Amazon Trade-In FAQ 5.0

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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
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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

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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HOW DARE YOU BRING WORTHLESS DOLLAR FLIPS INTO OUR MIDST?!

WHY THEY SHOULD HANG YOU FROM YOUR LEGS FOR AN HOUR!

On a serious note, this thread shouldn't be like slickdeals 2.0 Amazon trade flipcentral. Any respectable trade value and trade information is nice.

 
I bought an iPhone 4s from a close friend for $100 and an iPhone 5 off craigslist for $300 and traded both in for $994 after playcation coupon. Hell yes, both next gen consoles paid off !

 
So you guys were wrong about the promotional credit by the by. Made three small orders and it didn't use my credit. Then I ordered something for $74.24 and it used the credit... AND ATE MY 75 CENTS!!! So everyone that told me it would carry over to the next thing I ordered needs to pool their money and get me my 75 cents! :whee:

I meant nothing by it, you're actually one of my favorite forum members. I was just making a friendly joke. I will think twice next time.
OK then, didn't seem that way. Let's hug it out. :grouphug:

 
Hey guys, thanks for the info on how to contact. I sent them an e-mail about the game being listed as wrong item even though I sent both in and one was accepted and they gave me promo credit for the game.

 
So you guys were wrong about the promotional credit by the by. Made three small orders and it didn't use my credit. Then I ordered something for $74.24 and it used the credit... AND ATE MY 75 CENTS!!! So everyone that told me it would carry over to the next thing I ordered needs to pool their money and get me my 75 cents! :whee:
This is not the way promo credit has ever worked for me in the past - it has always spread across multiple purchases. Granted, I haven't had any in about a year so if it changed, it changed in a bad way. Actually, it makes no sense your small orders just "wouldn't use" your credit. Were they non-gaming or third-party purchases? They might have given you promo credit with restrictions like that.

I will probably have to contact them and get me some credit, though, since they seem to have overlooked a game in the one order I sent in with 2 games in it :roll:. The second one is "pending" - that means they lost it right?

 
This is not the way promo credit has ever worked for me in the past - it has always spread across multiple purchases. Granted, I haven't had any in about a year so if it changed, it changed in a bad way. Actually, it makes no sense your small orders just "wouldn't use" your credit. Were they non-gaming or third-party purchases? They might have given you promo credit with restrictions like that.

I will probably have to contact them and get me some credit, though, since they seem to have overlooked a game in the one order I sent in with 2 games in it :roll:. The second one is "pending" - that means they lost it right?
Maybe it was just super restricted, it doesn't really matter though in the end since I ended up order something for 75 cents short of the credit amount. Thinking about it I think what might have happened is that because the CS was giving me free next day on the item that because I had to pay for it the rest of the credit probably went towards that and then I probably just got the 75 cents back when he credited the $3.99.

Not necessarily, I've had shipments that contained several different items get processed days apart. That's why I tend to ship most of my trades as just identical items so they get graded together.

 
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Not necessarily, I've had shipments that contained several different items get processed days apart. That's why I tend to ship most of my trades as just identical items so they get graded together.
Yeah, I've been sending nearly everything recently as singles. But I made one trade of two games and the way it worked out, one I got complete and the other disc-only (and one was 360, the other PS3). The disc-only PS3 game is still "pending". I'll give it the rest of this week then hassle them...

I thought people had them process separately like that, but then on the notification for the credit for the first game it says this:

Some of your items have not been received yet. If you shipped them in a separate package, they may be processed at a later date. If you shipped all of your items in a single package, contact our Help Department for assistance with your missing trade-in items.
That pretty much is telling me to contact them ASAP... You guys have gotten that message and then still had them process the second thing days later?

 
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Yeah, I've been sending nearly everything recently as singles. But I made one trade of two games and the way it worked out, one I got complete and the other disc-only (and one was 360, the other PS3). The disc-only PS3 game is still "pending". I'll give it the rest of this week then hassle them...

I thought people had them process separately like that, but then on the notification for the credit for the first game it says this:

That pretty much is telling me to contact them ASAP... You guys have gotten that message and then still had them process the second thing days later?
Oh yeah, that means they don't know where it is.

 
I have one set of my trade in orders in processing, but I haven't sent them out yet. The option to print a label and cancel the trade in are gone so I don't know what to do. Has this happened to anyone here before?

 
I only noticed it when it was around $27. You should have told me if it was higher. :(

Oh well. I still have GameStop.
$27 happened a day or two after the original value went live. Sorry bud did not know at the time you were looking to trade it in or else I would have dropped a line.

 
I have one set of my trade in orders in processing, but I haven't sent them out yet. The option to print a label and cancel the trade in are gone so I don't know what to do. Has this happened to anyone here before?
Yeah, that happens occasionally. Had it happen with Tank Tank Tank and Trinity Universe recently. Sent in my trade of 2x Tank but had locked in a higher trade for Trinity so just left it alone to see what would happen. The Tanks were processed as normal and the Trinity expired like normal. Don't worry about it, if you're not going to send the items in, they'll expire after 25 days and if you are, they'll be proceesed like they normally would...

Edit: And if you still need to access the shipping label, just go to the original e-mail AMZ sent you confirming your trade. The link there will still be active and you'll be able to print out a shipping label. Just FYI...

