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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Off topic. Digging your new avatar pic deal hunter. Also, coincidentally I was browsing for deals on Amazon and noticed your avatar name. You sell stuff on Amazon? I know Spooge and couple others here sell on Amazon and I trust the folks I know. It's good to know if I ever need to shop for deals from fellow CAGs that I know here or there.

 
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DealSeeker2U said:
Off topic. Digging your new avatar pic deal hunter. Also, coincidetnally I was browsing for deals on Amazon and noticed your avatar name. You sell stuff on Amazon? I know Spooge and couple others here sell on Amazon and I trust the folks I know. It's good to know if I ever need to shop for deals from fellow CAGs that I know here or there.
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Thanks for the avatar compliment--I figure since Armature's Mega Man X reboot, Maverick Hunter, was canned, I'll use the awesome artwork for X. :)

I do sell things on Amazon, but under the name Cloud_Squall78.

 
Vigilante said:
Thanks for the avatar compliment--I figure since Armature's Mega Man X reboot, Maverick Hunter, was canned, I'll use the awesome artwork for X. :)

I do sell things on Amazon, but under the name Cloud_Squall78.
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is this you on amazon?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/shops/storefront/index.html?ie=UTF8&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sellerID=A2932ZXKRK6UN2

funny comment i found:

  • "Hello I. Need a new box from my box is no good in I. Will give you your box back"
  • Clinton w., September 30, 2012
 
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Vigilante said:
Thanks for the avatar compliment--I figure since Armature's Mega Man X reboot, Maverick Hunter, was canned, I'll use the awesome artwork for X. :)

I do sell things on Amazon, but under the name Cloud_Squall78.
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Yup, that was the avatar name (as in your 360 / ps3 handle, not your CAG name that I should have been clear about) I was referring to.

 
YBX87 said:
is this you on amazon?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/shops/storefront/index.html?ie=UTF8&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sellerID=A2932ZXKRK6UN2

funny comment i found:

  • "Hello I. Need a new box from my box is no good in I. Will give you your box back"
  • Clinton w., September 30, 2012
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DealSeeker2U said:
You don't waste any time and that was it. Except the listing that lead me to his profile is gone / sold. It got me chuckling since I know how and where it came from.
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^First off, you know me well. ;)

Yeah, that was for Cat Planet Cuties: Complete Series (BR+DVD). I had gotten it in used condition (what I'd consider "Very Good" in that it didn't come with the original outer case but was otherwise in great shape) at a cheap price and was hoping to sell it. That user bought it, I shipped it to him, and out of nowhere, he asked for a refund (I would have preferred he not give me a "3" feedback rating, though :bomb:) because the box was "all smashed up". I asked him to submit a picture of the box since it had definitely not been in that condition when I shipped it, and I thought it possible that it had been damaged in transit.

His response (note that this was on 10/1 of last year):

"Ok I will ups it on the 5th ok"
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I asked him to show me proof of the item's condition before shipping it back, and he responded by asking how he could ship it back. Slightly annoyed by this, I stated that I couldn't do anything until he showed me the item's condition with an image; he responded with

"I don't have a camera so I can't not send you a pic of the DVD box set the only thing I can do is send it back to you"
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I then asked him to describe as best as possible the condition of the item:

Top right is ruin the bottom back is smashed in that all
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At this point, I relented (something about the guy didn't feel right, so I wanted to get the item back and be done with the whole thing) and told him that I would issue the refund once I received the item back from him (I informed him at the outset that he would have to pay for the return shipping, but that it would be the reasonable First Class rate).

Eventually, I got the item back, and...it was exactly how it had been when I shipped it, with no part of it "ruined" or "smashed in". I guess the guy just didn't want it anymore. Fortunately, I was able to sell it to someone else later on and had a much smoother experience.

Sorry for the off-topic talk. :oops:

 
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Vigilante said:
^First off, you know me well. ;)

Yeah, that was for Cat Planet Cuties: Complete Series (BR+DVD). I had gotten it in used condition (what I'd consider "Very Good" in that it didn't come with the original outer case but was otherwise in great shape) at a cheap price and was hoping to sell it. That user bought it, I shipped it to him, and out of nowhere, he asked for a refund (I would have preferred he not give me a "3" feedback rating, though :bomb:) because the box was "all smashed up". I asked him to submit a picture of the box since it had definitely not been in that condition when I shipped it, and I thought it possible that it had been damaged in transit.

