Best Buy Trade-in Thread 2.0: Please see new thread.

BudzMcGee

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At 276 pages and countless request for a new OP, it was time to retire the first Best Buy Trade-in Thread and start fresh. Thanks bh47 for your work in the previous thread (and providing the framework for this one)!

All Promotions are available in-store only, and they DO NOT stack!
Only the 10% Bonus from Gamers Club Unlocked will stack with these offers.
Please read FAQ below before asking questions!

Current Promos:
- 50% Bonus when you trade in ANY game.
Get a 50% trade in bonus when you trade in ANY game. Offer valid 01/01/12 - 01/07/12

- Trade 3, get 30% More.
Trade in 3 games or more and get 30% extra trade-in credit. Offer valid 01/01/12 -03/03/12

- 30% Bonus with any Pre-order.
Get a 30% extra trade-in credit when you pre-order any game. Offer valid 01/01/12 -03/03/12

Link: http://www.bestbuytradein.com/bb/Quo...VideoGames.cfm (click on "Show Promotions available in stores only" on top right)\

Upcoming/Rumored Promotions:
All promos that have yet to appear on Best Buy's site (or in an upcoming ad) are listed here:
None at the moment

Previous Promotions:
Promos that have expired:
- 50% Bonus with specific Pre-order from list.
Get a 50% extra trade-in credit when you pre-order any game from the following list: Halo 4, Mass Effect 3, Bioshock Infinite, Grand Theft Auto 5, MLB 12 The Show, Soul Calibur V, Final Fantasy XIII-2, Twisted Metal, Max Payne 3, Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City and Diablo 3. Offer valid 12/25/11 - 12/31/11

- Trade 2, get 25% More.
Trade in 2 games or more and get 25% extra trade-in credit. Offer valid 11/27/11 - 12/31/11

- 30% Bonus with any Pre-order.
Get a 30% extra trade-in credit when you pre-order any game. Offer valid 11/27/11 - 12/31/11
- 40% Bonus with purchase of any game $39.99 or above.
Get a 40% extra trade-in credit when you purchase any game $39.99 or above. Offer valid 11/27/11 - 12/10/11

- 50% Bonus with purchase of any game $39.99 or above.
Get a 50% extra trade-in credit when you purchase any game $39.99 or above. Offer valid 11/27/11 - 12/03/11

- Trade 3, get 30% More.
Trade in 3 games or more and get 25% extra trade-in credit. Offer valid 10/30/11 - 11/26/11

- 40% Bonus with any Pre-order.
Get a 40% extra trade-in credit when you pre-order any game. Offer valid 10/5/11 - 11/26/11

- 40% Bonus with Saints Row 3 Pre-order/Purchase.
Get 40% extra trade-in Credit when you pre-order/purchase Saints Row 3. Offer valid 11/13/11 - 11/19/11

- 40% Bonus with Assassin's Creed Revelations Pre-order/Purchase.
Get 40% extra trade-in Credit when you pre-order/purchase Assassin's Creed Revelations. Offer valid 11/13/11 - 11/19/11

- 50% Bonus with Modern Warfare 3 Pre-order/Purchase.
Get 50% extra trade-in Credit when you pre-order/Purchase Modern Warfare 3. Offer valid 10/10/11 - 11/12/11 (Assuming this means a bonus for purchasing the game after it is released this Tuesday)

- 50% Bonus with Saints Row 3 Pre-order.
Get 50% extra trade-in Credit when you pre-order Saints Row 3. Offer valid 11/6/11 - 11/12/11

- 50% Bonus with Assassin's Creed Revelations Pre-order.
Get 50% extra trade-in Credit when you pre-order Assassin's Creed Revelations. Offer valid 11/6/11 - 11/12/11

- 40% Bonus with The Elder Scrolls V: Pre-order/Purchase.
Get 50% extra trade-in Credit when you pre-order/purchase The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Offer valid 11/6/11 - 11/12/11

- 50% Bonus with Max Payne 3 Pre-order.
Get 50% extra trade-in Credit when you pre-order Max Payne 3. Offer valid 11/6/11 - 11/12/11 - This promo seems a little odd and there is a chance it is an error on the site since the game is so far from release.

