Amazon Trade-In FAQ 5.0

Status
Not open for further replies.
handsomepete

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
Click to expand...
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:
Upvote 0 Downvote
2 trades processed successfully today.

Stoked/Facebreaker (Acceptable) - $21.35

MUA2 (Acceptable) - $22.95

If anyone was still on the fence with the stoked/facebreaker deal, it works and the trade in value is still pretty high.  This slightly makes up for the Defiance CE conundrum, but I still need to find a way to try and get as much of my $100 back as possible.  

 
Tvols1480 said:
2 trades processed successfully today.

Stoked/Facebreaker (Acceptable) - $21.35
MUA2 (Acceptable) - $22.95

If anyone was still on the fence with the stoked/facebreaker deal, it works and the trade in value is still pretty high. This slightly makes up for the Defiance CE conundrum, but I still need to find a way to try and get as much of my $100 back as possible.
Click to expand...
when you traded it in did you include the complete games or just the disc only in generic cases?
 
Miami Flash15 said:
Wow, all these stories are crazy. I've never had any problems with Amazon trade-in's. Just had my Halo 4 Limited Edition accepted the other day at the 'good' value and both my EDF 2017's were accepted in their respectable conditions.
Click to expand...
Usually this isn;t such an issue but APS screw up Defiance back.... on purpose too.

 
So my Defiance CE just went into processing today and I'm expecting the rejection like everybody else, but I did put in a quote at:

http://gameovervideogames.com/

and they offered $37.95 via paypal, not sure if it'll be the same for anyone else. You do have to cover your own shipping, which is probably a lot for something this big, but just throwing that out there for everyone looking to recoup some GS credit.

 
Donut2922 said:
when you traded it in did you include the complete games or just the disc only in generic cases?
Click to expand...
My copies are on their way (along with another ~$100 worth of trade-ins :pray:)--I sent them in separate :360: cases with everything included except the outer slipcover (game discs and instruction booklets). I even turned the booklets around so the cases have somewhat paler versions of the original boxarts. Maybe they'll be accepted in Good condition...? :lol:

Also, it's nice to get some good AMZ trade-in news: My Little League World Series 2010 was accepted at the Good-condition $25.55 value. \\:D/

 
Jaashua12 said:
Well I'm done with Amazon trade in, they rejected my LOTR due to "Major Scratches". This just isn't worth my time if they are going to reject perfectly fine items.
Click to expand...
I just mailed mine yesterday. Hopefully everyone who sent one of those in reports what happens so we can see if this becomes a pattern like with the Defiance CEs.

Meanwhile another package I sent got there 3 days ago and is still processing. I haven't had it take that long in a while which has me worried. Both games were complete and near mint and one was PS3 and one Wii U so there aren't even the slightest scratches.

 
Donut2922 said:
when you traded it in did you include the complete games or just the disc only in generic cases?
Click to expand...
Tvols1480 said:
I actually sent both discs in their own generic jewel cd cases like these.

http://www.amazon.com/50-pack-Jewel-Cases--Black-Booklet/dp/B000067SRA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374704448&sr=8-1&keywords=cd+jewel+case
Click to expand...
Miami Flash15 said:
Sweet, been waiting on confirmation on that combo. Will pick them up later :)
Click to expand...
Vigilante said:
My copies are on their way (along with another ~$100 worth of trade-ins :pray:)--I sent them in separate :360: cases with everything included except the outer slipcover (game discs and instruction booklets). I even turned the booklets around so the cases have somewhat paler versions of the original boxarts. Maybe they'll be accepted in Good condition...? :lol:

Also, it's nice to get some good AMZ trade-in news: My Little League World Series 2010 was accepted at the Good-condition $25.55 value. \\:D/
Click to expand...
I remember at least one person confirming they got their NBA Street Homecourt & All Pro Football 2K8 combo accepted at the higher Good value when they sent the games in with their original, separate cases. It's back up to $30 BTW.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
io said:
Ignore the estimate - you can put in whatever weight you want just like with PayPal shipping. So yeah, it costs you 7 cents to have it "integrated" with your seller account which, unless you are a volume seller, is probably well worth it.
Click to expand...

Sorry for bringing this back up, but I actually just had an item sell on the Amazon marketplace. Its an Amazing Spiderman CE which weighs 2 lbs 11 oz. I'm trying to figure out if its worth it to buy the shipping but I dont have an ideal box to send it in. Should I just go to the post office anyway?

 
Miami Flash15 said:
Wow, all these stories are crazy. I've never had any problems with Amazon trade-in's. Just had my Halo 4 Limited Edition accepted the other day at the 'good' value and both my EDF 2017's were accepted in their respectable conditions.
Click to expand...
Xellos2099 said:
Usually this isn;t such an issue but APS screw up Defiance back.... on purpose too.
Click to expand...
This. I've been trading to Amazon since they started the program (I think) and I have never been screwed. Although their TIVs are not as high now as in previous years, I have still praised them. For me, Defiance is the first fail, ever.

 
I'd just send FB/Stoked as 'acceptable' even if you do find then full. To me, it's just I'd think it's the combo they'd want.

Definitely, their values have dropped but I've never had anything rejected other than a textbook that was the wrong ISBN.
 
Miami Flash15 said:
I'd just send FB/Stoked as 'acceptable' even if you do find then full. To me, it's just I'd think it's the combo they'd want.

