Amazon Trade-In FAQ 5.0

Status
Not open for further replies.

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
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:
Emailed Amazon about the $20 credit and they issued me amazon credit for 20 without a hitch.  Thanks for the heads up

 
Last edited by a moderator:
I bought Rayman Legends for the Vita with this code. However since the $10 off didn't appear and I contacted them about it, they decided to give me the game for free. Not bad

 
Can someone explain the Kmart 3DS cases to me? Which cases can I trade in to Amazon and what are the items listed as in Amazon's trade in store? Searching this thread is tough because "3DS" is invalid due to only being three characters and "case" gets unrelated results.

(Also, I'm just assuming Amazon is where you guys are trading the cases. If you are actually trading it to somewhere else just let me know)

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Can someone explain the Kmart 3DS cases to me? Which cases can I trade in to Amazon and what are the items listed as in Amazon's trade in store? Searching this thread is tough because "3DS" is invalid due to only being three characters and "case" gets unrelated results.

(Also, I'm just assuming Amazon is where you guys are trading the cases. If you are actually trading it to somewhere else just let me know)
http://www.amazon.com/Nintendo-Official-Elite-Transporter-Case-3DS/dp/B004OQML9Y/ref=trdrt_list_asin

WOW THE VALUES TANKED NOOOOOOOO. Now they better accept them or I'm gonna be pissed. I will complain!!!! Man it sucks I didn't get to get in on the TIV when it was $38.xx though

 
Emailed Amazon about the $20 credit and they issued me amazon credit for 20 without a hitch. Thanks for the heads up
Son a b****
"If your order qualifies but you're still having trouble, please place your order and write back to us with the order number and information about the promotion. After confirming the eligibility of your order, we'll apply the promotion for you."

They have to f* up again before my credit has to be applied correctly, which they will since I checked my videgame/software credit balance is zero, where it was 20 before 1/31.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Tru. Always gotta look at the bright side of things lol. Can't really complain about anything else this year really after that deal
I was totally grumpy all day after BBY yanked my chain for 6 hours on the Rivals deal but this made it all better. Especially since if BBY had let me order then I wouldn't have had the money to get the 3DS.

 
I'm glad I locked in the $38 value on the case as soon as I bought it at Sears yesterday. Between 3 Sears and 3 Kmart stores I only managed to find 1 case but I'll be happy if they don't reject it.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
I was totally grumpy all day after BBY yanked my chain for 6 hours on the Rivals deal but this made it all better. Especially since if BBY had let me order then I wouldn't have had the money to get the 3DS.
6 hours? Honestly unless you feel like your time is worth < $10 / hour you would've been better off paying retail.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I'm not sure I'd have the guts to ask my local gamestop nerds for copies of 'Winx: Join the Club - yeah, the one with all the twinkling princess fairies or something on the cover. My friend and I want to be able to trade clothes and pets to display in our virtual dorm room using the psp's adhoc connection, so of course I need two copies.' I mean, I would be so embarrassed to admit that I have a psp!

 
I'm not sure I'd have the guts to ask my local gamestop nerds for copies of 'Winx: Join the Club - yeah, the one with all the twinkling princess fairies or something on the cover. My friend and I want to be able to trade clothes and pets to display in our virtual dorm room using the psp's adhoc connection, so of course I need two copies.' I mean, I would be so embarrassed to admit that I have a psp!
I am totally picking it up to fli ... I mean for my niece. ;)

 
Man, completely missed that thread up until you mentioned it and stores near me had some. Lost cause now. Did you get lucky enough to snag some? Hell of a deal for those that did.
Man, I saw the thread soon after it was active, ordered the XL on my phone for store pickup, and still missed out somehow because I never got a confirmation email, there was nothing for me to pick up at the store, and the rewards points I supposedly used ($0.22 worth) were available to use when my mom made a separate purchase later that day. Oddly enough, I got a "confirmation" number, so I might contact CS with it and see if it corresponds to something.

But anyway, we can both go cry in the corner for missing out. :cry:

 
Man, I saw the thread soon after it was active, ordered the XL on my phone for store pickup, and still missed out somehow because I never got a confirmation email, there was nothing for me to pick up at the store, and the rewards points I supposedly used ($0.22 worth) were available to use when my mom made a separate purchase later that day. Oddly enough, I got a "confirmation" number, so I might contact CS with it and see if it corresponds to something.

But anyway, we can both go cry in the corner for missing out. :cry:
Reading through that thread other folks in your predicament just went to the store and found out that the orders were waiting in a cage at layaway so yours might be there as well. Also, some folks are getting e-mails this morning as well so you never know.

