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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No sorry left out the "" I wrote "I dont believe this game originally came with a manual, please double check before downgrading, thank you".
 
If you lock in a trade for two copies of the same game and only send one copy, would the trade get rejected? Any insight would be great. Thanks.

 
DealSeeker2U said:
:ps3: Kung Fu Panda 2 shot up in TIV. Now it is at $23.28. Cancelled the old one and relocked at the new rate.
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Nice! Thanks, I found a copy today. Granted, it's without case/manual, but still a few more bucks in credit.

If you have nothing better to do with your Amazon credit, you could buy Champions of Norrath from Amazon Warehouse Deals for $24.10 (LN) and trade it in for $28.76...

http://www.amazon.com/Champions-Norrath-Playstation-2/dp/B0000CDZBC/ref=trdrt_list_asin

Gamestop has it for $13 : http://www.gamestop.com/ps2/games/champions-of-norrath-realms-of-everquest/27991

 
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Zolor23 said:
Nice! Thanks, I found a copy today. Granted, it's without case/manual, but still a few more bucks in credit.

If you have nothing better to do with your Amazon credit, you could buy Champions of Norrath from Amazon Warehouse Deals for $24.10 (LN) and trade it in for $28.76...

http://www.amazon.com/Champions-Norrath-Playstation-2/dp/B0000CDZBC/ref=trdrt_list_asin

Gamestop has it for $13 : http://www.gamestop.com/ps2/games/champions-of-norrath-realms-of-everquest/27991
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Sweet--a GS around me has it as 'low'--so I'll check

 
Vigilante said:
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. :???:
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GameStop just updated its databases. Third party coupons like CAG16 are now meant to cancel official GameStop discounts. The website also has a glitch from that which has been giving people trouble with activating official GameStop coupons with PUR's 10% discount.

Prices on "rare" games also were increased. Read the Xenoblade Chronicles for $90 thread if you want to see more.

I wanted to pick up a few games including Fire Emblem Radiant Dawn last week at a store where they said they were located but two different employees searched and said that they were in another store not listed online. It was weird and now Radiant Dawn costs more.

YBX87 said:
  i know they are giving out the gta v cover on shopping bags, instead of the regular gamestop bag.
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That's just a promotion for GTA V. It's not part of their system updates.

yepsryd said:
If you lock in a trade for two copies of the same game and only send one copy, would the trade get rejected? Any insight would be great. Thanks.
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Edit: Dude, I forgot to answer this after quoting it. Anything you've locked in a set and sent is what is graded. There aren't rejections for missing products; they only reject products over missing parts of those items by their guidelines. I locked in a God of War Ascension CE and a Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance and I didn't send the Dream Drop distance because I got more from it by selling it and my trade got accepted because the CE was in the correct condition. They just didn't grade the Dream Drop Distance because I didn't send it.

 
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yepsryd said:
If you lock in a trade for two copies of the same game and only send one copy, would the trade get rejected? Any insight would be great. Thanks.
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Not obligated to send any in, you can send them in seperate packages, or choose at any time to cancel or not send in part of an order.

 
klimb22 said:
The rumors might be true. GameStop did update their computer/register system. New receipts and everything.
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Hmmm - maybe this is regional then since my receipts from today look the same as before.

Anyway, I used the birthday coupon to save a whopping $1.40 on Spectral Force 3 and it worked no problem.

 
Brock F'N Sampson said:
Wow, I didn't know the Dreamcast sticks shot up in price. What are they usually going for nowadays? I think I got mine back around 2009 or 2010 on ebay for around $50-$90, I can't remember exactly.
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The lowest I've seen the Dreamcast stick going for lately was $80. All the chances I passed up to pick up the stick for $40-50, I kept telling myself my Dreamcast collection wasn't big enough to need a stick, lol.
 
Jaashuaa said:
No sorry left out the "" I wrote "I dont believe this game originally came with a manual, please double check before downgrading, thank you".
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Good tip, I gotta use this when I send it Shin Megami Tensai IV. I wasn't surprised to find out a manual wasn't included when I picked up a used copy. I was surprised to find out there's only a digital manual when I watched the Atlus unboxing.

I sent an email this morning concerning Kid Icarus: Uprising not getting graded, yet I already got credit for another game in the same package on Monday. I have to wait till Saturday if it doesn't get updated before then.

 
Zolor23 said:
Nice! Thanks, I found a copy today. Granted, it's without case/manual, but still a few more bucks in credit.