- 50% Bonus with Saints Row 3 Pre-order.
Get 50% extra trade-in Credit when you pre-order Saints Row 3. Offer valid 10/23/11 - 10/29/11

- 50% Bonus with Skyrim Pre-order.
Get 50% extra trade-in Credit when you pre-order The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Offer valid 10/23/11 - 11/05/11

- 40% Bonus with Uncharted 3 Pre-order/Purchase.
Get 40% extra trade-in Credit when you pre-order/purchase Uncharted 3. Offer valid 10/30/11 - 11/05/11

- 40% Bonus with Battlefield 3 Purchase.
Get 40% extra trade-in Credit when you purchase Battlefield 3. Offer valid 10/23/11 - 10/29/11

- Trade 2, get 25% More.

Trade in 2 games or more and get 25% extra trade-in credit. Offer valid 10/2/11 - 10/29/11

- 50% Bonus with Battlefield 3 Pre-order.
Get 50% extra trade-in Credit when you pre-order Battlefield 3. Offer valid 10/9/11 - 10/22/11

- 40% Bonus with purchase of Batman: Arkham City.
Get 40% extra trade-in Credit when you pre-order Batman: Arkham City. Offer valid 10/16/11 - 10/22/11

- 50% Bonus with Batman: Arkham City Pre-order.
Get 50% extra trade-in Credit when you pre-order Batman: Arkham City. Offer valid 10/9/11 - 10/15/11

- 30% Bonus with Rage or NBA 2K12 Pre-order/Purchase.
Get a 30% extra trade-in Credit when you pre-order/purchase Rage or NBA 2K12. Offer valid 10/2/11 - 10/08/11

- Trade 4 get an extra $20 Trade-in Credit.
Get $20 trade-in Credit when you trade 4 or more games (Current gen games only (no PS2) and $5 minimum for each game). Offer valid 10/2/11 - 10/08/11 **** This promo was cancelled early due to technical issues. There have been issues with this promo not working on some stores' systems or simply not even being available, the issue seems to be related to disc-only games (or any game that is typed rather than scanned) so plan accordingly. The $20 extra is once per trade-in, meaning 4 games or 123 games it will only be $20 extra per transaction. So if you want to trade in 8 games, do it in two separate transactions. ****

- 50% Bonus with Rage or NBA 2K12 Pre-order.
Offer was valid from 9/25 to 10/01/2011.

- 40% Bonus with Gears of War 3 Purchase.
Get a 40% extra trade-in credit when you pre-order/purchase Gears of War 3. Offer expired 10/01/2011

- Trade 3, Get 30% More.
Trade in 3 games or more and get 30% extra trade-in credit. Offer expired 10/01/2011

- 40% Bonus with any Pre-order.
Get a 40% extra trade-in credit when you pre-order any game. Offer expired 10/01/2011


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BEST BUY'S VIDEO GAMES TRADE-IN PAGE

Check most up-to-date TIV using BB's Video Games Value Estimator.

Check which BB stores do trade-ins here.
In-store trades are now done at the Trade-In Counter at the Gaming Dept.

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F.A.Q. Best Buy has a short FAQ here.

How does the get **% with pre-order bonus work?
The percentage is based on the final total of your entire trade in, so if the trade in is $100 and there is a 50% bonus your final gift card value will be $150. After trading in your games, the employee SHOULD then sell you the pre-order for $5.

How much is a pre-order at Best Buy?
Pre-ordering at Best Buy cost $5, in fact, you aren't supposed to pay any more than that (and most employees won't let you if you ask). Yes, you can use the gift card you just received from your trade-in to purchase the pre-order.

