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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kickrockz713 said:
These are bundles, but are pretty decent values for just the system if you want to get rid of it. If you have the boxes, obviously would be much better.

Psp 3000 $79.38 (A) http://www.amazon.com/PlayStation-Portable-Limited-Entertainment-Sony-PSP/dp/B003UI5162/ref=trdrt_list_asin
PS3 160gb 188.68 (A) http://www.amazon.com/PlayStation-160GB-System-Ratchet-Future-3/dp/B004AC6THC/ref=trdrt_list_asin
PS Vita 3g 141.16. (A) http://www.amazon.com/PlayStation-Vita-3G-Bundle-Plus-Voucher/dp/B009XC8S2S/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1394678637&sr=8-3&keywords=ps+vita+3g
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I have thatps vita 3g bundle brand new sealed and sort of regretted my purcahse lol. Think I can get more than 196 if i just decide to sell it? And what is the chances they will take the unit as like new if i used the 12 month card?

 
Xellos2099 said:
How hard or easy is it to mod the controller with the shell?
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I went through this exercise over the weekend, the part that is a pain in the ass and cost me 6$ is the requirement for a Torx 8 Security tool. The only other gotcha is the screw behind the serial number sticker. Took 5 mins to replace the stick. It's a grey stick so you'll need a white controller or to buy a replacement stick off ebay (super cheap)

 
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SadPanda99 said:
I went through this exercise over the weekend, the part that is a pain in the ass and cost me 6$ is the requirement for a Torx 8 Security tool. The only other gotcha is the screw behind the serial number sticker. Took 5 mins to replace the stick. It's a grey stick so you'll need a white controller or to buy a replacement stick off ebay (super cheap)
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Well I have a stock original white controller, why... is it only white and pink controller come with grey stick? and i need a torx 8 screw driver?

 
SadPanda99 said:
I went through this exercise over the weekend, the part that is a pain in the ass and cost me 6$ is the requirement for a Torx 8 Security tool. The only other gotcha is the screw behind the serial number sticker. Took 5 mins to replace the stick. It's a grey stick so you'll need a white controller or to buy a replacement stick off ebay (super cheap)
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This is the first I've heard of having to replace the sticks if you're modding a black controller, though I suppose I'm blind for not noticing sooner. In that case, don't you have to replace the d-pad, too? Replacements for the sticks and d-pad look to be in the $8-$10 range total, making this seem less profitable than at first glance...
 
I had a pink pad with a torn stick, so I was switching sticks from other controllers while I wait for the replacement sticks. I'd be surprised if a pink controller with black controls was rejected based upon other stuff they accept, but your would stand out if next to a real pink one.

 
Thanks CAG!!! They accepted my 360 at Amazon and I got $172 credited to my account for my Holliday bundle with skyrim and forza. Sucks the nuked the TV for u guys now. Sry
 
For everyone trading $20 for the $10 bonus credit towards select games, have you had any problems having the $10 credit automatically apply?

Hoping to get my trade processed ASAP so I can get Infamous on release. 

 
Flash15 said:
For everyone trading $20 for the $10 bonus credit towards select games, have you had any problems having the $10 credit automatically apply?

Hoping to get my trade processed ASAP so I can get Infamous on release.
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Yes, it wouldn't appear for me at all when preordering InFAMOUS, and when I sent an email to CS about the problem, the rep told me to place the order and write back with the order # so he could deduct $10 from the total. My order details show that I'll be getting $10 back once the game ships.

While it's unfortunate that Amazon messed up with this again, one can hope that they'll send out another apology email with additional credit... :pray:

 
Vigilante said:
Yes, it wouldn't appear for me at all when preordering InFAMOUS, and when I sent an email to CS about the problem, the rep told me to place the order and write back with the order # so he could deduct $10 from the total. My order details show that I'll be getting $10 back once the game ships.

