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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Miami Flash15 said:
Dang it. I just left a far GameStop and forgot to get Supreme Commander and they have it :(
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Value plummeted to $3.48.

Regarding Supreme Commander I sent my trade in which was probably acceptable but let it go in as good hoping to get lucky. The old acceptable was ~$16 before the drop. Is that the acceptable I would get if downgraded or the new acceptable amount of $2.92 :whistle2:( ?

 
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Stellar Inertia said:
Value plummeted to $3.48.

Regarding Supreme Commander I sent my trade in which was probably acceptable but let it go in as good hoping to get lucky. The old acceptable was ~$16 before the drop. Is that the acceptable I would get if downgraded or the new acceptable amount of $2.92 :whistle2:( ?
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The Acceptable value at the time you locked in your trade, the ~$16 value, is what you'd get.

You can always check which value you'd get by going into Your Trade-In Account and clicking the condition at which you locked in the trade--a small window will appear showing the values (Good, Acceptable, etc.) that were in effect when you locked in the trade.

 
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Vigilante said:
The Acceptable value at the time you locked in your trade, the ~$16 value, is what you'd get.

You can always check which value you'd get by going into Your Trade-In Account and clicking the condition at which you locked in the trade--a small window will appear showing the values (Good, Acceptable, etc.) that were in effect when you locked in the trade.
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Thank god those values are the ones that apply even if downgraded. Thanks Vigilante! Amazon trade noob signing out! :baby:

 
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I didn't have any credit on another account, so I traded in 2 'good' Champion's Norrath for PS2 and took payment immediately.

Put the money towards Splinter Cell Blacklist.

Basically, $23.xx for it.

Hope they just don't deny it now. The games were complete. But box was kinda 'old' and had wear and tear
 
I managed to get two copies of Rock Revolution should I send them in as Good and Do Not Return so that it gets downgraded to Acceptable or just Acceptable from the get go?

 
Miami Flash15 said:
I didn't have any credit on another account, so I traded in 2 'good' Champion's Norrath for PS2 and took payment immediately.

Put the money towards Splinter Cell Blacklist.

Basically, $23.xx for it.

Hope they just don't deny it now. The games were complete. But box was kinda 'old' and had wear and tear
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Taking immediate payment is always russian roulette, sometimes nothing goes wrong, other times you end up shooting yourself.

 
Vigilante said:
Just out of curiosity, why can't he send them in as Good with "Do Not Return"? If they're going to be graded as Acceptable anyway, why not take the option that has a chance (however miniscule it may be) of more profit?
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That's what I would do. Some people in here have got lucky getting stuff graded as Good when they should be getting Acceptable based on their grading criteria.

 
Vigilante said:
Just out of curiosity, why can't he send them in as Good with "Do Not Return"? If they're going to be graded as Acceptable anyway, why not take the option that has a chance (however miniscule it may be) of more profit?
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Because if they were to grade it as good, than they could upgrade it regardless, but considering the fact that it won't get good without the other things BESIDES the game it is better to try for an acceptable than to TRY and be just a little greedy and go for an unrealistic grade. Take what you can get.

 
Found a COMPLETE copy of Afrika. One of two within a 100 mile radius for me :D

I'm running low of GS credit. Any possible transfers from Amazon > GS?

Portal 2, UFC, Alive--any others?

 
Hemi said:
Because if they were to grade it as good, than they could upgrade it regardless, but considering the fact that it won't get good without the other things BESIDES the game it is better to try for an acceptable than to TRY and be just a little greedy and go for an unrealistic grade. Take what you can get.
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But...it's not like they're going to reject your submission just because it's "unrealistic", and anyway, I've heard more success stories with people sending in Acceptable-level trades at "Good" and getting the Good value than people sending in the same-level trades at "Acceptable" and getting them upgraded to Good.

 
Miami Flash15 said:
Found a COMPLETE copy of Afrika. One of two within a 100 mile radius for me :D

I'm running low of GS credit. Any possible transfers from Amazon > GS?

Portal 2, UFC, Alive--any others?
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I knew of the first two but what is Alive? I'm still a bit hesitant on loading up on the first two with the 50% trade in bump coupon starting soon.

