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:
haha. you guys are great. n pretty much nail on the head. sober = totally gone, lol.

i used to smoke when i was at work, but that defeated the chill relaxingness of some big hits when i got home, so work = sober time.

which is all good ;) everything in moderation.

n yeah i hope amazon prime makes seasons 3+ of phineas n ferb free someday, my son and i watched the first 2 seasons ad nauseum.

n yeah, im pro flipping (anything to make games cheaper) but being anti mod is never a good idea. im pro mod n they put up with me even tho i put posts up like today where i have no idea what im even saying. lol. peace n hugz all. can't wait to get home n play something tonite. it's my friday, woot!
Before the BB trade in thread got nerfed by mods I read you were in the works for making another flip thread akin to "Velos flip club". Any word on one yet or is it still not doable in CAG 3.0? Even if it is members only having one will keep most of the flip talk out of all the other threads for the most part. Double the benefits.

I always though KuroPansa was a jerk with all his comments and replies. Not to mention he posted in the GS/BB threads multiple times a day asking for flips. Hopefully he enjoys his superior entertainment!

Im guessing thats what a gray username that says guest means. A banned user?
Yup! He is banned until / unless he comes back with a new account.

 
I can't tell anyone apart anymore, because half of the people don't have avatars on the new CAG. I know a few because I always saw their posts, but a lot of you guys I don't recognize by username. Maybe I have a brain tumor or something.

 
does MR.furoku( i might have misspelled his username) ring a bell?
Yeah he was called out on it too by someone here who keenly observed his knack for avatar pics from his favorite animes and frequent pestering on flips. Reminds me of when he got in on a fight with Enuf in the second to last flip thread that lead to the threads demise and later Fukroru's banning.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
^That is the dude with the overweight south park avatar pic right?

Im guessing Fukurou is " fuck a you" in the chinese guys voice from south park. Anyone know what Im talking about?

 
I thought we established that they're all my alter egos.
You know why that assumption came about right? IATCG was all over almost every thread in here in one way or another. After IATCG's banning all of a sudden you were seen all over the threads on CAG. It was a little too coincidental. At the same time I did not see "anymore" referenced in your vocabulary so that got you off the hook amongst the veterans. :lol: Plus you are too nice of a guy to pull some of the things "your alter egos" have at least in the open.

 
^That is the dude with the overweight south park avatar pic right?

Im guessing Fukurou is " fuck a you" in the chinese guys voice from south park. Anyone know what Im talking about?
actually his avatar was a character from one piece the anime( with the big giant/large head). LOL

i think you had a run in with him before, while he was under his fukurou alias

 
Last edited by a moderator:
actually his avatar was a character from one piece the anime( with the big giant/large head). LOL

i think you had a run in with him before, while he was under his fukurou alias
Well if I am thinking of the same avatar pic then I was way off. I dont watch anime at all lol.

Edit: Wow I searched "one piece" and looked up images. Then it recommended "Robin" so I clicked on it. OMG talk about a ton of anime porn. Gross.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
I can't tell anyone apart anymore, because half of the people don't have avatars on the new CAG. I know a few because I always saw their posts, but a lot of you guys I don't recognize by username. Maybe I have a brain tumor or something.
Maybe it's your repressed anger from being banned from every store possible that has taken a toll on you.

 
You know why that assumption came about right? IATCG was all over almost every thread in here in one way or another. After IATCG's banning all of a sudden you were seen all over the threads on CAG. It was a little too coincidental. At the same time I did not see "anymore" referenced in your vocabulary so that got you off the hook amongst the veterans. :lol: Plus you are too nice of a guy to pull some of the things "your alter egos" have at least in the open.
EldritchOnRye just needs to admit he is AmusedToe. :lol:
Yeah, I just have this habit of taking long hiatus periods from CAG for one reason or another over the last decade. I've been wanting to change my avatar for a while but figured I should leave it for a while after I changed my handle. As for being all over the threads it's because I don't sleep, don't have a life, don't play games and are buying games all the time. Funny enough I was playing GTA like crazy last night then the Newegg business came up and I probably spent as long with it paused dealing with that as I had playing it. Of course it's sitting here paused as I type this even.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
but do you remember have a rant/fight with him? lol
I dont remember having an argument with Fukurou. I do remember telling KuroPansa off several times to shut up about the flipping and move on. Then he would tell me he had superior entertainment and he felt sorry for me. Whatever that meant lol.

 
Yeah, I just have this habit of taking long hiatus periods from CAG for one reason or another over the last decade. I've been wanting to change my avatar for a while but figured I should leave it for a while after I changed my handle. As for being all over the threads it's because I don't sleep, don't have a life, don't play games and are buying games all the time. Funny enough I was playing GTA like crazy last night then the Newegg business came up and I probably spent as long with it paused dealing with that as I had playing it. Of course it's sitting here paused as I type this even.
Part of it is growing older and as much as I'd like to game, work and life comes in the way leaving me with short bursts of gaming nirvana. CAG is a lifestyle and in all honesty I appreciate your posts. Flipping is addictive as you have noticed no matter where. Heck, I caught myself flipping in Fable II. It is thrilling and fun even in game. Art imitating real life and vice versa. Can't escape the grind. :lol:

 
I dont remember having an argument with Fukurou. I do remember telling KuroPansa off several times to shut up about the flipping and move on. Then he would tell me he had superior entertainment and he felt sorry for me. Whatever that meant lol.
well, next time he returns under a different alias, i am sure you will remember it.

