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...
----------------------------------------------------------------------

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='vantheman']http://www.amazon.com/GameCube-Plat...F8&s=videogames-tradein&qid=1328906639&sr=1-6
Do you think that i would be able to trade in a normal platinum cube and a copy of melee and say it was this bundle?[/QUOTE]

unless you have the box you wont get more than $16.40.

anyways had 3 different trade-ins received on day 22, accepted today. You guys always scare me with the whole, "theyre strict on the 7 day shipped now".
 
[quote name='Vigilante']Sweet, my :360: College Hoops 2K8 ($24.50, Good x2) and Mortal Kombat ($25, Good) trade-ins went through. I'll drop off my two copies of :wii: New U Fitness tomorrow and hopefully score another ~$50 credit within the next week (one is complete but the other is disc-only). :D[/QUOTE]
What was the "acceptable" TIV for New U at that time? I ended sending my disc only copy to NextWorth for $15.12. Still got one complete copy in to AMZ for $26.25 so no biggie.
 
Traded in (2) The Darkness for 360 and (2) for PS3. One for each system was disc only while the other one had the artwork to go with it (no manual). They were received as "acceptable" fortunately.

The Darkness Platform: Xbox 360 EAN: 0710425299711
1 Acceptable (Condition Revised)
$13.73 Gift Card Deposited
The Darkness Platform: Xbox 360 EAN: 0710425299711
1 Acceptable (Condition Revised)
$13.73 Gift Card Deposited
The Darkness Platform: PlayStation 3 EAN: 0710425279720
1 Acceptable (Condition Revised)
$13.20 Gift Card Deposited
The Darkness Platform: PlayStation 3 EAN: 0710425279720
1 Acceptable (Condition Revised)
$13.20 Gift Card Deposited

Even nicer was that I got 3 of them for $4.49 + tax because they were priced lower than $8 (and it was not incorrect though it was old price).
 
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[quote name='klimb22']What was the "acceptable" TIV for New U at that time? I ended sending my disc only copy to NextWorth for $15.12. Still got one complete copy in to AMZ for $26.25 so no biggie.[/QUOTE]Looking up my trade says Acceptable = $23.63, which is more than I thought and just fine with me. :applause:
 
[quote name='Vigilante']Looking up my trade says Acceptable = $23.63, which is more than I thought and just fine with me. :applause:[/QUOTE]
Damn. Maybe I should have gave the disc-only thing a try, but I've had Amazon reject perfectly fine/complete stuff in the past.
 
:ps3: Saints Row 3 - $27.00

Pretty happy about that since I got my enjoyment out of it as well as the free copy of Saints Row 2.
 
:ps3: Mortal Kombat is $29.90, great time to dump it before the K edition comes out.
(highest since July 2011)
unfortunately the 360 version went down, rather than up.

:ps3: Darkness II also hit the $40.50 mark today
 
[quote name='Foladar']:ps3: Mortal Kombat is $29.90, great time to dump it before the K edition comes out.
(highest since July 2011)[/QUOTE]

Even higher now, PS3 version is $31.05
 
:psp: PlayStation Portable Limited Edition Rock Band Unplugged Entertainment Pack - Piano Black TIV $100

no clue if it's decent but seems like it would be.
 
Has anyone had any luck trading in a old style Xbox 360 Hard Drive without packaging? Have a 250 Gig but don't have the original packaging :(.
 
[quote name='theking20']whelp, trade in's expired today and no credit :/ , gotta contact customer service now[/QUOTE]

same here.

Mine were going on a month without any cancellations.

I still have one that hasn't expired and it's been two months.
 
Some locked in trades seem to go expire after 10 days when the tracking isn't updated and some been two months and it still good... I might try to send a two month old trade-in to see what happens
 
I have one from Nov. 22nd that hasn't been expired yet however the one that I actually did send on like the 13th day and now all of a sudden that one is canceled. Never had that happen before and of course its for a game I didn't like and want to get rid of.
 
Traded in a copy of College Hoops 2K8. It got downgraded to "Acceptable" for missing the manual (not to mention the disc and case were scratched to hell). Still haven't had a bad experience yet with Amazon's trade in program. I guess I'm pretty lucky.
 
[quote name='perdition(troy']Forgot to send in a trade in I placed on Feb 3rd and the trade in dropped from 45 to 31...is it too late to send it in?[/QUOTE]

No harm in trying, send it today and lock in another copy at 31 as a backup.
 
[quote name='handsomepete']No harm in trying, send it today and lock in another copy at 31 as a backup.[/QUOTE]

The ME2 TIOTD is a good deal. I think I will pop it open and use the dlc.
 
[quote name='HaloSucks']If anyone is interested check out the movie trade in section, you can easily turn $20 into $30 amazon credit[/QUOTE]

Care to say what it is? I couldn't seem to find it.
 
[quote name='HaloSucks']If anyone is interested check out the movie trade in section, you can easily turn $20 into $30 amazon credit[/QUOTE]

Seriously? Thats all you were going to post? By all means lock in your trades but we would appreciate the info you have!
 
[quote name='DudeImGodly']Do you really need him to tell you what to trade?

There are only 317,045 results.[/QUOTE]

and you can't sort by price either. Amazon's search sucks ass. Even the price range does not work.
 
