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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Platos said:
Mine looks like this that arrived today, just a cheap sticker over the upc for some reason.

trj9.jpg
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Welp seems that settles my amazon credit moving. Keep the rest at gamestop for now.

 
Ymmv for the Tomb Raider still.

Seems like GameStop has different UPCs for them floating around. Good score if they send you one with a sticker
 
Someone asked the other day about moving credit from Amazon to Gamestop. I checked out the recommendations but the prices seem to have jumped quite a bit for Portal 2 and Fifa. I guess lurkers here must have jumped on it. I can still break even with Fifa if it doesn't drop at all, and UFC is still decent, does anyone have a suggestion for a third? I'm trying to get about another $20 moved for Project Diva next week.

wutangonyamind said:
About to order one now, what are my options if I get one without the sticker?
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If you send it in to Amazon and it's rejected, as long as they don't open it up you can return it. If they do open it, like Eldritch said you should still be able to part it out. The game is still $18 at Best Buy for as long as the 50% bonus lasts, and the figure should make up the rest.

 
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kitsunisan said:
If you send it in to Amazon and it's rejected, as long as they don't open it up you can return it. If they do open it, like Eldritch said you should still be able to part it out. The game is still $18 at Best Buy for as long as the 50% bonus lasts, and the figure should make up the rest.
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Selling it whole on eBay, even opened, is probably better than parting it off from when I was looking the other day but that could change by the time this all gets sorted.

 
Thanks. a lot of stores around me have all 3 of those in stock so will hit up two sets of those on thursday.

Im starting to run through my GS credit though, lol I hope I can find some good stuff to move there while I have these 50% trade in coupons.

 
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Miami Flash15 said:
The guy in the thread said he got Fight Night, Wanted, and Blazing Angela. So I thought there was one, but couldn't find
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I think he meant that he already traded in Fight Night and Wanted and he picked up Blazing Angels as a filler to those two games.

Now, he has to find some more fillers because he already got Fight Night/Wanted

 
Stellar Inertia said:
Is Heavenly Sword worth owning? Was thinking of grabbing it to keep.
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Yes in my books. It was very God of War like gameplay but with female protagonist. It was also was one of the early releases when ps3 SixAxis controller was being hyped so you have a few tasks to perform using the motion controls of the controller. Tasks such as guiding an arrow to hit its mark from a yard into a building and right into the person's throat / face. You have Andy Serkis (Gollum of Lord of the Rings fame) playing the villain and he brings his A game to voice / motion capture. The game is not very long but certainly worth it. I enjoyed it.

 
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DealSeeker2U said:
Yes in my books. It was very God of War like gameplay but with female protagonist. It was also was one of the early releases when ps3 SixAxis controller was being hyped so you have a few tasks to perform using the motion controls of the controller. Tasks such as guiding an arrow to hit its mark from a yard into a building and right into the person's throat / face. You have Andy Serkis (Gollum of Lord of the Rings fame) playing the villain and he brings his A game to voice / motion capture. The game is not very long but certainly worth it. I enjoyed it.
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I agree, it is definitely worth playing. I really liked the sections you play as Katt(?) with the crossbow. By default you use the sixaxis for that, and it works okay, but you can also switch to joystick control and then you'll start hitting the head/throat/crotch of your choice more often than not.

 
Ditto for recommending Heavenly Sword.  However, I didn't really enjoy playing Kitt as much as others but a very good title for $3.  In a way, I'm a bit surprised there was no sequel.

 
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Good news everyone, the TR CE i received from GS.com today, is the correct UPC. (Had the sticker on it/ Pulled off)

The one i bought directly from the brick and mortar store locally however had the wrong UPC (No sticker/ straight up wrong). I returned it....

Gonna send it in sealed. Will let everyone know how it goes.

 
Anyone have luck with getting Amazon to credit you for badly damaged items being returned?  I sent in Facebreaker & Stoked disc only in two separate cases and just now they got marked as unacceptable condition as severely damaged which makes no sense since the discs were in perfect condition...

 
 
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Gedemer said:
Dead Space 3. $3 profit for a play and sell

http://www.gamefly.com/Rent-Dead-Space-3/5004172/?adtrackingid=cmju029

http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Space-3-Xbox-360/dp/B0050SWVIQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=videogames-tradein&ie=UTF8&qid=1377113717&sr=1-1&keywords=dead+space+3

(Amazon show's Limited Edition, whereas Gamefly does not)

Devil May Cry. $1 profit for play and sell

http://www.gamefly.com/Buy-DMC-Devil-May-Cry/5003867/

http://www.amazon.com/DMC-Devil-May-Cry-Xbox-360/dp/B007UM59AC/ref=sr_1_sc_2?s=videogames-tradein&ie=UTF8&qid=1377113900&sr=1-2-spell&keywords=devil+may+rcy
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You may also want to consider the risk of getting a chipped disc for xbox360 it is like a 50% chance. And since amazon checks more closely than gamestop I wouldnt bother unless you actually want to play the game first. I like how that sale instantly becomes "flip" to you lol.