 
Part of it is growing older and as much as I'd like to game, work and life comes in the way leaving me with short bursts of gaming nirvana. CAG is a lifestyle and in all honesty I appreciate your posts. Flipping is addictive as you have noticed no matter where. Heck, I caught myself flipping in Fable II. It is thrilling and fun even in game. Art imitating real life and vice versa. Can't escape the grind. :lol:
Oh man, I entirely forgot about that aspect in Fable II. I honestly think I spent more time on that than playing the "actual" game. I'm not even sure if I finished it or not but I sure do remember that.

 
Oh man, I entirely forgot about that aspect in Fable II. I honestly think I spent more time on that than playing the "actual" game. I'm not even sure if I finished it or not but I sure do remember that.
damn eldritchonrye, you being a cag member since 2005, lol

you are probably one of the rare few older members here. i rarely seen anyone with that join date

 
Last edited by a moderator:
damn eldritchonrye, you being a cag member since 2005, lol

you are probably one of the rare few older members here. i rarely seen anyone with that join date
... rare part being one that actually contributes and posts among the rare few who do instead of lurking and such.

 
damn eldritchonrye, you being a cag member since 2005, lol

you are probably one of the rare few older members here. i rarely seen anyone with that join date
I've actually been around since 03 or 04, hard to remember at this point, but something happened at one point where I lost my original account and ended up just making a new one. Before anyone says it no I wasn't banned for being KuroPansa.

Oddly I remember when it was because of who I was dating at the time and that we went to Kmart later that day and found a few Xbox games on clearance. The most notable ones were Mortal Kombat Deception Kollector's Edition and Gunvalkyrie (which I still have). I know I still have my original Gunvalkyrie signature image somewhere too but I'm not sure it's on the HDDs in my current PC.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Oh man, I entirely forgot about that aspect in Fable II. I honestly think I spent more time on that than playing the "actual" game. I'm not even sure if I finished it or not but I sure do remember that.
Same here, I can honestly say that game inspired me to take that approach in real life. Next thing you know I am here on CAG and part of this thriving community. Timing couldn't have been better (just around AWD penny deals). My join date is the mark of that occasion on AWD (the irony). How can I forget!

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Since we're all chatty right now, can I change my name to have hyphens? I actually have it like that elsewhere.

I actually chose the periods because it's easier to type.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Can I ask io to do it and will it log me off CAG?

Can io even do it? He seems to be having issues with figuring out how the new CAG works.
In the old CAG we (ie, the mods) couldn't change usernames - only Cheapy could. I'm pretty sure he added the ability for users to change them once a year so they wouldn't bug him all the time about it ;).

In other off-topic news, I was able to trade a few games to Best Buy today. Woo-hoo... Too bad I missed most of the fun there though...

 
Last edited by a moderator:
In the old CAG we (ie, the mods) couldn't change usernames - only Cheapy could. I'm pretty sure he added the ability for users to change them once a year so they wouldn't bug him all the time about it ;).

In other off-topic news, I was able to trade a few games to Best Buy today. Woo-hoo... Too bad I missed most of the fun there though...
If you are able, check back on sunday, hopefully they continue the madness for a third week in a row XD

 
In other off-topic news, I was able to trade a few games to Best Buy today. Woo-hoo... Too bad I missed most of the fun there though...
If you are able, check back on sunday, hopefully they continue the madness for a third week in a row XD
Just a heads up that if you have the points to spare, use the Steal of the Week coupon from GS PUR and get even more on your returns.

 
Still no trade value for gta v , anybody know what new releases go for usually ? I remember last of us was around 42 a few weeks after release .
 
No releases have sucked on Amazon lately barely scraping $30.

My RR got rejected again. Gonna keep sending them until they get tired of grading them and accept them.
 
Booyah 

Trade-In Placed:

August 30, 2013
  • Total Amount Submitted: $57.52
  • Amount Paid: $57.52
  • Graded Amount: $57.52

Transaction Status:

Verified and Processed

2 Items Submitted
Paid: 2

Gift card deposited
[SIZE=.825em]View Gift Card Balance[/SIZE]
Good
$57.52

Champions of Norrath
Platform: PlayStation2 EAN: 0814582404428
Submitted Condition: Good Qty: 2
Expected Amount Per Item: $28.76

 


 


Trade-In Placed:

August 29, 2013
  • Total Amount Submitted: $60.00
  • Amount Paid: $60.00
  • Graded Amount: $60.00

Transaction Status:

Verified and Processed

2 Items Submitted
Paid: 2

Gift card deposited
[SIZE=.825em]View Gift Card Balance[/SIZE]
Good
$60.00

Sega Fun Pack featuring Shadow the Hedgehog and Sonic Mega Collection Plus
Platform: PlayStation2 EAN: 0010086631241
Submitted Condition: Good Qty: 2
Expected Amount Per Item: $30.00




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