 
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I just had 2 copies of Saints Row(plat), and Champions of Norrath accepted as "good" for all 4. One of the saints row was the right case, but it had the regular(non plat hits) disc. It was also missing the manual, but despite that was graded as good. Everything else was completely correct with manuals, cover arts etc.

Very pleased, I was 5 days late shipping that order and Saints Row tanked a while back.

Thanks for everyone who posts their finds, I really appreciate the effort, since I've started this I've been able to amass enough enough credit for a few hefty upgrades to my crappy PC.

 
Glad to see it work for some of you. Too many idiots at the trade in place for me to deal with them anymore. I had a game with digital manual returned for no manual, the amazon rep gave the TIV anyway as an apology. Three months later my card gets charged, I chat with amazon, they say its for the TIV back, don't care what the other rep did, even if they made the mistake and ruined my case in the process

I then promptly told the rep I was divert thousands of future purchases to their competitors. And I am.
 
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Having a hard time following you there.  Are you saying they gave you a make-up credit for rejected trade and then 3 months later they charged you for it?  If so, that is the first time ever in 3+ years (or whenever Amazon's trade-in program started - I know I've been participating since day 1 regardless) that we've heard of such a thing.

Did you request the credit up front?  If so, when they reject something your credit card will be charged for the amount of credit they gave you.  But you still had that credit to spend PLUS the additional credit the rep gave you for the rejected trade-in.

 
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Just read the trade up faq and got all excited. I didn't realize you didn't have to buy it from them. Shouldn't be too hard to find a cheap copy of madden 25 right before the xbox one comes out.

 
I had a ridiculously fast trade in today. I dropped off 2 packages at UPS yesterday and they were both graded today. Both of my PS2 Sega Fun Packs were accepted. I sent them as disc only for acceptable value. Also got Godfather, Juiced 2, and Supreme Commander accepted.

Speaking of Sega Fun Pack, there are Acceptable and Like New copies sold by Amazon Warehouse Deals for $13.60 and $17.00 if you don't have them available at Gamestop. PS2 games are still B2G2 according to the Gamestop website.

 
Rock Revolution was accepted as Acceptable and I got 19.42. How do I feel about this? Hm, let's ask the GOAT.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJbmB9k2Y88

 
Weird... some trades I submitted on the 4th and 5th are showing "please print by 9/11 (or 9/12)" but then below, "please ship by 10/15."  Anyone else notice this before?

 
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Weird... some trades I submitted on the 4th and 5th are showing "please print by 9/11 (or 9/12)" but then below, "please ship by 10/15." Anyone else notice this before?
Mine says the same thing. The ones I traded in recently have said that. Looks like it's either an error, or they're giving us much more time to ship it.

 
Mine says the same thing. The ones I traded in recently have said that. Looks like it's either an error, or they're giving us much more time to ship it.
This. I have a couple that say that as well. Weird.

Also, had a few games get received and processed today including the 3 for $10 GS games (2x Heavenly Sword, Wanted, and Fight Night) all complete accepted as Good, 2x Facebreaker/Stoked (just complete copies of both games x2 with UPC intact) accepted as Good, a Lyoko complete accepted as Good, and suprisingly a Disney Sing It Family Hits (game-only but complete with UPC intact) accepted as Acceptable (which is what I locked it in for) for the bundle.

Been lucky with the Rock Revolution and Sing It so far...

 
Maybe all this good news is cuz someone at Noram/whoever is reading all your complaints.  Lol.

 
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wtf...people complain about the postal service.  Figure the copy of The Last of Us I sent in would have been received today, since it was sitting in Cincinnati yesterday afternoon just outside of it's Hebron KY destination.  Well today it went from Cincinnati to Lexington, which could make sense if it's a UPS hub and then to Hebron which I thought would be the end of it's journey.  Nope.  It was there for only about 2 hours then it heads north through Cincinnati to Sharonville OH, sits there for most of the day and now it's back to Cincinnati.. :whistle2:?

 
wtf...people complain about the postal service. Figure the copy of The Last of Us I sent in would have been received today, since it was sitting in Cincinnati yesterday afternoon just outside of it's Hebron KY destination. Well today it went from Cincinnati to Lexington, which could make sense if it's a UPS hub and then to Hebron which I thought would be the end of it's journey. Nope. It was there for only about 2 hours then it heads north through Cincinnati to Sharonville OH, sits there for most of the day and now it's back to Cincinnati.. :whistle2:?
That's weird that it went to Cincinnati first at all. Lexington is the bigger hub so usually stuff that even passes Cincinnati usually just bypasses it then goes back.

 
That's weird that it went to Cincinnati first at all. Lexington is the bigger hub so usually stuff that even passes Cincinnati usually just bypasses it then goes back.
Well it says it will be delivered by the end of day tommorrow, now so let see what happens.

 
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Anyone else notice this in the recent Amazon trade?

Not Yet Received/In Transit
Please print by: 9/16/13
Please ship by: 10/15/13

 
This is from a trade I did for 9/9/2013
 
Anyone else notice this in the recent Amazon trade?

Not Yet Received/In Transit
Please print by: 9/16/13
Please ship by: 10/15/13


This is from a trade I did for 9/9/2013
Read the thread much? :) LOL!

That October 15th date not changing based on the date of the submission is a little concerning. Either it's just an error or something about the trade-in program is gonna change. Maybe they are terminating it altogether because we've complained too much!?

 
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