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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dorkyden said:
they recycle tracking #s? i have never heard of that before and i have sent thousands of items via usps
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Yeah they most certainly do. It is more common with international shipments though. Typically once the number is recycled it kicks out the old information but no always

 
Pretty good day for me trade in wise:

Sent off a complete copy for Juiced 2 for $24 trade in.  Also bought a 2nd copy at Best Buy which is ready for pickup.  I also found a decent trade in value for this particular blu-ray that I got at Target for 6 bucks:

http://www.amazon.com/Angels-Demons-Blu-ray-Digital-Combo/dp/B002YLKIM8/ref=sr_1_4?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1377913750&sr=1-4&keywords=angel+and+demons

Also, here's a great TIV if you can find these blu rays new for cheap:

http://www.amazon.com/National-Treasure-Secrets-Amazon-com-Exclusive/dp/B00168O6N2/ref=sr_1_3?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1377913823&sr=1-3&keywords=national+treasure+2

 
Anyone know if trades are processed on Saturdays? They've had some of my stuff since Thursday, and I would love to get credit before this long weekend.
 
DealSeeker2U said:
Amazon did a 180 on me and caught me completely off guard in a good way. The Tomb Raider CEs (2 of them) that they rejected initially are now accepted for full value of $150.00 and I did not even contact them. :whee:
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Oh that fills me with rage. Not at you, I'm glad they took care of you.

GenoWhirl621 said:
Did you send in the "Not for retail" UPC or the one with the UPC? Thanks!
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Pretty sure they were both just retail UPC.

SonictheHedgehog1337 said:
Congrats. I haven't even found one platinum hits case of any of these games. I'm glad they were accepted as good.
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FYI they were all in green cases. Three or four of them had the PH art but that was it.

mathyou said:
Anyone know if trades are processed on Saturdays? They've had some of my stuff since Thursday, and I would love to get credit before this long weekend.
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I've never had one go through on the weekend.

 
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Sweet. I feel bad asking - some people have had trades sitting around for days, even weeks! The experience seems so varied. Mine have tended to process same day, and no BS with rejections or anything. I'm sure I'm working on borrowed time, though.
 
Why wouldn't they process on the weekend? They already have the package, the shipping part is over. Why don't they do it on the weekend? Do they think they're a dentist's office, not working on the weekend?

 
KuroPansa said:
Why wouldn't they process on the weekend? They already have the package, the shipping part is over. Why don't they do it on the weekend? Do they think they're a dentist's office, not working on the weekend?
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Because that requires paying more people or paying more hours?

 
So... I have like 3 games I haven't shipped out yet and won't be able to until 9/3. I submitted the trade-ins on 8/13.

Let's say I send them in and they get there before the 25 day expiration thing. If they change to "Processing" before the 25th day, it should be fine right? It won't revert back to expiring?

Other part of the question is, if it's expired but already in transit... what happens to my games?

 
PrinnyOtaku said:
So... I have like 3 games I haven't shipped out yet and won't be able to until 9/3. I submitted the trade-ins on 8/13.

Let's say I send them in and they get there before the 25 day expiration thing. If they change to "Processing" before the 25th day, it should be fine right? It won't revert back to expiring?

Other part of the question is, if it's expired but already in transit... what happens to my games?
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You should be fine as long as it's processing before then. Others have reported just getting the value deposited on the 25th day if it wasn't processed by then.

If it expires in transit then they'll return them to you.

 
must have missed it but what were the original "high" tivs for kung fu panda 2, supreme commander, and I think someone mentioned godfather and the hulk.

I still have to go get some games to send in.  I've sent games in "late" before (after 7 days but before the expired trade email is sent) but haven't for months.  What's the latest people have sent in recently?

 
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Gamer SDP said:
must have missed it but what were the original "high" tivs for kung fu panda 2, supreme commander, and I think someone mentioned godfather and the hulk.

I still have to go get some games to send in. I've sent games in "late" before (after 7 days but before the expired trade email is sent) but haven't for months. What's the latest people have sent in recently?
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I didn't trade in The Godfather or The Incredible Hulk, so I can't recall their TIVs, but Kung Fu Panda 2 :)ps3:) was $23.66 per copy while Supreme Commander :)360:) fetched $24.10 per copy.

I was really thankful for that second one, as it's been quite some time since I've been able to quadruple my investment per copy. ;)

 
Gamer SDP said:
must have missed it but what were the original "high" tivs for kung fu panda 2, supreme commander, and I think someone mentioned godfather and the hulk.

I still have to go get some games to send in. I've sent games in "late" before (after 7 days but before the expired trade email is sent) but haven't for months. What's the latest people have sent in recently?
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I just sent in a few that were 4 days late (after the 7 day period). I've never done this before. Hopefully it works out. I bet others on this thread can give some details for us. I didn't know about the URL swap trick or the print to pdf trick for the old printouts so I never bothered sending in expired shipments.

 
PrinnyOtaku said:
So... I have like 3 games I haven't shipped out yet and won't be able to until 9/3. I submitted the trade-ins on 8/13.

Let's say I send them in and they get there before the 25 day expiration thing. If they change to "Processing" before the 25th day, it should be fine right? It won't revert back to expiring?

