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.
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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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If you use UPS, they pay and you cant print a pre-paid shipping label.

If you use USPS, you pay.
I printed the label and I went to ups I was told that the label wasn't a ups label so I dropped it of at a mail box and it got returned to me with a 2.50 tag
 
I printed the label and I went to ups I was told that the label wasn't a ups label so I dropped it of at a mail box and it got returned to me with a 2.50 tag
Either you printed the wrong thing, or the person at UPS was mistaken. Did you look at the label? Was there something on it that led you to believe the post office would take it?
 
How mucked does a game have to be to get graded not acceptable? You know you ain't getting no good copy from Gamestop.

 
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How mucked does a game have to be to get graded not acceptable? You know you ain't getting no good copy from Gamestop.
I'm assuming not that scratched and to just have the cover art and manual.

But again it's YMMV, if its just the case, you can always switch it to make it look cleaner. :p

 
I'm assuming not that scratched and to just have the cover art and manual.

But again it's YMMV, if its just the case, you can always switch it to make it look cleaner. :p
Every acceptable game I've ever gotten from AWD has been game disk only. I'm not sure if that's the norm but it's been the case for the 5+ games I've ordered.

 
Isn't Nier a good game or something? I might get one to keep.

Also, I have a route set to pick up 2 of each Flatout and Nier, excited to send in for moniez!!

EDIT: Got my Supremacys credited! Was a little hassle having to printout the cover art and shit, and it's kinda shady, but I doubt anyone would want it from AWD. Got them both accepted for good. this is such excite

 
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Games only have to be shipped by the deadline right? They don't actually have to reach Amazon in a week do they? That'd make for some tight scheduling  depending on where you live.

 
well I had a "Flatout" interesting experience at my GS today...

I submitted a hold for Flatout at about 10 AM this morning.  Finally was able to get to the store at 8:30 tonight and as I was browsing the shelves before picking up my hold, I saw another copy of Flatout, complete with case and manual.  I grabbed that and then went to the checkout to pickup my hold as well.  Employee saw the pickup email, grabbed a disc only copy from the hold drawer and placed that in the case then tried to charge me for just one copy when I wanted 2.  I explained this to him and he checked the computer for a minute and said that it was the only copy in the store...well if thats the case genius why was there a case out on the store shelves where anybody could pick it up?  Isn't that the whole point of a hold?

Contemplating a bad survey for him.  But at least I got a complete copy of the game which will be an easy $10 flip (though I had to use real money since I didnt have my PUR card with me  :wall:)

 
Man I went to 2 gamestops that had Nier but both were incomplete. Next time imma call before heading over. Gonna pick up Flatout and Nier from 2 other gamestops that have em both. Hopefully they'll be complete. I'm wondering if all this driving is worffff

 
Man I went to 2 gamestops that had Nier but both were incomplete. Next time imma call before heading over. Gonna pick up Flatout and Nier from 2 other gamestops that have em both. Hopefully they'll be complete. I'm wondering if all this driving is worffff
Get a motorcycle. Better mpg and riding around for deals/flipping is fun :)

 
I'd forgotten I'd picked up a cheapo copy of Nier from AWD a while back. Then like an idiot I decided to read up on the game again and I'm not sure I want to let it go if it's getting harder to find. It looks cool! But it has 4 endings or something that each build on each other and takes 60+ hours? Yikes.
 
I'd forgotten I'd picked up a cheapo copy of Nier from AWD a while back. Then like an idiot I decided to read up on the game again and I'm not sure I want to let it go if it's getting harder to find. It looks cool! But it has 4 endings or something that each build on each other and takes 60+ hours? Yikes.
PLAY IT. It's so freakin' amazing! I 100%'d it on :360: and loved it so much that I'm willing to go for the platinum in the :ps3: version (I already have another complete copy to send to Amazon, and I hope to find one more).

 
It's a pretty good game! If you have time you should at LEAST get the first playthrough done, it'll probably leave you with questions to make you get the other endings :lol:

Also, it does not take 60 hours to get the full story, really. I think I did a lot of in sub 30 hours.

If you want to platinum it though, that will take some time since there are things you have to really wait for and missable trophies etc.

 
well I had a "Flatout" interesting experience at my GS today...

I submitted a hold for Flatout at about 10 AM this morning. Finally was able to get to the store at 8:30 tonight and as I was browsing the shelves before picking up my hold, I saw another copy of Flatout, complete with case and manual. I grabbed that and then went to the checkout to pickup my hold as well. Employee saw the pickup email, grabbed a disc only copy from the hold drawer and placed that in the case then tried to charge me for just one copy when I wanted 2. I explained this to him and he checked the computer for a minute and said that it was the only copy in the store...well if thats the case genius why was there a case out on the store shelves where anybody could pick it up? Isn't that the whole point of a hold?

Contemplating a bad survey for him. But at least I got a complete copy of the game which will be an easy $10 flip (though I had to use real money since I didnt have my PUR card with me :wall:)
All of my stores do that actually. Once in awhile the employee will pull the complete copy aside for me but in my experience they just put the disc aside only. But yeah I get what you're saying, a customer can essentially snap up a complete copy before you get there if there was more than 1 copy at the store.

 
All of my stores do that actually. Once in awhile the employee will pull the complete copy aside for me but in my experience they just put the disc aside only. But yeah I get what you're saying, a customer can essentially snap up a complete copy before you get there if there was more than 1 copy at the store.
Well they shouldn't because if they've confirmed the hold and it's not even close to 48 hours they're supposed to deny the walk in. If they did that then you buy something for a dollar and light them up.
 
