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='rey6eric']Did you opt for them to return the game or give you the lesser value?[/QUOTE]

I had it returned

They marked it as incorrect edition...BULL:booty:
 
[quote name='HaloSucks']I had it returned

They marked it as incorrect edition...BULL:booty:[/QUOTE]

That sucks, you should contact Amazon to try and help you out. I have a copy locked in but have yet to send it so hopefully it works out good.
 
I had 2 copies of Ben 10 denied for incorrect edition today. They didn't even give me the acceptable amount even though I checked do not return. they're returning the games :(
 
[quote name='backseatdog']Any obvious TIV price errors will get hit with the "incorrect edition".[/QUOTE]

all these games I bought are going right back to amazon!
 
[quote name='akir']all these games I bought are going right back to amazon![/QUOTE]

Make sure the reason for return is "incorrect version". Lol
 
Updated:

FARK.... they accepted ONE of the My Horse and Me: Riding for Gold DS .. while sending another one back

Holy farking ..... who the fark are checking these games

is there like a retard there that don't know what he/she is doing, i guess it all depends on who open and process your game
 
[quote name='HaloSucks']Updated:

FARK.... they accepted ONE of the My Horse and Me: Riding for Gold DS .. while sending another one back

Holy farking ..... who the fark are checking these games

is there like a retard there that don't know what he/she is doing, i guess it all depends on who open and process your game[/QUOTE]

Were they cart only? With cases?
 
[quote name='HaloSucks']Updated:

FARK.... they accepted ONE of the My Horse and Me: Riding for Gold DS .. while sending another one back

Holy farking ..... who the fark are checking these games

is there like a retard there that don't know what he/she is doing, i guess it all depends on who open and process your game[/QUOTE]

Did you send them in the same or separate package?
 
Decided to talk to Amazon CS for shits and giggles about my denied Ben 10 games at $63 a pop, and I was told if I resubmit the exact same games again it will be accepted this time.
Trades in for like $3.50 now lol.

I'm out $25.xx on that deal as they did offer me a $10 promo credit for my "troubles." Would have prefered the $126 trade in :(

edit: I also have some Wii game "Family Party" for $44 a copy that was received at the same time as my other 2 trades and it's still processing... My other two were graded minutes apart and this 3rd one is now going on it's 3rd day processing. Weird.
 
[quote name='nasfone']Did you send them in the same or separate package?[/QUOTE]

Both of them were exact same copies brand spankin new, still sealed

I shipped each one seperately
 
Good Luck! Seems like flips to amazon may now be dead (or at least with a much higher risk to reward ratio)
I guess locking in TIVs really mean nothing now :(
 
well it could just be up to the person who receives your order but my 2 copies of family party fitness fun were accepted for an $88 GC.
too bad my big flip was denied :((
 
Sorry for sidetracking, this is totally irrelevant to overvalued tivs or flipping.

Anyone that frequents this thread is initimately familiar (in a sense) with the various "horse" games for the DS. I noticed today that a brand new one dropped for 3DS: Let's Ride:Best in Breed. Who the hell is buying these things? There's just SO MANY. It's like they're being printed exclusively for the daughter of a good friend of the owner of THQ or something.

"Train your foals on the lunge while turning round on the spot"
 
My two copies of Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl (GBA) were accepted at the (as expected) Acceptable level. $1.30 -> $24.50 is a pretty amazing profit margin, if I do say so myself. :D
 
[quote name='Vigilante']My two copies of Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl (GBA) were accepted at the (as expected) Acceptable level. $1.30 -> $24.50 is a pretty amazing profit margin, if I do say so myself. :D[/QUOTE]

Did you lock in at Excellent or Acceptable? I locked in at Excellent and now I'm worried they'll change it to the current Acceptable trade-in value, and not the Acceptable value when I locked in.
 
[quote name='chuckywang']Did you lock in at Excellent or Acceptable? I locked in at Excellent and now I'm worried they'll change it to the current Acceptable trade-in value, and not the Acceptable value when I locked in.[/QUOTE]I locked it in at the $17.50 Good value (there was only that and Acceptable from which to choose), though I didn't expect to get it with carts only. Amazon downgraded their condition to the Acceptable condition value at the time I locked in the trade. So you have nothing to worry about--if they change it to Acceptable, it'll be the value from when you originally locked in the trade. :D
 
Just got credit for one of my $34 Jedi Power Battles as well. Also got credit for a few more regular trade-ins (Lego Rock Band). I'm pleased at least that one went through given what's been happening to other people lately.
 
how on earth do you guys find these.

In an attempt to not just leech, ive been trying to find a good flip to post (even though i havnt gotten in on any of these deals... do people lock in the trade first, and THEN hope to go find it at GStop somewhere? the trade in values seem to last such a short amount of time).