Can I cancel a pre-order and keep the bonus?
Yes, the trade-in and the pre-order are completely separate transactions. Nothing will prevent you from returning to the Best Buy canceling the pre-order and receiving a refund. Some users have claimed that they were flagged for doing this multiple times though and were denied, so be aware of how many pre-orders you are cancelling. Also keep in mind the obvious facts that this is not how the program is intended to work and over abuse will negatively affect the program long-term. Lastly, returns are tracks on a personal level by a third party. (Read: try not to cancel a bunch of pre-orders)

Do I have to cancel the pre-order at the same store where it was made?
No, this can be handled by any BBY. Don't be surprised if you get a customer service employee who says otherwise though.

Can I pre-order once and get the pre-order bonus on my next trade-in as well?
YMMV. Officially, the answer is no, but there is nothing that actually requires the employee to sell the pre-order in order to apply the bonus so if your blue shirt is in a friendly mood they may be willing. Doesn't hurt to get to know the employees at your store. That said, expect that you will have to pre-order another game and be surprised if you don't.

Can I combine a 3 games for **% and a pre-order for **% bonus?
No. Bonuses do not stack, and you must pick one or the other. The only bonus that stacks with other promotions is the 10% you receive if you are a Gamers Club Unlocked member.

How do I become a Gamers Club Unlocked member and get the 10% bonus?
Any video game section employee should be able to set you up with the GCU membership. It cost $15 and comes with a year subscription of @Gamer magazine. It will also get you a 10% bonus on trade ins and 10% off of used games (Make sure to point it out to the blue shirt doing your trade-in though as it is easy for them to skip, and they are still new to it). It can take 48 hours (or more) for GCU to show up on your Reward Zone membership.

Can I use my Best Buy gift card to purchase Amazon Kindle Gift Cards or Visa Gift Cards?
Yes, although some employees may not be aware of this and incorrectly refuse to do so. Visa Gift Cards have a $200 limit and a $6 activation fee. Amazon Gift Cards are available in $25, $50 and $100 depending on your store selection. IL does not sell Amazon Gift Cards. Yes, Kindle Gift Cards are good for anything on Amazon.

The value on the site doesn't match the store, why?
Sometimes the page may not update immediately. This is fairly rare though. The store's trade-in values are definitive though, so what they say is what you get. 99.99% of the time they will match up.

The value on the iPhone app is way off, why?
The app sucks for updating values (and some games simply don't show up), don't rely on it.

The game I want to trade isn't on the site, what gives?
While rare, there have been some games recently not showing up in the online estimator. You can always check in-store to see if the price is in their system and simply not online, but that is unlikely to be the case. When Best Buy doesn't have a game on file they can offer $1 as a generic SKU, but that's it. New releases appear to be added on Tuesday evenings. Many new releases are taking upwards of a week or more to be added to the site.

When do trade-in values update?
No one knows for sure, but major updates seem to come on Sunday and Tuesday nights (or at least have in the past). Sometimes an update will happen randomly, such as when GameStop has an advertised sale for a game well below Best Buy's trade in price.

What will be the TIV of Game X tomorrow/next week / next month/ etc
Nobody knows.

If I locked in a trade online, and the value drops, will I still get the locked in value when I mail it in?
Yes. You will get the locked in TIV as long as the item is received within 14 days of you locking it in (and the item is in the condition you described it as).

Can you lock in the price online then trade it in-store?
No.

Is there a limit to how many games I can trade in?
Officially, Best Buy only accepts 3 copies of a game, per system (i.e. you could trade in 3 copies of a game for Xbox, 3 copies for PS3 and 3 for Wii). This is for sure the online policy, but it varies in stores. Some people have reported being banned for trading in more than 3 copies of games, others have done so frequently without issue. Obviously it is YMMV, but do so at your own risk.

Can I trade game disc only, or do I need the case and manuals, too?
Best Buy accepts disc only games (for the same value as complete games). The trade in will take longer though as the employee will have to look up the games individually.