While it's unfortunate that Amazon messed up with this again, one can hope that they'll send out another apology email with additional credit... :pray:
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ugh, hate having to go back to them to ask for credit lol.

 
Got that $10 promotion also with my console. Thinking about infamous may wait for a sale though. What other games is it good for?
 
Probably slightly OT but with the recent announcement of the price increase for Amazon Prime I figured this deserved a mention. I don't know if it's widely known but apparently you can pay for your year of Prime using Amazon credit (be it from trade ins, Kindle cards, ect.). The trick to it is you have to add a gift subscription for Prime to your cart (go here https://www.amazon.com/gp/prime/pipeline/prime_gifting_landing). During checkout you'll have the option to use Amazon credit to pay for it just as if you were buying anything else off of Amazon. Have it sent to your email (gift it to yourself) and you can have it sent to you on the day your Prime membership is set to expire.

Note: you may need to set auto renew for Prime off beforehand. I noticed this on the gift page:

"Amazon will send your gift recipient an email on the day you choose, along with redemption instructions. The gift recipient can start their Prime membership right away. If the recipient is already a Prime member, the gift can be exchanged for an Amazon.com Gift Card. The one-year gift membership does not automatically renew."

 
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Well they accepted my trade with the promo and unlike others it is appropriately applying to the games.  Wonder if I can get them to apply it to my SS CE pre-order?

 
EldritchOnRye said:
I'll try that in a bit but not sure about that, I was under the impression that you couldn't apply promotional credit once an order was placed.
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Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. A $20 video game dept. credit applied to my launch PS4 with a payment change w/o issue, for example. But general promo credits issued by Customer Service don't seem to work. I haven't figured out the rhyme/reason.
 
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slightly off-topic but wondering if anybody here can give me an answer on this.

I preordered Watch Dogs last summer (when it was supposed to be a PS4 launch title).  I had a $5 off $35 promo code from Facebook and a $10 promotional credit from trading in $10 worth of video games on Amazon last summer as well.  I just got GCU at Best Buy and was thinking of preordering there for $48 plus a $10 cert.  What I'm wondering is, if I cancel the Amazon pre-order will any of that credit come back or no?

 
GamerDude316 said:
slightly off-topic but wondering if anybody here can give me an answer on this.

I preordered Watch Dogs last summer (when it was supposed to be a PS4 launch title). I had a $5 off $35 promo code from Facebook and a $10 promotional credit from trading in $10 worth of video games on Amazon last summer as well. I just got GCU at Best Buy and was thinking of preordering there for $48 plus a $10 cert. What I'm wondering is, if I cancel the Amazon pre-order will any of that credit come back or no?
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Promo credits with no expiration can come back (CS credits). But since those would have expired a long time ago they won't work after/if you cancel.
 
@FIF said:
Promo credits with no expiration can come back (CS credits). But since those would have expired a long time ago they won't work after/if you cancel.
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Thanks. Guess I'll see where I have more credit closer to release and decide then. If I even keep the preorder...I'm not super impressed by the new footage.
 
GamerDude316 said:
Thanks. Guess I'll see where I have more credit closer to release and decide then. If I even keep the preorder...I'm not super impressed by the new footage.
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its pretty bad when the developers say they postponed the game because it was repetitive and boring, dont know how they could really fix that without changing the gameplay entirely.

 
Kojubat said:
If you can find the Art Book version, positive trade even before coupons/discounts:

Gamestop

Amazon - $50.56

Stumbled on this one looking for a regular copy.
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Ugh I recently picked one up and traded disc only to best buy so I kept the artbook. Idk if I really want to part with the artbook cover... looks so pretty. How rare is the artbook cover for PS4?

 
Flash15 said:
Does anyone have any experience boomerranging this?
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Yup. IIRC, I didn't have any problems--just verify the condition of everything once you get it and package it back up in the same box in which it arrived. Just be sure to not pick "Do not return" for the trade-in, since the Acceptable TIV is far lower compared to Good and Like New.

 
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