Amazon Trade-In FAQ 6.0

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!

Where do I trade in video games on Amazon?

On the Amazon Video Game Trade-In Store or on all (desktop) video games product detail pages. Customers can find the trade-in feature right below the price and above the platform selection on all desktop video games product detail pages while shopping for new video games.

-- FAQ

-- BlueLobstah

-- CheapAssGamer

THANKS TO HANDSOMEPETE, 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 1/18/2015)
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 are Amazon's T&Cs for trade-ins?

Trade-In Program Terms & Conditions


 
  • Your participation in the trade-in program (the "Program") is subject to the terms and conditions stated below, Amazon.com's Conditions of Use and Privacy Notice, and all rules and policies for the Program included on Amazon.com, including those stated in Frequently Asked Questions and Help pages (collectively, "Program Terms").
  • Items you submit for trade-in using the Program must be shipped only from the United States or APO/FPO, and you must have a physical address or P.O. Box located in the United States or APO/FPO. Products shipped from outside the United States or APO/FPO may not be accepted or returned.
  • Items you submit for trade-in using the Program are subject to acceptance by us, and may be purchased by us or a third-party merchant participating in the Program.
  • Items we accept will be purchased from you and you will be paid for the items with an Amazon.com Gift Card(s) issued for the value of your trade-in. Amazon.com Gift Cards are subject to the Amazon.com Gift Card Terms & Conditions. The Amazon.com Gift Card(s) will be deposited directly into your Amazon.com account. You will not be entitled to any other payment for items you submit for trade-in using the Program.
  • You represent and warrant that you have the legal right to sell all items you submit for trade-in using the Program, that the items are not counterfeit or stolen, and that your submission of them complies fully with the Program Terms. We may use a stolen goods database to determine if submitted items were ever reported stolen.
  • The items you submit must meet the Product Condition Criteria, as determined by us in our sole discretion, or such items will be rejected. Rejected items will be subject to the Rejected Items terms and conditions below.
  • Prior to choosing a condition for your item, you must review the condition description presented to you during the trade-in submission process, inspect your item thoroughly and ensure that it meets the condition criteria you specify. We will inspect your item against the same condition criteria.
  • We cannot confirm the trade-in value (TIV) of an item until We receive your trade-in. Despite our best efforts, a small number of the items in our catalog may display an inaccurate TIV. If the correct TIV of an item is lower than the stated TIV, we may, at our discretion, either contact you for instructions on whether you wish to submit the trade-in at the correct TIV or cancel your trade-in and notify you of such cancellation. If your trade-in is cancelled due to an incorrect TIV, we will return the item to you at no additional cost. You will not receive any payment for the returned item.
  • We reserve the right to cancel any trade-in in our sole discretion, including without limitation if certain quantity limits are reached. If we cancel a trade-in that you have already shipped, we will return the item to you at no additional cost. You will not receive any payment for a canceled trade-in.
  • We may terminate your participation in the Program at any time in our sole discretion, including without limitation if you submit items for trade-in that do not meet the condition criteria you specify or are counterfeit or stolen.
  • We may revise the Program Terms at any time and may suspend or terminate the Program at any time without notice to you.
 
Rejected Items
  • Items are inspected upon receipt using the Product Condition Criteria, as determined by us in our sole discretion. Items failing to meet the Product Condition Criteria will be rejected ("Rejected items"). You will not receive any payment for Rejected Items.
  • We will not return the following Rejected Items to you: Lost, Undeliverable, or Counterfeit items. We will dispose of Undeliverable items in our sole discretion.
    "Lost" items are items that are lost in transit.
  • "Undeliverable" items are items that were rejected and returned to you, but were returned by the carrier back to us as undeliverable.
  • "Counterfeit" items are items that match the exact version displayed in the Trade-In store, but are counterfeit reproductions of the originals.

[*]We may, in our sole discretion, dispose of or return to you the following Rejected Items: Extra, Damaged, Incorrect, or Incomplete items.
  • "Extra" items are items received by us but not on the trade-in list.
  • "Damaged" items are items that match the exact version displayed in the Trade-In store but are not in any acceptable condition.
  • "Incorrect" items are items that do not match the exact version displayed in the Trade-In store.
  • "Incomplete" items are items that are missing any required components, as specified in the Condition Criteria (like CD-ROMs) that were included in the original item.