Can I trade in games that say "Not for Resale" on the back?
Yes, since the only thing that matters is the disc. Some employees will fight this though, and in that case, just trade the game in as disc-only.

Does Best Buy accept game hardware?
Currently Best Buy only accepts various versions of the Nintendo DS in store, but word is that will change soon.

Does the **% bonuses apply to game hardware?
No, games only.

When I do a in-store trade, I am asked: to be fingerprinted, to have my photo taken, how much I weigh, etc. What's the deal?
Pawn shop laws regulating trade-ins and resale of used goods varies from state to state or city to city. It is not Best Buy's rule, and varies from store to store depending on where you live. At a minimum you'll likely need a state ID.

I went to a store to do a trade-in and they asked for a Best Buy receipt. WTF?
Some stores are required to have receipts to accept trade-ins, again this is due to local Pawn shop laws and could vary from city to city. You can always check if the store(s) near you require a receipt on Best Buy's trade-in site.

Can I trade sealed games?
Yes. You must present your receipt for the sealed games you are trading in. It is ok if the purchase was made from another store. You do run the risk of drawing extra attention to yourself as trading in sealed products is often a sign of theft. Do not be surprised if this is questioned by an employee, or you are asked to leave, open the items and return.
 
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[quote name='DerClaw']Yeah, it's pretty cool when Blueshirts follow BB policy and make you feel like they're doing you a favor... :bouncy:[/QUOTE]Go back and re-read. The guy went to Target, not BB for his trade-in. Considering very little is known about Target's trade-in program, it's a useful albeit small piece of information.
 
[quote name='PimpLimp']Go back and re-read. The guy went to Target, not BB for his trade-in. Considering very little is known about Target's trade-in program, it's a useful albeit small piece of information.[/QUOTE]

hahaha
 
[quote name='cheapfrag']Does anyone know if you can use the BB 10% off "cell phone" code more than once? I used it when I bought Rage, can I use it again since its valid until 10/16?[/QUOTE]
Yes. I used the cell phone code to pick up Forza, and then I forgot that I wanted to buy a CD. I went right back in the store and picked up the CD with the same 10% code.
 
I have a few questions regarding trading in limited/collector editions to Best Buy.

First, do they even accept these special editions? I looked for a couple different titles on the trade-in database and could not find a single match.

If they do, what do they expect to be included? (e.g., all contents including dlc?)

Finally, do these editions receive a greater trade-in value or is it on par with the game itself?

Thanks in advance.
 
[quote name='Swift900']I have a few questions regarding trading in limited/collector editions to Best Buy.

First, do they even accept these special editions? I looked for a couple different titles on the trade-in database and could not find a single match.

If they do, what do they expect to be included? (e.g., all contents including dlc?)

Finally, do these editions receive a greater trade-in value or is it on par with the game itself?

Thanks in advance.[/QUOTE]

Yes, they accept them, DLC is not required and they will only credit you the value of the regular item. You may be better off just trading the disc and keeping any goodies for yourself.
 
[quote name='stoned99']Yes, they accept them, DLC is not required and they will only credit you the value of the regular item. You may be better off just trading the disc and keeping any goodies for yourself.[/QUOTE]

Also, just bringing in the disc might make it smoother if the person who does your trade in isn't too bright and gets confused easily with different versions.
 
[quote name='Swift900']I have a few questions regarding trading in limited/collector editions to Best Buy.

First, do they even accept these special editions? I looked for a couple different titles on the trade-in database and could not find a single match.

If they do, what do they expect to be included? (e.g., all contents including dlc?)

Finally, do these editions receive a greater trade-in value or is it on par with the game itself?

Thanks in advance.[/QUOTE]

Almost all CEs are the same TiV as the regs. They expect the DVD/bluray of the game and if there is a 2nd DVD/bluray with extras then they want that also (although they don't always know that it needs more than 1 disc).

