Amazon Trade-In FAQ 5.0

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handsomepete

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

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

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

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

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

-- BlueLobstah

-- CheapAssGamer

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

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

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

Shipping Instructions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trade-In Placed:

August 24, 2013

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

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

So it should look like this:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Post away!

 
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I made a thread but in case people here don't look at it.

GS has :360: Metal Gear Rising LE for $69.99 online after codes. TIV is $106.60.
Figured that out awhile ago. Purposefully didn't make a thread because I didn't want to see a Defiance CE repeat but damage done now I guess.

Most likely will not be doing this now... especially if the TIV holds at $106 through the night. The more people that do this the more likely they will reject these and unless you want a plasma lamp I'd hate to be stuck with these

 
Also keep in mind that the plasma lamp may break during transit or when it gets "inspected" and you have no way of knowing and you get a broken lamp returned to you.

 
Has anyone else ever used the option that gives you trade in credit before you send the item? You have to use a credit card, thought about doing it but not sure how it works

 
Has anyone else ever used the option that gives you trade in credit before you send the item? You have to use a credit card, thought about doing it but not sure how it works
I don't remember reading anyone NOT having a problem doing this. A few people have posted that trades they did this for ultimately were rejected.

 
Damn now I'm nervous and I'm gonna need a miracle :pray: . I have about $420 worth of trades in 6 seperate transactions on my way to them. The biggest 1 is for close to $200 so I'm hoping to at least get that. I would like to get at least 3/4 of what I'm expecting so hopefully these hiccups that are happening with other will stop by the time they are being graded.
Catching up on the past 10 pages of this thread has given me my first grey hairs. I have over $700 in the mail on the way to KY. One order is for over $270. Needless to say I'm worried out of my fuck ing mind with all of these BS rejections people have been getting. "Missing disc?" If I even get $500 out of the $700+, I'll consider myself lucky and satisfied. I'll make sure to let you guys know my acceptance/rejection percentages and breakdowns.

I procrastinated getting to the UPS store, but I finally went on Saturday. I work Mon-Fri until about 9pm or 10pm, and I've been spending Saturdays and Sundays driving to Gamestops.

 
Will they take Rock Revolution as acceptable if it comes in a generic case?
It's not likely they'll take it at all as disc-only. The people who have gotten their trade-ins accepted without the accessories seem to have gotten lucky after reading the thread through. It's your gamble whether or not they accept games like Rock Rev. and etc. with just case/disc etc. especially since they've been getting more and more traded in like that.

 
It's not likely they'll take it at all as disc-only. The people who have gotten their trade-ins accepted without the accessories seem to have gotten lucky after reading the thread through. It's your gamble whether or not they accept games like Rock Rev. and etc. with just case/disc etc. especially since they've been getting more and more traded in like that.
And lots of people reported getting rejected on it today. At least it was only a $4 gamble if it doesn't work out.

 
Hey CAGers, I was wondering about goo- gone, does it leave any stains on the boxes? Because the problem that I have is that there is a small sticker residue on the game but it is sealed.​

 
Hey CAGers, I was wondering about goo- gone, does it leave any stains on the boxes? Because the problem that I have is that there is a small sticker residue on the game but it is sealed.​
It will mess up paper and stuff but unless you use it excessively it shouldn't damage the plastic of the case. Use a q-tip and apply it to the sticker, after having removed everything else, then let it set for five or ten minutes before peeling it off. Wipe with a paper towel and if necessary wash the case.

 
Who needs goo gone. I use my nails to try and pull the gs stickers off and if theres left over sticky stuff i use a piece of duct tape to grab all that crap and it looks good as new (well looks good maybe not as new).

 
Who needs goo gone. I use my nails to try and pull the gs stickers off and if theres left over sticky stuff i use a piece of duct tape to grab all that crap and it looks good as new (well looks good maybe not as new).
For one, I am a man. Dont have much fingernails. :booty: And why bother when it peels right off with Goo Gone? :bouncy:

 
Hey CAGers, I was wondering about goo- gone, does it leave any stains on the boxes? Because the problem that I have is that there is a small sticker residue on the game but it is sealed.​
Like Eldritch said, don't get it near papery material. It works on plastics like game cases and stuff very well though, and doesn't leave residue as long as you clean it up well. I've never had it stain a case. I don't even wait for it to settle, I dab a small layer on an old t-shirt and just rub it back and forth over the adhesive. Once it's on there just clean it off with a dry cloth/towel and repeat the process if there's still adhesive left.

It's honestly one of the best purchases I've made in years, 1 bottle of goo-gone has lasted me at least a year and I have to use the crap so much.

 
Who needs goo gone. I use my nails to try and pull the gs stickers off and if theres left over sticky stuff i use a piece of duct tape to grab all that crap and it looks good as new (well looks good maybe not as new).
Yeah... The $2 for a bottle of goo-gone and a box of q-tips is significantly easier than that and doesn't risk screwing up the plastic with your nails or stretching it.

 
Like Eldritch said, don't get it near papery material. It works on plastics like game cases and stuff very well though, and doesn't leave residue as long as you clean it up well. I've never had it stain a case. I don't even wait for it to settle, I dab a small layer on an old t-shirt and just rub it back and forth over the adhesive. Once it's on there just clean it off with a dry cloth/towel and repeat the process if there's still adhesive left.

It's honestly one of the best purchases I've made in years, 1 bottle of goo-gone has lasted me at least a year and I have to use the crap so much.
I just find it easier to not peel the sticker off before using the goo gone because if you apply it first and let it set it will soak through the paper and loosed up the whole sticker. Then you can just peel the whole thing off cleanly almost every time. Sometimes you have to repeat the process if there's multiple stickers though since it won't always soak down to the bottom sticker.

