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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[quote name='handsomepete']Gold's Gym Cardio Workout :wii: - 25.00 (7.99 used if your local bb has it, if your local bb has 2 copies miraculously only 12.00 -> 50.00).

Happy hunting![/QUOTE]:shock: *locks in 2-copy trade* I'll have to stop by my store on Thursday to try to find a copy or two. Thanks! :)
 
Just downloaded and messed around with the new Amazon student App. Its pretty cool, its catered towards trading in books, video games, etc. Pretty nice layout. You guys should check it out. Its both iOS and Android.
 
[quote name='DCpinoy']Just downloaded and messed around with the new Amazon student App. Its pretty cool, its catered towards trading in books, video games, etc. Pretty nice layout. You guys should check it out. Its both iOS and Android.[/QUOTE]

Tried it out awhile ago, mainly for it's scanner. It missed some items though, I was able to find them manually on my computer.
 
[quote name='Devil May Cry']Tried it out awhile ago, mainly for it's scanner. It missed some items though, I was able to find them manually on my computer.[/QUOTE]

I didn't even try out the scanner. I was just manually searching for stuff through the app.
 
[quote name='herpderp118']gl findin that

doesnt look any urban area has it[/QUOTE]I doubt my local BBY has it, either, but I'm going to find an employee computer that I can use to check the stock using its SKU.

In other news, I'm finally done with MW3 (i.e. got every campaign trophy), so I'll be sending it in for my $36.20 trade tomorrow. Not bad for a free rental + $6.21 extra (paid $29.99 in Amazon credit). :)
 
Was planning on trading in My assassins creed revelations but I have the signature edition from Gamestop; same game but different sku. Will it get denied?
 
[quote name='mgford11']Was planning on trading in My assassins creed revelations but I have the signature edition from Gamestop; same game but different sku. Will it get denied?[/QUOTE]

has been asked before just use the search thread function.

There's a good chance at will. But nobody knows YMMV

I recommend just printing out the UPC for the regular edition and using that one.
 
[quote name='DudeImGodly']has been asked before just use the search thread function.

There's a good chance at will. But nobody knows YMMV

I recommend just printing out the UPC for the regular edition and using that one.[/QUOTE]

define "print out the UPC"? Like create a sticker over the case?
 
Just had a trade in rejected and am being informed. There is now a clause that lets the merchant reject a trade for pricing errors. This sucks.

We make every effort to ensure that the posted trade-in values (TIV) on our site are accurate, but occasionally a small number of items may display an incorrect TIV. If you trade in an item on which an incorrect TIV has been posted, we and the Merchant each reserve the right to accept or reject the item at our discretion. If your trade-in is rejected due to an incorrect TIV, we will send you an email notification and return the item to you at no additional cost. You will not receive any payment for the rejected items.
Click to expand...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/custo...e=UTF8&nodeId=200302940&qid=1327090706&sr=1-1
 
Well my Wii Motion Plus Wheel that was trading in for $70 was finally verified today. Luckily I wasn't rejected for that.

Still gotta ship in my two assassin's creed revelations. :bouncy:
 
Yeah now it's even harder to convert say GS credit to Amazon since if Amazon reject a high TIV you potentially could be stuck with a useless game. Anyone remember the return policy for used games at GS? Not sure if it's 7 or 30.
 
[quote name='arsenal_fan']Yeah now it's even harder to convert say GS credit to Amazon since if Amazon reject a high TIV you potentially could be stuck with a useless game. Anyone remember the return policy for used games at GS? Not sure if it's 7 or 30.[/QUOTE]

I think its:

7 day full return policy on used games. 30 day defective exchange on new or used games. 30 day full return policy on un-opened new games.
 
[quote name='Arakias']Just had a trade in rejected and am being informed. There is now a clause that lets the merchant reject a trade for pricing errors. This sucks.


http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/custo...e=UTF8&nodeId=200302940&qid=1327090706&sr=1-1[/QUOTE]

Well I just can't boo that hard enough, but I certainly can't blame them either. I'd rather their decent trade in program survive and keep the every day good tivs than maybe hitting the occasional jackpot. That's definitely new, though.

The rejected Wii racing wheel that came back to me was in good condition, but for some reason the packaging was just disassembled. I got one accepted so I'm not going to complain, but I think I'll just send it back in as acceptable since I don't know what else to do with it.
 
[quote name='ragingst0rm6']I think its:

7 day full return policy on used games. 30 day defective exchange on new or used games. 30 day full return policy on un-opened new games.[/QUOTE]

30 days when bought online. No matter if used or new.
 
[quote name='DudeImGodly']30 days when bought online. No matter if used or new.[/QUOTE]

Wait so if I bought a game during the B2G2 would I have to return the ENTIRE purchase? Though it should be logical that you would have to I am confused because it was during the glitched B1G3 sale so I would have to return all of them -___-?
 
This definitely could spell the end of us camping on and monitoring other trade ins. I've been trying to figure out what causes the occasion glitch but it seems to not last long which has caused me to always check my trade in values.

It's crazy how often the numbers go up and down and far as I can tell it's due to rank, highest selling price new, and highest selling price used. So if there is only a couple sellers and they are really marking it up you can benefit from the inflate sale price. time the trade in to follow the mark up.
 