[*]We may, in our sole discretion, accept Incorrect items for trade-in. If the Incorrect item is eligible for trade-in, we may provide you with an Amazon.com Gift Card(s) in the amount of the TIV for the Incorrect item instead of disposing of or returning the Incorrect item to you.
[*]We will return the following Rejected Items to you: Downgraded items.
  • "Downgraded" items are items that are graded in a lower acceptable condition than what was specified during the submission.

[*]However, if the item was Downgraded to a lower condition that is still eligible for trade-in, and you opted to receive the TIV for the lower condition when you selected the return option, then you will receive an Amazon.com Gift Card(s) in the amount of the TIV for the lower condition instead of receiving the item back from us. Rejection reasons and return package tracking progress can be viewed from Your Trade-In Account .
[*]In addition, we may not return items to you if the number of Rejected Items received from you reaches a limit that is determined by us in our sole discretion.
 
Instant Payment
  • If you are eligible for and choose to participate in Instant Payment, you will receive Amazon.com Gift Card(s) in the amount of the TIV at the time you initiate a trade-in.
  • Your participation in Instant Payment is subject to these terms and conditions, as well as the Program Terms.
  • Eligibility for Instant Payment is determined at our sole discretion and may change at any time without notice.
  • Instant Payment may be offered on eligible trade-ins and you have the option to accept or reject this option for a trade-in. Once your choice is made for a particular trade-in, it cannot be changed.
  • Instant Payment requires you to select a valid payment method which you have the legal right to use. Once the payment method is selected for a particular trade-in, it cannot be changed
  • If you selected Instant Payment and we have delivered you an Amazon.com Gift Card(s) in the amount of the TIV, then you authorize us to:
    charge your payment method for the Amazon.com Gift Card(s) if you cancel the trade-in;
  • charge your payment method for the Amazon.com Gift Card(s) if no items are received within 25 calendar days;
  • charge your payment method for the Amazon.com Gift Card(s) issued for any Rejected item, unless the item was Downgraded and you opted to receive the TIV for the lower condition when you selected the return option; and
  • charge your payment method for the Amazon.com Gift Card(s) less an amount equal to the actual TIV for the trade-in product determined in the grading process if the item was Downgraded and you opted to receive the TIV for the lower condition when you selected the return option.

[*]We will not be liable for any charges, interest, or other fees incurred by you due to the need to charge your payment method for the Amazon.com Gift Card(s).
[*]In the event your payment method must be charged but the transaction cannot be completed successfully, we reserve the right to pursue any available remedies.
[*]We may limit or restrict the number and amount of Instant Payment trade-ins you can place in our sole discretion, including under the following scenarios:
  • You have Instant Payments outstanding
  • Your payment method failed validation
  • We were unable to charge your payment method successfully
  • Any abuse of this program

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.

Carry on! :)

 
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I don't see any initials on mine. My grader rejected an Xbox 360 game of mine and just wrote "severe damage" on a sticker. The game had a few scratches but nothing out of the ordinary.
Welcome to this past weekend's rejection rampage. I had over a half dozen games rejected for the same bullshit reasons.
 
I feel bad, because I don't have that many rejections in the grand scheme of things. It's been about 6 weeks since I've had something rejected, though I only send in about 4 to 5 packages a week.

I put a little bite size candy in most of my shipments. Maybe try that.
 
I feel bad, because I don't have that many rejections in the grand scheme of things. It's been about 6 weeks since I've had something rejected, though I only send in about 4 to 5 packages a week.

I put a little bite size candy in most of my shipments. Maybe try that.
"Rejected- I'm a diabetic now thanks to you."
 
I feel bad, because I don't have that many rejections in the grand scheme of things. It's been about 6 weeks since I've had something rejected, though I only send in about 4 to 5 packages a week.

