25 bonus credit promo.

 
Does Amazon ever get pissed if you cancel a bunch of your Trade in orders? I like to lock in a lot but can usually find better values elsewhere so I cancel a lot of my trade ins. I'm assuming others do that as well.
I have 82 pages of 'closed' trade-ins which must be in the neighborhood of ~800 locked trades and at least half of those are cancelled. I think it's fine.

 
I thought the trade-in value for certain xbox 360 games were supposed to be at least $25? I've been looking to trade in Fifa 14 to upgrade, but it's only at $20. I talked to a rep via chat the other day and they didn't really know about it, so they sent my information to whoever does the deals, then all I got was the standard email saying that trade-in values vary from time to time..

Was thinking it's low due to it being on sale lately, but it's now back up to $60 and still only locked in at $20.

i also believe that now, when you try to lock them in, it doesn't bring up the +$25 bonus credit promo.
I only received $21.58 for NBA 2k14 but I just got through talking to a rep and he gave me $5 in credit to use toward the upgrade.

 
Anyone do a trade up recently?

I traded in BF4 got credit and it said I'm eligible for the promo but when I try to check out it doesn't show up.

Maybe its because I have the $5 promo credit from the wishlist thing and a $2 promo from SD it won't stack?

 
Anyone do a trade up recently?

I traded in BF4 got credit and it said I'm eligible for the promo but when I try to check out it doesn't show up.

Maybe its because I have the $5 promo credit from the wishlist thing and a $2 promo from SD it won't stack?
I did a trade up earlier today and it stacked with the $5 promo credit from the wishlist.

 
I already owned one. Unless AMZ wants mine that has a missing alien head.
I probably could get more than $17.90 for it, but I'm too lazy to do anything else with it. They had at least 7 of them, you might be able to find one if you really want one. I'll take the extra $22 to use at AMZ, it was only $12.
 
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For the Mario Wii Bundle trade, can I just throw in all the contents into a shipping box and send it in--I'd (probably) get acceptable, right?
I'm only sending 2 Wii's (nothing but the consoles) and 2 Halo Reach headsets in one box to them since my trade in was for all 4 items. It's best to get as much items as possible for the Wii's but we'll probably still get acceptable even if it doesn't have anything else.

 
I'm only sending 2 Wii's (nothing but the consoles) and 2 Halo Reach headsets in one box to them since my trade in was for all 4 items. It's best to get as much items as possible for the Wii's but we'll probably still get acceptable even if it doesn't have anything else.
i see--thanks

 
I'm only sending 2 Wii's (nothing but the consoles) and 2 Halo Reach headsets in one box to them since my trade in was for all 4 items. It's best to get as much items as possible for the Wii's but we'll probably still get acceptable even if it doesn't have anything else.
No power cords or anything even? That's ballsy when people usually report them grading hardware more harshly.
 
No power cords or anything even? That's ballsy when people usually report them grading hardware more harshly.
Couldn't find any that included a bit more for anything under $65 (and those only had the power cord). I spent $47/each on two w/o anything and trading them in as acceptable. I know it's risky and I always try to include as much as I could but this time it was too much money and time to get one with at least half the stuff the Wii comes w/ and even getting one that plays Gamecube games.

I'll be extremely lucky if they accept two with nothing but the console. If anything, I can sell it on Craiglist or eBay and get my money back.

 
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What's the trade-up promo for XBOX 360 to XBOX One games? How does that work?

TIA!
Trade in one of the games on here:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?docId=1001343501

and you'll get a credit towards the Xbox One version of the game.

--

Man, I sent in my copy of Battlefield 4 on November 17th, it got there on the 22nd, but I didn't get any credit on it yet. I had to talk to Amazon support and they ended up forwarding everything I was supposed to have since they don't know what happened, but confirmed that they did have it. That was a big hassle. I very, very rarely trade-in stuff, but I doubt I'll be doing it again with Amazon.

 
Trade in one of the games on here:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?docId=1001343501

and you'll get a credit towards the Xbox One version of the game.