I should of added that this is YMMV for some folks since they live in areas with no access to such stuff

Here are some hints what to look for:

1. These are movies you wouldn't want daddy or mommy walking in while it is on

2. There are over 700 dvds being accepted that has a TIV of over $10 some up to $20

3. If you live in the lucky areas you can easily find these dvds at around 5-6 bucks a pop
 
Wait amazon takes p0rn or only softcore? I bought some to resell (sealed DVDS) and I can't dump it anywhere (not allowed on CL, not worth the effort on ebay). I will have to look into this...
 
could you imagine being the poor sucker who has to check the condition of porn trade ins?

"so this one is missing the cover art but does have what appears to be a machine refurbished surface on the disc... should i downgrade to acceptable?"
"uhhh that's not disc refurbishing residue..."
 
[quote name='slowdive21']Wait amazon takes p0rn or only softcore? I bought some to resell (sealed DVDS) and I can't dump it anywhere (not allowed on CL, not worth the effort on ebay). I will have to look into this...[/QUOTE]

I can't help but notice on your avatar it says problem solver. HMMM interesting.

So you bought some pOrn to resell? But couldn't find a place to resell it? Otay then. Next time you might want to find the market first and then buy inventory. Just saying.
 
[quote name='Pliskin101']I can't help but notice on your avatar it says problem solver. HMMM interesting.

So you bought some pOrn to resell? But couldn't find a place to resell it? Otay then. Next time you might want to find the market first and then buy inventory. Just saying.[/QUOTE]

I would be happy to share my financials with you any day of the week. I have over 400,000 items in inventory, so occasionally I make mistakes.

The inventory was a store closeout and I figured I could move it. Ebay/Paypal doesn't cover adult items with seller protection. I only paid about .30 per sealed DVD (bought 1,500 of them, so I am only out $450), but If I am only going to make $2 /DVD after fees, it isn't worth my time to list them.

I would much rather trade them in and break even, than waste time I could spend listing other items.
 
you can joke all you want...
I was able to get my PS Vista for $100 cash, simply by trading the stuff in.

I like how some of you guys are acting all holier then thou when most likely you indulge in the same stuff when no one's looking..
But then again hardcore gamers become couch potatoes and sooner or later can't even see their own d**k anymore...
 
[quote name='slowdive21']I would be happy to share my financials with you any day of the week. I have over 400,000 items in inventory, so occasionally I make mistakes.

The inventory was a store closeout and I figured I could move it. Ebay/Paypal doesn't cover adult items with seller protection. I only paid about .30 per sealed DVD (bought 1,500 of them, so I am only out $450), but If I am only going to make $2 /DVD after fees, it isn't worth my time to list them.

I would much rather trade them in and break even, than waste time I could spend listing other items.[/QUOTE]
except you would still be up $2550 if they sold for $2 each after fees.


So there's that.
 
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[quote name='DudeImGodly']except you would still be up $2550 if they sold for $2 each after fees.


So there's that.
[/QUOTE]

The point is I have items that I make $10-$12 consistently, that don't require unique listings that are better money makers. Plus I have to take pics of each DVD individually, since there is not a UPC based listing feature in the adult section.

I think I am just going to go to an adult store and see if I can dump 100 or so at a time. I live in the burbs right now, so there aren't any around, but when I move back to Chicago, there will be plenty of places around.
 
[quote name='cheapfrag']The Braveheart/Gadiator Blu-ray 2-pack that Amazon sold for $13.99 in November can be traded in "like new" for $32.80.[/QUOTE]

Awesome, thanks for the tip! :)
 
[quote name='cheapfrag']The Braveheart/Gadiator Blu-ray 2-pack that Amazon sold for $13.99 in November can be traded in "like new" for $32.80.[/QUOTE]

Oh damn, I'm on this one....thanks!
 
If I trade-in Move accessories, do I need the original boxes to count as Like New or can I send them without the boxes, but in pristine condition and have it count as Like New.
 
Wow has anyone checked the trade ins lately? I have about 300 dvd's that I check frequently and almost all of them dropped from an average trade in value of 8 dollars to 25 cents. The only dvd's worth anything on trade in right now are the new ones. I hope the numbers don't stay this low.

They are literally 25 cents trade in for most dvds in like new or good condition.
 
man adding the new condition to the TIVs has messed everything up. It's harder to track TIVs especially for DVD movies etc. Like-new and good are usually close in TIV ~25 cents but I see new DVDs have a TIV of $5. The problem is when you search for TIVs it lists only new TIVs which very few of us have.
 
[quote name='arsenal_fan']man adding the new condition to the TIVs has messed everything up. It's harder to track TIVs especially for DVD movies etc. Like-new and good are usually close in TIV ~25 cents but I see new DVDs have a TIV of $5. The problem is when you search for TIVs it lists only new TIVs which very few of us have.[/QUOTE]


Yep, I would say only 30 out of my 300 dvd's is in new condition. My trade in value overall dropped from over 3 grand to 800 bucks. Looks like I will have to sell them. I preferred trading them in cause it's easier. I hope all these 25 cent values are a fluke. I'm locking in trade in after trade in right now in case the ones that still have high value drop to 25 cents also.
 
[quote name='prayformojo']If I trade-in Move accessories, do I need the original boxes to count as Like New or can I send them without the boxes, but in pristine condition and have it count as Like New.[/QUOTE]


Usually you need the packaging for the item to qualify as Like New. If any major component of an item is missing (i.e. packaging) they can downgrade the item to Acceptable (or not even accept the item at all) even if the actual item is in pristine condition.

YMMV though...
 
Just a heads up if anyone's looking to get rid of the game, but Saints Row 3 jumped up in value for :360: but dropped for :ps3:. 360 is $27, PS3 is $18.50 after those values being reversed for about two weeks. Glad I sent my PS3 copy in at the old value.
 
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