Amazon Trade-In FAQ 5.0

Status
Not open for further replies.
handsomepete

handsomepete

CAGiversary!
Feedback
20 (100%)
Welcome to the Official CAG Amazon.com Trade-In Thread

THIS IS NOT A FLIPPING THREAD. USEFUL CREDIT TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES WELCOME, BUT KEEP THE PROFIT MARGIN TALK / SNEAKY OR LYING SHENANIGANS OUT

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. IF YOU CUT OUT A UPC OR DO ANYTHING TO TRICK THE FINE(?) FOLKS AT AFS EXPECT IT TO BE OPENED AND REJECTED. 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!

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. - Indigo_Streetlight
Click to expand...
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 AFS 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 12/26/2012)
Can I post a question on this thread?
Only if you can't find the answer from below. And please let me know if it needs to be added to FAQ.

Can I edit this FAQ? (updated 6/7/11)
You bet!

Since when did Amazon start doing trades?
The program began in 2009 and is handled by a third party merchant, previously known as NorAm International. Now known as AFS (Amazon Fulfillment Services).

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. Just use the address on the amazon provided shipping label and make sure to get some sort of tracking.

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 and not in the written rules. 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? (Updated 9/9/13)
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.

Some step by step directions:
1. Go to your trade-in page on Amazon and find the Trade-In ID of the transaction:

Trade-In Placed:

August 24, 2013

  • Total Amount Submitted: $35.00
  • Amount Paid: $0.00
2. Copy the entire Trade-In ID (i.e. TRN-1234567-1234567) to your clipboard by highlighting it and hitting Ctrl+C or right click -> copy with your mouse

3. Paste the Trade-In ID to the end of this link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/tradein/multicondition-your-account/print-label/ref=trdrt_ya_yaprnt?ie=UTF8&orderID=

So it should look like this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/tradein/multicondition-your-account/print-label/ref=trdrt_ya_yaprnt?ie=UTF8&orderID=TRN-1234567-1234567

The Print Shipping Label screen for that trade should now come up.

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 10/11/12)
Usually a day or two with little delay at all. It may take multiple days or even weeks if it's an usual item/hardware.

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 AFS 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! Don't expect greater than 'acceptable' condition though.

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 AFS..

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/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 AFS 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 9/14/13)
Amazon Fulfillment Services (previously known as NorAm). Dunno if they changed names, were bought up by Amazon, or what. Not too interested anyhow.

Why does my package jump back and forth between states? (updated 9/14/13)
Look at a map of the involved cities and it'll make sense. Something to do with UPS hubs and proximity to the state border/cities.

Post away!

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Upvote 0 Downvote
I sent facebreaker and stoked in complete without cutting out the UPCs and got a good rating...I was only able to test it once tho because I could only find one complete stoked, I sent in 3 other sets disc only and all were accepted as acceptable.

anyone have any luck with the shadow the hedgehog/Sonic mega collection plus?

 
Juiced 2 is now up to 24.24

http://www.amazon.com/Juiced-2-Import-Nights-Xbox-360/dp/B000OCXK60/ref=trdrt_list_asin

And there's a few reputable amazon marketplace sellers selling it for a little over half that if you're interested.  I imagine most folks that follow this thread have already burned their two copy limit, but there ya go.

p.s. Don't forget to check your local Best Buy for Saints Row :360:, 9.99 there.  Only one store near me has a copy in stock, but that's better than most of these things.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
srocky26 said:
For those that were still contemplating this trade in - I received my copies of the Tomb Raider CE and the UPC on the GameStop package is 662248912752, but I was able to easily peel that sticker off and show the real UPC 662248913063. The TIV is still $75.
Click to expand...
I got two TR CEs without the sticker (so 2752 upc on slip). Has anyone tried sending this in without the slipcover/sleeve? I presume there is no UPC on the outer tin box.

 
handsomepete said:
Juiced 2 is now up to 24.24

http://www.amazon.com/Juiced-2-Import-Nights-Xbox-360/dp/B000OCXK60/ref=trdrt_list_asin

And there's a few reputable amazon marketplace sellers selling it for a little over half that if you're interested. I imagine most folks that follow this thread have already burned their two copy limit, but there ya go.

