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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CaseX said:
Yup. So annoying when people do that.

"Good deal OP, but I got it last week for only $10." -- not mentioning that he paid the other $55 with gift cards...

If it's money/credit that can be spent on something else, then it counts as part of your cost.
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same thing with best buy certificates then people say they got the game for free cause they paid with certifcate so it was free
 
Konfusion said:
Now I'm confused. You consider credit to be the same value as cash?
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Yes and no. When I visit a store for which I have credit (Gamestop, Best Buy, Amazon, and now Walmart), I ignore the fact that I have cash I could spend and assume the credit is my available balance. This forces me to carefully consider each and every purchase/flip I make in terms of the cost-benefit ratio.

 
Matrix used a poor choice of words....lmao. I'm sure he meant that he doesn't have to spend cash to get the keyboards at Walmart. Never said he got them for free. Replace the word "money" with "cash" and I don't see a problem. Of course there is a cost, but like Vigilante said, he hasn't spent cash at GS or BB in years. The initial cost probably isn't even worth mentioning at this point when compared to how many games and other items he has got from it. 

 
Konfusion said:
Matrix used a poor choice of words....lmao. I'm sure he meant that he doesn't have to spend cash to get the keyboards at Walmart. Never said he got them for free. Replace the word "money" with "cash" and I don't see a problem. Of course there is a cost, but like Vigilante said, he hasn't spent cash at GS or BB in years. The initial cost probably isn't even worth mentioning at this point when compared to how many games and other items he has got from it.
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To be fair, Matrix did say "buying from Walmart cost [him] 0 dollars", and I mentioned my qualms about gift cards not being treated like cash as an aside. I didn't mean to derail the thread. :oops:

 
Vigilante said:
Yes and no. When I visit a store for which I have credit (Gamestop, Best Buy, Amazon, and now Walmart), I ignore the fact that I have cash I could spend and assume the credit is my available balance. This forces me to carefully consider each and every purchase/flip I make in terms of the cost-benefit ratio.
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I don't know what were debating then. I agree with that. I have barely spent any cash on games since my initial investment at Blockbuster last summer. Bought my PS4, 3DS XL, and many other gaming items and blu-rays from that initial investment of around $100 cash. Cash>Credit, we can agree, yes? It is definitely not in the same pool. Can't pay my bills with Gamestop credit.

 
Jaashuaa said:
Two days without a bump? This is sad. Remember the good ol' days when it would always be on the first page? I mean I never even see Eldritch around anymore. Sad days. Amazon you disappoint.
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Well there haven't been much in the way of worthwhile or available trades lately. Then there's the mess of the last few pages. Came in to ask a serious question but I think it's time for one of these:

abe-simpson-gif.gif


 
Konfusion said:
I don't know what were debating then. I agree with that. I have barely spent any cash on games since my initial investment at Blockbuster last summer. Bought my PS4, 3DS XL, and many other gaming items and blu-rays from that initial investment of around $100 cash. Cash>Credit, we can agree, yes? It is definitely not in the same pool. Can't pay my bills with Gamestop credit.
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Definitely. I was saying Credit>Cash when you can use the credit, but otherwise Cash>Credit--there's no doubt about that. And if you can convert the credit into cash somehow (e.g., prepaid Visas at Best Buy bought with credit), then everybody wins! :whee:

 
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yeah, I'm with you guys on that front.  Cash>Credit anyday, lol.

(of course I'm trying to rebuild my credit after cashing out to get the Titanfall bundle last month...whoops)

 
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SadPanda99 said:
Lets the lawyers argue what "essential" does or doesn't mean. I say those of you who deliberately commit fraud are douche bags!!
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Fraud requires a misrepresentation. They're sending in something that meets Amazon's "Acceptable" definition. As the unfortunate purchaser of some statue-less CE's I sure think some of the Acceptable trades people post are poor form, but a lot of the responsibility lies with Amazon for the loose criteria and generous acceptance policies.
 
n8rockerasu said:
lmao...are you seriously struggling to define the word "acceptable". So, if you bought the keyboard and game bundle...and didn't receive the game, that would be "acceptable" to you?
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Yeah dude really struggling here. Just trying to clarify with forum. fuck you by the way

Under Video Game Accessories

Item may be missing or have irreparable damage to one or all of the following: original packaging, bundled game(s), cables, user manual.

Under Video Game Media

  • Item may be missing or have irreparable damage to one or all of the following: case, manual, artwork, bundled accessories, UPC
 
Quite a lot of bitching with this.

I got in on this TIV last time for $190 (traded in 2 and got LN for both). I included the keyboard and used copy of the games (complete). Will be doing it again for this TIV. Even though this "bundle" never officially released, Amazon still sells it and has for months. See nothing wrong with them selling it and me trading it in.

 
Well I found the game, but it does not have a case/art work. This meets my definition of acceptable as it doesn't interfere with playing the game using the keyboard. And like I said before this thread (and CAG lately) is full of morally bankrupt individuals. I wish Karma existed because it would be beating down quite a few people around here.

