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

Status
Not open for further replies.

handsomepete

CAGiversary!
Feedback
20 (100%)
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
Shipping Instructions

1. Print this entire page. (Packing slip and shipping label once you have submitted a trade)
2. Cut out the shipping label and the packing slip.
3. Make sure your items are in good working condition and include the case and cover art.
4. Securely pack the items in a box or envelope and include the packing slip in the package.
5. Attach the shipping label squarely onto the outside of the package and add your return address.
6. Take it to your nearest UPS Store and mail it by (one week from submission of trade)
7. Or you can ship to:
note to self: look up new address
Trade-In Product Eligibility

Trade-in items must match the exact version displayed in the Amazon Trade-In Store, not be damaged, include original packaging (e.g. the manual, cover art, and case), and be postmarked no later than 7 days after submission. You will receive an e-mail confirmation and an Amazon.com Gift Card will be deposited into your account within 2 business days of item receipt and verification by the merchant. Items not accepted by the merchant will be returned to you approximately 14 days after receipt.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

GENERAL FAQ (Updated 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)

      [*]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 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!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I swear someone form AMZ/Noram watches these threads. That trade has been on for more than a day and as soon as it is posted here POOF - dead. Same thing with a couple others in the last couple days.
 
[quote name='sabanoo']I just got my copies locked in not too long ago. Thanks for the heads up.[/QUOTE]

Same. I miss all the BB credit i had. GS credit takes forever to get rid of thanks Vigilante.
 
[quote name='Toss']I swear someone form AMZ/Noram watches these threads. That trade has been on for more than a day and as soon as it is posted here POOF - dead. Same thing with a couple others in the last couple days.[/QUOTE]


Nah, there's just an auto adjust feature on AMZ/Noram that tanks the value after too many trades are locked in. It can be up for forever if nobody knows about it/trades it in, but as soon as it hits here, everyone locks in 2 trades each and the value plummets...
 
[quote name='Toss']I swear someone form AMZ/Noram watches these threads. That trade has been on for more than a day and as soon as it is posted here POOF - dead. Same thing with a couple others in the last couple days.[/QUOTE]

The head honcho from noram used to be active daily on here. Doesn't look like it anymore, but could have another name now.
 
[quote name='Pookymeister']The head honcho from noram used to be active daily on here. Doesn't look like it anymore, but could have another name now.[/QUOTE]

Seriously?
 
[quote name='Pookymeister']The head honcho from noram used to be active daily on here. Doesn't look like it anymore, but could have another name now.[/QUOTE]

What was his name?
 
why is my horse and me 70 dollars new on amazon. and my horse and me riding for gold 300 dollars on amazon???

ill never understand how these odd games skyrocket in price.

i really should of just bought this thing brand new when it was on wal mart's shelf. lol

well except the PC edition which is dirt cheap.
 
Any reason why NDS games like mario kart and super mario bros still have relatively high TIV? Both of them probably sold more than 15M each.
 
[quote name='awing']Any reason why NDS games like mario kart and super mario bros still have relatively high TIV? Both of them probably sold more than 15M each.[/QUOTE]
Because of their sales numbers - they're still in high demand and are proven franchises that will likely stay that way. Same reason why first-party Nintendo games rarely drop in price.
 
Sent off my incredibly mint condition Star Wars Jedi Power Battles today (seriously - I don't think I've ever seen used copies of any ps1 games looking so perfect. Thanks ebay!). I have a vague feeling of rejection impending which would be a drag, but I'd only be out $16 which could be worse.
 
[quote name='handsomepete']Sent off my incredibly mint condition Star Wars Jedi Power Battles today (seriously - I don't think I've ever seen used copies of any ps1 games looking so perfect. Thanks ebay!). I have a vague feeling of rejection impending which would be a drag, but I'd only be out $16 which could be worse.[/QUOTE]

Yeah mine were pretty nice too. Worried about the small crack on one of the cases. I don't want to be out of the $26 I spent either.
 
[quote name='scblueeyedguy']Yeah mine were pretty nice too. Worried about the small crack on one of the cases. I don't want to be out of the $26 I spent either.[/QUOTE]

I was pretty surprised with the condition of the 2 I got from Ebay. Both had cracked cases but I just switched it out with mint cd cases I have. Other than that, it looked pretty damn mint.
 
I just want to double check a couple of things.

Has anyone been rejected for not including the DLC card?


How long past the deadline are they still accepting trades?

