Amazon Trade-In FAQ 5.0

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handsomepete

handsomepete

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Welcome to the Official CAG Amazon.com Trade-In Thread

THIS IS NOT A FLIPPING THREAD. USEFUL CREDIT TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES WELCOME, BUT KEEP THE PROFIT MARGIN TALK / SNEAKY OR LYING SHENANIGANS OUT

Hey trade-in pals! SENDING THINGS IN DISC / CARTRIDGE ONLY / GENERIC CASE NO MANUAL / ANYTHING BUT COMPLETE COULD RESULT IN REJECTION. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS. YOU MIGHT GET ACCEPTED, YOU MIGHT NOT. NO ONE KNOWS. IF YOU CUT OUT A UPC OR DO ANYTHING TO TRICK THE FINE(?) FOLKS AT AFS EXPECT IT TO BE OPENED AND REJECTED. THERE ARE NO HARD AND FAST RULES. IF IT IS ACCEPTED, IT WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY ONLY BE CONSIDERED "ACCEPTABLE." RISK YOUR TIME AND EFFORT AT YOUR PERIL!

I'm getting an acceptance rate of about one per day; it makes me think some supervisor is standing around with a glass of absinthe next to a couple of dumptruck loads of games...while the one responsible for the glitch is made to scan each item and recite its TIV with tears in their eyes. - Indigo_Streetlight
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Amazon.com Trade-in Home Page

------- FAQ BELOW - LEAVE ME ALONE PLEASE -------
Useful links:

-- BlueLobstah

-- CheapAssGamer

THANKS TO DISILLUSION386 and GI60 FOR POSTING AND MAINTAINING THE PREVIOUS AMAZON TRADE-IN FAQ THREADS

This thread’s primary purpose is to discuss Amazon.com’s video game trade-in program. Conspiracy theories about AFS smashing games before sending them back / stealing children / sneezing and touching public door handles / etc welcome, but try to avoid going nutso. PLEASE READ THE TRADE-IN DEAL DETAILS AND FAQ BEFORE ASKING ANY QUESTIONS.
Trade-In Procedure

1. SELECT ITEMS: Search for items to trade in. Your trade-in items must meet the product eligibility criteria.
2. SHIP GAMES FREE: Print a shipping label and packing slip, package your games, and ship them
3. GET A GIFT CARD: An Amazon.com Gift Card will be deposited into your account upon receipt of games

Shipping Instructions

1. Print this entire page. (Packing slip and shipping label once you have submitted a trade)
2. Cut out the shipping label and the packing slip.
3. Make sure your items are in good working condition and include the case and cover art.
4. Securely pack the items in a box or envelope and include the packing slip in the package.
5. Attach the shipping label squarely onto the outside of the package and add your return address.
6. Take it to your nearest UPS Store and mail it by (one week from submission of trade)
7. Or you can ship to:
note to self: look up new address
Trade-In Product Eligibility

Trade-in items must match the exact version displayed in the Amazon Trade-In Store, not be damaged, include original packaging (e.g. the manual, cover art, and case), and be postmarked no later than 7 days after submission. You will receive an e-mail confirmation and an Amazon.com Gift Card will be deposited into your account within 2 business days of item receipt and verification by the merchant. Items not accepted by the merchant will be returned to you approximately 14 days after receipt.
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GENERAL FAQ (Updated 12/26/2012)
Can I post a question on this thread?
Only if you can't find the answer from below. And please let me know if it needs to be added to FAQ.

Can I edit this FAQ? (updated 6/7/11)
You bet!

Since when did Amazon start doing trades?
The program began in 2009 and is handled by a third party merchant, previously known as NorAm International. Now known as AFS (Amazon Fulfillment Services).

What kind of shipping does Amazon provide us?
Free UPS ground ---- USPS is no longer available for free. There is now also an option to provide your own shipping.

Do I have to provide my own box or envelope?
Yes.