If the LE is the same as the regular then just trade in the game (most stores take disc only so just do that).

If the LE is a different price then you need to take in the box with the sku on it at the very least ( so they can scan the sku which guarantees you get the higher price with no hassle). I did this with Oblovion 5th anniversary as it was trading in for $5 more. The disc was the exact same as the GOTY disc so without the box they would have given me less.

At that time they allowed me to keep all the extras, but since then they now denote on how many discs you have to turn in on some of the multiple disc games.

Any extra stuff (ie statue, box, non disc dlc, swag etc) they don't care if they have or not.
 
Updated the OP with the Modern Warfare 3 promo. Would of done it last night but I had just driven a couple hundred miles and didn't have the energy.

My general theory for the OP title though is that I will always put a promo that ends soonest there.
 
Here's a nice GS -> BB flip

MX vs ATV Alive $17.99 @ GS ($16.19 after edge) -> $16 TIV @BB ($25.60 after 50% bonus + 10% unlocked)

How about a GF -> BB flip

NBA 2K11 PS3 $9.99 + ship @ GF -> $12 TIV @BB ($19.20 after 50% bonus + 10% unlocked)

Thought I would start posting some flips for ALL of the CAG community to share, since the secret society decided I wasn't worthy of their group anymore. Never found much use in it anyway.
 
This is more of a credit transfer from GS > BB.

Two Worlds II (PS3/360) is $17.99 @ GS ($16.19 after pur) trades into BB for $15 ($24 after 50% + Unlocked)

I know I used up all of my TW2 tradein at BB lol.
 
[quote name='twinton']Here's a nice GS -> BB flip

MX vs ATV Alive $17.99 @ GS ($16.19 after edge) -> $16 TIV @BB ($25.60 after 50% bonus + 10% unlocked)

How about a GF -> BB flip

NBA 2K11 PS3 $9.99 + ship @ GF -> $12 TIV @BB ($19.20 after 50% bonus + 10% unlocked)

Thought I would start posting some flips for ALL of the CAG community to share, since the secret society decided I wasn't worthy of their group anymore. Never found much use in it anyway.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the heads up on MX vs ATV i have it on hold at my GS. Been sitting on some gamestop credit for a while and this is perfect!!! I also love having a GS and BB within walking distance from my house woot!
 
[quote name='Royal High Knight']Im trying to sort this out? General question. Is it better to have GS credit or BB credit? I apologize if its a stupid question.[/QUOTE]
what? joke?
 
[quote name='Royal High Knight']Im trying to sort this out? General question. Is it better to have GS credit or BB credit? I apologize if its a stupid question.[/QUOTE]

Bestbuy has much better sales so the answer to this question is a no brainer. If this weeks gamestop ad isn't enough proof than I don't know what is. That ps3 collection sale beats any sale gamestop has had all year. The only the only decent sales I can remember from gs are the bloodstone one and the power sale (eventhough there was only one game worthy buying during that sale). Stick to bestbuy
 
[quote name='Royal High Knight']Im trying to sort this out? General question. Is it better to have GS credit or BB credit? I apologize if its a stupid question.[/QUOTE]

Also BBY credit is AMZ credit as you can buy AMZ kindle GCs that can be used on anything AMZ carries. So BBY by far.

BBY also carries more than games, so a huge positive there also.
 
Question: If I do BB's pre-order 5, get $100 in credit, can I still trade towards AC for the 50% bonus if it's one of the 5? Thanks.
 
[quote name='Ghemy']Question: If I do BB's pre-order 5, get $100 in credit, can I still trade towards AC for the 50% bonus if it's one of the 5? Thanks.[/QUOTE]

Yes. The 5/$100 doesn't affect any other sales or bonuses. As long as you buy an item that contains a game disc for 1 of the 5/$100 you will get credit.

You don't get the $100 in RZ points till 30 days after your last game purchase
 
I don't know if someone already posted this, but I think Best Buy removed the option to receive mailed checks (looked at several games and couldn't find it).
 
