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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so I had a GH World Tour rejected on the 18th...hasnt been returned to me yet and I just checked my account and it says the "returned item is being processed"....anybody had that happen before?

 
edson13 said:
they sent me an additional promo certificate for $30 off a dualshock 4 for ordering a DS4(which I had used the trade in bonus $30 on). I didnt contact CS at any point, figured it might be a mass promotion. Says it expires december 1, used it to order another earlier today.
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Well they're just giving these things away like candy.

GamerDude316 said:
so I had a GH World Tour rejected on the 18th...hasnt been returned to me yet and I just checked my account and it says the "returned item is being processed"....anybody had that happen before?
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My last Rock Revolution got rejected on the 11th and same thing. Should probably contact CS one of these days.

 
I find it amazing how they don't have any price limit to be able to send items in. I could send in 20 copies of old madden games in 20 different shipments if i wanted to, and they have to pay for all of that? And possibly pay for the return shipping?

 
vantheman said:
I find it amazing how they don't have any price limit to be able to send items in. I could send in 20 copies of old madden games in 20 different shipments if i wanted to, and they have to pay for all of that? And possibly pay for the return shipping?
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If you want to send in Madden 09 and get 25 cents knock yourself out. I can guarantee that whatever the end up selling it for will be well into profit even with shipping factored it.

 
DillonKC said:
To the guy who mentioned the Rock Band 3 Keyboard. Thank you! Got it accepted for ~$95
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What was the condition of your items? I was a little worried the box on my keyboard might get it knocked down to 'good' although it is still new and sealed the box had some dings on the edges from poor handling it seemed.

 
edson13 said:
they sent me an additional promo certificate for $30 off a dualshock 4 for ordering a DS4(which I had used the trade in bonus $30 on). I didnt contact CS at any point, figured it might be a mass promotion. Says it expires december 1, used it to order another earlier today.
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I had called CS to get the promos applied originally, so now I'm sitting on 2 extra controllers I got for basically B1G1 - all for simply trading in my original $30 (and Amazon's promo incompetence). They actually made the $20 promo from Beyond a generic promo credit, so I got $20 off my subscribe & save toilet paper this month. Yay, cheap TP...!!

 
god of war ascension ps3 bundle is up to around $180 if anyone's looking to ditch. haven't checked, but might qualify for the x1 controller promo also.
 
handsomepete said:
god of war ascension ps3 bundle is up to around $180 if anyone's looking to ditch. haven't checked, but might qualify for the x1 controller promo also.
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Man, I love my red system but will there be a good enough PS3 bundle at $200 or less to justify it selling it at that price?

 
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Dragunz said:
GameStop Black Friday. $200 for one and Last of Us and Arkham Origins remember?!
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Yeah, but I've already played TLoU and Arkham isn't impressing me very much. $32 difference with tax to side grade and get the two games which at current prices would only be like $10 profit on a flip and that's if nothing goes wrong.

 
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NBA 2k14 dropped to $21 for the 360. I guess I can finally stop extending my trade-in for that game and just go with my $30+$25

 
What the... I traded in my FF13 Xbox bundle shortly after AWD had the super cheap Xbox 360's. Now I already got my code from this mysterous $30 off a Xbox One controller.

Dear Amazon.com Customer,

Thanks for pre-ordering your Xbox One and trading in a console with us. Here is your $30 bonus credit toward the purchase of an Xbox One Controller:
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Got my X1 controller email last night.  Did people also get a code for the DS4?  I qualified for it but haven't tried to order or anything.

NM, I added it to my cart and see the discount.

Anyone not needing their XB1 code want to trade for a DS4?

 
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Wait so they might reject trades without manuals?? I was thinking of trading in beyond two souls..it doesnt cone with a manual it has a digital manual...do they know this or is it better not to send it..?? why are ppl saying the ds4 promo is over it just told me u have qualified for the extra 30 for ds4 promo...has anyone's trade got rejected for not including a manual even though it doesnt have a physical manual??
 
im looking at the xb1 trade in upgrade, and madden is only $20 now, but you still get the $25 credit, has anyone traded it in recently and still got the minimum  25 that was stated on the page.

 
srac84 said:
Wait so they might reject trades without manuals?? I was thinking of trading in beyond two souls..it doesnt cone with a manual it has a digital manual...do they know this or is it better not to send it..?? why are ppl saying the ds4 promo is over it just told me u have qualified for the extra 30 for ds4 promo...has anyone's trade got rejected for not including a manual even though it doesnt have a physical manual??
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It can happen, I was told to put a note on the copy of Last of Us I sent in that has the digital manual as well (it had a little insert in it so I hope that'll be enough for them to clear it anyway). Not sure if you can do anything if they downgrade/reject it based on the manual thing though, could complain to CS about it if you can show some sort of proof.

