Amazon Trade-In FAQ 5.0

Status
Not open for further replies.

handsomepete

CAGiversary!
Feedback
20 (100%)
Welcome to the Official CAG Amazon.com Trade-In Thread

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

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

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

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

-- BlueLobstah

-- CheapAssGamer

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

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

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

Shipping Instructions

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

Trade-in items must match the exact version displayed in the Amazon Trade-In Store, not be damaged, include original packaging (e.g. the manual, cover art, and case), and be postmarked no later than 7 days after submission. You will receive an e-mail confirmation and an Amazon.com Gift Card will be deposited into your account within 2 business days of item receipt and verification by the merchant. Items not accepted by the merchant will be returned to you approximately 14 days after receipt.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

GENERAL FAQ (Updated 12/26/2012)
Can I post a question on this thread?
Only if you can't find the answer from below. And please let me know if it needs to be added to FAQ.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trade-In Placed:

August 24, 2013

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

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

So it should look like this:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Post away!

 
Last edited by a moderator:
But Vita games don't come with manuals, correct? It had the case and the cover, lol. C'mon, Amazon!
I don't know if Vita games have manuals, but whenever I send in something that doesn't come with a manual, I always write a note letting them know the game does not come with a manual, just to be safe.

 
I don't know if Vita games have manuals, but whenever I send in something that doesn't come with a manual, I always write a note letting them know the game does not come with a manual, just to be safe.
Should've done that.

I'm afraid to chat them incase I eventually get banned lol. I'm waiting on another copy on the same account that is processing--let's see what they give that one. Both were exactly the same.

 
But Vita games don't come with manuals, correct? It had the case and the cover, lol. C'mon, Amazon!
I don't know their operations, but i imagine they probably just open the case, do a quick inspection and barcode scan, and then process it. They don't have time to research every game and see if it has digital downloaded manual or not.

 
I don't know their operations, but i imagine they probably just open the case, do a quick inspection and barcode scan, and then process it. They don't have time to research every game and see if it has digital downloaded manual or not.
Yeah, they prob. assume that every game comes w/ one, so I don't blame them. Let's see what I get with the other copy. Debating on chatting them or not. About a $6 differential per. Think I just may...

 
Second one processed and I got the 'good' condition. I'm not gonna contact them. Will just know what to do next time.

Edit:
Yesss, my LOTR BFME got the full $42.xx---:D

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Don't take their crap.

You should get full credit for what you sent. They can't ban you for asking questions. If they do for some reason you will get unbanned if you contact someone higher.

As for the whole manual thing...they should know if it comes with one or not, not just assume they all have one. That's a complete and utter bull**** excuse for them to give less money.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Haha, I see. Idk, it's just always in the back of my head, as I do contact them pretty often, usually w/ problems with my order. I'll see :)

 
Last edited by a moderator:
It's just funny that one received 'good' while the other got 'acceptable', when they were both the same thing. Oh well. I just don't risk it for a few bucks. Or I'll think about it and chat them lol

 
Second one processed and I got the 'good' condition. I'm not gonna contact them. Will just know what to do next time.

Edit:
Yesss, my LOTR BFME got the full $42.xx--- :D
How long did your LOTR stay in processing? Mine has been processing since last Wednesday. Making me nervous.

 
I don't know their operations, but i imagine they probably just open the case, do a quick inspection and barcode scan, and then process it. They don't have time to research every game and see if it has digital downloaded manual or not.
There is nothing to research. No Vita games come with manuals.
 
Okay. What a fucking disaster this Defiance CE thing has been. I had CS note that the trade-in had the correct UPC once I sent it in but before it was processed. I took photos of the UPC, etc... I wrote a note on the trade-in piece of paper noting the UPC, blah blah.

I took the pay immediately option, and had bought the CEs from Gamestop.com with a credit card. $84.99 for the order (for two). My trade-in got rejected today, so my credit card got charged $150 since I got paid in GC credit already.

I had to contact CS today to get them to escalate the issue to the billing team so they can remove the $150 gift card balance from my account and then refund my credit card (thank god).