Do all my games in the same trade-in submission have to be shipped in the same box? (updated 3/9/11)
Not necessarily - people have sent in multiple boxes for the same trade-in submission successfully. It's even possible to send half at one time and the other half at the end of the valid shipping period. However, it's probably best to always ship everything at once.

Can I put separate trades in to a single box? (updated 6/7/11)
Sure, and they'll likely be accepted just fine. However, it isn't recommended since you would only have proof that you sent one of the trades (whichever mailing label you used). So it can be pretty risky.

Can I send in sealed games?
Yes. They won't reject games that still have the original shrink wrap.

Can I add Delivery Confirmation and Insurance to my shipment?
UPS Ground already provides you with tracking information, and I imagine you could get some sort of insurance added at a UPS store or location if you were so inclined.

I don't trust UPS ground. Can I pay for postage myself? What's the address?
Yes. You're more than welcome to do so. Just use the address on the amazon provided shipping label and make sure to get some sort of tracking.

When do I have to send my games once I have submitted my trade order?
You have 1 week (7 days) to send your games. There have been reports of submitting trades up to 15 - 20 days late, but that is definitely ymmv and not in the written rules. Send on time for the best chance at success!

Crap, I have one day to go before my shipment deadline, but the website states that my deadline has already passed. How do I print out a shipping label and packing slip? (Updated 9/9/13)
Load up any existing order (if you don't have any, check your browser's history or just submit a new one to use the link), and substitute the transaction ID for the trade-in order you need at the end of the URL.

Some step by step directions:
1. Go to your trade-in page on Amazon and find the Trade-In ID of the transaction:

Trade-In Placed:

August 24, 2013

  • Total Amount Submitted: $35.00
  • Amount Paid: $0.00
2. Copy the entire Trade-In ID (i.e. TRN-1234567-1234567) to your clipboard by highlighting it and hitting Ctrl+C or right click -> copy with your mouse

3. Paste the Trade-In ID to the end of this link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/tradein/multicondition-your-account/print-label/ref=trdrt_ya_yaprnt?ie=UTF8&orderID=

So it should look like this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/tradein/multicondition-your-account/print-label/ref=trdrt_ya_yaprnt?ie=UTF8&orderID=TRN-1234567-1234567

The Print Shipping Label screen for that trade should now come up.

How long does the whole trade-in process usually take?
From the time you send in your games, it may take up to 14 business days for the package to arrive. Most people usually receive their credit (Amazon GiftCard) in 3 to 5 business days, however.

How long does the "processing" status usually take? (Updated 10/11/12)
Usually a day or two with little delay at all. It may take multiple days or even weeks if it's an usual item/hardware.

My games were received on Friday (based on Delivery Confirmation), will I have to wait until Monday to receive credit?
People have received credit on a Saturday.

I do not have the manual, cover art, or original case for a game I want to trade in. Will they accept it? (updated 6/9/11)
While the details specifically state that original packaging is necessary, people have reported in the past that their trades were accepted despite missing some of these. This is extremely YMMV, however since some were also rejected by missing manual or cover art. On the other hand, older gen games; such as SNES, N64, and GB cartridges, normally get accepted without the original box and manual, but still YMMV.

It should be noted that with the new condition requirements (see later in the FAQ), you may be able to send an item in missing some or all of the required items (manual / cover art / case) and still have it accepted in "Acceptable" condition.

I do not have the manual, accessories, original box, original included game, etc for a console or accessory I want to trade in. Will they accept it? (updated 3/9/11)
The current wisdom is "probably not" - it's pretty YMMV but AFS seems stricter than they should be on this. Your chances seem to be better for them accepting a console or accessory without the box / manual / etc if it's older generation or rare. You're more than welcome to give it a shot though if you're feeling lucky - just pack it well and include as much as you can! Don't expect greater than 'acceptable' condition though.

