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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handsomepete said:
Season 3 of a certain British show about a famously brilliant detective will premiere on 1/14 on PBS. It's a TESTAMENT to the great cast that it's getting another season, I just wish I could watch it on my ps3.
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Is it OOP or did it have low print numbers? It's also been a flip from GS>BB as well.

 
So I had a trade-in from back in Oct they received and graded Nov 15. They rejected 4 of my items but I have not received the items back and its already January. Is it fair to say they lost it and I should contact them about my missing rejected items. There isn't a return tracking number either under that trade ID.

 
person123 said:
So I had a trade-in from back in Oct they received and graded Nov 15. They rejected 4 of my items but I have not received the items back and its already January. Is it fair to say they lost it and I should contact them about my missing rejected items. There isn't a return tracking number either under that trade ID.
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there should be a return tracking id, if your items are rejected.

 
person123 said:
So I had a trade-in from back in Oct they received and graded Nov 15. They rejected 4 of my items but I have not received the items back and its already January. Is it fair to say they lost it and I should contact them about my missing rejected items. There isn't a return tracking number either under that trade ID.
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I got the same problem. I can't track the returns too. These trade in programs are going downhill. Going back to eBay and GameStop.
 
My forz5 day one trade in that I did not ship yet print out become like this:

Total Number of Items: 2 Total Trade-In Value: $92.46
Return Option: Return the item. Return shipping is FREE. You will not receive any Amazon.com Gift Card amount for the returned items. Item Quantity Condition Trade-In Value

 
2 Good $92.46

IT looks like they amazon remove the game, I wonder what will happen when I send in my games?? any one have this happen before? The game name is missing, I wonder If I can just send anything in now,

 
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stuntrogue said:
My forz5 day one trade in that I did not ship yet print out become like this:

Total Number of Items: 2 Total Trade-In Value: $92.46Return Option: Return the item. Return shipping is FREE. You will not receive any Amazon.com Gift Card amount for the returned items. Item Quantity Condition Trade-In Value

2 Good $92.46

IT looks like they amazon remove the game, I wonder what will happen when I send in my games?? any one have this happen before? The game name is missing, I wonder If I can just send anything in now,
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You're not alone. A lot of sent it even though its missing. All we can do is hope, but yeah just send it in. I did Friday, even though everything was missing.
 
I'm having a rough time with Amazon these days. They are going to end up banning me probably.

I complained because a package sat there for 4 or 5 days before "expiring". The only response I got was the generic faq saying that any items that arrive will be returned to me. So I sent a second one to follow up complain saying that it was already there for 4 days before it expired.

Now another trade in will expire in like a day or so that has sat there for like 6 days. So I sent a message about that too. I know they might be backed up or whatever but they are getting pretty bad. It made sense before Christmas when stuff sat there for a week saying not delivered, but come on now a week after the holidays have ended.

 
Bah - Amazon CS has seemed to go down the toilet. All I get back is canned responses about expired items being returned when received. This is going to stink that things mailed out two weeks ago are going to be marked as expired.

I know one person above said things marked as expired were later graded. Has anyone else had that happen?

 
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Dokstarr said:
Bah - Amazon CS has seemed to go down the toilet. All I get back is canned responses about expired items being returned when received. This is going to stink that things mailed out two weeks ago are going to be marked as expired.

I know one person above said things marked as expired were later graded. Has anyone else had that happen?
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It's pretty unlikely that it'll get graded and it'll probably take quite a while for it to get back to you - it seems like there's no technical limitation to them grading / paying out something that's expired, but what actually triggers them sending it back is the mystery.

Edit: I do agree though that Amazon CS regarding the trade in program has gotten pretty rough, but it's really always been bad due to the complete lack of communication between noram/afs and amazon.

 
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handsomepete said:
It's pretty unlikely that it'll get graded and it'll probably take quite a while for it to get back to you - it seems like there's no technical limitation to them grading / paying out something that's expired, but what actually triggers them sending it back is the mystery.

Edit: I do agree though that Amazon CS regarding the trade in program has gotten pretty rough, but it's really always been bad due to the complete lack of communication between noram/afs and amazon.
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I guess I had such a problem free run for a while that I got spoiled.

Funny how out of all the stuff I sent in that was "delivered" a week ago was the one thing that I was guessing might be denied (which it was). That was processed instantly and denied the same day it was delivered lol

 
Vigilante said:
Eldritch, where aaaaare you...? :lol:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006JKASCK/?tag=scurker-20

32GB Vita Memory Card - $65.90 (LN) / $62.24 (G) / $47.59 (A)
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I ordered a 64gb card this morning and will be ditching my 32gb to offset - I know it's a little silly, but I have a lot of games on my vita that I haven't finished up and most of them are digital. If anyone wants to make an offer to take it off my hands I'd be happy to entertain it.