 
Hey guys, I just recieved this offer from gamestop.

"Purchase Two Pre-owned Products and Get One Pre-owned Product of Equal or Lesser Price Free"

So what would be the best flip? Anyone? :)

I will start looking haha.

 
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jetsaredim said:
Anyone have luck with getting Amazon to credit you for badly damaged items being returned? I sent in Facebreaker & Stoked disc only in two separate cases and just now they got marked as unacceptable condition as severely damaged which makes no sense since the discs were in perfect condition...
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re-lock if possible, and resend

thats what i did when my trade in was denied (for wrong reasons)

 
Stellar Inertia said:
You may also want to consider the risk of getting a chipped disc for xbox360 it is like a 50% chance. And since amazon checks more closely than gamestop I wouldnt bother unless you actually want to play the game first. I like how that sale instantly becomes "flip" to you lol.
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Yea, I've been thinking about buying DMC and for free it's always nice.

As far as chipped disks go...yea GF sucks with that crap. They at least refunded me for my last game 2x so they paid me $15 to play ACIII lol

I personally stay away from GF with Xbox games, but take a shot here and there for PS3

 
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Woohoo, my Best buy order has arrived for pickup:

The BIGS 2

0

poker 2008

21.89

Dynasty Warriors 6

21.89

 

 

tax

3.8

 

 

TOTAL

43.78


Should net me over $20 bucks profit.  I'll still come out ahead even at acceptable rates.  The Buy 2 get 1 Free sale is still going on too.

 
 
beetlegum said:
Woohoo, my Best buy order has arrived for pickup:

The BIGS 2 0 poker 2008 21.89 Dynasty Warriors 6 21.89 tax 3.8 TOTAL 43.78

Should net me over $20 bucks profit. I'll still come out ahead even at acceptable rates. The Buy 2 get 1 Free sale is still going on too.
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Was going to say you will have the empires version arrive, but since the Dynasty Warriors 6 is the $20 (+tax) page, you should have had the correct one arrive. You really should look into GCU, many times the games are cheaper than gamestop, and they ship free, and quickly, regardless of the size of the order. The 10% off preowned games alone is worth it, IF YOU USE IT, if you start viewing best buy as an alternative to gamestop, than you will save a LOT. You would of saved about $4.xx alone from that one order.

 
Hemi said:
Was going to say you will have the empires version arrive, but since the Dynasty Warriors 6 is the $20 (+tax) page, you should have had the correct one arrive. You really should look into GCU, many times the games are cheaper than gamestop, and they ship free, and quickly, regardless of the size of the order. The 10% off preowned games alone is worth it, IF YOU USE IT, if you start viewing best buy as an alternative to gamestop, than you will save a LOT. You would of saved about $4.xx alone from that one order.
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Yeah I do need to join the gamer club. I just don't understand why they won't let you do it online. Kinda a hassle. One thing I do love about Best Buy vs Gamestop is the preowned games so far have been near mint quality. No ugly ass stickers or cases that look like a dog chewed on it. I picked up my order today, and every one was in the original case and looked brand new.

 
GenoWhirl621 said:
Sent in a PS3 Rock Revolution today (original packaging, manual, ~$1.91 used at GS). I cut out the UPC, set Amazon to "Good" condition (even though it probably wont be rated that), and do not return. I will update once they approve or deny my trade.
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My game made it to amazon but it now says that I need to ship the remaining parts by the 24th.
 
doc_j88 said:
Good news everyone, the TR CE i received from GS.com today, is the correct UPC. (Had the sticker on it/ Pulled off)

The one i bought directly from the brick and mortar store locally however had the wrong UPC (No sticker/ straight up wrong). I returned it....

Gonna send it in sealed. Will let everyone know how it goes.
Click to expand...

I can confirm, mine also came in today and had the sticker over the upc. I ordered two within the span of minutes and the 2nd one should be arriving tomorrow. I will post back once Amazon evaluates and credits me.

 
GenoWhirl621 said:
My game made it to amazon but it now says that I need to ship the remaining parts by the 24th.
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This is another reason you send it in as acceptable, I argued against the whole "well they can just downgrade it, but MAYBE I will get the higher TIV" for a reason. They assume you are going to send the condition you submit, so since you sent just the game they will wait for you to send the other parts. There is a difference between a bundle like rock revolution, and just a game.

 
Stellar Inertia said:
You may also want to consider the risk of getting a chipped disc for xbox360 it is like a 50% chance. And since amazon checks more closely than gamestop I wouldnt bother unless you actually want to play the game first. I like how that sale instantly becomes "flip" to you lol.
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Very true. I went to a Gamestop that had Champions of Norrath, buth the disc had a very small crack in the center. I decided not to buy it. I'm sure it would play fine, but I had a strong suspicion that Noram would return it to me if I tried to trade it to them. Did I make the right move?

 
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