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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Well if I'm lucky the TR CE might be here tomorrow.  Has a tracking number associated with it now, though with no tracking info, but says it was returned the 4th.  My Rock Revs were returned the 3rd and showed up on the 4th so let's hope the TR CE does the same.

 
I hope my returns come quickly too. Never had anything returned before. Damn Wanted dropped in value too.
My 2 heavenly swords, fight night, trivial pursuit and one wanted went through essentially paying for the other stuff I got from that Gamestop 3 for $10 sale.

How good is Bestbuy sending in complete copies of used games? Never got anything from them before. Hoping the trade ins I got come complete.
 
the Gooseler said:
I hope my returns come quickly too. Never had anything returned before. Damn Wanted dropped in value too.
My 2 heavenly swords, fight night, trivial pursuit and one wanted went through essentially paying for the other stuff I got from that Gamestop 3 for $10 sale.

How good is Bestbuy sending in complete copies of used games? Never got anything from them before. Hoping the trade ins I got come complete.
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Like buying used games from them? Of what I've received 4/5 have been complete and in perfect shape but I'm sure like most things it's hit and miss.

 
I sent in two copies of saints row in the same box and one was accepted as good but the other rejected for wrong item lol. Guess im going to have to call amazon about this one
 
Phrozenspite said:
I saw one or two accepted, its the exception, not the rule. But as long as there are tivs I'm going to keep submitting them.
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Yeah, I got it accepted but I was one of the first people to send it in after it was posted too. With these things where it's questionable the first ones seem to be the most likely to get accepted and then it's pure luck.

 
Did Battle For Middle Earth 2 become rare for 360 or something? Trades for $24, it's $35 used at GameStop, but I remember finding it for about $7 used at every Blockbuster ever.
 
My two copies of Trivial Pursuit :)ps3:), two copies of Wanted: Weapons of Fate :)ps3:), and single copy of Fight Night Round 3 :)360:) were all processed today. Oddly enough, the two Wanted's were downgraded to Acceptable even though they were both complete when I sent them; I'm definitely not going to complain since it's only about a $4 difference, but it's still weird.

EDIT: I forgot about the single copy of Top Gun :)ps3:, game + movie on 1 Blu-ray disc) I sent in. That was also processed today for the full $25.05 Good value.
 
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The trade value for LOZ: The Minish Cap is alright I guess, its about the same ebay is selling it for unless they are fakes lol. Better than nothing though I mean, I beat it a long time ago.

 The Legend of Zelda - The Minish Cap

Platform: Game Boy Advance
Submitted Condition: Good Qty: 1
Expected Amount Per Item: $17.89
 
 
Do they actually expect you to have the original box?
 
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The trade value for LOZ: The Minish Cap is alright I guess, its about the same ebay is selling it for unless they are fakes lol. Better than nothing though I mean, I beat it a long time ago.

The Legend of Zelda - The Minish Cap
Platform: Game Boy Advance
Submitted Condition: Good Qty: 1
Expected Amount Per Item: $17.89


Do they actually expect you to have the original box?


I have like 6 of those lol
 
Both of my copies of  :ps3: Disney Sing It: Family Hits were processed and graded as acceptable today. Both copies were complete and sent in with UPC still on. 

 
Miami Flash15 said:
Any good 'flips' from GS to Best Buy? Want to transfer over some credit?
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Um...not to be rude, but what does that question have to do with Amazon? Even if you're talking about buying Kindle GCs at BBY after doing any such flips, this is hardly the thread for it. :???:

...But to answer your question, no, the good ones died out when the BBY TIVs tanked over the weekend.

 
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EldritchOnRye said:
GHOSTBUSTERS!

Seriously though, I have no idea what you're talking about.
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lol sorry, I meant what number do you guys call if you have a problem with a trade in? Like I said, i sent in two copies of Saints Row, both with manual,art, etc and one was accepted as good and the other was rejected for wrong item. UPC was correct so going to contact them and see what they can do.

 
Vigilante said:
Um...not to be rude, but what does that question have to do with Amazon? Even if you're talking about buying Kindle GCs at BBY after doing any such flips, this is hardly the thread for it. :???:

...But to answer your question, no, the good ones died out when the BBY TIVs tanked over the weekend.
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He's being more SD than usual.

