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='Gamer SDP']sent my 2 SR3s in. this is my first time sending "late" (believe I had until the 7th) but am hopeful.[/QUOTE]

You should be fine. I've sent many trade ins much later than you and had them accepted no problem.
 
FYI Batman: AC for ps3 just went up on TIV to $24.30 (after dropping from $15 to $6 and up now) if someone wants to lock in from best buy grabs. FFXIII-2 for PS3 is at $20 also.
 
Especially if you are really in NY. It should only take a couple days to get to them, which is no problem. Lately I've been sending things in from the West Coast a day or two late and that hasn't been a problem. Considering it takes 7-8 days for shipment from here, I don't think you'll have a problem 1 day late from NY.
 
What i do is just PDF the packing slip/label once it gets close to the end of the 7 days since you can't print the label after that point even though you can still send them and have them accepted.
 
latest I've ever submitted and accepted was 3 1/2 weeks from sending date expired. Had to resubmit for 25 instead of 33 for uncharted 3, got cancelled for a trade in late/early news year this year in mid transit and got it sent back to me. Paid amazon 29.99 on black firday for it.
 
[quote name='ijustw1n']FYI Batman: AC for ps3 just went up on TIV to $24.30 (after dropping from $15 to $6 and up now) if someone wants to lock in from best buy grabs. FFXIII-2 for PS3 is at $20 also.[/QUOTE]

I randomly saw that and locked it in. I couldn't get any more from BBY because they were out of magazines, but I have an alternate way to get some for a similar price :)
 
I usually print to pdf but didn't this time.

also I am in NY but one time it took over 10 days for the items to show up as delivered on the tracking (typically within 5). UPS (and USPS) is very inconsistent in NYC.
 
well glad i didnt send my sr3's off yet. tiv just jumped back up to 29.70 ps3 from 14. woot. got myself another 3 weeks. now to put down mw3/yakuza/silent hills and do some damn sr3 co op. i got them for super cheap last fall (bestbuy b2g1f for 88, then flipped back 2 for 75, and bestbuy even had it on sale for 30 new. so its crazy a few months later it trades in for that price still. i havnt seen it new and cheap in awhile but its thq you know you can pick it back up again cheap someday.
 
Trade in deal of the day: Final Fantasy xiii-2 ps3 $20

Just got it for $15 with the novella. The game is really good but since I just got Shank 2 and Shift 2 for free (ps+) and PGA 13 CE ($35 @ Target) I'm a bit swamped. I'll trade it now to make a $5 profit and then pick up the ce when it drops below $55.
 
[quote name='Velo214']well glad i didnt send my sr3's off yet. tiv just jumped back up to 29.70 ps3 from 14. woot. got myself another 3 weeks. now to put down mw3/yakuza/silent hills and do some damn sr3 co op. i got them for super cheap last fall (bestbuy b2g1f for 88, then flipped back 2 for 75, and bestbuy even had it on sale for 30 new. so its crazy a few months later it trades in for that price still. i havnt seen it new and cheap in awhile but its thq you know you can pick it back up again cheap someday.[/QUOTE]

I'm new to this but, damn, so if the TIV of a game gets raised from the time you traded it in, and your trade-in is in the "Processing..." stage, you would still get the lower, initial TIV? Can someone clarify? I'm not sure if I missed this.

Thanks
 
Little help, if you say create a trade with 3 games but decide you want to keep 1 but not cancel the trade because the TIV you locked in we're that good, can you send in the 2 games and they'll just accept those and null out the one you didn't?
 
[quote name='ijustw1n']Little help, if you say create a trade with 3 games but decide you want to keep 1 but not cancel the trade because the TIV you locked in we're that good, can you send in the 2 games and they'll just accept those and null out the one you didn't?[/QUOTE]

yeah they'll take the 2 for sure and credit them the other will just show up as not received.
 
^^^ Exactly. I've done this multiple times. They'll take whatever you send in, credit you for the games received, and then the trade will stay in the processing stage for a few more days because of the missing games, but eventually they just close the trade.

No harm, no foul....
 
Surprised to see a trade in sent this past Monday to get delivered and in processing today. Usually takes eight days to make it from So Cal to New Hampshire. I'm guessing because it was just after Easter?
 
So just out of curiosity, since it's been changed to allow most games to be accepted at a lower tier, even if you don't have the case or instructions... How many people have still had games rejected at the lower tier? It's hard for me to shed my past fears, as I have a few DS games with no case (well, just a generic case) and I'm very reluctant to send them in.
 
[quote name='JKSonic']So just out of curiosity, since it's been changed to allow most games to be accepted at a lower tier, even if you don't have the case or instructions... How many people have still had games rejected at the lower tier? It's hard for me to shed my past fears, as I have a few DS games with no case (well, just a generic case) and I'm very reluctant to send them in.[/QUOTE]

if they get rejected they send it back to you.... not a big deal.
 
