Amazon Trade-In FAQ 5.0

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handsomepete

handsomepete

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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
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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.
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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!

 
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GF_Eric said:
I'm not planning on going through CS to get credit for my Forza 5. I kind of think it is pushing it a bit to ask for credit when they're already returning the game to me. As long as it makes it back to me in good shape (better still be sealed ...) I can go sell it / trade it elsewhere.

I'll save up my whining to CS karma for when they really screw up on something.
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I sent in my already opened copy and bought a reg edition at BB that's already been opened. If it was still sealed then I wouldn't worry about. If they decide to credit me, they can keep the game. I don't want it back.
 
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After getting nowhere with the Amazon reps just repeating the samed canned response my stuff was graded and accepted. It changed from expired to processing to accepted. Well that was good since I ended up with 3 packages sitting there for more than a week. I guess from now on I better be better on making sure mailing stuff out right away and not give it a week or so. Between shipping it over Christmas it took 2 weeks from me sending it out to getting to the processing stage.

 
I just went to trade in a $20 game and got this promo.

"$20 bonus credit toward PlayStation Digital Content when you trade in $20 of video games and gear."

Is this a new promo or one I missed?

 
Shot down for incorrect UPC after relisted.  Relocked with the $20 promo, although I'll probably be waiting until Blurnsday to get my stuff back.

 
I bought a Street Fighter Fightstick in Good condition from AWD and flipped it right back. I was expecting $130 for good, but they downgraded me to acceptable at $99. Still some profit made, and probably too suspicious to chat and tell them I bought it from them at that condition and traded it right back in.

 
Kinda off topic, but I have noticed that my prime shipments have been frequently taking more than two days lately. I have called/chatted with support a few times about it. I never really asked for credit for it, but I have been getting it from them. I now scared of the ban hammer dropping on me. Is getting credit for late shipments usually a red flag or soon to be a cause for a red flag on my account?

 
lastemp3ror said:
Kinda off topic, but I have noticed that my prime shipments have been frequently taking more than two days lately. I have called/chatted with support a few times about it. I never really asked for credit for it, but I have been getting it from them. I now scared of the ban hammer dropping on me. Is getting credit for late shipments usually a red flag or soon to be a cause for a red flag on my account?
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If you feel like they're giving you too much, they probably are. Just scale back on complaining for a while and you'll be fine. Is the package showing up on day 3 instead of day 2 really causing you harm? If not, skip complaining about it.

 
handsomepete said:
If you feel like they're giving you too much, they probably are. Just scale back on complaining for a while and you'll be fine. Is the package showing up on day 3 instead of day 2 really causing you harm? If not, skip complaining about it.
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Not causing me harm obviously. However the fact that things have been generally late is what I was complaining about, not individual occurrences. Maybe it was a stupid question on my part, but it is a service that I am paying for. Anyhow, I will take your advice as I think it is a sound idea, just so I can play it safe.

 
handsomepete said:
Shot down for incorrect UPC after relisted. Relocked with the $20 promo, although I'll probably be waiting until Blurnsday to get my stuff back.
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I wonder if the UPC listed on Amazon is correct? I can't find the UPC of the Day One edition when I look up eBay/half listings.

It's also possible the grader for today was just a strict one too.
 
Donut2922 said:
I wonder if the UPC listed on Amazon is correct? I can't find the UPC of the Day One edition when I look up eBay/half listings.

It's also possible the grader for today was just a strict one too.
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hastings lists the upc as 885370661491 which brings up both Forza 5 versions on amazon. irritating.
 
Donut2922 said:
I wonder if the UPC listed on Amazon is correct? I can't find the UPC of the Day One edition when I look up eBay/half listings.

It's also possible the grader for today was just a strict one too.
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I just got Your trade-in has been received and processed for my Forza Motorsport 5 Day One Edition. $50.57 Gift Card Deposited. I submitted it December 22 and mailed it out December 30.

 
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handsomepete said:
hastings lists the upc as 885370661491 which brings up both Forza 5 versions on amazon. irritating.
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What's interesting is that the UPC brings up both listings, indeed.

However, is that the actual UPC of the Day One edition? I'm pretty sure that the Day One edition has a different UPC than the standard one so my guess is that the goHastings UPC is not the same one as the actual Day One UPC. The test would be typing in the Day One UPC into the search database but since a lot of us don't have that on hand at the moment, the mystery continues.

My Ryse Day One trades were just accepted literally an hour ago.
 
jetsaredim said:
Question: For the $5 off 2013 bestseller promo deal, what are the eligible titles? The link in the email only lists PC games...
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You mean for the 2013 Editor's Choice games?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_397955742_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1000728511&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-5&pf_rd_r=1K286KWRQ92CG1VW0178&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1711272062&pf_rd_i=979455011

Yes, those are only PC games. That what the deal was. Every digital video games purchase made entitles you to a $5 credit. Not stackable. Hope this helps.

