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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I've been damn lucky these past few days. My GS gave me 30% extra on 100% bonus TIV, and today, I found out that the cool CS rep I talked to about my weird Amazon Trade-in (America's Test Kitchen accepted before Mario Kart Wii/Rock Rev) automatically gave me $38.40 in promo credit today, even though my Mario Kart did get processed a few days after chatting with him...

 
Code lyoko is available to buy from warehouse deals - like new for 8.75 and trades in for 15.55 i believe- i bought a couple to trade right back in.

 
But do you think Amazon put the $1.5 one listed as that one? Just like they put CoD MW3 DLC Collection for sale used but just send you MW3. At least that happened for me lol

 
Miami Flash15 said:
But do you think Amazon put the $1.5 one listed as that one? Just like they put CoD MW3 DLC Collection for sale used but just send you MW3. At least that happened for me lol
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I don't know actually. When you guys said to make sure it was the right one I thought you meant there were two different Lyoko games, not that there were 2 listings of what looks like the same game.

Well I took a screenshot of the item page where it shows the $15.56 trade-in value on the right side of the page. Worst case I can contact customer service about changing the value with my screenshot as proof. We'll see how it goes.

 
BMXJouster said:
I don't know actually. When you guys said to make sure it was the right one I thought you meant there were two different Lyoko games, not that there were 2 listings of what looks like the same game.

Well I took a screenshot of the item page where it shows the $15.56 trade-in value on the right side of the page. Worst case I can contact customer service about changing the value with my screenshot as proof. We'll see how it goes.
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true that. I didn't do it just to avoid the hassle incase they deny it knowing their trade-in's lately

 
I traded in 2 copies of that Code Lyoko game a while ago with wrong UPCs, both were accepted. Just depends on the person grading your items really

 
Just saw that amazon is offering $144 TIV for an Xbox 360 Arcade console. Great deal if you've got one to unload.

 http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Arcade/dp/B0029MAXS6/ (see upper right)

I have an arcade but it's from the spring bundle, which only has a 25 cent trade in value. Hopefully that doesn't matter, though I have a feeling they will just see the box and reject it.

 
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Detonation said:
Just saw that amazon is offering $144 TIV for an Xbox 360 Arcade console. Great deal if you've got one to unload.

http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Arcade/dp/B0029MAXS6/ (see upper right)

I have an arcade but it's from the spring bundle, which only has a 25 cent trade in value. Hopefully that doesn't matter, though I have a feeling they will just see the box and reject it.
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Do we have to have it in the original box to trade it in?
 
Detonation said:
Just saw that amazon is offering $144 TIV for an Xbox 360 Arcade console. Great deal if you've got one to unload.

http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Arcade/dp/B0029MAXS6/ (see upper right)

I have an arcade but it's from the spring bundle, which only has a 25 cent trade in value. Hopefully that doesn't matter, though I have a feeling they will just see the box and reject it.
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I saw that someone had posted that on slickdeals. There'll likely be some annoyed folks when the rejection/downgrades start coming out for the lack of complete original packaging. The acceptable value is right around $100 though which is pretty decent anyways.

 
I'm gonna take a chance and send my spring bundle in and see what they do. Paid $80 for it from Target during the deal a few years back and has been sitting around as a backup since then. In Amazon Chat I mentioned I had an arcade system but the box was different than what was pictured and the guy said it would be fine, but that's just a CS rep. I figure the worst that happens is they offer me the Acceptable $106 or send it back.

 
Dragunz said:
Um, is anyone else having trouble submitting a trade? I keep getting this, and whenever I enter my address manually it just refreshes the page:

Unable to retrieve your addresses.
There was a problem retrieving your addresses. Please try again.
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Did you ever get this fixed? If so, how? I'm getting the same error. =(

 
Deader2818 said:
Nah, its either trade in $30 and get $30 off a PS4 Controller or trade in $20 and get $20 off Beyond Two Souls.
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Damn, I just straight up preordered and paid off a second controller (at GS). I should try to scrape stuff together for this instead.

 
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Echocentricity said:
I don't know if you guys know this but I sware these are the best rechargable batteries on the market. Since we all have an abundance of amazon credit. :p

http://www.amazon.com/eneloop-typical-Pre-Charged-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B004UG41XW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380432745&sr=8-1&keywords=eneloop

I sware by them lol they last a looong time & since I have alot of them, they get rotated and there all ready to go.
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Yep, definitely the best for standard batteries.

 
Speaking of which anyone have thoughts on credit movers?  I'm happy with break even as long as it's stuff that I can find that will be accepted so I can get the bonuses.

 
Wait, what's wrong with trade-ins?  I've been out of the loop for a while but it seems like it can't find my shipping address and then when I enter it manually it doesn't accept it.  Can never submit the trade-in...

 
io said:
Wait, what's wrong with trade-ins? I've been out of the loop for a while but it seems like it can't find my shipping address and then when I enter it manually it doesn't accept it. Can never submit the trade-in...
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The whole thing's broken right now. Can't cancel, can't submit, can't other things as well I'm sure.

 
captaintek3304 said:
Has anyone done it and had any luck? Beyond for $20 seems pretty sweet.
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AMZ Trade-In is on the fritz right now and no one can complete a trade. Hopefully it'll be fixed later today.

Also, you'll know if it works if you see the promos at the top of the page after clicking enough items for trade-in to push you over the required $20/$30 thresholds.

Finally, you don't have to use the $20 necessary to get the $20 credit towards Beyond on Beyond. For instance, if I traded in $20-worth of eligible items and got the promotion, I would have that $20 credit towards Beyond, but I could also just use the $20 I got from the traded-in stuff on anything else I want on Amazon.

 
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Vigilante said:
AMZ Trade-In is on the fritz right now and no one can complete a trade. Hopefully it'll be fixed later today.

Also, you'll know if it works if you see the promos at the top of the page after clicking enough items for trade-in to push you over the required $20/$30 thresholds.

Finally, you don't have to use the $20 necessary to get the $20 credit towards Beyond on Beyond. For instance, if I traded in $20-worth of eligible items and got the promotion, I would have that $20 credit towards Beyond, but I could also just use the $20 I got from the traded-in stuff on anything else I want on Amazon.
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Right, I understand that last part. But I might as well just use it on Beyond since I wanted it anyways. Nothing else I really want physical right now. I wouldn't even be getting this if it were digital.
 
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