Out of the 8 Gamestops that are near me, none had complete copies. Not a big deal since each store only had one copy each, so I felt lucky to get them regardless.

 
Well they shouldn't because if they've confirmed the hold and it's not even close to 48 hours they're supposed to deny the walk in. If they did that then you buy something for a dollar and light them up.
In your situation. let's say I put an online hold for Rein. If it's the only copy left and the case is left out on the floor, the walk in would get denied anyways since they always set aside the actual game disc for online holds. If there were two copies, then in my original example is that the walk in would get the complete copy (the shelf copy) first and I would potentially be stuck with a generic case.

In the end, I still get the game but since it's a preowned game, there is no guarantee that I'll get it complete since they don't distinguish any difference in terms of value (i.e. they both ring up the same at the register).

 
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Well if they had one copy only I suppose you could argue that but let's say in your situation I put a hold on Rein. If it's the only copy left and the case is left out on the floor, the walk in would get denied anyways since they always set aside the actual game disc for online holds. If there were two copies, then in my original example is that the walk in would get the complete copy (the shelf copy) first and I would potentially be stuck with a generic case.

In the end, I still get the game but since it's a preowned game, there is no guarantee that I'll get it complete since they don't distinguish any difference in terms of value (i.e. they both ring up the same at the register).
Well unless they know you by name I think you're 50/50 at best on getting the generic copy anyway since they're just going to pull it from the drawer. They don't take the cases off the floor most of the time becayse they're not supposed to have empty spots and they don't want to have to adjust.

 
If you know they have a complete copy, or any piece you're looking for in particular you can just ask them for it.

If they have a complete copy and they refuse to give it to you in favor of a generic case for whatever reason, then burn um on the survey, if only a little. There's no reason they can deny that unless they're being a stubborn asshole. Even if they want to keep it as a display copy, they shouldn't walk the sale or risk getting a bad survey.

In any other case, including the online hold, it's luck or first come first serve. Even if it's held, unless you call the store directly and ask to hold the original case, if someone walks in before you they could get it.

 
that seems to be the case with almost all of their worthwhile PS2 trades.

just about every one i looked at is selling on eBay for up to 1.5-3x the TIV.

 
I'd forgotten I'd picked up a cheapo copy of Nier from AWD a while back. Then like an idiot I decided to read up on the game again and I'm not sure I want to let it go if it's getting harder to find. It looks cool! But it has 4 endings or something that each build on each other and takes 60+ hours? Yikes.
You don't have to play through the game four times. Three of the endings happen after you've been through the majority of the game, and you go back to that point to start the game again if I remember correctly. The combat's boring, but the characters and music and story are so damn good. You need to move this to the top of your play list.

I 100%ed it on 360, and loved it so much that I platinumed it on PS3 as well, back when I only played my PS3 for exclusives. I don't remember it being 60 hours, but if it was, it was worth it.

 
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You'd probably be better off selling that if you can score a complete copy. Also, PS2 games are 75% off at GS now, so it should be $1.50...if you can find it. ;)
Didn't know they were going for a pretty penny. I have a mint copy obtained via a sale from back in the days when ps2s and gamecubes reigned supreme. Looks like some rpgs (such as this) have become vintage collector items and holding value / rising in value. Don't plan on trading it but it is good to know. Thanks Vigilante!

 
PLAY IT. It's so freakin' amazing! I 100%'d it on :360: and loved it so much that I'm willing to go for the platinum in the :ps3: version (I already have another complete copy to send to Amazon, and I hope to find one more).
Agreed 100%! That and Lost Odyssey on 360 were amazing. Well worth checking out.

 
I'd forgotten I'd picked up a cheapo copy of Nier from AWD a while back. Then like an idiot I decided to read up on the game again and I'm not sure I want to let it go if it's getting harder to find. It looks cool! But it has 4 endings or something that each build on each other and takes 60+ hours? Yikes.
I really liked Nier (played on the 360). I thought it had an awesome story and the extra endings and playthroughs do really give something extra - even though you can just youtube the different parts. I think it is the 2nd playthrough that gives you subtitles for what the baddies are saying, so you really look at them completely different.

 
It would be great if Amazon would accept all of my stuff at once instead of one thing at a time.  Means that the rest of my stuff probably won't be accepted until at least Monday now.  :roll:

 
In your situation. let's say I put an online hold for Rein. If it's the only copy left and the case is left out on the floor, the walk in would get denied anyways since they always set aside the actual game disc for online holds. If there were two copies, then in my original example is that the walk in would get the complete copy (the shelf copy) first and I would potentially be stuck with a generic case.

In the end, I still get the game but since it's a preowned game, there is no guarantee that I'll get it complete since they don't distinguish any difference in terms of value (i.e. they both ring up the same at the register).
thanks Donut. You explained this better than I did. I did end up checking today and my GS listed Flatout as OOS, so I did get the last copy. I get why they'd wanna keep the case and just give me a disc only copy, but it really is just sloppy that a GS wont remove the case from the shelf if its the last one. Even just toss it in the back or something so that nobody else comes along after I picked up the disc only copy, gets to checkout, and it turns out there's no copy in the store. Thats a bad situation for the customer and Gamestop itself.

But, anyway, since I found the case it is no issue. Will gladly take my profit and move on!

 
My NBA2k13 Dynasty that I had locked in for $75 from August was accepted today....I sent it in a couple weeks ago.
How were you able to print the shipping label? Not only that, but how did the trade-in offer not expire? I could have sworn the trade offer expired after a set amount if time.

I want to believe.
 
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