 
They took my The Last of Us for 33.xx and those bonus credits. I put a note in that said 'New Game, Complete, Does not come with Manual' and got accepted just fine.

 
thelwig14 said:
My 2k14 seems like it has been in processing for too long.
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My The Last of Us has been processing since Thursday. I'm concerned that since it doesn't come with a manual they may reject it. I talked to CS and the representative I talked to said the "Processing" status could take 1-2 weeks. All of my other trade-ins took less than 5 days. Has anyone had their copy of The Last of Us rejected/process for a long time?

 
I've had a game process for 11 days before approved. They're probably overloaded with everyone sending in stuff getting ready for the new consoles. So don't worry
 
Jaashuaa said:
My rock band was accepted at like new value. :) Wish I could find another copy of the game.
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Nice! Shipping one out today and waiting for my 2x Sega Fun Pack to be accepted.

Luckily there are a good amount of Rock Band 3's and Keyboards around. They are 3 - 5 miles apart though. Going to try to get another bundle this week and ship that out. Hopefully I get it in and get credit before the PS4 releases.

 
Yigytugd said:
Nice! Shipping one out today and waiting for my 2x Sega Fun Pack to be accepted.

Luckily there are a good amount of Rock Band 3's and Keyboards around. They are 3 - 5 miles apart though. Going to try to get another bundle this week and ship that out. Hopefully I get it in and get credit before the PS4 releases.
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What was the final story with your Capcom three pack trade-in?

 
Rozz said:
What was the final story with your Capcom three pack trade-in?
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It was rejected for being the "wrong item". They still haven't returned it to me though and it's almost 2 weeks since it was rejected. I'm hoping they don't send it within their 2 week time frame so they can just credit me the amount back.

 
Not sure why my Orace of Ages that I submitted as cartridge only for acceptable got rejected.  They accepted my Metroid Prime Trilogies though despite not being the steelbook.

 
Jaashuaa said:
My rock band was accepted at like new value. :) Wish I could find another copy of the game.
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And what do I immediately buy with the credit you ask? Why another keyboard and game of course. I have a problem. Fyi gohastings amazon account is selling the keyboard brand new for $9.99
 
Yigytugd said:
Got a brand new Rock Band 3 Wireless Keyboard and used Like New Rock Band 3 from Gamestop. The game was basically brand new too. Disk looks like it was used once and the manual and cover art are in great condition.

Going to submit my trade in tomorrow and hopefully I get it traded in as Like New for $95. If it does than my PS4 is paid off.
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They nuked the TIV to $10 and change :'(

EDIT: Nevermind, price was just incorrect via mobile.

 
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I messed up on getting the DS4 promotion apparently even worse than I thought. I traded in a Vita version when I said it was for the 3DS so it didn't qualify and it's being sent back. Now I hear about the extra DS4 discounts and I'm thinking about jumping out a window.

 
For anyone that is trading in an Xbox 360 game to trade up to an Xbox One game what day are you going to send in your trade if you want to get your game at launch (the X1 launch)? I'm thinking in order to get the credit on time and order the Xbox One version I would have to send my game out the Saturday before launch (the 16th). Any thoughts?

 
I'm going to see how my first RB3 trade-in goes, if I get the full value I may take a chance on tracking down another around here (if the value stays high like that).

 
Is anyone else having problems trading in the Madden 25 Anniversary Edition in for the XBOX One version of Madden?

It shows up on the promo page, but the promo does not show up in the cart. It only shows up with the regular edition. I contacted customer service and this is what they said:

"I'd really love to help, however, I've confirmed that you're not qualified for receiving this promotional offer. Specifically, each promotional code can be used only once, unless otherwise specified. "

I'm not even trying to use a promo code? I don't know what's going on...

 
sandman8288 said:
Is anyone else having problems trading in the Madden 25 Anniversary Edition in for the XBOX One version of Madden?

It shows up on the promo page, but the promo does not show up in the cart. It only shows up with the regular edition. I contacted customer service and this is what they said:

"I'd really love to help, however, I've confirmed that you're not qualified for receiving this promotional offer. Specifically, each promotional code can be used only once, unless otherwise specified. "

I'm not even trying to use a promo code? I don't know what's going on...
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I believe you could send disc-only as the regular Madden copy. The anniv. edition was not eligible for the one up promo

 
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