p.s. Don't forget to check your local Best Buy for Saints Row :360:, 9.99 there. Only one store near me has a copy in stock, but that's better than most of these things.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tip. Grabbed Two.

 
handsomepete said:
Juiced 2 is now up to 24.24

http://www.amazon.com/Juiced-2-Import-Nights-Xbox-360/dp/B000OCXK60/ref=trdrt_list_asin

And there's a few reputable amazon marketplace sellers selling it for a little over half that if you're interested. I imagine most folks that follow this thread have already burned their two copy limit, but there ya go.

p.s. Don't forget to check your local Best Buy for Saints Row :360:, 9.99 there. Only one store near me has a copy in stock, but that's better than most of these things.
Click to expand...
Sweet, I ordered this from Hastings for like 12 bucks. Unfortunately, the damn post office has lost my package apparently. Every other order from Hastings arrived just fine.

 
[quote name="Gedemer" post="11009290" timestamp="1377361570"]
much appreciated

It says "sent on 6/30/13" doesnt that mean it expired July 30th ?[/quote]
Ohh I got it from the gamestop tiv thread said to save this before the mods remove it, and that was like a week ago. So search that thread if you want..

Edit: I was right posted by our own dealseeker here's the posting link:

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/topic/...-toward-pre-owned-or-select-items/?p=10980284
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Random Question.

Can I use the coupon at two different locations on the same day?

1 GS has Juiced 2 and Trivial Pursuit 

1 GS has Afrika

Or will I get flagged since they asked for your Power Up Card?

 
The looseness of lips is sinking ships trivial pursuit ps3 has already tanked facebreaker/stoked tanked juiced 2 tanked rock rev tanking

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Tmega said:
The looseness of lips is sinking ships trivial pursuit ps3 has already tanked facebreaker/stoked tanked juiced 2 tanked rock rev tanking
Click to expand...
used to be that the high tivs would only last an hour or so. I can't even guess why these have lasted so long, but it's likely not the loose lips that are killing them, just a return to normal.
 
Just had my copies of Naruto (missing manual) and Raiden Fighter Aces (generic case) graded as acceptable!  

 
Last edited by a moderator:
My "complete" juiced 2 was scratched beyond belief.

Now I'm back home and forgot to look at the store. You can take back to any gamestop correct?
 
Got 2 x Rock Revolution's accepted as acceptable a few minutes ago! Such a good flip.. I NEED MORE.

Mine also said please ship other items by 8-24, so don't worry if you get that message.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
DillonKC said:
Got 2 x Rock Revolution's accepted as acceptable a few minutes ago! Such a good flip.. I NEED MORE.
Click to expand...
I somehow totally missed out on this one but it's still decently high. Guess if it doesn't work out I've only thrown away $4.

Gedemer said:
One of mine is missing the sleeves. Idk what to do. Send one in with it and one without or both without
Click to expand...
I really wouldn't worry about it since it doesn't sound like most of us, myself included got the sleeve. I didn't take their sticker off the tin so I don't know if the UPC was on there or the sleeve. Either way, send it in worst case they'll probably down grade it but I doubt it will get rejected. If it does you can always ask why since you bought it directly from them as that item.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
EldritchOnRye said:
I somehow totally missed out on this one but it's still decently high. Guess if it doesn't work out I've only thrown away $4.


I really wouldn't worry about it since it doesn't sound like most of us, myself included got the sleeve. I didn't take their sticker off the tin so I don't know if the UPC was on there or the sleeve. Either way, send it in worst case they'll probably down grade it but I doubt it will get rejected. If it does you can always ask why since you bought it directly from them as that item.
Click to expand...
MIne came with the slip in pristine condition. Although Im keeping it over $16.

Good to see everyones Rock Revolutions are working out. :D

 
Stellar Inertia said:
MIne came with the slip in pristine condition. Although Im keeping it over $16.

Good to see everyones Rock Revolutions are working out. :D
Click to expand...
I really want to keep it because the tin's kind of snazzy but the art book's pretty meh. Already have the game so I would rather have the $16 than some pseudo-collectible.

 
EldritchOnRye said:
I really want to keep it because the tin's kind of snazzy but the art book's pretty meh. Already have the game so I would rather have the $16 than some pseudo-collectible.
Click to expand...
Same here

Mine came slightly dented as well.

