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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I blame this topic for causing me to have $400 or so in credit at AMZ, while my Xbox One Preorder is at GAMESTOP x.x that will be fun to figure out how to move the credit.

 
Hemi said:
I blame this topic for causing me to have $400 or so in credit at AMZ, while my Xbox One Preorder is at GAMESTOP x.x that will be fun to figure out how to move the credit.
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Just cancel the pre-order unless it's the Day One, since that isn't available on Amazon atm.

I'm also in the same boat and am leaning on getting the Xbox One--can't see why not!

 
I am in the same boat now, just found out the still have ps4 preorders at my gamestop. Hopefully I can find some good ways to transfer credit when playcation cards start working.

Also to my suprise they had two copies of spectral when I went in to pick it up. Score!

 
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I have about 5 or 6 open trade-ins right now and I'm starting to wonder if I'm even going to be able to find these games. I bought 2 Bladestorms, 1 Kung Fu High Impact, and 1 Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2 online at GS, but I now realize that if they come in only acceptable condition, I'm only making a few bucks each.

 
We can ship items together if we add them together, right? Like, say if I select two copies of Spectral Force 3 or one copy of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2, one copy of Code Lyoko, and one copy of Call of Duty MW3. Because I have far more big bubble mailers than small ones.

...Anybody about to make a joke about that will get a Raiton: Kuro Pansa to the face.

 
KuroPansa said:
We can ship items together if we add them together, right? Like, say if I select two copies of Spectral Force 3 or one copy of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2, one copy of Code Lyoko, and one copy of Call of Duty MW3. Because I have far more big bubble mailers than small ones.

...Anybody about to make a joke about that will get a Raiton: Kuro Pansa to the face.
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Yes, it is considered different parts of one trade, you can choose not to send any game of the group, Just remember to include the packing slip.

 
Zolor23 said:
I have about 5 or 6 open trade-ins right now and I'm starting to wonder if I'm even going to be able to find these games. I bought 2 Bladestorms, 1 Kung Fu High Impact, and 1 Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2 online at GS, but I now realize that if they come in only acceptable condition, I'm only making a few bucks each.
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You forgot the fact that the disc can't be scratched to hell. My local store had one spectral force but it was too terrible to look at to even consider sending in. Talk about refurbishing...

 
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Hey, has anyone ever sent in an old trade-in that never auto expired and had it accepted?  I have an All Pro Football and NBA Homecourt combo that is still open from back in January for the $30 price.

 
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QSilverTwo said:
Hey, has anyone ever sent in an old trade-in that never auto expired and had it accepted? I have an All Pro Football and NBA Homecourt combo that is still open from back in January for the $30 price.
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At this point, you probably won't be able to print out the shipping label.

 
Sent in two :wii: Code Lyokos last month in the same order/package. 1 was paid out on 7/18 and the other sat in processing until today when it expired. Called and got $19.57 promo credit applied to my account.  

 
Miken said:
You forgot the fact that the disc can't be scratched to hell. My local store had one spectral force but it was too terrible to look at to even consider sending in. Talk about refurbishing...
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I guess I can return if that happens. Hopefully, it won't happen though.

klimb22 said:
Sent in two :wii: Code Lyokos last month in the same order/package. 1 was paid out on 7/18 and the other sat in processing until today when it expired. Called and got $19.57 promo credit applied to my account.
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So, that's successful at the Good price? I thought that had two different UPCs and the regular UPC was the one at $1.50 TIV. Might try my luck, then.

 
Zolor23 said:
I guess I can return if that happens. Hopefully, it won't happen though.

So, that's successful at the Good price? I thought that had two different UPCs and the regular UPC was the one at $1.50 TIV. Might try my luck, then.
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I locked both in at $19.57 for Good w/Do Not Return. I always do even if I know I only have disc/cart only. Sent both in disc only. I was paid $14.96 for Acceptable for one on 7/18. The other just never got graded. Amazon credited me the Good price.

 
I think I'm going to buy a Rock Revolution copy + send it in as the bundle for 'acceptable'. It's $1.99, I believe, at GS--so, really, nothing to lose

 
klimb22 said:
I locked both in at $19.57 for Good w/Do Not Return. I always do even if I know I only have disc/cart only. Sent both in disc only. I was paid $14.96 for Acceptable for one on 7/18. The other just never got graded. Amazon credited me the Good price.
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Oh, okay. That's what I do too, I just thought that you meant you got one credited as good and the other went missing.

 
coopscohen said:
Got my "Good" Pinball Hall of Fame accepted. The complete copy I found at GS didn't have the right UPC so needless to say I'm happy.
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Ah, so you were the one with the difficulty. I don't know if you saw my post at the time, but did you try entering the UPC into the search bar after changing the category to "Video Games"? If you don't change it, then you won't get a result for any UPC you enter.