His response (note that this was on 10/1 of last year):

I asked him to show me proof of the item's condition before shipping it back, and he responded by asking how he could ship it back. Slightly annoyed by this, I stated that I couldn't do anything until he showed me the item's condition with an image; he responded with

I then asked him to describe as best as possible the condition of the item:

At this point, I relented (something about the guy didn't feel right, so I wanted to get the item back and be done with the whole thing) and told him that I would issue the refund once I received the item back from him (I informed him at the outset that he would have to pay for the return shipping, but that it would be the reasonable First Class rate).

Eventually, I got the item back, and...it was exactly how it had been when I shipped it, with no part of it "ruined" or "smashed in". I guess the guy just didn't want it anymore. Fortunately, I was able to sell it to someone else later on and had a much smoother experience.

Sorry for the off-topic talk. :oops:
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I read that one and it stands out only because the buyer does sound off. It's cool to know the whole story. I have read some of Sp00ge's and some of them are certainly cringe worthy at how dimwitted / scummy some folks can be no matter where. Sorry pete for going off topic. Nothing really is happening on AWD side (tad bit worrisome). ;)

 
Yeah. It wasn't Stellar. I remember that you made someone in another thread mad and they called you mask-air-dick. Pretty funny.

 
mask-air-raid said:
Was it the stoner or some random guy who wanted to be internet tough guy? I remember a random guy calling me an ass for no reason. It was weird. I think he may have been wanting umbry's affection.
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It wasn't stoner and I am surprised you missed it as I have seen it a few times as well (GS thread, BB Trade in Thread). Most recently it was in the BB $30 coupon sub renewal thread but the mods have deleted the post since I wanted to see who it was.

 
Maybe b/c it's the holidays but my shipment for 2 Black Wii's and 2 Halo Reach Headset's that were delievered 2 days ago has yet to start processing. Going to contact customer service again and see what happens.

I made sure to verify that I can trade in the 2 Wii's w/o any cords via a CSR and get acceptable. Hoping to use that information if they reject the consoles. 

Anyone know if I need the box for the headset's to get good condition. They just came with the headset and USB cable. I'll deal with acceptable though.

 
Yigytugd said:
Maybe b/c it's the holidays but my shipment for 2 Black Wii's and 2 Halo Reach Headset's that were delievered 2 days ago has yet to start processing. Going to contact customer service again and see what happens.

I made sure to verify that I can trade in the 2 Wii's w/o any cords via a CSR and get acceptable. Hoping to use that information if they reject the consoles.

Anyone know if I need the box for the headset's to get good condition. They just came with the headset and USB cable. I'll deal with acceptable though.
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2 days? Uh give it more time dude
 
DealSeeker2U said:
Off topic. Digging your new avatar pic deal hunter. Also, coincidentally I was browsing for deals on Amazon and noticed your avatar name. You sell stuff on Amazon? I know Spooge and couple others here sell on Amazon and I trust the folks I know. It's good to know if I ever need to shop for deals from fellow CAGs that I know here or there.
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I know what you mean, when I first started on here I was hitting up the trading thread and the lowballs bigtime, (I had a serious influx of spare $ from fotus armor codes from halo 4, long story) and CAGs are great to deal with, like it surprised me because it mostly goes off trust, but I would much rather buy from one of us than a random on amz/ebay, I cooled down a bit since I managed to get in on much of the crazy summer flips, and have pretty much filled out my retro backlog (and more new games than I know what to do with). But there really should be a list of CAGs on amazon, we use our credit, they get cash, win win!

 
Jaashuaa said:
Everything I bought today (prime) said it wouldnt be here until the 24th. So I think you're already out of luck.
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I have Prime so I should be good if it's processed by Sunday or Monday.

WkZdQAF.png


 
Ya I know what it says. All im saying is my orders say they wont be here until the 24th. Dont care really they're just more power supplies. Lol
 
Ugh, bad luck with a chat tonight.  I have a trade-in that has been sitting at "processing" for over a week now (despite 3 other items I sent at the same time that were delivered at the same time being processed on Tuesday) and asked the rep what was going on and he keeps trying to tell me that it wasnt delivered.  Now he wants me to wait till after Christmas to contact :(

 
^Spoke to a CSR and he told me they do not do trade in processing on the weekends, only Monday - Friday. Sucks since I doubt we'll have our stuff processed by Monday night which means paying for day one shipping if you want it before Christmas. Exactly what I was afraid about.

 
Yigytugd said:
^Spoke to a CSR and he told me they do not do trade in processing on the weekends, only Monday - Friday. Sucks since I doubt we'll have our stuff processed by Monday night which means paying for day one shipping if you want it before Christmas. Exactly what I was afraid about.
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Got a game processed an hour ago.
 
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