I'm trying to think of reasons why I SHOULDN'T pick the "like new" credit value if I'm just gonna pick "Don't return the game to me". I mean, they're gonna readjust your tier level anyways, so why not take the 1% or so chance they don't?
 
[quote name='chuckywang']I'm trying to think of reasons why I SHOULDN'T pick the "like new" credit value if I'm just gonna pick "Don't return the game to me". I mean, they're gonna readjust your tier level anyways, so why not take the 1% or so chance they don't?[/QUOTE]

Sounds logical to me.
 
[quote name='xCappax']if they get rejected they send it back to you.... not a big deal.[/QUOTE]

Well like I said, just out of curiosity. Although something I'm building credit towards is at a lower price ATM and not sure how long that'll last...so was just trying to get a feel for what they DON'T take anymore since then I'd just take it to BB.
 
[quote name='JKSonic']Well like I said, just out of curiosity. Although something I'm building credit towards is at a lower price ATM and not sure how long that'll last...so was just trying to get a feel for what they DON'T take anymore since then I'd just take it to BB.[/QUOTE]


I almost exclusively trade in pristine games (even sent in quite a few still new/sealed) but just recently sent in two My Horse and Me: Riding for Gold cart-only games for the DS when they were trading in at some obscene dollar amount. I locked in at the Good price but could only find cart-only games at the GameStops around me. Amazon/Noram accepted the games without an issue but downgraded them to Acceptable condition and gave me something like $27 each instead of the $34 each I would have gotten for complete games.

For what it's worth, it makes me much more comfortable trying to trade in disc-only or cart-only games in the future, although I still always do that only as a last resort...
 
[quote name='Sway']:360::ps3: Rage trading in at $8.80 if any of you are finished with your $5 BB @Gamer copies.[/QUOTE]

I haven't even opened up my copy it yet, but I locked it in anyway.
 
Alundra (PS1) is up to $30 and SSX (PS3) is up to $32.70. I'm glad I didn't have a chance to send off my copy of SSX yet that I locked in for about $25.

Edit: Looks like at least someone traded in since the values plummeted...
 
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Managed to lock a couple in @30...now I need to find them.


EDIT: I should have posted. I locked them in about 12 AM last night, but I don't usually check CAG late at night.
 
[quote name='chuckywang']Alan Wake at $5.45 now...they killed that quick. In fact, pretty much as soon as it was posted in this thread. Kinda suspicious...[/QUOTE]

:roll: it's not like there's a person sitting there settings TIVs on the fly.
 
[quote name='confoosious']:roll: it's not like there's a person sitting there settings TIVs on the fly.[/QUOTE]

Apparently you never heard of "EL VIGILANTE". He watches trade in values and ajdusts them accordingly. He was recruited to fight EL HOARDO.
 
[quote name='slowdive21']Apparently you never heard of "EL VIGILANTE". He watches trade in values and ajdusts them accordingly. He was recruited to fight EL HOARDO.[/QUOTE]

Is this him?

fat_man_on_computer.jpg
 
Will Amazon accept an item that does not show up in their search when you put the UPC code in but does show when searching by title, i.e. probably a different UPC?
 
[quote name='J7.']Will Amazon accept an item that does not show up in their search when you put the UPC code in but does show when searching by title, i.e. probably a different UPC?[/QUOTE]

those are the ones with highest probability of getting rejected but YMMV.
 
i traded in a few games last week and they were all rejected because i put good instead of acceptable by accident (GBA games with no box) and they have all been sent back to me. If i just do it again and put acceptable will they take it this time?

Always thought they just changed the condition on you...
 
[quote name='RoylAsult']i traded in a few games last week and they were all rejected because i put good instead of acceptable by accident (GBA games with no box) and they have all been sent back to me. If i just do it again and put acceptable will they take it this time?

Always thought they just changed the condition on you...[/QUOTE]

Only if you choose not to have the items returned to you.
 
[quote name='RoylAsult']i think you misunderstood my question lol[/QUOTE]

You get 2 choices. Either you say you only want to trade in if it's in good condition or you can opt to have them lower to acceptable if it's in that condition. You probably didn't opt for the latter which is choosing do not return. But yes if you choose acceptable this time, they will take it.
 
[quote name='RoylAsult']i think you misunderstood my question lol[/QUOTE]

I didn't even answer your question because I don't know if they'll accept it as "acceptable."
 
[quote name='scblueeyedguy']You get 2 choices. Either you say you only want to trade in if it's in good condition or you can opt to have them lower to acceptable if it's in that condition. You probably didn't opt for the latter which is choosing do not return. But yes if you choose acceptable this time, they will take it.[/QUOTE]


im confused now lol. i selected send it back to me if rejected. they are resending it back to me because the condition was not up to par of good, they said it was acceptable but didnt offer me the option to take that price. instead they are sending it back to me.
 
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