I put a little bite size candy in most of my shipments. Maybe try that.
Small-timer. :shame:

 
I'm so, so sorry.
:grouphug: hope you got your back in better condition than mine

World Champs that might be worth a call.. I'd be pissed, too. It sucks that nobody can actually contact NorAm directly because these graders have no accountability whatsoever. Their recent shittiness has not only made me cut waaaay back on sending stuff in, but I've also barely looked at the Warehouse Deals. I just don't trust anything is what it says anymore. I haven't read about any glitches or $80 xbox ones, so I don't think I've missed much there.
I have no proof except a pic of the serial number unfortunately. They paid "like new" for used complete 2x n3dsxl and a 360 so I thought there would be no way they would rejected a brand new xb1. I didn't even unwrapped the console from the sealed styrofoam which was also missing when I got it back.

I wouldn't give up on AWD yet, I got a couple of PS4 Pipboy during Prime day and they all were dingers.

 
World Champs that might be worth a call.. I'd be pissed, too. It sucks that nobody can actually contact NorAm directly because these graders have no accountability whatsoever. Their recent shittiness has not only made me cut waaaay back on sending stuff in, but I've also barely looked at the Warehouse Deals. I just don't trust anything is what it says anymore. I haven't read about any glitches or $80 xbox ones, so I don't think I've missed much there.
Yeah it seems like AWD has gotten worse as well. In the past week and a half I have gotten 2 broken ornaments, one with part of the ornament missing, a Skylanders level expansion that was rated good and came with loose figures and no packaging, a ceramic bank that was only supposed to have damaged packing and had some of the paint worn off and a case of bubble mailers that had less than half of the amount that was supposed to be included.
I haven't posted about this in the AWD thread yet. I've had the "good" condition skylanders described with packaging come without any packaging. I've had completely different skylanders arrive that were not what I ordered at all. These instances were a while ago though.

Recently I ordered a game that arrived without the disc in the case at all. They only included the case and manual. Another time I ordered an xbox 360 game, but they sent me the cheaper Wii version instead. I also ordered a Collector's Edition game and they just sent me the standard version... with the standard UPC and no Collector's edition extras of any kind.

Here's where things start to get crazy. At least half of you probably won't believe me, but I swear to God it's true. I wish I filmed an unboxing video of this because I'm sure my reaction was priceless. I bought an Xbox 360 controller battery cover for less than $2. It's that cheap little piece of plastic that holds the two AA batteries in the Xbox 360 controller. Before I opened it, I wondered why the shipping box was so heavy. I figured they wasted a lot of packing paper. When I opened it up, take a guess what it actually was.

113848b1.jpg


Yeah, a like new Xbox One controller with the 3.5mm jack. It feels like it's never been used. Under normal circumstances I would feel guilty and do the honest thing by returning it. I'm not going to lie I'm going to be a jerk and keep it. I rationalize it as reparations for recent fuck ups and probably many future fuck ups.

 
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I haven't posted about this in the AWD thread yet. I've had the "good" condition skylanders described with packaging come without any packaging. I've had completely different skylanders arrive that were not what I ordered at all. These instances were a while ago though.

Recently I ordered a game that arrived without the disc in the case at all. They only included the case and manual. Another time I ordered an xbox 360 game, but they sent me the cheaper Wii version instead. I also ordered a Collector's Edition game and they just sent me the standard version... with the standard UPC and no Collector's edition extras of any kind.

Here's where things start to get crazy. At least half of you probably won't believe me, but I swear to God it's true. I wish I filmed an unboxing video of this because I'm sure my reaction was priceless. I bought an Xbox 360 controller battery cover for less than $2. It's that cheap little piece of plastic that holds the two AA batteries in the Xbox 360 controller. Before I opened it, I wondered why the shipping box was so heavy. I figured they wasted a lot of packing paper. When I opened it up, take a guess what it actually was.

113848b1.jpg


Yeah, a like new Xbox One controller with the 3.5mm jack. It feels like it's never been used. Under normal circumstances I would feel guilty and do the honest thing by returning it. I'm not going to lie I'm going to be a jerk and keep it. I rationalize it as reparations for recent fuck ups and probably many future fuck ups.
Whatt. Did you buy this from a merchant seller on Amazon or was it shipped and sold by Amazon?? Cus if it's the former, that sucks for that guy...

 
About the only mistake in my favor from Amazon was when I ordered a 24" monitor and the box was probably 25-30 pounds.  Open it up and I fume because clearly I just got screwed by AWD again and got a 27" monitor of a different brand that's nice but around $50 cheaper than the one I ordered.  Then I take the accessories and stand and packing stuff out and there's the dinger description 24" monitor I ordered in the first place.