 
Donut2922 said:
What's interesting is that the UPC brings up both listings, indeed.

However, is that the actual UPC of the Day One edition? I'm pretty sure that the Day One edition has a different UPC than the standard one so my guess is that the goHastings UPC is not the same one as the actual Day One UPC. The test would be typing in the Day One UPC into the search database but since a lot of us don't have that on hand at the moment, the mystery continues.

My Ryse Day One trades were just accepted literally an hour ago.
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Standard edition should be 885370661521. Hastings is a fairly reliable resource for this sort of thing.

 
Jaashuaa said:
I just went to trade in a $20 game and got this promo.

"$20 bonus credit toward PlayStation Digital Content when you trade in $20 of video games and gear."

Is this a new promo or one I missed?
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Good Find!

Here is something to trade:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Divinity-II-Dragon-Knight-Xbox-360/dp/B004JHJHCC

GS: http://www.gamestop.com/xbox-360/games/divinity-ii-the-dragon-knight-saga/89919

When I traded that in today it was eligible for the Playstation $20.

 
Whew good thing they fixed the Forza. Mine actually should be delivered tomorrow. When I go back to the trade in page, everything is back to normal. When they scan the paper left inside it should pull up the games right? On the paper it doesn't say what's being traded.
 
Vigilante said:
I noticed this morning that the TIV rose a very slight amount for that, so I canceled my original trade and relocked it, and I never even noticed the promo. :oops: That's a pretty sweet bonus.
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Good call, had one locked in at the same TIV but that gets me the promo. Also some Interpol style detective work may get you a testament about a dragon saga as part of a B2G1. Assuming they're still available like when I ordered mine.

Oh and the page for the promo looks like it might also covers PS+ subs if there's nothing good on sale by the time we get the promos.

 
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EldritchOnRye said:
Good call, had one locked in at the same TIV but that gets me the promo. Also some Interpol style detective work may get you a testament about a dragon saga as part of a B2G1. Assuming they're still available like when I ordered mine.

Oh and the page for the promo looks like it might also covers PS+ subs if there's nothing good on sale by the time we get the promos.
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Not only that, but I was able to heroically PowerUp my B2G1. :D

...It's not very high anymore, sorry. :cry:

 
DeliveryPizza said:
You mean for the 2013 Editor's Choice games?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_397955742_2?ie=UTF8&docId=1000728511&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-5&pf_rd_r=1K286KWRQ92CG1VW0178&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1711272062&pf_rd_i=979455011

Yes, those are only PC games. That what the deal was. Every digital video games purchase made entitles you to a $5 credit. Not stackable. Hope this helps.
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So, purchase something off Amazon's PSN store and get $5 off a PC game? What a ridiculous promotion. Not that I bought my 2 1-year PS+ subs for the promotion, but still...

 
Loner1 said:
Ps3 Killzone 3 bundle $202
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004K324MK/?tag=scurker-20
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Great find. I locked in an acceptable one. I have KZ3, and the 160GB slim. Now I have 7 days to think if I want to get rid of it and grab one of those 500gb bundles I see floating on AWD from time to time. Would it be better to just upgrade the 160gb to 500gb or trade it in and pay the difference? Keep in mind this PS3 barely has any miles on it.
 
I still have my forza day one I got scared and was suppose to send it out today. The game is  in my car and its late right now. But I will post the upc tomorrow

 
lastemp3ror said:
That promotion ended at the end of the year no? That is what the details say and that is probably why you can't apply it.
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No, that's not it. That deadline is for trading in the games to qualify.

In the terms, it says "Promotion code can be used only toward the purchase of qualifying item listed above shipped and sold by Amazon.com and will expire at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) on January 31, 2014."

 
Just locked in Divinity 2 at $20.7x something and 2 minutes later it dropped to $18.xx  Now to hope they accept it as good and I get that $20 promo.

 
Thanks for the heads up on Rayman, will order it for PS4 and try and get the $10 off.

lastemp3ror said:
That promotion ended at the end of the year no? That is what the details say and that is probably why you can't apply it.
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The credit was supposed to work until the end of this month but it expired at the end of January.

 
Vigilante said:
I suppose you mean "December"? :roll:
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Yeah, something like that. Was trying to watch a movie at the time.

Breezy ( :whistle2:k) from Amazon is apparently having trouble figuring out why it's not working.

Edit- She said she couldn't do anything and is referring me to their promotions team who are supposed to get back to me in the next 1 to 2 days. Would be nice if these promos just worked like they were supposed to instead of being broken as often as not.

 
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