If you have nothing better to do with your Amazon credit, you could buy Champions of Norrath from Amazon Warehouse Deals for $24.10 (LN) and trade it in for $28.76...

http://www.amazon.com/Champions-Norrath-Playstation-2/dp/B0000CDZBC/ref=trdrt_list_asin

Gamestop has it for $13 : http://www.gamestop.com/ps2/games/champions-of-norrath-realms-of-everquest/27991
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Thanks. I can't believe how easy it was to find 2 1/2 complete copies locally at GS. With the PS2 B2G1 promo and Acceptable condition still high at $21.99, this was a no brainer.

 
my first time having issue sending in sealed games, my kirby dream collection got downgraded, because missing manual. lol

 
gogomo said:
We talked about this a few weeks ago, starting here: http://www.cheapassgamer.com/topic/295382-amazon-trade-in-faq-50/page-69#entry10932978

Consensus is that it's best to remove as much as you can. Don't give them any excuse to downgrade you. Once, I did send in a case with some slight residue (very minor) and it didn't get downgraded, but then again everything else was in perfect condition.
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Jaashuaa said:
Why even risk it, just clean it. Nail polish remover works great.
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I definitely do want to remove it, but the issue isn't the residue, it's getting all the stickers off easily.

 
KuroPansa said:
I definitely do want to remove it, but the issue isn't the residue, it's getting all the stickers off easily.
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I just carefully pull the stickers off the best I can and if they don't come off clean, I just put some Goo Gone on it and let it soak in for a second, then what's left over from the sticker usually comes right off. If theres any residue left, I just wipe if off with the Goo Gone and a paper towel. If there is any doubt and you are trying to get a Like New condition, I would just take a game I bought new from my collection and swap cases.

 
Vigilante said:
Some people have all the luck (absolutely no copies near me)... :bomb:
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I see a lot more of you guys finding things that I can not. I know there is trading on here, but too bad we can't start some sort of "exchange" system for times like this when we need stuff from local stores.
 
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Has anyone had problems getting credit for the Code Lyoko games? I sent 2 in and waiting for them to get there but i noticed the UPC brings up one that trades in for a lot lower than the ones I submit. Im hoping it will work out though.

 
Deader2818 said:
Has anyone had problems getting credit for the Code Lyoko games? I sent 2 in and waiting for them to get there but i noticed the UPC brings up one that trades in for a lot lower than the ones I submit. Im hoping it will work out though.
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Hemi suggested cutting out the UPC, or just not sending in the case art.

 
Deader2818 said:
Has anyone had problems getting credit for the Code Lyoko games? I sent 2 in and waiting for them to get there but i noticed the UPC brings up one that trades in for a lot lower than the ones I submit. Im hoping it will work out though.
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If you left the UPC on it, they're probably going to send it back as an incorrect item. They rejected a bunch of games I sent in that had retailer-specific UPC's last year, so I always search by UPC rather than title now. Works way better. For Lyoko, you should have sent them in as "acceptable" copies of the higher price item with the UPC's blacked out or cut out.
 
Deader2818 said:
Has anyone had problems getting credit for the Code Lyoko games? I sent 2 in and waiting for them to get there but i noticed the UPC brings up one that trades in for a lot lower than the ones I submit. Im hoping it will work out though.
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Did you miss our "discussion" where we basically concluded that you shouldn't send those in with UPCs? I made sure to send my two copies disc-only (well, one copy had the manual) and got the Acceptable value for both, still an excellent profit margin.

I hope it works out for you, too, but if you'll pardon my bluntness, it doesn't look good. :cry:
 
I just sent one today without cutting the UPC. I have the other one right here that I hadnt sent out yet that ill cut the UPC out on. Im just cutting my teeth on amazon trade ins and seems im not doing too well so far, lol.

 
Looks like Best Buy is going to screw me on a deal.  Been waiting a week for them to ship my Afro Samurai, and now the shipping deadline expires today and they tell me there has been a delay shipping it to store.  Argh.  At least I can cancel the order and not lose any money.  

 
beetlegum said:
Looks like Best Buy is going to screw me on a deal. Been waiting a week for them to ship my Afro Samurai, and now the shipping deadline expires today and they tell me there has been a delay shipping it to store. Argh. At least I can cancel the order and not lose any money.
Click to expand...

I assume the value has dropped otherwise you can always cancel and remake the trade in.

 
Deader2818 said:
I just sent one today without cutting the UPC. I have the other one right here that I hadnt sent out yet that ill cut the UPC out on. Im just cutting my teeth on amazon trade ins and seems im not doing too well so far, lol.
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It's not that big of a risk, as if they DO reject, you can always cut out UPC and re-lock, it seems to be holding pretty steady at $19.xx. I mean there are a few things to remember. 1. If you set it as "Do not return" you are inviting them to downgrade you. 2. Try to keep trade in's as grouped, the more you trade in at once, the more you make, and the less a downgrade/rejection would sting. 3. Keep an eye out as in 2 days (it's the 9th already for me) we have a b2g1 at BB and so games you "Break even" on are great options if you have BB credit to burn.

 
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