 
Well I'm fucking screwed. I didn't see the stupid instant payment bullshit and now unless amazon somehow manages to grade everything perfectly (which never happens)

The only card I have on file is some old prepaid card. fucking bullshit

 
Whatt. Did you buy this from a merchant seller on Amazon or was it shipped and sold by Amazon?? Cus if it's the former, that sucks for that guy...
No it was all from Amazon Warehouse Deals, which is where we assume all Amazon trade ins go. I can't begin to comprehend how that xbox controller mistake happened. The only person I really feel terrible for is if there's a person out there who ordered an expensive controller and got the cheap battery pack instead.

 
Well I'm fucking screwed. I didn't see the stupid instant payment bullshit and now unless amazon somehow manages to grade everything perfectly (which never happens)

The only card I have on file is some old prepaid card. fucking bullshit
The instant payment is such a scam. :( Hope you luck out.

No it was all from Amazon Warehouse Deals, which is where we assume all Amazon trade ins go. I can't begin to comprehend how that xbox controller mistake happened. The only person I really feel terrible for is if there's a person out there who ordered an expensive controller and got the cheap battery pack instead.
Well, in that case, lucky you!! But yeah... if someone just got a cheap battery pack instead... feels bad man.

 
Well I'm fucking screwed. I didn't see the stupid instant payment bullshit and now unless amazon somehow manages to grade everything perfectly (which never happens)

The only card I have on file is some old prepaid card. fucking bullshit
Enjoy your ban when they can't authorize the card on file.

 
No it was all from Amazon Warehouse Deals, which is where we assume all Amazon trade ins go. I can't begin to comprehend how that xbox controller mistake happened. The only person I really feel terrible for is if there's a person out there who ordered an expensive controller and got the cheap battery pack instead.
Probably just wrong label on the wrong box. Bet the person who got the other thing was real happy.

 
Sure will. Contacted support and they told me to pound sand. Honestly, what the fuck amazon? Your scammy "service" can't even get rid of the gift card I haven't even spent?
Did you call them, email them or chat with them? If you didn't call, do that as your next step during the day tomorrow. That way, you have the "A" staff that's likely here in the US and not elsewhere.

 
Did you call them, email them or chat with them? If you didn't call, do that as your next step during the day tomorrow. That way, you have the "A" staff that's likely here in the US and not elsewhere.
Chat. I'll try I guess. Another thing to note is that I added my actual card before the support talk, and the guy wouldn't change the order to that.

 
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Chat. I'll try I guess. Another thing to note is that I added my actual card before the support talk, and the guy wouldn't change the order to that.
Oh, that ship has sailed. The order is carved in stone as soon as you click on the trade-in button and nothing can be done to fix it.

I've managed to get out of three of these situations in the past when the button "magically" reset itself back to Instant Trade-In, only because:

1) I canceled the trade-in before the charge hit my card.

2) I immediately contacted Amazon and bitched them out for the site "magically" resetting the button back, noting that the trade-in was cancelled before the charge hit my card.

3) I threatened a chargeback because the card wasn't authorized nor approved by me.

On the third time it happened, it happened to go to supervisor / manager approval and they made it clear that if it happened again, it wouldn't be reversed.

The trick is that if you see the green Instant Payment logo with white text, you're about to get screwed. If you see green text on a white logo, you're good to go. Issue is that the Instant Payment option doesn't always come up 100% of the time or not, so you need to be super careful before proceeding.

 
I'm not sure what you are even trying to say here. I read the first post including all those questions, but I have no idea why any of it is supposed to be relevant to my problem? at all?
The summary page is the last page for the trade-in, before you submit it. It'll show the status of the trade-in as an Instant Payment trade-in or Instant Payment Eligible. Instant Payment, which is what you were hit with and the default for the page, is a green icon with with text in it, saying "Instant Payment". Instant Payment Eligible, which is what you should be set it, which is payment upon grading, is a white icon with green text, saying "Instant Payment Eligible".

Basically, it's important to review the page carefully before submitting, especially since there's been situations where the Instant Payment Eligible button "magically" resets itself to Instant Payment and screws you over when you submit. Always, always, always check it before submitting.