 
Reading through that thread other folks in your predicament just went to the store and found out that the orders were waiting in a cage at layaway so yours might be there as well. Also, some folks are getting e-mails this morning as well so you never know.
OK, but did anyone else say that they can't find any record of their order at mygofer.com? There's literally nothing under my account. :???:

I'm not holding my breath, but it'd be nice if I got a pickup confirmation email anyway.

 
OK, but did anyone else say that they can't find any record of their order at mygofer.com? There's literally nothing under my account. :???:

I'm not holding my breath, but it'd be nice if I got a pickup confirmation email anyway.
That I don't know for sure since I was just skimming through the thread (mostly beginning and the end). Last couple of pages of that thread mentioned something about it so if you read it backwards (from the end towards the beginning) you are bound to find something on the said matter.

 
6 hours? Honestly unless you feel like your time is worth < $10 / hour you would've been better off paying retail.
Well it's not like I sat there the whole time clicking refresh, I had a plug-in doing that for me. Just that over the six hours or so before I gave up on it for good that it would every now and then pop back available for shipping and I would frantically try to get it and fail because they wouldn't take PayPal from me for that one item.

 
Well it's not like I sat there the whole time clicking refresh, I had a plug-in doing that for me. Just that over the six hours or so before I gave up on it for good that it would every now and then pop back available for shipping and I would frantically try to get it and fail because they wouldn't take PayPal from me for that one item.
I figured it was either hyperbole or a gigantic waste of a Sunday - certainly no reason to be grumpy Sunshine! I happened to be awake at 3am or some such thing so I had no problem getting mine, but your story is why I always keep bby gift cards on hand now since I can never get credit cards or paypal to work on the first try. I don't know if they meant to nuke my account or if they just have problems - usually I can get paypal to work the second or third time I try, but credit cards rarely succeed.

 
I figured it was either hyperbole or a gigantic waste of a Sunday - certainly no reason to be grumpy Sunshine! I happened to be awake at 3am or some such thing so I had no problem getting mine, but your story is why I always keep bby gift cards on hand now since I can never get credit cards or paypal to work on the first try. I don't know if they meant to nuke my account or if they just have problems - usually I can get paypal to work the second or third time I try, but credit cards rarely succeed.
I think it was just that item with my account with the timing of it all because any other item I could check out just fine with PayPal. I wasn't like going to punch my monitor or anything but I definitely was cursing out BBY a couple times after they were a mega cock tease about it and left me blue ballin' for a deal. Standard operating procedure for BBY. GCs would have been nice to have since it was taking those just fine but I only had like $14 on hand after someone accidentally threw away the rest of them thinking they were used and I'm waiting for the replacements.

 
Hmm is Winx club worth driving 18 miles round trip?? I think not lolol

EDIT: Also, http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_from=R40&_nkw=winx+psp&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&rt=nc

o_o

EDIT of EDIT: Well my first trade in experience so far nothing has gone wrong, but I guess there hasn't been time for anything to go wrong. My Supremacy MMA's are now in processing, how long does that usually take? All of my stuff has arrived and I wonder how long it'll take for everything to finally get credited!!! I'm excited but also not expecting much just because of the fails that I've read in this thread.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Last edited by a moderator:
Diehard BlazBlue fans know that the 3DS version is the worst out of all of them, so YMMV on being able to resell it at those high values.
 
I don't follow ighter any more, they keep hashing the same games with different versions

Is that the latest/definitive version of the game? Is there a later version like continuim shift III?

 
I don't follow ighter any more, they keep hashing the same games with different versions
Is that the latest/definitive version of the game? Is there a later version like continuim shift III?
No, it's not, and no, there isn't (technically speaking--there wasn't a Continuum Shift II on consoles, but there was a "sequel" called CS Extend). The latest BlazBlue game, Chrono Phantasma, releases on :ps3: this month. There's an overarching story that gets expanded upon with each game, IIRC, so there isn't just updated characters and/or gameplay mechanics with each entry.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I'm starting to think there's a newbie CAG or SD'er in my area. 2K8 is wiped out from the nearest stores, as are the cheap Wii U's, and the 3DS XLs from all the local KMarts.

 
Had an awesome first trade in experience! They accepted my 3DS cases and Skylanders for full value so now I have around $90 in credit! Now I just need them to accept my Supremacys and I'll be set. I'm confused though because my Supremacys started to process before my other 2 shipments, yet I got the other 2 shipments just processed and credited right away. I really wonder why.

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