My game is really beat up, what are the chances they’ll accept it?
This is YMMV. Some people have reported in the past that they sent in games in bad shape that were still accepted. Your best bet is still to trade in games in mint condition. Minor scratches are expected as these are used games.

My game came with DLC codes and I used them. Will my game be accepted? (Updated 12/28/11)
It is expected that included DLC codes have already been redeemed, so you should be fine. It is a kindness however if you have no use for it to not redeem it and let the next lucky soul who buys it from awd or wherever have a crack at it. Up to you!

My cover art (PLATINUM HITS) differs from the pic on amazon, will my trade be accepted?
It all depends on the UPC so just turn your game around, type in the UPC into the amazon search box. If the game comes up, then it's accepted regardless of cover art. Click on that result to submit your trade.

I have a game from a limited edition bundle, will they accept it?
If the game’s cover art has a UPC barcode, they will most likely accept it. If your game's cover states "Not for Resale" and does not have a UPC barcode, the game will most likely get rejected. Some people have had their games accepted in the past, but this is very YMMV.

The UPC barcode is not intact on my game's cover art, will that be accepted? (updated 3/9/11)
This is YMMV, but probably not. The UPC is all powerful within the walls of AFS..

I sent in my games, all of which were in pristine condition with the original packaging, but they said that one game is damaged and is now being returned.
Always pack your games well. Put a lot of newspaper around your games in the box to secure them and to prevent any damages from haphazard box cutting. People in the past have requested their entire trade-in order if it’s obvious the damage wasn’t their fault, and Amazon ended up accepting the rejected game. This is YMMV as well.

Can I trade in multiple copies of the same game?
Yes. Once you click “Trade in” for a particular game, you may change the quantities. Once you submit, you can no longer change quantities on that trade-in batch.

How many multiple copies of the same game can I trade-in (updated 1/11/11)?
Maximum of 2 copies within 3 a month period.

I locked in X copies of a game but I now only have Y available to send. Can I just send in Y without being penalized? (updated 3/9/11)
Yes, you can always just send in a portion of your trade-in order and they'll just credit you for whatever they receive. However, the quantities you submitted for will stay locked in that instance (I think) so if you, for example, submitted for 2 copies and only sent 1, you may not be able to trade any more copies of that game for 3 months (see previous question).

Will the Trade-in of the Day TIV stay for 24 hours?
It's been reported that there is a limit (maximum # of copies) that will get the promoted TIV so lock yours.

So if I find a good flip, I can just send 2 copies of that game and not worry about Amazon accusing me of stolen merchandise?
Technically yes, but do keep in mind that other CAGs might want to participate in the current deal, and trading in a large number of the same game will definitely lower the TIV of said game. Let’s be nice to other people. This is probably moot for most folks now with the per account / address trade-in limit.

Wow, these TIVs suck (updated 3/9/11)!
Really? Hrm. While that may be true, they're often better than other comparable places. Your options of what to do with your used games are greater now than they've ever been, so feel free to shop your trades around or just sell them off on glyde/ebay/whatever. Also, not a question.

What the fuck? The TIV of a game I just bought for this deal tanked! What do I do?
The TIVs on Amazon fluctuate depending on the number of trades that are submitted, and we really can’t do anything about it. The best course of action for trading in games is to lock in your trade if you already have the games or are absolutely sure that you can obtain them. You can always cancel the trade submission if you end up not finding the games.
LOCK = SUBMIT YOUR TRADE, Don't just put it in the cart.

Can I edit a submitted trade?
Nope - once upon a time you could modify trade in quantities of submitted trades, but that ability has been removed.

Can I use my credit on items that are not video game-related?
Yes. This is the other perk for trading in games at Amazon since you're not limited to just video games.

Can I use my credit on items sold by third-party merchants on Amazon?
According to the fine print of the Amazon gift card use, some merchants are excluded. Your best bet is to try it on the checkout page of your order.