Other part of the question is, if it's expired but already in transit... what happens to my games?
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The trade-in will expire unless the items are received and completely processed by the 25th day (which would be Saturday September 7th in your case). Unless you think the package will get there in 3 days and be processed on a Saturday, I'd say your chances are probably not very good unfortunately. If your trade-in does expire though, they simply mail your items back to you (even if it's already in the Processing stage) so it probably wouldn't hurt to try.

 
Now that I no longer have possession of TR CEs you guys should be all clear to be processed just fine. Normally once I get ahold of a rare/hot item (or in this case, an item with great profit), the value will plummet. Get rid of said item, and it will return to value accordingly.

Printed my shipping label just in case, though.... could be an omen. Proceed with caution. ;)

 
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My FFXIII Xbox 360 bundle only took 2 days to get there! Hopefully it gets processed quickly. Other than some very light damage to the box, it's practically new. You would have thought it was had just been picked up from a retail store.

 
Gamer SDP said:
must have missed it but what were the original "high" tivs for kung fu panda 2, supreme commander, and I think someone mentioned godfather and the hulk.

I still have to go get some games to send in. I've sent games in "late" before (after 7 days but before the expired trade email is sent) but haven't for months. What's the latest people have sent in recently?
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hulk was $27.81

 
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I'm gonna be stupid and just package the 3 games in envelopes and hand them off the the UPS guy when he delivers today.

I've been holding off cause I ran out of bubble mailers but whatever... I don't wanna risk them sending the games back to me because of it. Hopefully they don't get destroyed in transit.

 
Upon checking my email this morning I noticed a gift from gamestop which expires 10.31.13. 

*edit* coming soon.

 
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beetlegum said:
Pretty good day for me trade in wise:

Sent off a complete copy for Juiced 2 for $24 trade in. Also bought a 2nd copy at Best Buy which is ready for pickup. I also found a decent trade in value for this particular blu-ray that I got at Target for 6 bucks:

http://www.amazon.com/Angels-Demons-Blu-ray-Digital-Combo/dp/B002YLKIM8/ref=sr_1_4?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1377913750&sr=1-4&keywords=angel+and+demons

Also, here's a great TIV if you can find these blu rays new for cheap:

http://www.amazon.com/National-Treasure-Secrets-Amazon-com-Exclusive/dp/B00168O6N2/ref=sr_1_3?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1377913823&sr=1-3&keywords=national+treasure+2
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I wish the tracker would include blurays and movies... any easy way to see whats worth trading in.. ive noticed in the past the good values are usually only for new condition.

 
alot of the recent gamefly sale games still have decent tiv at best buy... dont know how long it will last but im thinking of trading in my gow judgement and ordering it from gf to make a slight profit.. trying to justify the trip to bb

 
Yeah I'm debating whether I want to do the whole GF -> BBY thing. To guarantee the TIVs and the 100% bump (today being the last day apparently) I would have to involve GS in the whole thing, and a lot of returns later in the week.

That... is a ton of effort, and it's gonna look real shitty for me to flood my GS with returns lol. But it's like a $110 profit.

Someone tell me to stop!

 
I had no problem trading in a non official Microsoft adapter I just ripped the sticker off so they wouldn't even know.. They do like to ask ohh we'll where is your Xbox? We take broken xboxs too.. Lol
 
Im tempted to order more of them. Such good profit, but I dont really want to push my luck.



I'm going to try to do two more.. See what happens worse comes to worse ill return them with a prepaid shipping label back to amazon..
 
eej1422 said:
I'm going to try to do two more.. See what happens worse comes to worse ill return them with a prepaid shipping label back to amazon..
Click to expand...

Jaashuaa said:
Same store?
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So far I've done one but I ordered another since I have 4 Gamestops near me. I'll definitely be fine with two. But does anyone know if they keep track of what you've traded in when they scan your PUR card? I don't have pro, just the free one. Trading in 3 or more if they do indeed track what you trade in will be really sketchy.

 
KuroPansa said:
Amazon is a sack of shit/ They've been successful only because of customers like us and now when we have issues with their shitty service, they just kick our ass out of Amazon. "We don't feel like dealing with you so leave." I hope Amazon bans the wrong kinds of people one day and then they tear Amazon a new one.
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I guess it depends on what you mean by people like us, but I would say that Amazon would do just fine without most of the people posting in this thread (myself included).
 
No I took this one to a store by my parents 3 hrs away from where I live since I'm out of town.. They only have 2 gamestops in this city lol where in mine I have like 5 within 10 miles..

So I'm gonna try the other two closer to where I live.. I have no idea how they track it, I thought it was by Id, I traded in 4 portals with a Id and they wouldn't take it anymore in even without a card..

The difference between the official is that it says Microsoft with a serial number where the sticker part goes.. The unofficial one doesn't say Microsoft and has a plain black sticker.. Both I which can be pulled off so then they wouldn't even know.
 
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Dumb question as I am new to gamestop, what is playcation and how can I get it? I have over $200 of amazon credit and no near term purchase to make. Moving some credit over to GS would be great.

nevermind....found it out myself.

 
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