TIA
 
[quote name='slowdive21']I just want to double check a couple of things.

Has anyone been rejected for not including the DLC card?


How long past the deadline are they still accepting trades?

TIA[/QUOTE]
Only time I got rejected is when I trade in my gear of war triple pack
 
[quote name='coopscohen']I was pretty surprised with the condition of the 2 I got from Ebay. Both had cracked cases but I just switched it out with mint cd cases I have. Other than that, it looked pretty damn mint.[/QUOTE]
Got my copy from Amazon 3rd party. It needs to be return to the seller. It was stamp on the game - property of blockbuster. I can't even remove it and I'm 99% sure it will be rejected.
 
[quote name='Uso']Only time I got rejected is when I trade in my gear of war triple pack[/QUOTE]

For the DLC missing?


What about gamestop stickers on acceptable games? (I want to be able to return it if they do not accept it).
 
[quote name='Toss']I swear someone form AMZ/Noram watches these threads. That trade has been on for more than a day and as soon as it is posted here POOF - dead. Same thing with a couple others in the last couple days.[/QUOTE]

More likely and algorithm for when a large influx of trades are submitted. But they do manually do drops, to complement BS rejections because the TIV was too high. They never used to pull the crap they do now in the past 5 months or so.
 
[quote name='XF Gator']More likely and algorithm for when a large influx of trades are submitted. But they do manually do drops, to complement BS rejections because the TIV was too high. They never used to pull the crap they do now in the past 5 months or so.[/QUOTE]

this
[quote name='Pookymeister']The head honcho from noram used to be active daily on here. Doesn't look like it anymore, but could have another name now.[/QUOTE]
 
[quote name='slowdive21']For the DLC missing?


What about gamestop stickers on acceptable games? (I want to be able to return it if they do not accept it).[/QUOTE]

Yes, rejected for DLC missing. I never tried to keep gamestop stickers on. Use something stickier than the gamestop sticker and you can peel them off perfectly.
 
Greetings. If you send a game without DLC our old ladys checking trades have been instructed to do the following...

1) Stomp on a corner of your game case (some take a hammer to it)
2) Place a damaged sticker on your case
3) Reject your trade-in after holding on to it for 3-5 business days
4) Wait 2 more weeks, then finally put it back in the mail to be returned to you

- Japakneez (Head honcho of Noram)
 
Only 1 of my star wars has arrived so far and I'm worried about the 2nd one arriving. I'm going to ship the first one tomorrow but do you think if i print a second shipping label out for the 2nd one and just wait for it to arrive they will accept it past the 1 week deadline?
 
[quote name='Japakneez']Greetings. If you send a game without DLC our old ladys checking trades have been instructed to do the following...

1) Stomp on a corner of your game case (some take a hammer to it)
2) Place a damaged sticker on your case
3) Reject your trade-in after holding on to it for 3-5 business days
4) Wait 2 more weeks, then finally put it back in the mail to be returned to you

- Japakneez (Head honcho of Noram)[/QUOTE]

I know this is a joke, but it sounds accurate.
 
Wow - just got confirmation of 2 Batman Arkham City for $31.05 each. I couldn't get to Best Buy till the last day of that sale and then couldn't mail them until last Monday as a result - so I shipped them about 4-5 days after the deadline. Then with the slow coast-to-coast shipping that added another 8 days. But, much to my surprise, they were accepted no problem.

I know most of you guys are way beyond that trade by now, but I just thought that was interesting ;).
 
[quote name='io']Wow - just got confirmation of 2 Batman Arkham City for $31.05 each. I couldn't get to Best Buy till the last day of that sale and then couldn't mail them until last Monday as a result - so I shipped them about 4-5 days after the deadline. Then with the slow coast-to-coast shipping that added another 8 days. But, much to my surprise, they were accepted no problem.

I know most of you guys are way beyond that trade by now, but I just thought that was interesting ;).[/QUOTE]
Does anybody ever get rejected for shipping after the deadline? I see a lot of people asking, but never see anybody answering yes.
 
[quote name='io']Wow - just got confirmation of 2 Batman Arkham City for $31.05 each. I couldn't get to Best Buy till the last day of that sale and then couldn't mail them until last Monday as a result - so I shipped them about 4-5 days after the deadline. Then with the slow coast-to-coast shipping that added another 8 days. But, much to my surprise, they were accepted no problem.

I know most of you guys are way beyond that trade by now, but I just thought that was interesting ;).[/QUOTE]

It's hard 25day count send it at least a week before the 25th day and you'll be fine.
 
