Official Amazon Trade-In FAQ 4.0 - READ 1st POST

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handsomepete

handsomepete

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Welcome to the Official CAG Amazon.com Trade-In Thread

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. 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!

[quote name='Indigo_Streetlight']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.[/QUOTE]

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 NORAM 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
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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GENERAL FAQ (Updated 06/07/2011)
Can I post a question on this thread?
  • Only if you can't find the answer from below. :lol: And please let me know if it needs to be added to FAQ.
Can I edit this FAQ? (updated 6/7/11)
  • You bet! Up top there is a section for notable TIVs - feel free to add anything in there (and if you can remember, clean up after yourself in a few days when the TIV has undoubtedly dropped). You can edit the FAQ too, please just make sure it's useful and well formatted! Thanks!
Since when did Amazon start doing trades?
  • The program began in 2009 and is handled by a third party merchant, NorAm International.
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. The address is:
    NorAm International
    22 Hampshire Dr
    Hudson, NH 03051
    (This is also an option when submitting your trades)
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. 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?
  • 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.
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 6/8/11)
  • Usually a day or with little delay at all, but the longest reported days so far is 4.
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 NorAm 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!
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 NorAm.
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/gamestaq/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 NORAM 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)
      Click to expand...

      [*]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
      Click to expand...

      [*]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)
      Click to expand...
    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 6/9/11)
  • Not sure yet, but that's the name on the trade-in shipping labels now instead of NORAM. May just be NORAM with a different name. This will be updated as we learn more.
Post away!
 
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Well, just as things were starting to go smoothly with Amazon trade-ins again they blindside me. I am getting a very mint game sent back to me marked down to unacceptable because of "severe damage".

Can't wait to see what I get back!
 
lol same thing happened when I sent in a textbook to Amazon for having damaged pages and the stupid part was that the book was never used in class. It had some small dirt spots on it so I cleaned it and then sent it back and they finally accepted it.
 
I forgot to print my label (shipping deadline was today) and I'm talking to CS and this rep is an idiot. He doesn't even understand my question even though I clearly stated it...
 
[quote name='scarhawk']I forgot to print my label (shipping deadline was today) and I'm talking to CS and this rep is an idiot. He doesn't even understand my question even though I clearly stated it...[/QUOTE]

Go back to the original email when you submitted trade - the link to the label is in there.
 
[quote name='Pookymeister']Go back to the original email when you submitted trade - the link to the label is in there.[/QUOTE]

that or just create a random new trade in, go to print it and just replace the trn number in the address bar to the expired one and bam!
 
[quote name='edson13']that or just create a random new trade in, go to print it and just replace the trn number in the address bar to the expired one and bam![/QUOTE]

I discovered that using this technique you can also generate additional ups labels post expiration (i.e. for multiple packages). This is useful in a situation where you only have half a locked trade-in to send in (like one copy of the two MW3s you locked in). You can send the first one you have with the original label and then generate another label even after its expired if you get your hands on the second copy. Did this with Thrillville the other day.
 
[quote name='darknight88']Anyone send in their ratchet game from the holiday ps3 bundle?[/QUOTE]

yes, they were trading for $28 at the time on black Friday. I actually stared the trade before I even got the system just to lock in the price.
 
[quote name='confoosious']there haven't been any trade in DOTD this week right?[/QUOTE]

Correct.

Walk it Out :wii: amazingly back up to 30.00. Check your local gamestop for a copy or two for 18.00 ea (and still b2g1!)
 
I'm still waiting on a "Pending Verification" trade to post from 8 days ago. I sent 4 games, 3 of which posted fine. I contacted Amazon and was basically told to wait longer. OY.
 
[quote name='mtxbass1']I'm still waiting on a "Pending Verification" trade to post from 8 days ago. I sent 4 games, 3 of which posted fine. I contacted Amazon and was basically told to wait longer. OY.[/QUOTE]

Just had a trade accepted this morning that was delivered Friday. Hopefully yours gets processed as well since it was there earlier than mine.
 
[quote name='handsomepete']Correct.

Walk it Out :wii: amazingly back up to 30.00. Check your local gamestop for a copy or two for 18.00 ea (and still b2g1!)[/QUOTE]Cabela's African Safari :)psp:) is down to $3 from the $22 it was fetching yesterday. I'm glad I locked one in. :lol:

Fortunately, I'll be able to stop by a GS today that should have a copy of Walk It Out! and that in stock, so I can find something else to get in on the B2G1 one more time. ;)
 
So my game with "severe damage" should get here in a few days. On the plus side, they did accept my copy of Catherine. I know others had that rejected for not having preorder exclusive art books or some such nonsense.
 
[quote name='handsomepete']NCAA Football 10 :360: tiv is up to 26.15, highest tiv in the past year according to BlueLobstah's most excellent tracker.[/QUOTE]

It looks like it's actually NCAA Basketball 10 that has the trade in value- unless I'm just not seeing it right- it has been a long day, haha. I believe this is the last college hoops game made on 360 which makes it so high.
 
Oh man, UPS took forever delivering my Tropico 4 and APS sent it back as Expired/ Canceled. The $24 credit would have been nice for books.
 
[quote name='Coper3000']It looks like it's actually NCAA Basketball 10 that has the trade in value- unless I'm just not seeing it right- it has been a long day, haha. I believe this is the last college hoops game made on 360 which makes it so high.[/QUOTE]

Right you are my fine feathered friend. Maybe my foot was itching when I wrote that.
 
