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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kitsunisan said:
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.
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Ah, I see they are pretty pricey now. Yea I was thinking the same thing when I as buying mine. The guy had modded the ball top to a black rubbery one because he said the original green one felt very slippery (shrugs shoulders) so I decided to go with it since none of the other ones on ebay had any interesting mods. A lot of those great Dreamcast games are on Xbox live and PSN now anyways, and I actually bought some of them despite already having the Dreamcast versions (every time I think about the fact I bought those fighting games again, I start to feel like I seriously have some issues, LOL). So I think you shouldn't be too worried about getting that Dreamcast stick, unless you just really want to add it to your collection.

I checked the status of my trade-in today. I shipped the sticks out on Tuesday afternoon and it says that it's still processing as of right now. I checked the tracking and it shows they arrived yesterday, but at 2 different locations. The only way I could pack them was by putting 3 sticks in one big box I had and putting the 4th stick alone in a smaller box I also had. I had to print 2 different shipping labels for the same order and I made sure I packed them very well and securely. I even put a note in each of the 2 packages letting them know the sticks are brand new. I decided to put the note inside after reading other cheapassgamers were putting notes in their games, I don't know if that helps or makes a difference though. I'm just wondering when I should hear from them and hoping they accept the trade-ins for their current full value.

Update: Now it apparently shows that both packages arrived at the same location, which is what it should have said before.

 
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Gotta love amazon graders.

I sent in 2x Stoked/Facebreaker Combo.

1x Facebreaker and 2x Stoked were disc only copies, but I sent them in general black DVD cases. A Facebreaker had the box art, but nothing else, I forgot to remove the box art thinking I would get wrong version/UPC, but it slipped my mind.

They were just graded and one set got Good for $27 the other got Acceptable for $20...Go figure.

EDIT: I also sent in two copies of Spectral Force 3 (both with cover art no manual) both were accepted as Good...Gotta love them. All that is left are my 2x PS3 Ethernet Cables for $10 each, we'll see.

 
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Got $21 for PS3 Rocksmith Guitar & Bass game only, acceptable condition.

This is a good way to get an extra cable cheap: buy the bundle which is frequently on sale for $30 and trade in the game.

 
Got my Kirby Collection accepted.  The outer box was pretty beat up as best buy use a padded envelope for them.

 
Sent in two complete copies of Dynasty Warrior: Gundam 2, both in excellent condition, one graded acceptable and one as good. Same deal with my copies of Cross Edge.

Also had my Facebreaker/Stoked graded as acceptable. Stoked was complete, however Facebreaker was disc only. I forgot to cut the UPC on Stoked and sent both discs in the single Stoked case. Looks like I got lucky on this one.
 
Zolor23 said:
How big is the Rocksmith Guitar Bundle box?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0088MVQI2/ref=twister_B0088MVQGO?tag=cheapassgam08-20&ie=UTF8&psc=1

Buy from AWD for $137.83, trades in for $154.75.
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I have 1 more to send it, the dimensions are 42x16x4. I was lucky to find a bunch at my local Sam's Clubs for 59.99. Didn't even open them just traded them in and all were accepted. So chances are the Like New ones are the ones I've sent in over the last month. Im lucky though, I get free boxes at work when I need them so I didn't have to search/pay for packaging.

 
Had a complete Code Lyoko (UPC in tact) graded as Good. Had a Facebreaker/Stoked with missing manual on FB and UPCs removed downgraded to Acceptable. Nicely, I sent them in on Wednesday!

Thanks so much to this thread for existing. I found it a week and a half ago, and I'm now having to restrain myself from buying more flips. There are three Gamestops within 5 miles of my house, so it's been tough.
 
mathyou said:
Had a complete Code Lyoko (UPC in tact) graded as Good. Had a Facebreaker/Stoked with missing manual on FB and UPCs removed downgraded to Acceptable. Nicely, I sent them in on Wednesday!

Thanks so much to this thread for existing. I found it a week and a half ago, and I'm now having to restrain myself from buying more flips. There are three Gamestops within 5 miles of my house, so it's been tough.
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Same problem here, to many gamestops & Every route I go through has one next to it.

Lol.

 
mathyou said:
Had a complete Code Lyoko (UPC in tact) graded as Good. Had a Facebreaker/Stoked with missing manual on FB and UPCs removed downgraded to Acceptable. Nicely, I sent them in on Wednesday!

Thanks so much to this thread for existing. I found it a week and a half ago, and I'm now having to restrain myself from buying more flips. There are three Gamestops within 5 miles of my house, so it's been tough.
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Why stop? I don't see much use for Gamestop credit other than flip fodder. The only problem is flipping that Amazon credit back to Gamestop. Amazon has some good deals, but no flip-worthy ones.

 
KuroPansa said:
And the concensus here is that it was accpeted for that because they didn't want so many with the high value. So easy to send it back with some BS reason rather than own up to their own value.
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Yup, I had resent mine, as had a few others, I had one of each, they were accepted both with no issues. Had gotten CS to give me the difference. This is the one case where they were probably told to just reject them all, even though the reason was wrong.

 
im debating on actually getting the HD Collection for myself since I've never played a DBZ game before.  Only played Street Fighter IV in the past recent years and it was not to my liking.

