Amazon Trade-In FAQ 5.0

Status
Not open for further replies.
handsomepete

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
Click to expand...
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:
Upvote 0 Downvote
The 3DS Elite Transporter Case has rebounded from its tank and is $27.69 for those who might be sitting on them or can still find them at Sears/Kmart.
 
I got my rock revolution back today. Sent a factory sealed copy, got back an opened one with a large "incorrect edition" sticker over the upc. I think "Ashley" is sick of being fucked with.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Or cut out the UPC code from the cover art. I did that with a Tony Hawk Shred Bundle. I submitted it as acceptable and they took just the game. Although it was only $3.xx for the bundle versus $0.25 for game only so it wasn't that much value.
 
YoshiFan1 said:
Or cut out the UPC code from the cover art. I did that with a Tony Hawk Shred Bundle. I submitted it as acceptable and they took just the game. Although it was only $3.xx for the bundle versus $0.25 for game only so it wasn't that much value.
Click to expand...
While that still works, I think it looks more suspicious. You're trading it in as Acceptable anyway, so why not throw out the cover art completely?

 
Now that you mention it, it does sounds like it could cause problems. Next time if I try something like that again, I won't send the cover art at all.
 
I'm going to put the disc in an old empty case and send it back in. I'll keep the cover art in case it gets returned again. SOLVED!

I"m not going to cut out anything, I think that is trying to be deceptive. If I send in the game only I am playing by their rules, since they set the condition guidelines.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
So my xbox 360 4gb holiday bundle and it worked perfectly and I entered the trade in for amazon I was wondering If I should remove the warehouse stickers on it??? 

 
lakers714 said:
So my xbox 360 4gb holiday bundle and it worked perfectly and I entered the trade in for amazon I was wondering If I should remove the warehouse stickers on it???
Click to expand...
I wouldn't, unless they'll come off easily (highly doubtful). I've had no problems with keeping the AWD stickers on my boomerangs and having them accepted.

 
Vigilante said:
I wouldn't, unless they'll come off easily (highly doubtful). I've had no problems with keeping the AWD stickers on my boomerangs and having them accepted.
Click to expand...
Okay thanks I appreciate the reply its a nice boomerang, Im just deciding if the box is sturdy enough to ship back

 
Does anyone  have a list of the games that the latest $10 credit can be used for? I remember Infamous and Dark Souls II from this list but there were a couple of other games. The list was removed from the site.

 
Electroplasm said:
Does anyone have a list of the games that the latest $10 credit can be used for? I remember Infamous and Dark Souls II from this list but there were a couple of other games. The list was removed from the site.
Click to expand...
I think Driveclub :)ps4:) was another one.

Check if you actually have the $10 credit by ordering DS II or InFAMOUS and going to the final checkout page (without placing the order). If you don't see the "Promotional Credit Applied" (or something like that) message, you'll have to contact Amazon CS about the missing credit. I had to do that when the $10 wasn't appearing when I attempted to preorder InFAMOUS.

 
Vigilante said:
I think Driveclub ( :ps4:) was another one.

Check if you actually have the $10 credit by ordering DS II or InFAMOUS and going to the final checkout page (without placing the order). If you don't see the "Promotional Credit Applied" (or something like that) message, you'll have to contact Amazon CS about the missing credit. I had to do that when the $10 wasn't appearing when I attempted to preorder InFAMOUS.
Click to expand...
Thanks, the $10 credit seems to have been applied OK to my Infamous CE order just now. Was going to wait for a price drop but I decided to get the CE for $70 (paid in gift card credit) since it is sold out everywhere else.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
ThatOneGuyWho said:
My 2 PS3 AC2 / DS3 has been processing for two days and it's killing me. Not complaining, I know it takes 3 - 4 days but there is a N10 32GB used for $300 that I want to buy now before someone takes it.

Anyways

PlayStation Vita First Edition Bundle TIV 169 LN

Logitech PlayStation 3 Driving Force GT Racing Wheel TIV $91 LN

South Park: Stick Of Truth (PS3) TIV $39 Good
Click to expand...
How did you send these, the PS3 AC2 / DS3? Just game and controller only? And the game, was it a complete case or did you cut out the UPC or anything?