Strategy guides? I can trade in game/strategy guides? Whaaaaa?
Go to the Textbook Buyback section (http://www.amazon.com/Textbooks-Trad...ode=2205237011[/URL]). You can either search on the title of a strategy guide you have to see if they'll accept it, or search for guides. The two best search strings to start with are 'prima guides' and 'bradygames'. Might try 'doublejump' if you want to trade in some of those. (Thanks eugaet)

I locked in some hilariously overvalued trade for some weird rare game/accessory/etc that I can pick up for cheap cheap cheap. They didn't accept it. What should I do? (updated 3/9/11)
The truth is that AFS can reject things for any reason they see fit. While some people have managed to get silly things like a $200 credit for some cheerleading game (or for a PS2 - just ask io!), it's sooooooo YMMV that often it's not worth the effort. EXPECT REJECTION ON THINGS THAT ARE CLEARLY MISVALUED. That said, as long as you're willing to risk it, go for it!

What's all this item condition nonsense? And how can I get screwed over by it? (updated 6/9/11)
We're still kinda sussing out the details surrounding the new item condition portion of Amazon Trade-Ins, but it looks like there's a couple things to consider:
Good Condition eligibility (games):
- The video game, original manufacturer packaging and all original elements are included, but shows wear from normal use
- Game still plays perfectly
- Disc may have light scratches and other elements may have minor damage
- Item may have been personalized (marked or identified)

Acceptable eligibility (games):
- Game still plays perfectly
- Item may have been personalized (marked or identified)
- Item may be missing or have irreparable damage to one or all of the following: case, manual, artwork, bundled accessories, UPC

Note that a game will almost certainly not be accepted if it meets any of these conditions:
- Game does not play perfectly
- Disc is cracked
- Marked Not for Resale (or is otherwise marked not for sale)

Consoles/accessories have some slightly different criteria, but the idea is the same.

Did it seriously just ask me if I wanted my game / other item returned if they refuse to give me credit for it? (updated 6/9/11)
Yes, that just happened.

Unless you're purposefully sending them things you deem to be trash, please remember to choose the option that has them return your item to you during the checkout phase.

Who is AFS? (updated 9/14/13)
Amazon Fulfillment Services (previously known as NorAm). Dunno if they changed names, were bought up by Amazon, or what. Not too interested anyhow.

Why does my package jump back and forth between states? (updated 9/14/13)
Look at a map of the involved cities and it'll make sense. Something to do with UPS hubs and proximity to the state border/cities.

Post away!

 
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slowdive21 said:
Ugh, day 9 for my DS console, i think they are holding it until it expires.
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When does it expire? Contact AMZ via chat before it expires and explain how long the item's been stuck in Processing (you can reference your delivery date on the trade-in tracking). Just let them know that you're inquiring into the status of your trade-in. I think you'll be pleasantly suprised by the results.

 
This is what it says on amazon:

Transaction Status:

Verified and Processed
1 Item Submitted
Expired: 1
 
 
 
Got the email a few mins ago:
Acceptable

-

Expired - Late Item
Now the TIV dropped, so I may actually complain if it doesnt get accepted in a few days, since it sat there for at least a week.

 
slowdive21 said:
This is what it says on amazon:

Transaction Status: Verified and Processed
1 Item Submitted
Expired: 1



Got the email a few mins ago:
Acceptable - Expired - Late Item
Now the TIV dropped, so I may actually complain if it doesnt get accepted in a few days, since it sat there for at least a week.
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I've had stuff change from expired after they finally grade it, but you are probably best off chatting with CS just in case.
 
Two days without a bump? This is sad. Remember the good ol' days when it would always be on the first page? I mean I never even see Eldritch around anymore. Sad days. Amazon you disappoint.

 
Sending in my gamecube tomorrow. I even included the acceptable guideline and highlighted that it still meets the requirements. I'm sure it will be rejected, but I have to try.