 
Konfusion said:
That's what I would do. Some people in here have got lucky getting stuff graded as Good when they should be getting Acceptable based on their grading criteria.
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I sent the first season of Powerpuff Girls in as Like New, but it obviously had quite a bit of wear and some of the packaging was torn and it got accepted. So it's always worth a try.

 
for anyone who sent in rock revolution and had it accepted, did you send the case too?  Wondering if that would be an issue since this is the "drum kit" edition

 
Would it be possible to trade in under the Xbox 360 250gb holiday bundle if all I had were

Xbox 360 with 250 GB HDD

Black Wireless Controller

A/V cables

Power brick

Forza Motorsport 3

Only thing I'm missing is the Alan Wake card.

 
handsomepete said:
Considering how many Dynasty Warriors game there have been they sure do retain their value. What's up with that? Are they generally low print runs?
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Not sure what listings you're looking at, but Dynasty Warrior games hardly retain any of their value. 7 and 8 are the most recent games so they're slightly more expensive, but everything else is around $10

 
handsomepete said:
Considering how many Dynasty Warriors game there have been they sure do retain their value. What's up with that? Are they generally low print runs?
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Well I mean they are generally all the same quality and each one is fun to play as the last, they are still coming out with them and yet they have made so many in the past, says something for their appeal.

 
Has anybody ever sent a game in with a printed cover? I got Afrika from Gamestop and it was a generic case, but appeared to be complete otherwise.Got home and went to swap the case and I realized it's not the real cover. It's a pretty decent print but it's obviously plain paper when you touch it.  It's the only copy in my area and I'd really like to make the flip.  Any advice?

 
Sepatown Tippie Tais said:
Has anybody ever sent a game in with a printed cover? I got Afrika from Gamestop and it was a generic case, but appeared to be complete otherwise.Got home and went to swap the case and I realized it's not the real cover. It's a pretty decent print but it's obviously plain paper when you touch it. It's the only copy in my area and I'd really like to make the flip. Any advice?
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I don't think that would matter. I can't see a trade-in employee checking the actual cover. They just scan, check disc and manual, then give you credit.

Plus, the profit margin is still very good with that game in acceptable condition, if they actually check it.

 
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Sepatown Tippie Tais said:
Has anybody ever sent a game in with a printed cover? I got Afrika from Gamestop and it was a generic case, but appeared to be complete otherwise.Got home and went to swap the case and I realized it's not the real cover. It's a pretty decent print but it's obviously plain paper when you touch it. It's the only copy in my area and I'd really like to make the flip. Any advice?
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I highly doubt that they'll remove the cover slip to judge it by its paper stock and print quality.

 
Miami Flash15 said:
All this credit is making it hard NOT to get the Xbox One.
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I'm with you. I've been saying for years that I'd never buy another launch Microsoft console (I've had 3 brand new 360's die on me). Now I might eat my words if I have $620 credit this November ($500 for Xbone, $120 for COD Ghosts Hardened Edition).

But it also seems pretty stupid to pay $500 just to play a game I could play on the 360 with slightly less pretty graphics. I'll buy more games down the road, but I try not to pay MSRP for much except the COD games, Arkham games, and Uncharted games.

 
One for the risk takers:

Tomb Raider CE PS3

Gamestop ~47.xx after 2 codes (Saver, Gust15) I don't have PUR so you might be able to get it even lower.

$75 TIV at Amazon - the link opens up the regular version for some reason, but just click on CE.

 
Platos said:
One for the risk takers:

Tomb Raider CE PS3

Gamestop ~47.xx after 2 codes (Saver, Gust15) I don't have PUR so you might be able to get it even lower.

$75 TIV at Amazon - the link opens up the regular version for some reason, but just click on CE.
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PUR wouldn't do anything since this is new.

I want to do this, but I don't have any credit until tomorrow when I trade in some stuff...

(Kinda scared this will become the new Defiance CE)

 
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Platos said:
Amazon is OOS of the PS3 one so it might be a better outcome than Defiance but it's a risk either way.
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And I'm going on vacation on Thursday too. I probably won't have enough time, but I do have a copy locally. No code for $15 off, but still going to be a $15 profit if it goes through.

 
Miami Flash15 said:
All this credit is making it hard NOT to get the Xbox One.
Click to expand...

Usually it is easy to wait because the first year has sucky games, but you would be missing out on Elder Scrolls online and Witcher 3 in 2014 which both look amazing. But there are plenty of new games in 2013 to keep anyone busy for awhile.

 
So we can't send collectors editions like new w/ the new packaging? Want to send in the bo2 care package there is only the good selection.. I do not know what happened with the defiance episode.
 
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