If you did change the category, then I dunno why there would be two UPCs for such a niche title. :???:

 
Vigilante said:
Ah, so you were the one with the difficulty. I don't know if you saw my post at the time, but did you try entering the UPC into the search bar after changing the category to "Video Games"? If you don't change it, then you won't get a result for any UPC you enter.

If you did change the category, then I dunno why there would be two UPCs for such a niche title. :???:
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It was me.

I did try your suggestion and it didn't come up in the Video Games Category search either. I just took a shot because and if it was rejected I was going to resubmit disc only for the acceptable condition.

I know. I did a search and there is actually two UPCs for this game and I have no idea why.

 
coopscohen said:
It was me.

I did try your suggestion and it didn't come up in the Video Games Category search either. I just took a shot because and if it was rejected I was going to resubmit disc only for the acceptable condition.

I know. I did a search and there is actually two UPCs for this game and I have no idea why.
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Huh, weird. Thanks for the response--I'll be sure to check the UPC for the second copy I plan on tracking down this weekend to make sure it matches like my first copy did.

 
Got a copy of LOTR BFME II from BB today. No OG case, just the disc, perfect condition.

It's at $24.xx TIV now--I'll wait for it to jump. Was $4X.xx not too long ago.

 
Zolor23 said:
I guess I can return if that happens. Hopefully, it won't happen though.

So, that's successful at the Good price? I thought that had two different UPCs and the regular UPC was the one at $1.50 TIV. Might try my luck, then.
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Cut out the upc, the one time I would reccomend it.

 
I received a Gamestop Birthday coupon but I've only been able to use it once. I have not found any other birthday coupon to compare codes. Here is the code i receive EBC3041012. Any one else having this problem?

 
Loner1 said:
I received a Gamestop Birthday coupon but I've only been able to use it once. I have not found any other birthday coupon to compare codes. Here is the code i receive EBC3041012. Any one else having this problem?
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Nope, I've used that same code several times now, so I don't know why you would have that problem...unless it was a GS employee giving you trouble? :whistle2:k

You know what? I'll give that Rock Revolution trade-in a shot, too. I don't mind rolling the die on a potential 20x profit. ;)

 
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i dont think its the employee she tried several times and was rejected by 2 different employees on different days.She had to do an overide to give me the discount.

 
Birthday coupons are activated with the card and one coupon is to be used once per member. GameStop updated its databases, so your abuse might have locked it.

 
I have also been using the birthday coupon multiple times on my one gamestop account. It is however my birthday in a couple days so, I just printed out my coupon multiple times.

 
QSilverTwo said:
Hey, has anyone ever sent in an old trade-in that never auto expired and had it accepted? I have an All Pro Football and NBA Homecourt combo that is still open from back in January for the $30 price.
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I had a trade in from November for Arkham City that never expired and was able to get it accepted in March. They have been good with auto expiring games but a few times some fall through the cracks. In my experience, if it is still in your account then you should be good. However there is always a chance they will expire it in transit but that seems pretty unlikely since if it is long past the 25 days then they forgot about it pretty much.

 
mask.air.raid said:
Birthday coupons are activated with the card and one coupon is to be used once per member. GameStop updated its databases, so your abuse might have locked it.
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Seriously? Did they change something within the last couple of days? I used the same two coupons I used on Sunday last night and didn't encounter any problems. :???:

 
mask.air.raid said:
Birthday coupons are activated with the card and one coupon is to be used once per member. GameStop updated its databases, so your abuse might have locked it.
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I've been using the birthday coupons since January so unless it changed since the 25% coupon came out I don't see how that is correct.

 
Used my birthday coupon yesterday just fine. Probably been about 4 times now. It's not my birthday month.
 
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I'm hoping to use the birthday coupon today for my 2nd or 3rd use of the one they actually sent me.  Will let you know if I have any issues.  There's a disc-only Spectral Force 3 that I passed on earlier but is now worth picking up.

I also had a couple more games accepted at Amazon (Hulk and Trinity Universe).  So yay.

 
io said:
I'm hoping to use the birthday coupon today for my 2nd or 3rd use of the one they actually sent me. Will let you know if I have any issues. There's a disc-only Spectral Force 3 that I passed on earlier but is now worth picking up.

I also had a couple more games accepted at Amazon (Hulk and Trinity Universe). So yay.
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The rumors might be true. GameStop did update their computer/register system. New receipts and everything.

 
If you're trading in a game for Good and Like New, you have to clean the price stickers and residue off the case, right?

 
Yes! Got good for my rock band 3 missing a manual. I did however write a note saying that I didnt believe it came with a manual and according to the internet it doesnt.
 
 
Jaashuaa said:
Yes! Got good for my rock band 3 missing a manual. I did however write a note saying that I didnt believe it came with a manual and according to the internet it doesnt.
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did you wrote exactly what you just typed, lol
yeah, the "internet" is very reliable.
 
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