I sold the DLC from the CEs for ~$15-18 each after eBay fees. So at this point I'm down ~$50 from the GS.com purchase.

Because I have GS credit now from trade-ins, I tried to order another 2x CEs from GS.com wanting to return those copies as my original pair and get my credit card refunded. Site won't allow me to do that cause I've hit the limit for that item or something.

So I will have to go into a B&M GS and buy a $75 gift card, make a new account on GS.com then buy the 2 CEs just to return them.

I don't even know wtf I'm going to do with the CEs that are being returned to me from Amazon. List them on eBay or Amazon I guess... Without the DLC -.- If I can break even I will be happy. Need to make ~$25 after fees on each copy.

Silver lining in this is, maybe the billing department will compensate me somehow for all this nonsense. Time to wait 24-48 hours!

I'm never using the damn pay immediately thing again. Never know wtf NorAm decides to do on any given day.

 
Well.

I got 30$ from amazon for the inconvenience of the defiance thing. And then just today I sold the DLC code for 21.99 on eBay. So I'm only 5$ from breaking even
 
Im thinking about trading in trinity universe.is the game rare or something?amazon is offering $38 for it...

EDIT: wow the price literally went down to $26 after i commented here...

 
Last edited by a moderator:
I don't even know wtf I'm going to do with the CEs that are being returned to me from Amazon. List them on eBay or Amazon I guess... Without the DLC -.- If I can break even I will be happy. Need to make ~$25 after fees on each copy.

Silver lining in this is, maybe the billing department will compensate me somehow for all this nonsense. Time to wait 24-48 hours!

I'm never using the damn pay immediately thing again. Never know wtf NorAm decides to do on any given day.
Ok, so what you could do about them? Trade them back again to amazon, the reason they got rejected was the TiV being too high, and they were swamped with dozens of them, but instead they write "Wrong UPC". Make a new trade in for both, and you will be able to get $23.xx and $27.xx (PS3 and 360 respectively), they should get accepted this time, also another thing that worked for SOME (still a shot in the dark) of us, is that we contacted CS about the trade in, you can even tell them your story and if you took pictures of the upc's then even better, and besides the "There is nothing we can do" there IS a chance of them either offering to adjust for the differences, or just a small credit on its own. So I know after they did this you don't want to deal with NorAm anymore, but this time things should go smoothly, and shipping is free so if they wanna keep rejecting it they can have fun eating those shipping cost's (Can't imagine a 5.xx pound shipment is cheap).

If you just wanna break even you will be able to resubmit a trade (at the price they DO want to pay, with no made up bs excuses this time), and with the CS route, you may also have a chance for amazon to make things right.

 
Are you guys getting your Kirby's accepted? Going to send mine in tomorrow.

Afrika got accepted as "good". Was a bit worried it would get rejected since the artwork had some stains.
 
Are you guys getting your Kirby's accepted? Going to send mine in tomorrow.

Afrika got accepted as "good". Was a bit worried it would get rejected since the artwork had some stains.
Yeah, sent them as is when I purchased them and they were accepted as 'good' the other day :)

 
I told the guy I sold the DLC to I could send a picture of it and mail it he said

"Both would work for me. That way I could go ahead and start using it and replace the booklet later.

Thank You"

What does he mean? So confused by "booklet"
 
My Battle for Middle Earth got rejected, even tho the UPC was correct, disc was perfect as well as the manual.  Got rejected because it had a sticker on the box.  Wont be trading at amazon anymore.

 
I told the guy I sold the DLC to I could send a picture of it and mail it he said

"Both would work for me. That way I could go ahead and start using it and replace the booklet later.

Thank You"

What does he mean? So confused by "booklet"
He probably thinks you are going to send the actual guide that has the code on it. Clarify with him, otherwise you get the "you just sent me a picture of the item!"

 
He probably thinks you are going to send the actual guide that has the code on it. Clarify with him, otherwise you get the "you just sent me a picture of the item!"
Damn it's on the guide itself? Lame. Ill just send it whatever. -.-

I thought it would be on a little piece of paper thing along with the manual...not actually written on it.