--

Man, I sent in my copy of Battlefield 4 on November 17th, it got there on the 22nd, but I didn't get any credit on it yet. I had to talk to Amazon support and they ended up forwarding everything I was supposed to have since they don't know what happened, but confirmed that they did have it. That was a big hassle. I very, very rarely trade-in stuff, but I doubt I'll be doing it again with Amazon.
Cool. So we get whatever the trade-in value is for the item itself and then when we purchase the XBox One version it auto takes off an additional $25 on it? So, that's like $50 TIV for each of those items??

 
Cool. So we get whatever the trade-in value is for the item itself and then when we purchase the XBox One version it auto takes off an additional $25 on it? So, that's like $50 TIV for each of those items??
when you add it to your trade cart, it should say you qualify for a bonus, '$25 bonus towards XXXX game' but I'm not sure if it's showing up.

 
I already owned one. Unless AMZ wants mine that has a missing alien head.
I probably could get more than $17.90 for it, but I'm too lazy to do anything else with it. They had at least 7 of them, you might be able to find one if you really want one. I'll take the extra $22 to use at AMZ, it was only $12.
Thanks, sent the wife out and she found 1. I was hopping for 3. Three blurays for $6 aint bad. She saif they also had the hancock bundle.
 
Trade in one of the games on here:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?docId=1001343501

and you'll get a credit towards the Xbox One version of the game.

--

Man, I sent in my copy of Battlefield 4 on November 17th, it got there on the 22nd, but I didn't get any credit on it yet. I had to talk to Amazon support and they ended up forwarding everything I was supposed to have since they don't know what happened, but confirmed that they did have it. That was a big hassle. I very, very rarely trade-in stuff, but I doubt I'll be doing it again with Amazon.
I just used this program to upgrade my copy of Madden to the XBox One version. The grading process took 3 days after they received it and then when adding the game to the cart on Amazon I didn't see the additional $25 credit the webpage outlines. A quick e-mail to Amazon fixed the problem though.

 
My 2x Kinect with Kinect Adventures was upgraded from Good to Like New for $66.64 each.

Waiting for my Fight Stick to process.
my day 1 kinect got "lost" at the warehouse. a quick chat with CS got me the $66.64 credit.

it still shows as Not Yet Received/In Transit even though it's been received and signed for.

 
I just used this program to upgrade my copy of Madden to the XBox One version. The grading process took 3 days after they received it and then when adding the game to the cart on Amazon I didn't see the additional $25 credit the webpage outlines. A quick e-mail to Amazon fixed the problem though.
I did Madden and it took over 10 days to process and I'm on a 20 minute chat and they are still resisting. Amazon customer service sucks now.

 
I hate to be xenophobic, but if you don't get a stateside rep, you're SOL. The others are absolutely useless at Amazon and I've even had some transfer me to someone stateside ("Let me get you to a general specialist.") without even asking because they literally can't comprehend you.

 
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my day 1 kinect got "lost" at the warehouse. a quick chat with CS got me the $66.64 credit.

it still shows as Not Yet Received/In Transit even though it's been received and signed for.
Did you guys send it in the original box? I threw mine away... also, if I had the TIV locked, do you think they would still accept my late shipment?

 
Question:

Are we allowed to have two Amazon accounts (used for trade-in's at times on the second) under the same address? I have one under my gmail and another under my school email.

 
They don't suck. Depends who you get matched up with. Try again if anything. It is their promo
When you have to try again it means customer service is not doing its job. That's the kind of stuff I have to do with Verizon and AT&T. Its their promo so it should be painless. I have had an Amazon card since 2003 and have noticed everything has started to become less smooth in the last couple years.

 
my day 1 kinect got "lost" at the warehouse. a quick chat with CS got me the $66.64 credit.

it still shows as Not Yet Received/In Transit even though it's been received and signed for.
How long was it stuck at Not received after you noticed ot was signed for? Mine was like that maybe a day or possibly 2 before it was processed.
 
Question:

Are we allowed to have two Amazon accounts (used for trade-in's at times on the second) under the same address? I have one under my gmail and another under my school email.
I wouldn't do it if I was you. If they catch that you're probably on the fast track to having a drone drop a tactical "ban hammer" on you.

 
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