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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Hmm..my Madden was locked in on the the 15th of Sept. and says 'ship by oct 31' and isn't expired. I should send it in soon, but I play it pretty damn often

Edit:
I have a trade-in from August 26th that also says 'ship by oct 31st'. Gonna send that in today.

 
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Had my Capcom triple pack accepted as good this morning sent it in as:  DMC4 complete non PH, Dead Rising complete non PH and Lost Planet Colonies complete obviously PH since colonies edition was a PH only....also my LP:C had not for resale instead of a barcode on it....think I probably just got lucky getting the good rating.

 
Miami Flash15 said:
Hmm..my Madden was locked in on the the 15th of Sept. and says 'ship by oct 31' and isn't expired. I should send it in soon, but I play it pretty damn often

Edit:
I have a trade-in from August 26th that also says 'ship by oct 31st'. Gonna send that in today.
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I have a sneaking suspicion something is coming in the first week of November which is the reason for the hard reset on all trades on 10/31 and the address book problems. My out of thin air guess is a new focus on regular promotions and lower overall values (thus coming more in line with gamestop and bby). If that's the case, they need to fix this promo qualification shit with a swiftness.

 
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KansasCityKing said:
Not sure who it was but someone on here posted about getting packaging materials from a UPS drop box. I have seen a couple of those around town and confirmed they do have the ups bags and the ups cardboard envelopes. Not sure how many you are looking for but that might be an easy and free option if you don't have a ton to ship.
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Can we drop off UPS Ground packages at these drop boxes?
 
KansasCityKing said:
Yep but there is something about getting the receipt with the tracking number on it that helps me sleep at night. Otherwise the drop boxes would be great.
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That's how I feel about it too. Unfortunately my local UPS won't give out receipts even if you ask for one. I called corporate and they said it is at the location's discretion. There is about 5 miles farther away, so I drive to it because they give receipts.

 
Today was the first time I've dropped one in a drop box, I was uneasy about it. I feel better now that I've seen it's already started its journey. (tracking)

 
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kitsunisan said:
All had barcodes, no indication of which one was denied.
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Just realized that Lost Planet has to be the Colonies Edition of the game. Was about to take my chances and ship it out tomorrow but now I'm going to Gamestop to exchange to the colonies edition of the game.

Lost my receipt (I know) but hopefully they'll look up my purchase from my PUR and allow for an exchange.

 
Had one of four items - all in the same package and on the same invoice - accepted, and the other three are still processing, although they're all hardware bundles (RR, GH and Wii Fit), so maybe that explains it. Anyone had that happen before?
 
What the hell ? I sent a "Like New" Vita 16GB card (The card was/is brand spanking new) and there are zero scratches or stains....yet it had its condition dropped to "Good" ?

Is there a claim I can file ? or is it even worth the $5.xx to hassle over it 

 
I sent my Cosmo black 3ds to amazon on Tuesday. Email just received, trade has been accepted $187.90 gift card deposited. Glad I did not send my original trade in 2 weeks ago. It was only worth $65 at that time. I also got $126.58 for a 3G PS Vita.
 
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So, I sent in my 3DS for trade-in this week with condition "Good," but in retrospect, I should've opted for "Like New." The charging cradle had never been used, the AR cards are still wrapped, and I wiped down the system to remove all dust/fingerprints after taking off the screen protectors. I notice that it says:

If your items are considered to be in a better trade-in eligible condition than what you selected, you will receive the corresponding higher amount.
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But does that actually ever happen to anyone?

 
Still processing my controllers but they accepted my Code Lyoko, 2x Nintendo Land and 2x acceptable CoD4 CE (regular discs).



Dranakin said:
So, I sent in my 3DS for trade-in this week with condition "Good," but in retrospect, I should've opted for "Like New." The charging cradle had never been used, the AR cards are still wrapped, and I wiped down the system to remove all dust/fingerprints after taking off the screen protectors. I notice that it says:

But does that actually ever happen to anyone?
Click to expand...

It's rare but it does happen. Seen other people report it on occasion and I had it happen once where I sent something in as acceptable because it was in the same trade with something that I wanted returned instead of downgraded. It was missing the manual or something simple like that and they bumped it up.

 
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yar, I've had a handful of stuff upgraded over the years. usually stuff in kinda shit condition that I graded fairly and they were just generous.

glad to see the 3ds paying out, hope that more folks get it.
 
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I've had stuff upgraded that didn't really deserve to be upgraded, but it didn't really matter. I was going to throw them away and they went from like $0.50 to $0.90 or something. Mostly stuff that was missing a UPC code but was marked as Like New even though the Acceptable guidelines had stated "missing UPC code."

 
i am having some issues, i just checked the status of an trade in item i shipped from 2 days ago. when i typed in the tracking# , it says package is already delivered on 6/12/2012/?
 
BOUNCIN PENGUIN said:
What the hell ? I sent a "Like New" Vita 16GB card (The card was/is brand spanking new) and there are zero scratches or stains....yet it had its condition dropped to "Good" ?