 
Liquid Metal said:
Rock band keyboard bundle is back to being a decent flip again. A remainder since I missed out the first time, do I lock it in as "iike new" and let them adjust the tiv to "acceptable" or do I simply lock it in as acceptable?

http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Keyboard-Software-Bundle-PlayStation-3/dp/B003RS1970/ref=trdrt_list_asin
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When I sent my two "bundles" in last year--the keyboards still sealed and RB3 copies in complete condition--I got the Like New values for both, so I'd go with the former option just so you don't miss out on any profit.

I'm glad I'm able to trade in two more of these now that enough time has passed. :bouncy:

 
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This is even more than last time. They were $95 for LN when I traded in October/November. Looks like I'll be on the hunt for some complete copies of Rock Band 3. Thanks for posting.

 
if your stores are cleaned out from the last trade in, walmart has them for $37+tax w/ free site to store shipping. that's the cheapest I could find as a second source.
 
kickrockz713 said:
Thanks. Seems like every store has the keyboard, just need some Rock Band 3 games.
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I was able to pull off two like news with just the keyboard back when this was firsted mentioned in november I think it was.

 
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Liquid Metal said:
Rock band keyboard bundle is back to being a decent flip again. A remainder since I missed out the first time, do I lock it in as "iike new" and let them adjust the tiv to "acceptable" or do I simply lock it in as acceptable?
http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Keyboard-Software-Bundle-PlayStation-3/dp/B003RS1970/ref=trdrt_list_asin
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Nice, thanks. I've got a couple around me.

handsomepete said:
if your stores are cleaned out from the last trade in, walmart has them for $37+tax w/ free site to store shipping. that's the cheapest I could find as a second source.
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http://www.walmart.com/ip/Rock-Band-3-Wireless-Keyboard-PS3/15119034
 
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so if I am attempt to trade in keyboard only what condition should I lock the trade in at then? cause I would try sending the game to but the game expensive even used every place

 
dreamer131313 said:
so if I am attempt to trade in keyboard only what condition should I lock the trade in at then? cause I would try sending the game to but the game expensive even used every place
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Just lock it in at Like New with "Do Not Return". That way you should (hopefully) at least get Acceptable. You might even get Like New like Miken did.

 
I just don't wanna run the risk of getting stuck with 2 crappy rock band 3 keyboards -_-
 
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Abeja said:
The keyboards are 19.99 at Gamestop. Even if it just gets graded as Acceptable it would still be 70 in credit
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it's just an asinine abuse of the system, but I've always hated that nonsense since people have started doing it and I realize it's pointless for me to mouth off about it since amazon keeps letting them slide so I'll shut up now.

but more to the point, rb3 :ps3: is about $27 after bday coupon at gs, less if you have pur which would bump that $70 up over $100. I find rb3 copies semi-frequently for $20-$25 at half price books (they usually sit there long enough to wait until a coupon hits). just picked up a mint rb3 off craigslist for $10.
 
Abeja said:
Yeah but where are you getting Rockband 3? Everywhere its super high


The keyboards are 19.99 at Gamestop. Even if it just gets graded as Acceptable it would still be 70 in credit
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I can understand where Pete is coming from. It's a douchey move. I remember when some cags bought the RB keyboard from AWD and got stuck with just the keyboard only. So they had to return it while inconvenienced and took a hit on their Amazon account because of it. If you're going to do it then it's on you - nobody can stop you but no doubt it is a douchey move regardless. This is why it's a sore spot for some because people that never keep up with this thread will bring this up time and time again. So of course somebody is going to ask this question again in 3 weeks. No doubt about that.
 
Donut2922 said:
I can understand where Pete is coming from. It's a douchey move. I remember when some cags bought the RB keyboard from AWD and got stuck with just the keyboard only. So they had to return it while inconvenienced and took a hit on their Amazon account because of it. If you're going to do it then it's on you - nobody can stop you but no doubt it is a douchey move regardless. This is why it's a sore spot for some because people that never keep up with this thread will bring this up time and time again. So of course somebody is going to ask this question again in 3 weeks. No doubt about that.
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really? Isnt that what condition implies? Acceptable meaning some things are real shitty or not included?