 
Figured that out awhile ago. Purposefully didn't make a thread because I didn't want to see a Defiance CE repeat but damage done now I guess.

Most likely will not be doing this now... especially if the TIV holds at $106 through the night. The more people that do this the more likely they will reject these and unless you want a plasma lamp I'd hate to be stuck with these
Down to $35.03. I got it to keep because I want the lamp but thats a pretty good flip. Might take a chance now.

 
^ Good. Hopefully the quick TIV drop means there will be less of a chance of mass rejections. I'm going to pass but good luck to all those who try

 
It will mess up paper and stuff but unless you use it excessively it shouldn't damage the plastic of the case. Use a q-tip and apply it to the sticker, after having removed everything else, then let it set for five or ten minutes before peeling it off. Wipe with a paper towel and if necessary wash the case.
When you say plastic of the case do you mean the plastic thats sealing the game or the case plastic?

& thanks.

 
Alright :), Lastly the best place to get it would be ebay? or do they actually sell it at some stores?
Goo gone? It's a household name.

forrest.jpg


But really though you can probably find it anywhere, go to Target or walmart or your favorite x store.

If you really can't find it though, Lowe's or Home Depot will have it for sure. I bought a bottle for $3 or so a year or 2 ago

 
Got my 2 copies of :360: Supreme Commander that I shipped in black generic dvd cases graded as acceptable for $18.43 each! :D

I was weary at first because the discs were somewhat scratched up too.

 
My Brand New shrink wrapped Tomb Raider Survival edition with correct UPC was rejected for "wrong item"

Never called Amazon but i'm calling them on this

 
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I resubmitted my 2 Defiance CEs a month after the original trade-in that was rejected.

I removed the original UPC sticker and the sticker they put on top of it. Accepted this time as good. Got $55.XX instead of the original $150.

Called Amazon CS about the issue (as I've already contacted them twice before about it and was never "escalated to the proper department" like I was promised).

They gave me $94.XX in promotional credit towards my next purchase to cover the difference in TIVs. Rejoice! Only thing I regret now is the "Pay Me Now" charge they did on my credit card :(

 
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Well they don't just need to ARRIVE by the 25th day, the other two expired before they got the chance to process them.
Agreed. I'm pointing out all three should have expired on the same day, but one was accepted 31 minutes prior to the other two expiring in the afternoon. I even checked the time stamps of the trades, and it wasn't a case of it being exactly 600 hours later or something. This has no bearing on the price of tamales in Canada, just thought it was interesting. I knew I was gambling on sending it in late.

Now, I do think it's rather lame that a package can be received and the items placed in a 'Processing' state and still be marked late if they don't get around to looking at it in time. I'm not going to lose sleep over it, and it's certainly within my control to account for it.

 
Sorry I'm late with this, I had an extremely hectic day yesterday and didn't get the chance to swing by it until today. Here ya go:
I see those all the time, but never used them as they don't state that UPS Ground packages can be dropped in there. Are you saying that you drop these Amazon packages in there and they get were they need to go? Or that you just get supplies out of there?

 
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Someone said they've had luck shipping their packages without UPS right? Only reason I ask is it takes damn near 5 days for UPS to deliver from TX..

 
I love seeing the 999 watch in this one. :)
Technically, VLR. ;3

I see those all the time, but never used them as they don't state that UPS Ground packages can be dropped in there. Are you saying that you drop these Amazon packages in there and they get were they need to go? Or that you just get supplies out of there?
Actually, they normally have these long envelopes that I use to ship things with in it, but they were out of them today for whatever reason. I picked up a couple boxes since I've never used them before, but upon closer examination, it says on the box they're not to be used for UPS Ground. I guess I'll just have to wait until they restock the envelopes before I ship anything else out.

I'll check back every now and then to get a picture of the envelope, and when I can, I'll take a picture and post it here. At the very least, those should be okay to ship via UPS Ground. I use them for shipping things to Amazon all the time, and I've never had any problem with them reaching their destinations.

 
Ok so I sent to packages out last week on the same day, both say they were delivered 2 days ago but only one order is actually processing and the other still says they haven't received it. Has this happen to anyone?

 
So what is the consensus with these NBA 2K13 Dynasty editions?  Has anyone attempted sending them in?  I would like to but I am a little weary based off of what I have been seeing posted about rejections.

I did have a question related to this though.  If I send something in and it gets rejected, when I get it back can I just print the same label and send it right back in?  Or will I need to lock the game back in because that previous transaction is now void (due to rejection)?

 
Those of you who traded in the PS3 Tomb Raider CE .. did you just ship it in to them as you received it (shrink wrapped), or did you remove it and send it complete? Only my second ever Amazon trade-in. Any advice is appreciated. :D

 
WOW my PS3 Incredible Hulk was also returned for Wrong item. When it was the right UPC!!!
wow.


I now get this image in my head of the grader as Dr. Wily while he sneers and twists his moustache between his fingers whenever we hear about these mass rejections popping up....
 
I'm in the same boat. I got one approved today but waiting on the other.
Well they also approved one of my Champions of Norrath and downgraded the second yesterday while both were in identical condition so I'm prepared to rage on Amazon if they pull BS on new items and ones that they sold me in a better condition than they rated.

Those of you who traded in the PS3 Tomb Raider CE .. did you just ship it in to them as you received it (shrink wrapped), or did you remove it and send it complete? Only my second ever Amazon trade-in. Any advice is appreciated. :D

I peeled the wrong UPC sticker off the shrink wrap, came right off, then put it back in the box and sent them. I know someone else said they got accepted and had opened it and taken out the DLC codes.

 
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