Amazon Trade-In FAQ 5.0

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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
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!

 
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I just noticed that I set the Borderlands 2 Loot Chest trade-in to return items if they don't meet the standard, yet when I check the trade-in page, it says "return downgraded items." Only happens with this item, so it's probably a glitch.

 
Wow those 3DS Elite cases actually went up in TIV. $31.xx now, I should've checked again before shipping them out today.
Well poop.

What happened with defiance?
Like 247 said but Amazon also price matched it, I only think the first couple people got through then it was mass rejections. It happened a few other times over the summer where that happened with similar circumstances but I'm drawing a blank on which items it was specifically since I sat most of them out after the Defiance thing.

Where are you guys getting the 3DS cases?
Kmart and Sears clearance.

 
I guess its a good thing they just remove the trade-in option for games when they get a lot in. The last thing I want is for Amazon to send me back two copies of Supremacy MMA. I cannot think of a worse fate.

 
Had my BandFuse from Gamestop accepted for the $20 PSN promo. Now just need to figure out what to spend it on. I wish NBA 2K14 PS4 was just a bit cheaper. I already have it on disc. For $20 I could see maybe getting the digital version and selling the disc. $30 (plus the $20 promo) is just a but too much though. I'd do Lego Marvel if it was more in the $15 range after promo (it is $25).
 
Amazon accepted my ACIV limited edition as acceptable with all the extras removed but not my Arkham Origins collectors edition. I'm gonna send it in one more time to see if they take it, was marked as wrong UPC.
 
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How long is it taking to get back rejected items now a days?  I've hit about 4 weeks with no tracking information/items but it seems like it was longer for some folks.

 
My Gamecube's (complete w Black controllers w/o Smash) sent in as acceptable were rejected for "wrong item". I don't see how since they weren't even delivered yet. Tracking still shows just the label being made since no shipments can leave GA yet.

 
My Gamecube's (complete w Black controllers w/o Smash) sent in as acceptable were rejected for "wrong item". I don't see how since they weren't even delivered yet. Tracking still shows just the label being made since no shipments can leave GA yet.
That's slightly hilarious and a whole new level of nonsense.
 
That's slightly hilarious and a whole new level of nonsense.
This is what customer service said.

[SIZE=9pt]"Thank you so much for your patience name, I do appreciate it. I have looked into this for you and found the information as you mentioned. There might have been a tracking glitch, but I have reviewed the information and can confirm that the items were received and processed and were graded as "wrong item, incorrect version"[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]I do apologize for this issue Dave, but if you are certain that the items are the correct ones, you are more than welcome to resubmit them once you have received them."[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Continuing to talk to them and it looks like they graded someone else's item as my own. They say I shipped it on the 22nd but I shipped it on the 27th. Shipments haven't left or entered GA since the 28th (the day UPS could have picked it up). Rep is telling me to wait and see if the situation changes but what happens when I [/SIZE]receive[SIZE=9pt] someone else's item which is more than likely not a Gamecube.[/SIZE]

 
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This is what customer service said.

"Thank you so much for your patience name, I do appreciate it. I have looked into this for you and found the information as you mentioned. There might have been a tracking glitch, but I have reviewed the information and can confirm that the items were received and processed and were graded as "wrong item, incorrect version"
I do apologize for this issue Dave, but if you are certain that the items are the correct ones, you are more than welcome to resubmit them once you have received them."


Continuing to talk to them and it looks like they graded someone else's item as my own. They say I shipped it on the 22nd but I shipped it on the 27th. Shipments haven't left or entered GA since the 28th (the day UPS could have picked it up). Rep is telling me to wait and see if the situation changes but what happens when I receive someone else's item which is more than likely not a Gamecube.
You complain about the epic screwup and get full credit and keep the item?
 
I received my TigerDirect.com order (only 2 days after I placed it :shock:), and everything looks to be in order--the UPC on the 5-in-1 matches the correct item, so I'll just use the same box and ship it off to Amazon over the weekend. Easy ~$26 profit. :bouncy:

 
I received my TigerDirect.com order (only 2 days after I placed it :shock:), and everything looks to be in order--the UPC on the 5-in-1 matches the correct item, so I'll just use the same box and ship it off to Amazon over the weekend. Easy ~$26 profit. :bouncy:
Lucky.

Mine's scheduled to be delivered on the 5th

 
[SIZE=9pt]Continuing to talk to them and it looks like they graded someone else's item as my own. They say I shipped it on the 22nd but I shipped it on the 27th. Shipments haven't left or entered GA since the 28th (the day UPS could have picked it up). Rep is telling me to wait and see if the situation changes but what happens when I [/SIZE]receive[SIZE=9pt] someone else's item which is more than likely not a Gamecube.[/SIZE]
I want to see what you, if anything, you actually get back.

 
Anybody notice the page for Amazon's Best of 2013 is gone?  Today is the last day to apply the $10 and I can't find the page.

 
Anybody notice the page for Amazon's Best of 2013 is gone? Today is the last day to apply the $10 and I can't find the page.
It didn't work since the 1st of January anyway. I meant to complain again to get them to apply it but found the lot of it so uncompelling that I forgot.