 
So far it's just one person who said they got anything from trading in just the keyboard. I'm gonna need more evidence if I'm to move forward with this deal.

 
Donut2922 said:
I can understand where Pete is coming from. It's a douchey move. I remember when some cags bought the RB keyboard from AWD and got stuck with just the keyboard only. So they had to return it while inconvenienced and took a hit on their Amazon account because of it. If you're going to do it then it's on you - nobody can stop you but no doubt it is a douchey move regardless. This is why it's a sore spot for some because people that never keep up with this thread will bring this up time and time again. So of course somebody is going to ask this question again in 3 weeks. No doubt about that.
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In no point in your post did you mention Amazon's responsibility.

 
Abeja said:
really? Isnt that what condition implies? Acceptable meaning some things are real shitty or not included?
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lol that why I never buy nothing acceptable condition on awd to begin with unless it dirt cheap then I decide if it worth the risk now. Since acceptable usually always is missing something and that the reason it acceptable anyhow
 
Is no one else bothered by the constant talk of ripping amazon off, followed by the poor sap who buys the "acceptable" item with no clue it can be missing the critical part. It's not that fucking hard to find both parts and send it in complete. Do a little hard work for god sake. 

 
SadPanda99 said:
Is no one else bothered by the constant talk of ripping amazon off, followed by the poor sap who buys the "acceptable" item with no clue it can be missing the critical part. It's not that fucking hard to find both parts and send it in complete. Do a little hard work for god sake.
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Merica'

Survival of the fittest not even once

Of course I don't agree with ripping off amazon,

But I mean acceptable, is acceptable, it's in the description?

 
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matrix9280 said:
In no point in your post did you mention Amazon's responsibility.
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Well sure it's Amazon's responsibility ultimately for whatever trades and sales they make off this but it doesn't mean that people that are a part of it are clear of blame. It takes two to tango. My point again was that it's douchey. Never compared it to some bannable offense. It's just super sketch if one was to go about it and turn a blind eye thinking it's a totally cool thing to do. It's just common sense if you provide something that you'd be unhappy with on the receiving end that it's douchey. That's all.

Also, you're putting too much faith in a billion dollar company that takes in software bundle trades through a process that's ultimately determined by some random grader that gets paid $15/hr. If it was totally fine then you would never see people post about their 10 rejections from other bundles. This probably accounts for .01% of their revenue. Not everything is going to be coded correctly. There's always loopholes. This trade itself is a giant loophole. There is no such thing as an official RB3 keyboard bundle in the first place. If I wanted to commit return fraud at Best Buy, I could easily do so but I don't feel like it's Best Buy's sole responsibility to cover their bases on their random promotions either. Some of it's going to be on me.
 
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Abeja said:
really? Isnt that what condition implies? Acceptable meaning some things are real shitty or not included?
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lmao...are you seriously struggling to define the word "acceptable". So, if you bought the keyboard and game bundle...and didn't receive the game, that would be "acceptable" to you?

 
well technically a official rock band 3 keyboard bundle doesn't even exist only on ps3 only xbox 360 and wii had a release the ps3 version was canceled in the united states.

 
Technicalities are the domain of the morally bankrupt.  And why most people are not too fond of lawyers.

I'm a fucking Atheist and I think I have more morals than most so called christians. What would Jesus do... 

 
Amazon videogame condition guidelines from their site:

  • Used - Acceptable: You must note whether the box or instructions are missing in the condition notes field. Activation codes for bonus online content may be missing or expired. Product may not include downloadable content.
  • Unacceptable: Video games without essential accompanying material are not permitted. This does not necessarily include the box or instructions.
 
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