 
The summary page is the last page for the trade-in, before you submit it. It'll show the status of the trade-in as an Instant Payment trade-in or Instant Payment Eligible. Instant Payment, which is what you were hit with and the default for the page, is a green icon with with text in it, saying "Instant Payment". Instant Payment Eligible, which is what you should be set it, which is payment upon grading, is a white icon with green text, saying "Instant Payment Eligible".

Basically, it's important to review the page carefully before submitting, especially since there's been situations where the Instant Payment Eligible button "magically" resets itself to Instant Payment and screws you over when you submit. Always, always, always check it before submitting.
This cannot be said more often. LISTEN TO SHRIKE EVERYONE.

 
Didn't someone recently say they had the colors inverted? Think it's best to read words still.
The inversion happens to me quite a bit. Even though I'll flip the payment option over, the wording in the summary box does not change. I have to refresh the page to get it to work properly.
 
The inversion happens to me quite a bit. Even though I'll flip the payment option over, the wording in the summary box does not change. I have to refresh the page to get it to work properly.
I've only noticed that happen if I change the payment option before the page fully loads, in which case I click "Edit" next to the item's name and run through the process again.

I just submitted orders for my first trade and didn't see any note of Instant Payment anywhere? Does that just mean it was ineligible?
Sometimes you won't see the Instant Payment option for the first trade of any given day or for a particularly high-valued item, but unfortunately it isn't permanent.

 
I know it's a late reply, but I actually had luck in getting Amazon to give me back (albeit in credit) the I think it was 3 charges I got in one day - I was pissed because I was even looking for it, and because I was used to doing the trade in forms so fast I still got caught by 3 of them.  I just lost my mind on Amazon and ranted that I'd been doing quite a few trade ins for a very long time and that I was so used to doing it this way that it was a habit and even though I'm looking for it I still miss it sometimes.  

I think the point that really won me the argument was demanding that they make my default the option where Amazon pays when they receive the item.  Of course they say they can't do that, so I demand the option be removed from my acount all together, and of course they can't do that so they probably just gave me the refund to get me to shut up and leave them alone.   I was pretty relentless, too (never rude, though, and never swearing or anything).    

I'm guessing that won't work if you have like every trade you submitted that night as an instant pay, but if that's the case I would just add to the list of demands that they reverse the charges.   And c'mon, I mean, you know they CAN reverse the charges.... it's just that they don't want to.  

As far as I'm aware, and please correct me if I'm wrong,  there is no such thing as  an instant-permanen-irreversible-charge.  I'd even get maybe a little condescending on that point (but keep it tasteful LOL I don't know what that means, tasetefully condescending)... maybe even offer to get my credit card on a 3way call with them if they needed help on figuring out how  to do it.   I bet that would go over just great.

TL; DR - fuck their bullshit irreversable instant pay scam, call them on that shit and tell them they're full of shit.   And maybe attach a working Credit Card to your account, that probably would help.

 
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I added my working card and removed the others. Hopefully amazon uses their "if this payment method doesn't work we will try the others"

 
Wow, I decided to lock in the trade-in price for my OG PS4 and didn't even realize that instant payment was an issue until I came to this thread. I never noticed the option when going through the trade-in screens. I do have a valid card on file but I stated to send the console back if it's under-appraised. I do have the original box though that I am sending it in. So is there no way to reverse the gift card they issued me if I don't decide to send it in? At this point I plan on sending it in and hoping for the best.

 
Wow, I decided to lock in the trade-in price for my OG PS4 and didn't even realize that instant payment was an issue until I came to this thread. I never noticed the option when going through the trade-in screens. I do have a valid card on file but I stated to send the console back if it's under-appraised. I do have the original box though that I am sending it in. So is there no way to reverse the gift card they issued me if I don't decide to send it in? At this point I plan on sending it in and hoping for the best.
In my experience, if you cancel a trade-in that has already been confirmed, but not sent, and you chose instant pay - It will charge your card. It sucks. Don't do it. Ever.

 
Terrible experience with a rejected amazon trade in. Received my xbox one console today that was sent back after amazon determined it didn't match the trade in condition. I sent it in with all original packaging materials. I was meticulous in making sure it was securely packed. The person that graded and returned my xbox threw all the packaging materials away and just placed the console in the box........causing it to bounce around during shipment.  

 
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