Definitely, their values have dropped but I've never had anything rejected other than a textbook that was the wrong ISBN.
Click to expand...
No matter what I normally check the highest value and put "do not return" if the item is lower than what I put. There's a chance it could still get the higher value.
 
genderbreak said:
These are just two separate games that would just be sent together? Is there any special packaging vs them both individually?
Click to expand...
No special packaging--just send them together in anything that doesn't have a UPC on it (so they won't reject it on account of "Incorrect UPC") and hope for the best.

 
It's interesting how I can buy an item off AWD, send it back in to Amazon's trade in program under the same label, and have the item rejected for "Wrong Item". If it's the wrong item, why was it sold to me in the first place? 

Ridiculous. 

 
CAGMoose said:
It's interesting how I can buy an item off AWD, send it back in to Amazon's trade in program under the same label, and have the item rejected for "Wrong Item". If it's the wrong item, why was it sold to me in the first place?

Ridiculous.
Click to expand...
Talking about Defiance or something else?

 
Gosh man, all these great flips.

I gotta make a list of which GameStop carries which. Because I go into one for product X, they don't have it complete, and I walk out without looking for product Y.

The best one was EDF 2017. It's basically $9 for$29. That was so great.
 
rezound said:
How does that work? Didn't even know they adjusted prices.
Click to expand...
They don't.

You can do a return/rebuy though within 30 days. Everytime I've done it though, the manager has required me to have the game physically on hand and unopened. Not sure if other stores would deviate from that.

 
Miami Flash15 said:
I'd just send FB/Stoked as 'acceptable' even if you do find then full. To me, it's just I'd think it's the combo they'd want.

Definitely, their values have dropped but I've never had anything rejected other than a textbook that was the wrong ISBN.
Click to expand...

Gedemer said:
No matter what I normally check the highest value and put "do not return" if the item is lower than what I put. There's a chance it could still get the higher value.
Click to expand...
I have mint/complete copies of Facebreaker and Stoked with manuals and coverart in my collection. Should I just send them in jewel cases disc-only as acceptable so they don't send them back due to "Incorrect UPC" ???

 
Jaashua12 said:
Well I'm done with Amazon trade in, they rejected my LOTR due to "Major Scratches". This just isn't worth my time if they are going to reject perfectly fine items.
Click to expand...
I sent in my copy of LOTR:BfME II months ago when I thought it had a great tiv of 25ish. They received it but said it was missing the disc. When they sent it back to me the game was in there but they flipped the disc backwards so the label was underneath instead of the data side. Seems that they don't want to take LOTR games with their weak excuses for refusing them.

 
I'll be on the hunt for Horses then this weekend. lol  My RB3 and Trinity Universe are still processing from yesterday.  I wish I had locked in Incredible Hulk.  TIV sank like a rock.

 
NineH said:
I sent in my copy of LOTR:BfME II months ago when I thought it had a great tiv of 25ish. They received it but said it was missing the disc. When they sent it back to me the game was in there but they flipped the disc backwards so the label was underneath instead of the data side. Seems that they don't want to take LOTR games with their weak excuses for refusing them.
Click to expand...
hrm... That's the second rejection of LOTR now. Nobody has posted any success yet iirc.
 
Donut2922 said:
hrm... That's the second rejection of LOTR now. Nobody has posted any success yet iirc.
Click to expand...
I had found a copy at my local Best Buy with a generic case and no manual, but I submitted it as good and had it accepted yesterday. Have a screenshot, but can't figure out how to upload it. Got $32.14 for just the disc in a generic black case (took out the BB label).

 
I've sent in 4 complete LOTR and they all we're accepted $42.xx a piece. Was going to send in another before the Tiv sank

Also had a complete facebreaker/stoked combo accepted. Both games had art and booklet
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Got a bunch of trades accepted today - still waiting on LOTR, but all of the other random pop up stuff was accepted no problem.  Nice to have the old amazon credit cache reloaded and the PS4 payed off.  Thanks to everyone who has been posting lately!

 
Well now it just seems so random on what they are going to take. I tell you though my LOTR was perfect and still got rejected. I just don't understand. Makes it not worth it. I honestly feel like I'd rather just get instant credit at gamestop for less money.

 
Jaashua12 said:
Well now it just seems so random on what they are going to take. I tell you though my LOTR was perfect and still got rejected. I just don't understand. Makes it not worth it. I honestly feel like I'd rather just get instant credit at gamestop for less money.
Click to expand...
It's honestly always been fairly but not completely reliable (as anyone that's been dealing with their trade in program for a while can tell you). For things where values are relatively equal I'll go to best buy first, then send to amazon. Hyper inflated tivs are where the gambling fun of amazon's program comes in - you just have to view it that way as opposed to considering it a sure thing. Usually it's not such a big deal - you blow $10 in gamestop credit or something for the chance. The defiance thing was just too big on both ends (too high for them to accept and too much of an initial outlay for those that purchased it). It's a shame it soured so many folks to the program, but whatcha gonna do.

 
*sigh* I got my Defiance CE back today, and while the UPC area isn't mangled like others have reported, it's got some other UPC and another sticker that says "Incorrect UPC" on it. Needless to say, I'm pretty sure it won't be accepted if I send it in again, so I'll have to explain this to CS.

On a related note, did anyone get their packing slip back with someone's name written on it? On my slip, there's the name "Russell", who I can only assume "graded" the CE.

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