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='Needles-Kane']My god, this stuff was dropping in value as I was adding, had to remove a bunch of things.[/QUOTE]This is why I suggest you don't do one big trade-in transaction, but rather split it up into several with one to three games in each. That way you won't miss out on any particularly beneficial values.

I noticed that Dead or Alive: Xtreme Beach Volleyball (Xbox) dropped to $1.15 from its $29.85 value yesterday. It's a good thing I locked in that trade and won a complete copy from eBay for ~$6 that will ship from within my own state.

...I would definitely not be doing stuff like this if not for these absurd values. :whistle2:# I mean it.
.>
>_
 
I locked in a platinum GC console for 66.60 'Good' I figured I'd send it in and I used return if downgraded. It doesn't have a box, but the system is complete and in great shape. There was a like new choice that required the box.
 
Anyone know how it works trading in MW3 hardened edition? Can I just send in the steel case with the game inside or do I need to send in the big box?
 
[quote name='BJD21']Anyone know how it works trading in MW3 hardened edition? Can I just send in the steel case with the game inside or do I need to send in the big box?[/QUOTE]

I'm sure they would downgrade it. But you never know.
 
[quote name='thepoetvd776']Whats the cheapest way to send this games via UPS?

I actually sold a couple of a games I have so I'm shipping like 6 games total[/QUOTE]

Use USPS First Class Mail.

Games are roughly 6 ounces; $2.14 with DC
 
[quote name='blcklblskt']How long does it take for games to process normally? Mine have said "processing" since the 19th.[/QUOTE]Give it another business day or two (i.e., wait until end of day Monday or Tuesday) before hitting up Amazon CS and asking about their status.
 
For those who had stuff drop on them during the day yesterday, check again! I was just able to get 2 games locked in that I had given up on and packed back in the closet - time to dig them back out again.
 
[quote name='io']For those who had stuff drop on them during the day yesterday, check again! I was just able to get 2 games locked in that I had given up on and packed back in the closet - time to dig them back out again.[/QUOTE]

Thanks. Time to trade in Shenmue II...no more lucky hit for me though :(
 
Games with $30 TIV CIB and $21 TIV cart only

N64
Diddy knog 64
Donkey kong 64
Doom 64
conkers bad fur day ( if you trade sell it to me)
Kirby the crystal shards
castlevania 64

Ps1
Final fantasy VII
parasite eve
parasite eve II
threads of fate
Grandia
Dragon warrior VII


SNES
Super mario world
The legend of zelda a link to the past
Super mario kart
super mario rpg
super metroid
Kirby super star

NES
mario bros 2

GBA
Super mario advance 4: super mario bros 3
Mario kart super circuit
metroid fusion
kirby knightmare in dream land
castlevania aria of sorrow
castlevania harmony of dissonance

Gamecube
super mario sunshine
The legend of zelda the wind waker

Gameboy/GBC
super mario land
super mario bros deluxe
metroid II
Kirby's dream land II
 
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one question simpson hit and run has to be original to be accepted on trade in? i sended the platinum hit edition and hope it get accepted because i wasted 4$ for shipping ლ(ಠ_ಠლ)
 
[quote name='Jedi1979']isnt shipping it in free?[/QUOTE]

Yes, Amazon provides a UPS label to print out, then you can drop it off at any ups location (and I think maybe some USPS locations).
 
Copy of black ops went from 17.55 to 12.40 I went WTF and an hour later it went back up but Green Day rock band went down to $1.XX something low..... I submitted and hopefully I can pick up my ink cartridges from costco tomorrow and mail it before the 30th deadline.

Edit: HA HA just now black ops went to $12. Good thing I confirmed asap when it went back up for a moment.
 
Hmm, tradein deadline for the ps1 i locked in for $200 was today but haven't sent it in yet.
Wondering if i should risk it since my copy is truly new in box - don't want them to rip it open and trash it just to reject it for being too high a TIV.
 
[quote name='edson13']Futurama is 30 for xbox but only 7.50 for ps2. Come on ps2, version.[/QUOTE]

I'll double it and give you $15 for it :D.
 
I just submitted some games from past generations. I'm hoping they get accepted, as they are all in good shape. One dropped to shit value as I was submitting them, so I should have locked them in faster, but if everything else gets accepted then I'll be happy regardless.
 
[quote name='Pookymeister']Hmm, tradein deadline for the ps1 i locked in for $200 was today but haven't sent it in yet.
Wondering if i should risk it since my copy is truly new in box - don't want them to rip it open and trash it just to reject it for being too high a TIV.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, you better consider this one carefully.

I havent had any amazon credit for a while but amz starting to come alive recently! Too bad about the tax though.
 
[quote name='Toss']Yeah, you better consider this one carefully.