[quote name='slowdive21']Ok, I found a couple of copies of this game. I locked in the trade in "good do not return", but they are cart only.

Will I still get the "acceptable" value from before if they downgrade ($12.xx), or do I get the new acceptable value?

If anyone is interested I have an extra copy if someone would like to work something out.[/QUOTE]
You will get the locked in acceptable value, so $12.xx.
 
[quote name='slowdive21']Ok, I found a couple of copies of this game. I locked in the trade in "good do not return", but they are cart only.

Will I still get the "acceptable" value from before if they downgrade ($12.xx), or do I get the new acceptable value?

If anyone is interested I have an extra copy if someone would like to work something out.[/QUOTE]Don't worry--if they downgrade, you'll get the Acceptable value from when you locked in the trade. Now, whether they'll accept a cart by itself (I've seen posts of both acceptance and rejection for cart-only trades)...I'm still waiting for confirmation that they received my two copies. :bomb:
 
[quote name='klimb22']Does anybody ever get rejected for shipping after the deadline? I see a lot of people asking, but never see anybody answering yes.[/QUOTE]

I see that 25 day thing thrown around a lot but I swear I remember people saying they got rejected for sending them just a few days after the deadline as well. I've gone 1 day over before, but never 5 like I did this time. In any case, that is still close to the 25 days (7 day deadline + 5 days + 8+ days shipping + processing?). I included processing time because I remember people getting rejected for the 25 days passing while NORAM was still processing. However, they processed my last trade same day as receipt which they haven't done in a long time.
 
[quote name='io']I see that 25 day thing thrown around a lot but I swear I remember people saying they got rejected for sending them just a few days after the deadline. I've gone 1 day over before, but never 5 like I did this time.[/QUOTE]

I swear I've gone a week or more over and it was still accepted. Locked in at a significantly higher TIV than what it was at the time as well.
 
[quote name='coopscohen']The one they are selling at GS isn't the same one Amazon has listed. The one at GS is not the core plus.[/QUOTE]

Yep, trade in is only a $1.30 for the other one.
 
[quote name='Donut2922']the one at GS isn't the Plus version.[/QUOTE]

GS does not list the "plus" version in it's data base. With that said, I found 2 plus versions last year for 6.99 instore.
 
Update. Looks like Amazon had no issues accepting my copy of Halo Reach that came out of the LE. I got full credit for it, despite the different UPC.
 
[quote name='akir']You will get the locked in acceptable value, so $12.xx.[/QUOTE]

[quote name='Vigilante']Don't worry--if they downgrade, you'll get the Acceptable value from when you locked in the trade. Now, whether they'll accept a cart by itself (I've seen posts of both acceptance and rejection for cart-only trades)...I'm still waiting for confirmation that they received my two copies. :bomb:[/QUOTE]

ok thanks guys! One more question:

I may have imagined this, but didn't someone say they sent in 2 copies of a game with the same trade in number and get credit for both transactions? (meaning they locked it in once, but got the credit twice for sending in the same game two times)
 
[quote name='slowdive21']ok thanks guys! One more question:

I may have imagined this, but didn't someone say they sent in 2 copies of a game with the same trade in number and get credit for both transactions? (meaning they locked it in once, but got the credit twice for sending in the same game two times)[/QUOTE]

Assume you imagined that, it wouldn't work. You can only trade in exactly what you lock, no more no less. Moreover, if you attempt that it may end up in a black hole and not returned to you, and amazon wouldn't be able to help you out (since there would be no evidence of a locked in trade for the second game).
 
[quote name='handsomepete']Assume you imagined that, it wouldn't work. You can only trade in exactly what you lock, no more no less. Moreover, if you attempt that it may end up in a black hole and not returned to you, and amazon wouldn't be able to help you out (since there would be no evidence of a locked in trade for the second game).[/QUOTE]

Yeah I figured it would never work since it is the same transaction number, but I could have swore I read it somewhere.

Oh well, that means I have an extra "acceptable" copy of the game if anyone wants me to send it in on their locked TIV (you could email me a pdf of the barcode and label sheets).

Maybe we can work out a trade or PP some bucks for my time/game.
 
[quote name='HaloSucks']FARK.... they did not accept the My Horse and Me: Riding for Gold DS game posted

Saying it was a incorrect edition my ass...[/QUOTE]

Did you opt for them to return the game or give you the lesser value?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
bread's done
Back
Top