 
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mathyou said:
Thanks so much to this thread for existing. I found it a week and a half ago, and I'm now having to restrain myself from buying more flips. There are three Gamestops within 5 miles of my house, so it's been tough.
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I want to say thanks also to everyone who contributes to this thread. It would be easy to keep the good TIVs to yourself, but I'm so happy that people share the information here.

I've spent a lot of time searching for good trade ins, but it's hard as heck the way Amazon organizes them. It would be awesome if you could sort by price. Anyway, thanks again to everyone.

 
I also want to thank those who helped. The Nascar one was awesome. I enjoyed the original Tomb Raider.

Amazon should let us group separate trades together as long as they haven't yet expired. Just let us edit trades in general.

 
Wii indy 500/ aces combo trades in for 20.20. can buy both for like 11 on amazon, but getting the good value might be trickey.

 
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Wow, I put Champions of Norrath on hold the other day at my GS through the online thing and I did not go to get it. So, I submitted the request again today and they denied it lol.

I check availability, and it still shows that it's available there.

 
Miami Flash15 said:
Wow, I put Champions of Norrath on hold the other day at my GS through the online thing and I did not go to get it. So, I submitted the request again today and they denied it lol.

I check availability, and it still shows that it's available there.
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I think that they are just too lazy to look for the PS2 games. Yesterday, I went to pick up Champions of Norrath without having a PickUp@Store request and the guy said they had two and came out with one. I think they're just too lazy to look through the PS2 games, because they're in the back, usually.

 
Zolor23 said:
I think that they are just too lazy to look for the PS2 games. Yesterday, I went to pick up Champions of Norrath without having a PickUp@Store request and the guy said they had two and came out with one. I think they're just too lazy to look through the PS2 games, because they're in the back, usually.
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unless they saw my name/info again and just denied it/

I'll still give them a visit.

Looks like they may only have one. When they had the one copy on hold yesterday, it said they were unavailable at that location after.

 
Miami Flash15 said:
unless they saw my name/info again and just denied it/

I'll still give them a visit.

Looks like they may only have one. When they had the one copy on hold yesterday, it said they were unavailable at that location after.
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What happens sometimes is that the one you requested may still be in the "hold" drawer. If it is a different employee then he/she may not look there. Also remember that hold requests are good until the end of the second day, but show back up online exactly 48 hours after your request is fulfilled. You might of requested it again, but it was technically still on hold for you.
 
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Zolor23 said:
I think that they are just too lazy to look for the PS2 games. Yesterday, I went to pick up Champions of Norrath without having a PickUp@Store request and the guy said they had two and came out with one. I think they're just too lazy to look through the PS2 games, because they're in the back, usually.
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Not just PS2 games. I've gotten kicked back on stuff sitting right in front of their face on the shelf. I walk right in to the store and pick it up. I then show them the denial email and they always blame it on someone else. Good thing you can track who denied it and let their DM know.
 
Miami Flash15 said:
For those who found complete copies of Stoked + Facebreaker, what did you do to send them and get them graded as 'good'?
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I sent my 4 games (2 sets) in generic black DVD cases and one Facebreaker had box art. So 2x Stoked 1x Facebreaker had no box art and all the games were in the wrong cases and had no manuals. One set was graded as good the other as acceptable.

I also sent in two copies of Spectral Force 3 with just box art and no manuals and those were accepted as Good.

Go figure...

 
Saix_XIII said:
I sent my 4 games (2 sets) in generic black DVD cases and one Facebreaker had box art. So 2x Stoked 1x Facebreaker had no box art and all the games were in the wrong cases and had no manuals. One set was graded as good the other as acceptable.

I also sent in two copies of Spectral Force 3 with just box art and no manuals and those were accepted as Good.

Go figure...
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...and that's why I always lock in as Good w/ Do Not Return no matter what. I leave it up to them to downgrade and/or screw up. Seems like you've been luckier with the latter.

 
I got lucky and got good credit for a game i didn't even send in with the 3 other games first time the trade in process has hiccuped in my favor
 
Wait, I thought that of you locked them in as good and if it got downgraded they would let you choose the acceptable? Is that not the case? 

I really thought that if they don't return it to you, they just keep the game lol.

 
Echocentricity said:
Wait, I thought that of you locked them in as good and if it got downgraded they would let you choose the acceptable? Is that not the case?

I really thought that if they don't return it to you, they just keep the game lol.
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If you choose to not have it sent back you will either get the lower (good/acceptable) value or they will send the game back. So basically all you are choosing by "Do not send back" is that you are willing to take a lower tier value unless they reject it.

 
Echocentricity said:
Wait, I thought that of you locked them in as good and if it got downgraded they would let you choose the acceptable? Is that not the case?

I really thought that if they don't return it to you, they just keep the game lol.
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You have to make that decision up front. This ain't Half.com.

Do not return is basically: If good; pay as Good; if acceptable, pay Acceptable; If rejected, they send it back.

You would think that on some lower value trades that it would be cheaper to pay out Acceptable than pay for return shipping.

 
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