Anyone had issues with using included DLC codes and not getting full value? I'm trading in Batman Arkham City but want to play as Catwoman.
 
[quote name='Pittsie']Anyone had issues with using included DLC codes and not getting full value? I'm trading in Batman Arkham City but want to play as Catwoman.[/QUOTE]

It is expected that DLC codes are used when you trade them in. Have fun being Catwoman.
 
Did anyone with the PS3 holiday bundle attempt to trade in Ratchet All 4 One and LBP2?

Ratchet is getting a very decent trade-in value. I am aware that it has a not for resale UPC but I think I read on Slickdeals where some people had success.
 
Normally I wouldn't do shenanigans such as these, but since this thread is related to Amazon spacebucks...

Go head over to referral central and check out this thread about clover invites. $5 in amazon funny money for joining via invite link and seems harmless enough (but obviously make sure you're comfortable with it before jumping in). I wouldn't be offended if some kind soul tracked down my referral link in that thread and used it, but I'm not going to pimp it.

Hopefully this'll help some folks out and not derail the thread too badly.
 
[quote name='Kendro']Did anyone with the PS3 holiday bundle attempt to trade in Ratchet All 4 One and LBP2?

Ratchet is getting a very decent trade-in value. I am aware that it has a not for resale UPC but I think I read on Slickdeals where some people had success.[/QUOTE]

Amazon rejected my Ratchet All 4 One from the holiday bundle as it had a NFR barcode.
 
I sent a Flingsmash in with the outer box under acceptable (or whatever it is for missing accessories, etc). The outer box has a regular UPC. Don't know if it'll be accepted or not.
 
[quote name='XF Gator']Oh man, UPS took forever delivering my Tropico 4 and APS sent it back as Expired/ Canceled. The $24 credit would have been nice for books.[/QUOTE]

How long was it between when you locked it in and when it was delivered? We need to nail down the exact expiration period. I'm thinking it is something like 3 weeks.
 
[quote name='io']How long was it between when you locked it in and when it was delivered? We need to nail down the exact expiration period. I'm thinking it is something like 3 weeks.[/QUOTE]

longer.


EDIT: It's 25 days.
 
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My first few Best Buy used games with different barcode stickers were accepted - two RB3 :360:, one that was a not for resale copy, one was some weird international version or something. I probably got lucky, but I also have a Monster Jam :360: and a pair of Thrillvilles in the same situation. Will report back.
 
Started the trade on the fourth waited until the 19th to actually send it.
today is exactly 25 days

my item arrived on the 27th at around 9am

They verified everything today and payed out.
 
[quote name='handsomepete']My first few Best Buy used games with different barcode stickers were accepted - two RB3 :360:, one that was a not for resale copy, one was some weird international version or something. I probably got lucky, but I also have a Monster Jam :360: and a pair of Thrillvilles in the same situation. Will report back.[/QUOTE]

Had several other Best Buy used barcode games accepted no problems today. They were all in decent shape, just the wrong barcode. So maybe they're finally getting a bit more flexible.
 
I was going to say, I've never heard of them accepting different bar codes or "Not for resale" games before. I mean, it was close to 100% rejection on those prior to now. So this must be a new thing.
 
I just had 2x rage at $30 received and accepted today, even though they arrived way late. Someone had to be in a happy mood, or just cut me some slack seeing as how the postal service took an extra 11 days to deliver my package. It was day 33, I wonder if the fact that I paid for my own postage had anything to do with it. I had two separate trade-ins arrive via UPS on day 25 and 27 this month that were both rejected as expired.
Also, another thing Ive noticed is when you send items in self-paid they process them right away, not the 2-3 days after like when pre-paid.
 
I was surprised to see 2 games I sent in generic black DVD cases with scratches on the discs revised to good instead of acceptable (I chose acceptable as the condition). It doesn't make sense how that is considered good yet mint games people have sent it as good get rejected.
 
Just had a new dvd and dvd set rejected for incorrect condition (both were listed as non-original wrapping). Can't wait to see what I get in return for new items I never opened.
 
[quote name='io']I was going to say, I've never heard of them accepting different bar codes or "Not for resale" games before. I mean, it was close to 100% rejection on those prior to now. So this must be a new thing.[/QUOTE]

Also i traded in a Duke Nukem that had the $30 value, it was a completely different EAN but they still accepted it.


EDIT: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B003SPDS80/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new

Has anyone tried buying this from one of the 4 sellers who have it for around $40?

I locked in the TIV when it was inflated and suddenly it won't let me buy from any of the four different sellers.
 
[quote name='DudeImGodly']Also i traded in a Duke Nukem that had the $30 value, it was a completely different EAN but they still accepted it.


EDIT: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B003SPDS80/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new

Has anyone tried buying this from one of the 4 sellers who have it for around $40?

I locked in the TIV when it was inflated and suddenly it won't let me buy from any of the four different sellers.[/QUOTE]

It doesn't work on either of our accounts. I only locked in the trade on one account.
 
[quote name='slowdive21']It doesn't work on either of our accounts. I only locked in the trade on one account.[/QUOTE]

contacted amazon CS just said i was trying to buy it from one of the four different sellers and it wouldn't let me purchase through any of them.

Was told it was technical problem that should be fixed within a couple of hours.
 
Sent in a couple games (MW3, Bioshock, Saw) and the Ben Hur blu set a few days ago. They arrived on the 28th, but I haven't had them accepted yet. Hurry up, Amazon!
 
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