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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matrix9280 said:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzpndHtdl9A
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Because douche's ruin it for everyone. I just had some asswipe try and scam me on eBay. Claimed the code didn't work but wasn't smart enough to realize the game showed on his xbox profile as redeemed. I got the fucker banned for fraud on eBay.

 
SadPanda99 said:
Because douche's ruin it for everyone. I just had some asswipe try and scam me on eBay. Claimed the code didn't work but wasn't smart enough to realize the game showed on his xbox profile as redeemed. I got the fucker banned for fraud on eBay.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNt0anp7WK8

 
wtf

Submited a trade on 3-21 for a 60GB PS3 and shipped it just this Monday.

Yesterday it was Received and Accepted  then graded as ....  'Expired - Late Item'.

Anyone ever have them do that ?

 
sladeums said:
wtf
Submited a trade on 3-21 for a 60GB PS3 and shipped it just this Monday.
Yesterday it was Received and Accepted then graded as .... 'Expired - Late Item'.

Anyone ever have them do that ?
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they been doing that alot lately to alot of people they been getting more strick on the ship out by date and the receive by date alot more lately
 
Matrix, you're doing some pretty unscrupulous stuff, but rather than listening to the veterens of this site and stopping what you're doing, you're taunting them with those Youtube clips. Not a smart thing to do.

 
Eternal Session said:
Matrix, you're doing some pretty unscrupulous stuff, but rather than listening to the veterens of this site and stopping what you're doing, you're taunting them with those Youtube clips. Not a smart thing to do.
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Whats wrong with people feeding troll comments? Isn't that like a norm on this and awd thread? :whistle2:

 
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Miken said:
Whats wrong with people feeding troll comments? Isn't that like a norm on this and awd thread? :whistle2:
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*shrug* I would not know. Still kind of new here. I hope not, though. I do not want to read through nonsense similar to what I read in the last few pages of this topic.

 
Eternal Session said:
Matrix, you're doing some pretty unscrupulous stuff, but rather than listening to the veterens of this site and stopping what you're doing, you're taunting them with those Youtube clips. Not a smart thing to do.
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doc_j88 said:
Matrix is always trying to scam somebody in some way shape or form
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Miken said:
Whats wrong with people feeding troll comments? Isn't that like a norm on this and awd thread? :whistle2:
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GamerDude316 said:
hang on, people sent in the rockband bundles without the game?

Damn, thats a dick move.
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SlickAssGamer said:
Matrix is the kind of guy who will send in a USB cable by itself to try and get "acceptable" value for a ps4. ;)
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzfX0T4LDD8

 
My trade in for RB3 Keyboard Bundle expired yesterday but it's only 1 week since I opened the trade in. Just got the games today and will ship on Monday. 

Luckily my friend shipped two copies (CIB) from 2 other stores to his store. Weird thing though, my b-day coupon and $3 off used games coupon wouldn't stack. Not sure what was wrong with that since they always stack.

 
ThatOneGuyWho said:
My trade in for RB3 Keyboard Bundle expired yesterday but it's only 1 week since I opened the trade in. Just got the games today and will ship on Monday.

Luckily my friend shipped two copies (CIB) from 2 other stores to his store. Weird thing though, my b-day coupon and $3 off used games coupon wouldn't stack. Not sure what was wrong with that since they always stack.
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forget where I seen it at but it was posted a couple times that only birthday coupons ending in certain numbers would stack for some reason.

 
ThatOneGuyWho said:
My trade in for RB3 Keyboard Bundle expired yesterday but it's only 1 week since I opened the trade in. Just got the games today and will ship on Monday.
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Something's going on, had a second trade be there and processing at least a week before the expiration and being received as expired. Never had this happen before and I've routinely sent in trades well past the scheduled expiration and has other non-submitted ones expiring abruptly (though not quite a week short). Hopefully this one winds up like the first one and they give me the credit in a few days.

 
The rules say that you have 7 days to ship the product at the certain price. If you don't follow the rules you can get a different price. That's just how the rules work. You can hope that the rules will be bent or broken for you. Sometimes the rules don't work that way. Sometimes the rules are followed. Depends on who's following the rules at the time.

 
It is true that it's 7 days, but it's also true that it expires within 25 - 30 days (I don't remember which exactly). Looks like people are having issues with that though.

 
Sent out 2 RB3 bundles. Grabbed 2 new ones from Gamestop and 2 CIB games. Used the bday coupon on each game. Like $50 for the keyboard and game. Only problem is my one trade in expired so one is locked in for 106 and the other is 81

Also waiting on those Socom bundles to be graded
 
Anyways I had a ROD white xbox accepted as acceptable a couple days ago.  Only thing that I knew worked was the controller and power cord...