 
It didn't work since the 1st of January anyway. I meant to complain again to get them to apply it but found the lot of it so uncompelling that I forgot.
Screw that! I just chatted with a rep and they said they have to have a game rep to contact me. I told them I wouldn't have made my trade if I there wasn't a promo in the first place.

 
Here's to hoping its a PS4! But seriously, it'll either be my items (not likely) or some random Gamecubes. Anything else and I'd be surprised.
Unless you're showing an actual tracking number for the returned items, I'm willing to bet it's just a glitch in the system and you won't be getting anyone else's stuff shipped back to you. I've had trade-ins go into "Processing" before they were even shipped before because of some kind of glitch with the trade-in order number. Once my items got there and were actually processed however, everything worked itself out (this has happened 2 or 3 times). Unfortunately for you, if your trade-in is already glitched as "Rejected - Wrong Item" then the items you send in now (the ones you shipped on the 27th) will just be returned to you as soon as they receive them because the system will think you're sending in extra items on an already rejected trade-in.

But in 14 days, when your rejected trade still doesn't have any tracking info for the returned items, contact CS again and they'll credit you the full amount for the trade because your items are essentially lost in their system. Basically, you should be fine. You'll likely get the full credit and your GameCube systems back because of the glitch. Just wait a while...

 
How long is it taking to get back rejected items now a days? I've hit about 4 weeks with no tracking information/items but it seems like it was longer for some folks.
Once it took them 2 months until they finally shipped out my return. Once the tracking is added onto the trade item, that's when you'll know they've shipped it back out to you.

 
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Not a flipperdoodle but it is a free rental at least if anyone wants to check it out while waiting for Bravely Default (or a sale):

Final Fantasy The 4 Heroes of Light $12.99 Used

Amazon TIV $13.67

The $13.67 is the acceptable value since I doubt you'll find the case at GS and if you do then you're just silly to trade it to Amazon since it sells used for $30-40 if it's complete.

 
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Not a flipperdoodle but it is a free rental at least if anyone wants to check it out while waiting for Bravely Default (or a sale):

Final Fantasy The 4 Heroes of Light $12.99 Used

Amazon TIV $13.67

The $13.67 is the acceptable value since I doubt you'll find the case at GS and if you do then you're just silly to trade it to Amazon since it sells used for $30-40 if it's complete.

Wow. Thanks for the heads up. I got a new copy on eBay a few years ago that I still haven't opened yet. It has the poster so I bet it's worth a lot.

 
Wow. Thanks for the heads up. I got a new copy on eBay a few years ago that I still haven't opened yet. It has the poster so I bet it's worth a lot.
Now's the time to strike. It's been getting a lot of recognition as being one of the more under appreciate RPGs on the DS because Bravely Default is about to come out it's basically the sequel to 4 Heroes.

 
Not a flipperdoodle but it is a free rental at least if anyone wants to check it out while waiting for Bravely Default (or a sale):

Final Fantasy The 4 Heroes of Light $12.99 Used

Amazon TIV $13.67

The $13.67 is the acceptable value since I doubt you'll find the case at GS and if you do then you're just silly to trade it to Amazon since it sells used for $30-40 if it's complete.
Thanks Eld, I was about to make a silly move. :dunce: (no sarcasm, literally was about to be dumb haha.)

 
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Of course I found that because I wanted to play the game while hoping to score a damaged CE of BD and now the one GS with a copy near me says they can't find it.

 
Posted in the original thread, but it was moved.
So FYI :

From the thread for this deal on SD, someone reported their promo credit missing from their account.
CS told him the credit expired last night.

Sure enough mine is gone too.
So it looks like these are all zeroed out.
 
Posted in the original thread, but it was moved.
So FYI :

From the thread for this deal on SD, someone reported their promo credit missing from their account.
CS told him the credit expired last night.

Sure enough mine is gone too.
So it looks like these are all zeroed out.
Which credit? The $10 one for the editor's choice thing that hasn't worked since the end of December and was supposed to expire 1/31 or the $20 PSN one that's supposed to expire the end of this month?

 
I was hoping Amazon wised up on this one. I guess that'll teach me to be optimistic. :bomb:
Yeah... I gave up on that a while ago with these promos. There were good deals last week and they matched all the PSN flash sales so I didn't see the sense in taking the chance and getting run around like with the $10 credit.

 
They just gave me a $20 general credit for anything to my account.
Dude on SD got $30, man...dang. lol

You may have more leverage if you buy something from the Digital Store before bitching.
 
They just gave me a $20 general credit for anything to my account.
Dude on SD got $30, man...dang. lol

You may have more leverage if you buy something from the Digital Store before bitching.
CS gave me $20 general promo credit without batting an eye. That's more than fair! I just wish they'd fix the promos. As much as I like getting these narrow credits converted to general use credits, I don't want to get labeled as a "bad" customer with too many CS contacts.

 
CS gave me $20 general promo credit without batting an eye. That's more than fair! I just wish they'd fix the promos. As much as I like getting these narrow credits converted to general use credits, I don't want to get labeled as a "bad" customer with too many CS contacts.
IMO, you're only labeled a "bad" customer for that reason if you contact CS more frequently than you order things through Amazon--if you're a regular, loyal customer who typically doesn't have problems, you shouldn't have any reason to worry.

 
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