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Leilas_Dad said:
How did you send these, the PS3 AC2 / DS3? Just game and controller only? And the game, was it a complete case or did you cut out the UPC or anything?
Click to expand...
Just the controllers (no box) and both games were complete.

No need to cut anything, it's just a regular non-GH AC2.

I can't find this game anywhere but it trades in for $18.

El Chavo Kart PS3

 
Last edited by a moderator:
You're right, it was released for XBox 360 only as a downloadable game. It may have been released for PS3 as a download too but I didn't see anything about it.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
SadPanda99 said:
Well I "searched" eBay, found it cheaper, used paypal, got fatwallet cash back, received the items in plenty of time. Without the need to expend gas driving the multiple GS stores (assuming I had credit)

However, they sent the wrong item. It could happen to anyone.
Click to expand...
So you're stuck with two of the wrong item and will be missing the trade. But hey, you saved money on gas, and $3 on top of it. Totally worth it.
 
Damn I love this thread. Spent $80 on stuff to trade in and got $150 from it. Just got my Nexus 10 32GB in the mail for $230 after credit. Saved $100+.

So far I've gotten a PS4 for $180, Batman: AO CE for $47, Nexus 4 16GB and oCosmo 32in 720p HDTV for $120+, etc. Save so much money from Amazon trade in's (along with some BB trade in's converted to Amazon GC's).

The Nexus 10 32GB was the last thing I wanted. Still going to do some epic trade in's but just to build up credit.

1477771_591912697569761_29739561_n.jpg


 
Last edited by a moderator:
ThatOneGuyWho said:
Damn I love this thread. Spent $80 on stuff to trade in and got $150 from it. Just got my Nexus 10 32GB in the mail for $230 after credit. Saved $100+.

So far I've gotten a PS4 for $180, Batman: AO CE for $47, Nexus 4 16GB and oCosmo 32in 720p HDTV for $120+, etc. Save so much money from Amazon trade in's (along with some BB trade in's converted to Amazon GC's).

The Nexus 10 32GB was the last thing I wanted. Still going to do some epic trade in's but just to build up credit.

1477771_591912697569761_29739561_n.jpg
Click to expand...
There's supposed to be a refresh of the Nexus 10 coming up soon, you might have saved a bit if you had waited a couple of months. -Might be an 8.9 inch tablet instead of a 10, never mind.

I do need to get myself a larger tablet, as much as I love my N7, I miss having a larger screen to use.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Flash15 said:
Does anyone know the list of new release games for the $10 promo?
Click to expand...
These are the ones I know or gleaned from other posts in this thread:

-InFAMOUS: Second Son

-Driveclub

-Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z

-Elder Scrolls Online

-Dark Souls II

I don't know if there's another or if that's all of them.

 
kitsunisan said:
There's supposed to be a refresh of the Nexus 10 coming up soon, you might have saved a bit if you had waited a couple of months. -Might be an 8.9 inch tablet instead of a 10, never mind.

I do need to get myself a larger tablet, as much as I love my N7, I miss having a larger screen to use.
Click to expand...
They've been saying that for months... if and when a new one actually comes out, it will likely be $500 just like the N10 1st gen was when it launched. I still paid only $230 for it and it will last me for years to come just as I got my Nexus 4 16GB for $200 (before trade in credit) when the Nexus 5 was out. You can barely get it for $200 now.

I actually gave away my Nexus 7 32GB b/c it was too small. Coming from a 10in tab to a 7in just doesn't feel right. Waited to get a N10 and love the bigger screen and faster power.

 
My PS2 was deemed "unacceptable", never seen that reason before. Last time when I sent in a working PSOne they said it wasn't working and sent it back. I still haven't successfully sent in a console. Both systems had 1 controller, worked, RCA/RV, and power cord and locked in as "acceptable".

 
Last edited by a moderator:
When trading in a PS3 bundle do you need the box it came with? Do you need the original version of the game (MGS4)? Does that game need to be in a case?

 
Last edited by a moderator:
matrix9280 said:
When trading in a PS3 bundle do you need the box it came with? Do you need the original version of the game (MGS4)? Does that game need to be in a case?
Click to expand...
1. If you want to get any value greater than Acceptable, yes.

2. It helps.

3. If you want to get any value greater than Acceptable, included games should be in a case (assuming they were originally in cases when the bundles were sold in stores).

 
Status
Not open for further replies.
bread's done
Back
Top