 
Thanks for the trade guys, I was able to get 2 keyboards and 2 full used copies of Rock Band 3 for a total of around $103 from GS before taxes, I had originally locked in 2 acceptable trades and chose immediate payment to attempt to send in just the keyboards, but I had a change of heart and re-locked 2 LN trades. I didn't realize my card would get charged even if I had a gift balance available when cancelling my original trade. Oh well, you live and you learn.

 
with the rockband 3 bundle, is it the madCatz keyboard on the Gamestop website?

SukhShanti said:
Thanks for the trade guys, I was able to get 2 keyboards and 2 full used copies of Rock Band 3 for a total of around $103 from GS before taxes, I had originally locked in 2 acceptable trades and chose immediate payment to attempt to send in just the keyboards, but I had a change of heart and re-locked 2 LN trades. I didn't realize my card would get charged even if I had a gift balance available when cancelling my original trade. Oh well, you live and you learn.
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You wont get Like New TIV if you dont have original packaging AFAIK,

 
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SukhShanti said:
Thanks for the trade guys, I was able to get 2 keyboards and 2 full used copies of Rock Band 3 for a total of around $103 from GS before taxes, I had originally locked in 2 acceptable trades and chose immediate payment to attempt to send in just the keyboards, but I had a change of heart and re-locked 2 LN trades. I didn't realize my card would get charged even if I had a gift balance available when cancelling my original trade. Oh well, you live and you learn.
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You wont get Like New TIV if you dont have original packaging AFAIK,

 
Darby27 said:
pepsiman?
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Yup: http://pepsiohyesabhi.com/

:roll:

shivan128 said:
with the rockband 3 bundle, is it the madCatz keyboard on the Gamestop website?

You wont get Like New TIV if you dont have original packaging AFAIK,
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Yes.

I got the Like New TIV twice last year for this same "bundle" when I shipped sealed keyboards and complete copies of RB3 in the same package. The bundle itself wasn't officially released here, so there isn't any original packaging that you can provide.

 
Got the keyboard and game for 18$ in LN without a box for the keyboard...just sold the game on eBay alone for $50 ($45 after eBay has their share)

Soooooooooooooo pissed at myself. Now I have the keyboard, just need to find a game
 
They have disc only at my local gamestop...for $31. Would amazon accept it in a shitty case and the keyboard not in it's original box (for acceptable)
 
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ChillyWillie said:
Can't thank you enough for posting this!

The trade value has dropped since this post though.

A week ago I was in a local, independent, gaming store and they had the SF Ryu Fightpad on the shelf (new/sealed) for $30. I bought it and flipped to Amazon for $69.12!!

Trade in has dropped to $57 though.
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Very nice! Congrats! :D

On that note, for the rest of you, check your local gamestop since they were selling some of the SF and SF vs Tekken gamepads at various locations with various character gamepads for $24 (plus 10% off if PUR member) so still not too shabby of a trade.

 
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Vigilante said:
I got the Like New TIV twice last year for this same "bundle" when I shipped sealed keyboards and complete copies of RB3 in the same package. The bundle itself wasn't officially released here, so there isn't any original packaging that you can provide.
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What packaging method did you use to ship these things? Having a hard time finding a box for them lol.

 
DealSeeker2U said:
Very nice! Congrats! :D

On that note, for the rest of you, check your local gamestop since they were selling some of the SF and SF vs Tekken gamepads at various locations with various character gamepads for $24 (plus 10% off if PUR member) so still not too shabby of a trade.
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Used or new?

Dante84 said:
What packaging method did you use to ship these things? Having a hard time finding a box for them lol.
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Wrapping the keyboard and game together with old packing materials, no outer box used.

 
Vigilante said:
Used or new?
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Both! As in I think the new ones have been converted to used. I was able to snag a couple where one was in the plasitc bag while the other was complete in a box with seals still intact. I ran into couple of stores that had Blanka, Ryu, and Ken ones of which 2 still go for a pretty penny, especially if CIB and still sealed.

 
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DealSeeker2U said:
Both! As in I think the new ones have been converted to used. I was able to snag a couple where one was in the plasitc bag while the other was complete in a box with seals still intact. I ran into couple of stores that had Blanka, Ryu, and Ken ones of which 2 still go for a pretty penny, especially if CIB and still sealed.
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I don't suppose there's a separate listing for them on GS.com, or were they (*gulp*) lumped in as generic used controllers?

 
When you guys send in a console in "like new" condition, how do you guys send it in?

1) LN w/ return if downgraded 

2) LN w/ do not return if downgraded (hoping that they don't downgrade past good)

3) Good w/ return if downgraded (hoping they will upgrade to LN)

The acceptable value is way too low, wheras good value is decent.

 
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rezound said:
When you guys send in a console in "like new" condition, how do you guys send it in?

1) LN w/ return if downgraded
2) LN w/ do not return if downgraded (hoping that they don't downgrade past good)
3) Good w/ return if downgraded (hoping they will upgrade to LN)

The acceptable value is way too low, wheras good value is decent.
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LN return
 
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