If they don't accept it for GOOD ill have to contact CS since I bought it like new ;)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
My Wanteds and Fight Nights finally got accepted.  Three got downgraded to acceptable (which I expected since they were disc only) and the complete copy got accepted at good.

 
Help! I sent in 2 trade ins to amazon, the first included the following:

-2x Sega Mega Fun Pack (both Sonic Mega Collection Plus were complete and the Greatest Hits Version, I cut out the UPCs just in case, both Shadow the Hedgehog were disc only but were also Greatest Hits Versions)

-2x Stoked/Facebreaker Combo (cut out UPCs)

-1 Champions of Norrath (disc only)

I marked everything down as Good condition but selected the "Do Not Return Option" because I do not want these games sent back to me.  I would have been happy getting acceptable values for them.  They finished processing it today and gave me good for 1 of the Stoked/Facebreaker.  They rejected everything else because of "Severe Damage"!  Now I know the discs weren't perfect and I didn't have the time to test all of them (I don't even have an xbox 360), but I there is no way that all of them ended up being unplayable. Now I am unsure what to do next. I could try to return some to Gamestop but I am past my 7 day window to return used items. Any suggestions?  Will they still take the return if I say it's too damaged to play? Should I try to trade them back to amazon again and hope for better results?  This is my first time trying to trade in to amazon for a profit and it seems to be blowing up in my face.

Oh yeah, and my 2nd trade in had these games: Wsop 2008 for ps3, 2x Naruto the Broken Bond, 2x Avatar, Raiden Fighter Aces, Kung Fu High Impact, and Juiced 2.  All except WSOP 2008 were xbox versions.  Again I selected everything as Good condition with the "Do not Return" option. I just checked the status and it shows that they are returning ALL of them because of "Incorrect UPC"!  There is no way that can be right. None of these are even part of any bundles or anything,  Everything except Juiced 2 was complete with original cases and manuals. What is going on? Should I just contact customer service?

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Potentially good one if you want to risk a little.

:360: Capcom Platinum Hits Triple Pack $28.42 up $14.81

DMC4 is part of the 3 for $10 promo right now, Lost Planet is $2 at GS, and Dead Rising is $5.  Acceptable TIV is $21.73 so you have to put out $9.30 but if they accept them like the FaceBreaker/Stoked combo at acceptable that's a decent turn around.

Update- Just watched an unboxing on this and it's a cardboard sleeve on three retail (platinum hits) versions.  If you can find this complete you might even get lucky and receive the good value on it.

Edit- My AC3 just got accepted as well which is good since that one had the wrong UPC (it was an all zero UPC that probably came from a CE but I got off AWD).

 
Last edited by a moderator:
EldritchOnRye said:
Potentially good one if you want to risk a little.

:360: Capcom Platinum Hits Triple Pack $28.42 up $14.81

DMC4 is part of the 3 for $10 promo right now, Lost Planet is $2 at GS, and Dead Rising is $5. Acceptable TIV is $21.73 so you have to put out $9.30 but if they accept them like the FaceBreaker/Stoked combo at acceptable that's a decent turn around.

Update- Just watched an unboxing on this and it's a cardboard sleeve on three retail (platinum hits) versions. If you can find this complete you might even get lucky and receive the good value on it.

Edit- My AC3 just got accepted as well which is good since that one had the wrong UPC (it was an all zero UPC that probably came from a CE but I got off AWD).
Click to expand...
Hmm i bought that pack 3 years back for $30,really liked all the games so i dont think ill trade it in.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Deader2818 said:
How do you reprint a shipping label if you are over the 7 days to print it out?
Click to expand...
Open the shipping label for a different trade-in, then replace the trade-in ID in the URL with the one you want.

The trade-in ID starts with TRN; you can find it to the left on your trade-ins page and at the end of the shipping label URL.

 
I gambled and won big! Both my Rock Revolutions got accepted as 'Good', one Wanted got accepted as 'Good', the other 'Acceptable' because it was missing a manual, and last but not least, Tomb Raider got accepted as 'Good'.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Status
Not open for further replies.
bread's done
Back
Top