Hopefully the hellbug statue sells so ill break a little more than even. Still $5 to go! :). I could also sell the game I guess too...without the manual/guide
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Damn it's on the guide itself? Lame. Ill just send it whatever. -.-

I thought it would be on a little piece of paper thing along with the manual...not actually written on it.

Hopefully the hellbug statue sells so ill break a little more than even. Still $5 to go! :). I could also sell the game I guess too...without the manual/guide
Get's $10.50 ($11.20 for GCU) at Bestbuy

 
My Battle for Middle Earth got rejected, even tho the UPC was correct, disc was perfect as well as the manual. Got rejected because it had a sticker on the box. Wont be trading at amazon anymore.
Was it a Gamestop sticker? I always remove all traces of those types of stickers before sending in any trades to Amazon.

 
The game? It doesn't have a UPC on it, instead it says Not For Resale in its place
Just remove the cover sleeve. They don't need to scan the UPC; they can look it up on the computer. If you're trading in to BB, they don't require cover art or manual. Mine says only disc and a case required. (Not sure if case is a national requirement or just my store.)

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Just remove the cover sleeve. They don't need to scan the UPC; they can look it up on the computer. If you're trading in to BB, they don't require cover art or manual. Mine says only disc and a case required. (Not sure if case is a national requirement or just my store.)
Naw, no stores require it, but my geek squad people are whiny and say that they won't let me trade anymore without it being complete. I even told them to read their own terms but they "couldn't find anything stating it"
 
Naw, no stores require it, but my geek squad people are whiny and say that they won't let me trade anymore without it being complete. I even told them to read their own terms but they "couldn't find anything stating it"
Ah. That sucks. I can't believe they got rid of the dedicated gaming registers and staff. Now it's so hit-and-miss when you're asking gaming/trade-in questions.

 
Recieved my lord of the rings back, they put those stupid stickers all over everything. I got them off and sending it back out today. If they accept it for the $35 they better give me my $7.

 
I made a list of all the games I need that are available at GameStop's around me, so when I am in that area, I do not forget. I can't be the only one, right?

 
Except Amazon isn't the one who rejected your trade-in, it's the third-party company that does the trade-in program on the site.
True but guilty by association.

At the very least they are partners and perhaps Amazon even employs them (I'm not sure how their arrangement works out). I would never try and get "back" at Amazon but I find it interesting that they try and make it sound like they don't have any control over the situation.

 
Except Amazon isn't the one who rejected your trade-in, it's the third-party company that does the trade-in program on the site.
Except that doesn't matter.

You are using amazon.com and you are trading them into amazon. Amazon is the one who is outsourcing the grading. The fact that they use that as a reason to why they can't do anything is nonsense. Same thing with warehouse deals, it says Amazon Warehouse Deals, it is NOT 3rd party, it is a subsidiary of amazon. Amazon is choosing to let this grading company represent them, as such they are responsible for any issues that occur in my eyes.

 
True but guilty by association.

At the very least they are partners and perhaps Amazon even employs them (I'm not sure how their arrangement works out). I would never try and get "back" at Amazon but I find it interesting that they try and make it sound like they don't have any control over the situation.
I think the real problem is that they actually don't have control over the situation. It's not a trick (it's an illusion, Michael). If they had control over it there would probably be more consistent resolution to these sorts of problems - since there's a magic script robot that adjusts tivs on amazon.com that noram has to deal with, I can see how it would cause an occasional problem.

And then sometimes shit like this just happens.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us
 
I would think that the largest online retailer would have a little bit moar control over situations such as these.

And I can't speak for everyone but I personally would have been okay had Amazon or NorAm sent an e-mail to me stating that they accepted too many of these CE's and mine would be returned as-is and NOT handled, and NOT have stickers applied to it, and NOT be given an invalid reason like "invalid sku"

It is the same thing when a retailer has a price mistake. I have no problem with them cancelling, I mean they have every right, what I don't like is when they put the blame on me by means of "We're sorry... we had to cancel your order because there was an error with your billing information"

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