[quote name='twinton']Here's a nice GS -> BB flip

MX vs ATV Alive $17.99 @ GS ($16.19 after edge) -> $16 TIV @BB ($25.60 after 50% bonus + 10% unlocked)

How about a GF -> BB flip

NBA 2K11 PS3 $9.99 + ship @ GF -> $12 TIV @BB ($19.20 after 50% bonus + 10% unlocked)

Thought I would start posting some flips for ALL of the CAG community to share, since the secret society decided I wasn't worthy of their group anymore. Never found much use in it anyway.[/QUOTE]

Any worthy flip from Best Buy to Gamestop, since Best Buy is having their buy 2 get 1 free promotion. It'll be cool to find games to flip back and forth.
 
[quote name='blazenumb1']Gamefly's sale tonight has MvC for $9.99, trades in to BB for $22 with their promo. Nice flip deal, providing the TIV doesn't drop.[/QUOTE]

where are you getting $22 from. Im getting $24-$25.6
 
[quote name='blazenumb1']Lol typo, thanks for the fix.[/QUOTE]

lol I was thinking I was looking at something wrong, I checked it like 4 times to make sure >
 
[quote name='blazenumb1']Gamefly's sale tonight has MvC for $9.99, trades in to BB for $22 with their promo. Nice flip deal, providing the TIV doesn't drop.[/QUOTE]
I'm not a regular flipper, what are the odds of BB dropping the price you think?
 
[quote name='Shinpachi']I'm not a regular flipper, what are the odds of BB dropping the price you think?[/QUOTE]

If you get the games by friday you should be safe, but I would say that theres a pretty good chance that it might drop before monday
 
[quote name='Shinpachi']I'm not a regular flipper, what are the odds of BB dropping the price you think?[/QUOTE]

Depends on how soon you trade it in. The more people trade it in thr faster the TIV will drop.
 
[quote name='blazenumb1']Gamefly's sale tonight has MvC for $9.99, trades in to BB for $22 with their promo. Nice flip deal, providing the TIV doesn't drop.[/QUOTE]

:applause:
 
[quote name='blazenumb1']Gamefly's sale tonight has MvC for $9.99, trades in to BB for $22 with their promo. Nice flip deal, providing the TIV doesn't drop.[/QUOTE]
Good catch tonight, I was gonna post it but decided not to.
 
[quote name='Velo214']if you know this fact, why do you shout it out in the main general flip thread?[/QUOTE]

As soon as I saw the GF deals I knew within 20 minutes someone was going to post about it being a flip. It was bound to happen velo.
 
[quote name='Toss']edit: wow those are some rock bottom tivs! doesn't even cover the gas to get there!LOL[/QUOTE]
It's like trading to TRU in-store, but at least there you might be able to find some clearance games on the shelves to grab during a decent sale or something.;)
 
[quote name='blazenumb1']My bad guys for putting this in a general thread, the oos is def not helped by me. Wont happen again.[/QUOTE]

why not?
 
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Whats the first rule of fight club? Damn, I have to go watch that movie now. I guess that did go oos as fast as I thought it might have, I just hope my copies come by Saturday.
 
I wonder how many people on this forum bought multiples of MVC just to flip? kinda sucks for the guys who actually wanted a copy to you know...play it. Well, i'm just happy i got my ps3 version before they sold out.
 
lol I hope best buy tanks the MvC3 TIV before they ship.

I would have liked to have bought an extra 360 copy for tournament setups. Hope you guys who ordered multiples get stuck with them.

Not too salty though, it'll be $10 somewhere else before too long, and ultimate is not too far away.
 
[quote name='blazenumb1']My bad guys for putting this in a general thread, the oos is def not helped by me. Wont happen again.[/QUOTE]

You traitor grrrrrrrr, off with his head ! Your call velo
 
bread's done
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