Ok fine the TIV was I think 30 or so...  but hey I wanted to get rid of it

 
Finger_Shocker said:
Anyways I had a ROD white xbox accepted as acceptable a couple days ago. Only thing that I knew worked was the controller and power cord...

Ok fine the TIV was I think 30 or so... but hey I wanted to get rid of it
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I got $100 each for two white RROD Xbox' back when bestbuy was giving $100 minimum for them. They didn't even bother checking if they worked. I think they were scrapping them for parts because they DID check if the warranty seal was broken, and it was, they didn't care lol. Walked out of that store with another $200 of SC! :D
 
Yep if you get the keyboard for $20 and Rock Band 3 for about $25 used at Gamestop after bday coupon and PUR. Still a nice flip
 
When trading in a console what condition does the box usually have to be in to get a higher than acceptable grade? I tried to take a sticker off but it ripped off the front side. The rest of the box is solidly intact.

 
matrix9280 said:
When trading in a console what condition does the box usually have to be in to get a higher than acceptable grade? I tried to take a sticker off but it ripped off the front side. The rest of the box is solidly intact.
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stickers/wear are par for the course on the box, completeness is more important. normally I would just leave any price tag/used/etc stickers unless I'm sure they'll pop right off without much effort/damage. I'd still expect you to be fine.
 
handsomepete said:
stickers/wear are par for the course on the box, completeness is more important. normally I would just leave any price tag/used/etc stickers unless I'm sure they'll pop right off without much effort/damage. I'd still expect you to be fine.
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Thank you. That is reassuring.

 
matrix9280 said:
When trading in a console what condition does the box usually have to be in to get a higher than acceptable grade? I tried to take a sticker off but it ripped off the front side. The rest of the box is solidly intact.
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With damage to the packaging, there's a much higher liklihood that you get knocked down to "Good" instead of "Like New" for a console trade-in. Just having the packaging gives you a much better chance of avoiding "Acceptable" though. As always, YMMV depending on individual grader.

 
Sent of the Rock Band bundles. I don't remember the keyboards boxes looking so beat up when I did some last year, but hopefully I still get the like new. If not, the Good value is still higher than the 95 from before.

I don't think there are any keyboards left around here - I'll have to check to see, but I think between last year and this year they are pretty much gone (or close to it). This year and last year every gamestop pretty much says something along the lines of how they can't beleive someone is finally buying that a fter its been sitting there for years.

 
EldritchOnRye said:
Something's going on, had a second trade be there and processing at least a week before the expiration and being received as expired. Never had this happen before and I've routinely sent in trades well past the scheduled expiration and has other non-submitted ones expiring abruptly (though not quite a week short). Hopefully this one winds up like the first one and they give me the credit in a few days.
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I had one processed and accepted this morning that was delivered last Monday or Tuesday so they may be backed up or something?
 
Wow. Just had my keyboard bundle downgraded to acceptable. I sent in a brand new keyboard and complete game. Reason for the downgrade was "damaged bundle." Bummed but at least they accepted it considering it's not a "real" bundle. Now I'm glad I sent another one separately. Hopefully that one is accepted either (G) or (LN).
 
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Just got my payday credit from amazon!! $200, lol.

Are we seriously out of keyboards? I wanted to send another pair.

Amazon is out and it's killing me gently..

 
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coopscohen said:
Wow. Just had my keyboard bundle downgraded to acceptable. I sent in a brand new keyboard and complete game. Reason for the downgrade was "damaged bundle." Bummed but at least they accepted it considering it's not a "real" bundle. Now I'm glad I sent another one separately. Hopefully that one is accepted either (G) or (LN).
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Wow - I wonder why they considered it damaged. You'd probably be able to get some credit out of a CS rep. I was able to do that when a SF4 Stick I mailed it was dropped to acceptable for missing the directions, even though it was a like new boomerang that came complete.

 
Megamania said:
Just got my payday credit from amazon!! $200, lol.

Are we seriously out of keyboards? I wanted to send another pair.

Amazon is out and it's killing me gently..
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Not sure what you are talking about. Keyboards are still available for the same price as before. The TIV has dropped to $81.07 for (LN) though.

 
Dokstarr said:
Wow - I wonder why they considered it damaged. You'd probably be able to get some credit out of a CS rep. I was able to do that when a SF4 Stick I mailed it was dropped to acceptable for missing the directions, even though it was a like new boomerang that came complete.
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I hope you told them that you had just bought it from awd to send for trade in.
 
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