Every GBA game is like, Pennies... on the amazon trade in site. Is there a way to sort by "trade in value"?
 
[quote name='reicaden']how on earth do you guys find these.

In an attempt to not just leech, ive been trying to find a good flip to post (even though i havnt gotten in on any of these deals... do people lock in the trade first, and THEN hope to go find it at GStop somewhere? the trade in values seem to last such a short amount of time).

Every GBA game is like, Pennies... on the amazon trade in site. Is there a way to sort by "trade in value"?[/QUOTE]Go to tivtrackr.com and click on the GBA section. Every game's current TIV on Amazon is listed there alphabetically, and it's how I found the last three flips I posted.
 
[quote name='Vigilante']Go to tivtrackr.com and click on the GBA section. Every game's current TIV on Amazon is listed there alphabetically, and it's how I found the last three flips I posted.[/QUOTE]

I'll look through and see what I find, its atleast easier then going through 1074 listing on amazon to see TIVs, ALOT easier.

If only they had one of these pages for all major retailers... hmmmmmmm
 
[quote name='reicaden']how on earth do you guys find these.

In an attempt to not just leech, ive been trying to find a good flip to post (even though i havnt gotten in on any of these deals... do people lock in the trade first, and THEN hope to go find it at GStop somewhere? the trade in values seem to last such a short amount of time).

Every GBA game is like, Pennies... on the amazon trade in site. Is there a way to sort by "trade in value"?[/QUOTE]

Yes...lock it in first. You can always cancel the trade-in if you are unable to find a copy.
 
[quote name='sabanoo']Just got credit for one of my $34 Jedi Power Battles as well. Also got credit for a few more regular trade-ins (Lego Rock Band). I'm pleased at least that one went through given what's been happening to other people lately.[/QUOTE]

good to here I subbed one but the person i bought the copy off of amazon just sent me the
CD hope i still get credit
 
looks like mine were just opened by the wrong guy as a lot of you are still getting credits. or maybe they have a limit they won't go over?
 
[quote name='backseatdog']You know that is one of the rarest games in the gamecube library. You better off selling on ebay.[/QUOTE]
really? I always figured sports games were always abundant.
Guess that's why its so high.
 
Well 2 copies for blazblue were accepted this morning for 34.50 ea after being in "processing" since thurs. Hope fully everything elso goes through. Atleast its good to know some hogh tiv items get through.
 
[quote name='Toss']Well 2 copies for blazblue were accepted this morning for 34.50 ea after being in "processing" since thurs. Hope fully everything elso goes through. Atleast its good to know some hogh tiv items get through.[/QUOTE]

My lone copy of Blazblue was also accepted today for the same amount.
 
they rejected my jedi power battles for "wrong item" ... gonna send a complaint to amazon after i receive my games back... hopefully they are not destroyed.
 
[quote name='shivan128']they rejected my jedi power battles for "wrong item" ... gonna send a complaint to amazon after i receive my games back... hopefully they are not destroyed.[/QUOTE]

Everyone who is sent "wrong version" should complain to CS. Really, they can deny anything for having a wrong or mistaken TIV, but yet they still bullshit us with lies of wrong item/version. I guess it's in their corporate culture to lie and bullshit.lol It's in their blood..
 
[quote name='Toss']Well 2 copies for blazblue were accepted this morning for 34.50 ea after being in "processing" since thurs. Hope fully everything elso goes through. Atleast its good to know some hogh tiv items get through.[/QUOTE]

I had two Blazblu's get through for that amount and two wii party family funs get through at $44 each.
Two Ben 10's denied for $63 each though :(
 
[quote name='ChunLiBarbie']Damn. Can't believe I haven't been coming in this thread. Guess I know how I'll get my Vita!:D

Lurkin' Time!:D[/QUOTE]

No lurkin' allowed. Contribute high TIVs to the group!

Check this site: http://tivtrackr.com/tracker (made by a CAG)

I don't know how often it updates though. I check a few times a day.
 
I just got credit for my 2nd copy of Pirates of the Caribbean. Sent both in as just the cart and got the acceptable rate on both. I've only been credited for one of my Jedi Power Battles so far but I can't really complain.
 
[quote name='slowdive21']No lurkin' allowed. Contribute high TIVs to the group!

Check this site: http://tivtrackr.com/tracker (made by a CAG)

I don't know how often it updates though. I check a few times a day.[/QUOTE]

Didn't realize this existed, I'll bookmark it and start contributing to.
 
[quote name='snowmint']I sent two pirates but I have only been credited on one. DO I go and complain or what?[/QUOTE]

I contacted CS and after a few hours I was credited for my trade in.
 
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