I havent had any amazon credit for a while but amz starting to come alive recently! Too bad about the tax though.[/QUOTE]

Yea, decided against it.

I am sending 8 GC games and 5 PS1 games for about $30 credit each though - no problems there. ;)
 
Wow, I just got $21 for my written all over copy of Pokemon Stadium for N64. Really didn't think it would go through but hell yeah!
 
I have the worst luck with Amazon's trade in. I took a long list of $30 titles to my local used game store. I got excited when I saw a Xbox Godzilla for $9.99. But the game looked like a dog chewed it up with nasty stickers all over it. They only had one Red Dead Revolver without the original case, and the PS1 section was pathetic with mostly old sports titles.

Oh well, the hunt continues. :)
 
My first batch was delivered Friday and this morning, so should find out this week if it's going to pan out. Good luck to anyone cleaning out their old collections (or cleaning out someone else's old collections).
 
good to hear, vader99. I sent in a whole pile of stuff including a pokemon stadium, and I'll be happy if even half of it gets accepted, so I like seeing the reports of success. I may have overdone it though, and they might just think I did too much and send it all back?
 
[quote name='evanwink']good to hear, vader99. I sent in a whole pile of stuff including a pokemon stadium, and I'll be happy if even half of it gets accepted, so I like seeing the reports of success. I may have overdone it though, and they might just think I did too much and send it all back?[/QUOTE]Did you send everything in one transaction or split them into several transactions? I did the latter since I thought it might avoid arousing suspicion. :whistle2:#
 
[quote name='Vigilante']Did you send everything in one transaction or split them into several transactions? I did the latter since I thought it might avoid arousing suspicion. :whistle2:#[/QUOTE]

I did many transactions, but a couple had up to 8 items in them for quite a bit of (potential) credit. After mailing them I've decided I went a bit overboard and I'm not sure I'll send a couple more transactions I locked in. I also decided I should have not mailed all at the same time. Live and learn, we'll see how it goes. All my packages were delivered this morning and one package worth is Processing.
 
Sent 1 package of 4 GC games, another of 5 PSx games today. Will send another package of 4 later in week, since one of those games i want to actually play before sending in =]
 
I sent in 3 packages of about 20-25 games each, and only the GameCube games have been accepted so far. The N64 and GBC games are still processing...
 
[quote name='joeyshadows']What is everyones packing method for games? Never really sent anything in for trade before.[/QUOTE]

Assuming it's a 360, PS3 or Wii game with case, #0 size bubble mailers work well. Two or more games at a time and cardboard boxes are a little easier (use bubblewrap inside).
 
[quote name='joeyshadows']What is everyones packing method for games? Never really sent anything in for trade before.[/QUOTE]

I re-use all the boxes I get from Gamefly shipments and just tape the new label over the original but if you don't have any go to your local post office and get small or medium flatrate priority mail boxes which should be free.
 
[quote name='slowdive21']Has anyone gotten 'good' for GB or N64 games that are cart only?[/QUOTE]

I don't think I've ever seen that, some people are getting rejections for 'acceptable' cart only n64 games.
 
I stumbled across some of the crazy Amazon TIVs today by accident, checked here to see if anyone else had noticed the same thing and found this thread.

I've got a trade set for $375 that's only 14 games...crazy. They're all PS1, SNES, and GBA games I have complete in case/box in mint condition. Stuff I bought when it was new and took care of up until this point. I even found out that I have a couple games in mint condition that are going for beaucoup bucks on eBay...I'll be a busy CAG this weekend!

I stopped dealing with Amazon after the $200 360 Elite debacle, where mine got sent back for no reason despite it being complete in the original box, even with the green and orange Xbox baggies for the accessories still intact. I'm glad to see some early successes, and I hope that I don't run into any trouble with the stuff I'm sending in considering what great shape they're all in. Fingers crossed.
 
So I have 2 different trades set. I did them on Saturday so I have a week to ship them out.

My question is, since most of the stuff I'm trading is still the same value, can I make a new trade and combining all of those games into just 1, so that i can just send one package instead of 2?

Or will Amazon not let me since I know there is a limit one how many copies of a particular game you can sent in?

thanks!
 
Just tried making another trade and amazon comes up with a message saying, that since I already have a pending trade with that videogame I can't trade in another copy until December.

So I Guess the only way to do this is to cancel all my pending trades now, and then group them up as 1 trade inmediately before there is a sudden second price drop.
 
[quote name='boogie4114']I re-use all the boxes I get from Gamefly shipments and just tape the new label over the original but if you don't have any go to your local post office and get small or medium flatrate priority mail boxes which should be free.[/QUOTE]

I use the mailing packages from past amazon shipments. When I shipped my PS3 controller to be repaired I used a box that had the end piece of my tailpipe with bubble wrap from when they didnt accept my Dreamcast.
 
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