[quote name='backseatdog']Was that always there? That really blows if my Trade-ins get rejected now.[/QUOTE]

[quote name='Uso']what did you trade in? If they have that clause, they can pretty much reject anything.[/QUOTE]

Was definitely not always there but just a heads up, I traded in the same thing backseatdog just sent in. I still wish you luck but I'll be pissed if yours are accepted...
 
Regarding TIV, I could use some clarification if you all don't mind. Specifically under the additional terms for books.

If the item is accepted, you will receive the current buyback pricing in effect at the time your item is submitted on the website.
Click to expand...
Does this mean that locking in a price earlier means nothing? And you'll only receive the buyback of what the book is worth when they receive and confirm it?
 
[quote name='RabbitSuit']Regarding TIV, I could use some clarification if you all don't mind. Specifically under the additional terms for books.

Does this mean that locking in a price earlier means nothing? And you'll only receive the buyback of what the book is worth when they receive and confirm it?[/QUOTE]
You get what the price was when it was submitted - meaning whatever you locked in.
 
Thanks for spelling it out for me, JJSP. Great news too. I thought I'd lose out on 40USD.

Isn't that standard though? Why put that as an additional note for books x.x just confused me.
 
[quote name='R0tatioNz']Wait so if I bought a game during the B2G2 would I have to return the ENTIRE purchase? Though it should be logical that you would have to I am confused because it was during the glitched B1G3 sale so I would have to return all of them -___-?[/QUOTE]

probably. Exchanges are allowed but they aren't gonna let you keep the free games.
 
Well, after a year I had my first returned trade-in. Assassin's Creed: Revelations which was locked in with the 3d glasses for $33 (now $7, at least under that ID) was claimed 'acceptable' despite being in pristine condition when sent out. We'll see how it comes back, though.

Thankfully I've got a $32 locked in under the new ID, but still lame.
 
I submitted 10 items (6 games, 2 movies, 2 books) last week. Got delivered to them on Tuesday. Has been in "Verifying" status since Wednesday....
 
[quote name='Arakias']Just had a trade in rejected and am being informed. There is now a clause that lets the merchant reject a trade for pricing errors. This sucks.


http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/custo...e=UTF8&nodeId=200302940&qid=1327090706&sr=1-1[/QUOTE]

= "we can deny anything you send in we don't want anymore...FU"

I think they are clamping down on late submissions also. I've had 5 trades returned that were received by them on day 20-25, all unusually high TIV items from aroung Christmas. I agree that"locked in" GS flips are now in jeopardy. Remember that PS2 fat flip :) lol.

2011 may have been the end of the the golden age of game flipping. Best Buy and now Amazon clamping down, if Gamestop starts banning it's over.
 
[quote name='Toss']= "we can deny anything you send in we don't want anymore...FU"

I think they are clamping down on late submissions also. I've had 5 trades returned that were received by them on day 20-25,[/QUOTE]
maybe Try sending it the week you submitted and that won't happen.
 
Unless they are giving out CASH for games, I don't see why they need to be so strict with what amounts to nothing but merchandise credit that you only can use on Amazon itself... Heck they should be more generous with there TIV offers, since there is no way to convert such credit to cash anyways like it is with other B&M stores...

I need to build myself a collection of all new games only, and I want to flip their crap back to them for a profit ... so I can buy new shit instead of someone elses pre-played junk :lol:
 
[quote name='confoosious']Yeah, they totallly should like give us all $50 for each used game cause it's only merchandise credit and that's not worth nearly as much as cash. :drool:[/QUOTE]

I'd say amazon credit is worth 25% of cash value so every game should have its tiv multiplied by 4 plus the $50 bonus. Thatd be about fair I think.
 
Some books I sent in say out for delievery on the 19th. They have still not been cinfirmed yet. Is this normal? Or is it a weather or mail mistake.
 
I've had 2 games rejected in the past 2 months for being late. Both were high TIVs. They never used to be this anal.

Had a 0% rejection rate before December.
 
[quote name='vantheman']Some books I sent in say out for delievery on the 19th. They have still not been cinfirmed yet. Is this normal? Or is it a weather or mail mistake.[/QUOTE]

My other trade-in says the same, so probably will be done on Monday or Tuesday.
 
[quote name='Foladar']My other trade-in says the same, so probably will be done on Monday or Tuesday.[/QUOTE]

In the same boat... hoping that's the case. Thought I'd be able to do a shopping spree this weekend :(
 
[quote name='HaloSucks']Unless they are giving out CASH for games, I don't see why they need to be so strict with what amounts to nothing but merchandise credit that you only can use on Amazon itself... Heck they should be more generous with there TIV offers, since there is no way to convert such credit to cash anyways like it is with other B&M stores...[/QUOTE]

They only deny when the TIV is grossly overpriced. Some people tend to take advantage of faulty algorithms which screw over the company that basically gives us cheap games/free games/free fucking rent. quitcherbitchin.
 
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[quote name='HaloSucks']Unless they are giving out CASH for games...[/QUOTE]
[quote name='KtMack23']I'd say amazon credit is worth 25% of cash value...[/QUOTE]
As far as buying 'stuff' (unnecessary for survival), I've long considered $AMZN > $USD.
 
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