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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Some people have said no, but I know Eldritch would feel pressured to get something with it then return it because he has no need for it.
 
mask.air.raid said:
Some people have said no, but I know Eldritch would feel pressured to get something with it then return it because he has no need for it.
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Something like that. I don't want to see it wasted though if it doesn't carry over for whatever reason and applying it to the PS4 is the perfect solution.

 
EldritchOnRye said:
Something like that. I don't want to see it wasted though if it doesn't carry over for whatever reason and applying it to the PS4 is the perfect solution.
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In this case, the general promo credit you were issued does not have to be used all at once and will carry over to multiple purchases until it is exhausted. Its only usually promo credit attached to specific promotions that you have to watch the fine print for.
 
EldritchOnRye said:
Something like that. I don't want to see it wasted though if it doesn't carry over for whatever reason and applying it to the PS4 is the perfect solution.
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Ok um, let me tell you right now, that was from the $20 preorder credit where things like that happened, flat out promo credit like you have now? Think of it like invisible gift card credit. They lost a game I sent them, Pokemon MD: Explorers of the sky, was cart only and with a bunch of other games I had sent, yet it never got processed with them. So they issued me the credit I had locked in, and you can split it up, cancel the items and get it back ETC.
Seriously you are fine.

 
esalw822 said:
In this case, the general promo credit you were issued does not have to be used all at once and will carry over to multiple purchases until it is exhausted. Its only usually promo credit attached to specific promotions that you have to watch the fine print for.
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Also acts like a coupon, so it reduces the overall tax burden for those of us subjected to it. If I could figure out how to turn everything into general promo credit I would.
 
Hemi said:
Seriously you are fine.
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I wouldn't go that far, I've got issues. Thanks for the knowledge though. Of course that being said I still need to see if I can get them to apply it to the PS4 since I need to start paying that down before something else that's $400 catches my fancy.

 
kitsunisan said:
One of these days you might actually play one of these games you've bought over the years, lol.

Glad that Tomb Raider issue was sorted out for you though. If you're interested, the figure has been hitting at least $35-40 on Ebay lately.
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But I have been! I've been playing both Diablo 3 and FF14ARR quite a bit this week! Of course I keep rolling new characters so I've seen the same six hours or so of each several times but I still consider it progress.

 
dk drumin said:
There is no way condition was worse. I want to know who else sent in the game was it just mine cause i left the new gamestop sticker on thought that wouldn't matter
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Like I posted, it could have been smashed in transit or while handling it.

zohar said:
Has anyone traded Shin Megami Tensei IV into Amazon? Wondering if they'll take the game without the Limited Edition extras.
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I know DealSeeker2U did it, but I don't remember what happened. It's still listed as first print on the website, so you might want to do it at GameStop and get a little more. You just need to find another game on the Trade 2 list and trade before the deadline.

 
dk drumin said:
There is no way condition was worse. I want to know who else sent in the game was it just mine cause i left the new gamestop sticker on thought that wouldn't matter
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dk drumin said:
There is no way condition was worse. I want to know who else sent in the game was it just mine cause i left the new gamestop sticker on thought that wouldn't matter
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I bought mine from Amazon, didn't open it, and sent it in and mine was accepted a couple of days ago.

 
EldritchOnRye said:
I wouldn't go that far, I've got issues. Thanks for the knowledge though. Of course that being said I still need to see if I can get them to apply it to the PS4 since I need to start paying that down before something else that's $400 catches my fancy.
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Promo credit can only be applied at time of order, gift cards can be applied at any time. Go to the order, click on the order # to bring up the details, and at the top select where it says "You have X amount in gift card credit" (button: Apply to this order?) Click the button.
"

 
Hemi said:
Promo credit can only be applied at time of order, gift cards can be applied at any time. Go to the order, click on the order # to bring up the details, and at the top select where it says "You have X amount in gift card credit" (button: Apply to this order?) Click the button.
"
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But I don't want to use my entire credit balance at once, hence why I'm going to ask them if that's possible since it's not something I can just cancel and re-order.

 
EldritchOnRye said:
But I don't want to use my entire credit balance at once, hence why I'm going to ask them if that's possible since it's not something I can just cancel and re-order.
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Someone else on here had them apply promotional credit of like $10 and they just took $10 off of his ps4 total. So instend of $399 it was $389. I'm sure they can do the same for $75.

 
EldritchOnRye said:
Fortunately, Amazon CS comes through like usual and the TR CE situation is happily resolved.
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Glad they reimbursed you.

EldritchOnRye said:
Promotional credit which is... inconvenient since I rarely buy $75 worth of stuff at once. Will give it a week or two and contact them to see if they can't apply it to my PS4.
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I had a trade in sitting in limbo for almost 3 weeks "Processing." They gave me promotional credit and I used it on multiple orders.

EldritchOnRye said:
That's what Hemi said, I don't pay tax on Amazon purchases yet though.
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This is actually making me want to buy the Xbox One Day One Edition I have preordered. If I wait a year or so like I was thinking about, I might be paying like an extra $30 in taxes for a $500 Xbox One Bundle that in my mind exists in 14 months (black friday after next) and has a couple games included.

 
Yeah, I've been able to use my promo credit on multiple orders, too. I had a $10 credit once and it worked on a $4 order and $7 order for the remaining balance.

Something along those lines, but it did carry over like a gift card, basically. Except when you cancel, I don't think you get it back

 
SonictheHedgehog1337 said:
This is actually making me want to buy the Xbox One Day One Edition I have preordered. If I wait a year or so like I was thinking about, I might be paying like an extra $30 in taxes for a $500 Xbox One Bundle that in my mind exists in 14 months (black friday after next) and has a couple games included.
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Yeah, and it's only a matter of time until Amazon's charging tax in all states. Michigan is one where it hasn't happened yet but they've been negotiating with the state to get out ahead of it and start charging tax before the politicians can agree on the legislation so they have a more favorable set up.

 
Finally got my copy of Trivial pursuit from bestbuy and it was complete. sent it in 7 days after the supposed send date, first time I had to do this. I hope it goes through since I still have 11 days before the 25th day.
 
mask.air.raid said:
I know DealSeeker2U did it, but I don't remember what happened. It's still listed as first print on the website, so you might want to do it at GameStop and get a little more. You just need to find another game on the Trade 2 list and trade before the deadline.
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Yup, I traded mine in when TIV was around $30 without the LE stuff and it was accepted as good. Sent in the game in the case with the only other thing being the club nintendo code (that was used) but for the sake of completeness. The thing that probably helped is that it has the same upc on the game case that it does on the LE case.

 
like I said before, it's usually at least a few months in between little surges of good luck like that, so you can safely relax. if you want. you can obsess over it too if you prefer. I expect things to get pretty weird in late November as things fluctuate and the trade up program oddities are discovered.
 
DealSeeker2U said:
Yup, I traded mine in when TIV was around $30 without the LE stuff and it was accepted as good. Sent in the game in the case with the only other thing being the club nintendo code (that was used) but for the sake of completeness. The thing that probably helped is that it has the same upc on the game case that it does on the LE case.
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I only noticed it when it was around $27. You should have told me if it was higher. :(

Oh well. I still have GameStop.

 
Liquid Metal said:
Dude, you're too sensitive. Don't let some comments piss you off. The majority of people here appreciate your contributions.
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I know, but this is at least the third or fourth time in the last month that someone's taken a shot at me for posting a trade that wasn't huge but worthwhile when I was trying to help out others instead of being a hoarding lurker.

 
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