 
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handsomepete said:
I ordered a 64gb card this morning and will be ditching my 32gb to offset - I know it's a little silly, but I have a lot of games on my vita that I haven't finished up and most of them are digital. If anyone wants to make an offer to take it off my hands I'd be happy to entertain it.
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Out of curiosity, what did you pay for your 64 gb?

Edit- Nevermind, I saw your last post after I posted this.

 
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handsomepete said:
Oh, p.s. the 64gb can be had for just under $100 (not counting any international conversion fees your credit card might charge) at nippon yasan where a lot of people preordered successfully. Make sure to choose one of the cheaper shipping options that suits your comfort level - $8 for 8-10 day airmail with insurance and ~$92 for the card ($3 shipping available too).

http://www.nippon-yasan.com/lang-en/playstation-vita-japan/5889-sony-playstation-vita-memory-card-64gb.html
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I can't order from there. In their drop down box for what state you live in, they don't have Washington DC haha!

 
hmmmmmm this is weird , my PS3 logitech steering wheel is being returned to me 0_o it made it to a UPS facility and now it says its being returned to me

 
theking20 said:
hmmmmmm this is weird , my PS3 logitech steering wheel is being returned to me 0_o it made it to a UPS facility and now it says its being returned to me
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Don't worry--several other people have reported seeing the same thing, but it should still get to AFS. The wording is just a bit weird.
 
so, I just got a package from UPS earlier....low and behold, it was my copy of World Tour submitted at the beginning of October that was rejected and then went missing for 3 months!  Of course, I already talked to CS and had gotten credit since it was missing for a few weeks.  Now I gotta figure out what to do with this newly returned copy...

 
GamerDude316 said:
so, I just got a package from UPS earlier....low and behold, it was my copy of World Tour submitted at the beginning of October that was rejected and then went missing for 3 months! Of course, I already talked to CS and had gotten credit since it was missing for a few weeks. Now I gotta figure out what to do with this newly returned copy...
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Tell them you found it so they can try and charge your card! :whee:

 
Heads up, my forza 5 day one was rejected for "Incorrect UPC".  Also my 32GB Vita Memory was rejected for missing "original packaging" even though I included the blue case (albeit beat up, sent as "Good").

EDIT: I'm not too bummed about it honestly. I sent forza sealed, so as long as it returns unopened I can return it easily if I need to.  For those hanging on to the 32GB, sell it on amazon marketplace.  I sold mine two days ago for a lot more than the TIV (supply is short currently).  Be sure to price accordingly. 

 
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backseatdog said:
Heads up, my forza 5 day one was rejected for "Incorrect UPC". Also my 32GB Vita Memory was rejected for missing "original packaging" even though I included the blue case (albeit beat up, sent as "Good").

EDIT: I'm not too bummed about it honestly. I sent forza sealed, so as long as it returns unopened I can return it easily if I need to. For those hanging on to the 32GB, sell it on amazon marketplace. I sold mine two days ago for a lot more than the TIV (supply is short currently). Be sure to price accordingly.
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My Forza 5 Day One was just denied as well. Super lame.

 
Come on, guys--you're not exactly helping my confidence that my two (opened) Day One copies are approved... :bomb:
 
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nonsomniac said:
Customer service gave me a $10 toward anything promo credit to make up for the early expiration.

So definitely worth an email to Amazon.
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Thanks, I waited until today to try to use my promo credit and found it not working either. A quick chat and the CSR granted a promo credit. I pointed out the terms that show the promo credit should have been good until 12/31/2014. The credit stacks with the EC credit on Bioshock Infinite for Steam, but can't decide if I want it with it coming to PSPlus for free.

 
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Screw that. I'm getting credited for my Forza Day One, I already opened its replacement. I sent it in complete, even had the black card inside. Its not our fault that it just disappears from the site. I'm probably the only one who did this, but I left a note inside explaining that it was missing. Still processing, but if it gets rejected I'll be talking to a rep.
 
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How do we get the Forza 5 Day One edition listed back on Amazon's database?  Is it like eBay's?  Seems like to me the solution would be to just get it relisted on there again. 

 
kickrockz713 said:
Screw that. I'm getting credited for my Forza Day One, I already opened its replacement. I sent it in complete, even had the black card inside. Its not our fault that it just disappears from the site. I'm probably the only one who did this, but I left a note inside explaining that it was missing. Still processing, but if it gets rejected I'll be talking to a rep.
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I would have done this too, but it was still listed on Amazon when I shipped my copies. :cry:

 
Vigilante said:
I would have done this too, but it was still listed on Amazon when I shipped my copies. :cry:
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Don't :cry: I'm pretty sure a rep will help us all out. I doubt the note will even work, seeing that so many people got rejected already. Great thing about AMZ, awesome CS! They'll understand the situation.
 
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I'm not planning on going through CS to get credit for my Forza 5.   I kind of think it is pushing it a bit to ask for credit when they're already returning the game to me.  As long as it makes it back to me in good shape (better still be sealed ...) I can go sell it / trade it elsewhere.

I'll save up my whining to CS karma for when they really screw up on something.

 
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