Deader2818 said:
lol sorry, I meant what number do you guys call if you have a problem with a trade in? Like I said, i sent in two copies of Saints Row, both with manual,art, etc and one was accepted as good and the other was rejected for wrong item. UPC was correct so going to contact them and see what they can do.
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Contact them like you would by chat, but select the "Phone" option.

Help->Contact Us->Phone

 
How often do late games get rejected? Has it happened to anyone on this thread? I might be 5 days late with my package.

 
FYI, I just got couple ps3 games back because it was graded damage. Guess what? They used a ballpoint pen/boxcutter scratched 0.5 cm on the disc and called it damage. It is unbelievable. Guys take a pic of your games before you trade them in. Noram is very bad now. 

 
Uso said:
FYI, I just got couple ps3 games back because it was graded damage. Guess what? They used a ballpoint pen/boxcutter scratched 0.5 cm on the disc and called it damage. It is unbelievable. Guys take a pic of your games before you trade them in. Noram is very bad now.
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you are way late to the party...

 
Well, my one copy of Rock Revolution was rejected today and my other Tomb Raider CE actually accepted.  So two Tomb Raiders with the Gamestop UPC printed on them and one was rejected yesterday for incorrect UPC and today the other accepted, go figure.

Also got the expected values for Bladestorm and Wanted, one copy of each.

 
r00kie said:
I got 2 copies fight night round 3 rejected for 'wrong item'. I don't understand this one at all...I cant decide if it's worth complaining about after all its only 13 bucks.....just still very annoying. Also got a Tomb Raider with correct UPC accepted. I have one floating with the incorrect upc so we'll see how I fare on that soon.
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My fight night was accepted no issues
 
All this talk of weird rejections has got me to pose a question for the peanut gallery here since I've only traded one thing into Amazon before.

Basically I recently picked up a Last of Us Survival Ed. used off of eBay, and I was going to trade in my regular copy to Amazon to offset some of the cost.  Already locked in the trade actually.  I was just waiting for Survival Edition to arrive in order to swap the disc since it was slightly worse for wear not by much mind you than the flawless one I arleady had.  Well I got the Survival Edition today just happened to notice the disk is actually different.  Granted it's just cosmetically, the survival edition has a black top surface with just the name, while the regular has a picture of a decayed city.  Other than that everything is the same as far as I can tell, even the code numbers on the back of the disc.  So I'm just wondering if I try to send in the survival edition disc, as a regular edition in the regular edition case, do you think it's going to get rejected?  Or am I overthinking this too much. :lol:

 
Sporkis said:
All this talk of weird rejections has got me to pose a question for the peanut gallery here since I've only traded one thing into Amazon before.

Basically I recently picked up a Last of Us Survival Ed. used off of eBay, and I was going to trade in my regular copy to Amazon to offset some of the cost. Already locked in the trade actually. I was just waiting for Survival Edition to arrive in order to swap the disc since it was slightly worse for wear not by much mind you than the flawless one I arleady had. Well I got the Survival Edition today just happened to notice the disk is actually different. Granted it's just cosmetically, the survival edition has a black top surface with just the name, while the regular has a picture of a decayed city. Other than that everything is the same as far as I can tell, even the code numbers on the back of the disc. So I'm just wondering if I try to send in the survival edition disc, as a regular edition in the regular edition case, do you think it's going to get rejected? Or am I overthinking this too much. :lol:
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I personally believe it'll be accepted, as long as it says The Last of Us on it.

 
Had one Tomb Raider CE with the wrong GS UPC accepted today (sent it in sealed) for the full $75.  Also had 2x Facebreaker/Stoked accepted as Good ($27.50 each) when I just sent in two complete copies of Facebreaker and Stoked with all UPCs intact.

 
Hmmm... that's weird.  Just had my Rock Revolution accepted as Acceptable (which is what I locked it in as, sent it complete Game-only) but they processed it and sent me the e-mail at 9pm Pacific.  I got other things accepted earlier today.  They can't actually be grading things that late, can they?

 
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