Is there a claim I can file ? or is it even worth the $5.xx to hassle over it
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You got "luckier" than I did. Mine (also factory sealed) got downgraded to "Acceptable". I'm not yet sure where to complain, but you'd better believe I will.
 
YBX87 said:
i am having some issues, i just checked the status of an trade in item i shipped from 2 days ago. when i typed in the tracking# , it says package is already delivered on 6/12/2012/?
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UPS reuses their tracking numbers. In a day or two you'll see the old shipment get replaced with yours. Same thing happened to me this week when I traded in Last of Us.

 
guessed said:
You got "luckier" than I did. Mine (also factory sealed) got downgraded to "Acceptable". I'm not yet sure where to complain, but you'd better believe I will.
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How long did it take Amazon to process your trade-in? I sent in a vita memory card and it was delivered to Amazon on Monday but it has yet to be verified.

 
EldritchOnRye said:
Well my Rock Revolution were rejected for the third time. Guess I'll just keep submitting since it was such a low investment.
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They finally took mine after the 3rd or 4th attempt. I kinda just quit counting and just kept sending it in and I guess got a lenient grader. I'm having problems getting my 2nd copy of Disney Sing it accepted though. Gonna work on sending that in again with some vanquish's and code lyoko's to try and qualify for the DS4 promotion.

 
JPizz said:
How long did it take Amazon to process your trade-in? I sent in a vita memory card and it was delivered to Amazon on Monday but it has yet to be verified.
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They received it Wednesday morning, and graded it today. It had the brand new, factory sealed Vita memory card that they downgraded to "Acceptable", and a Vita starter kit with 4 GB memory card, that they downgraded to "Good". Only lost a few dollars in trade value for the starter kit (which I had been lucky enough to buy for under $3 at a local store a week or two earlier), and the box was a bit beat up (all the contents were perfect), so I wouldn't call in about just that, but I lost $27 on what should have been a no-brainer.

Edit: Just got off the phone with Amazon. Quick and easy refund of the difference. For those who sent in brand new items that got downgraded,

https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/contact-us?

Choose: "Something else" -> "More non-order questions" -> "Trade-in" -> "Trade-in condition"

And then the method of contact you wish to use. I chose the call option, chat probably would have been just fine, too.

 
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KansasCityKing said:
They finally took mine after the 3rd or 4th attempt. I kinda just quit counting and just kept sending it in and I guess got a lenient grader. I'm having problems getting my 2nd copy of Disney Sing it accepted though. Gonna work on sending that in again with some vanquish's and code lyoko's to try and qualify for the DS4 promotion.
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It's still $7 a piece but it's a shame it's dropped. Even if it drops to a penny I'm probably going to keep submitting until they accept just for the sport of it.

 
One set of trade-ins got received and processed just fine. Everything at once.

The second set I did on a family member's account... Trivial Pursuit x2 got processed, while the disc-only Code Lyoko is still processing. This is gonna suck if I'm gonna have to contact CS about the promo not applying even though everything went through.

 
handsomepete said:
Now up to $210. killzone bundle still at $220. if you were looking for a time to ditch your ps3, probably won't do much better for those two. I think my ps3 will be buried with me when I'm 90 (along with my remaining backlog).
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you are not passing it down to your children, or grand children?

 
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For some reason the White 3DS XL is only £10.00  for some reason.  All the others are much higher.  This is on Amazon.co.uk btw.  Amazon.com doesn't take trade ins for the white 3ds xl.  I got the White 3DS XL for cheap, then realized it doesn't work with any NTSC 3DS games.  Stupid.  All I want to do is trade it for an NTSC XL or sell/trade in.  I don't think Gamestop would even take it.

 
YBX87 said:
you are not passing it down to your children, or grand children?
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I think passing a giant backlog down to your children is as big a dick move as saddling them with a giant pile of debt. Except they can't sell off my estate to get rid of it, they would have to just play through it. And my will would stipulate that they plat every game under my account. Ungrateful kids.

edit - @mask all trade ins show a send in by 10/31 date, even new stuff, so I don't think it's an actual change in policy. I think they're planning a reset of some sort in November but we'll see.
 
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gthirst said:
For some reason the White 3DS XL is only £10.00 for some reason. All the others are much higher. This is on Amazon.co.uk btw. Amazon.com doesn't take trade ins for the white 3ds xl. I got the White 3DS XL for cheap, then realized it doesn't work with any NTSC 3DS games. Stupid. All I want to do is trade it for an NTSC XL or sell/trade in. I don't think Gamestop would even take it.
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Try craigslist mane

 
Did anyone else notices that Madden 25 dropped below it's $25 trade in price so now their promo page for this deal is false advertising:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/?ie=UTF8&docId=1001343501

I thought the trade in price was supposed to stay at $25, plus the $25 extra trade-in credit to make it a $9.99 upgrade, but no one has any idea when I try to call or do a chat with Amazon CS.

Anyone have any luck that doesn't already have one locked in from when it was $26 or $30?

 
Echocentricity said:
If the times run out to print the shipping labels, you can still see them anyways right with some method?
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Before I used to just click the link in my email to reprint even after the 7 days they give you and it used to work. I haven't traded in anything lately though so don't know if it still works or not.

 
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