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

BudzMcGee

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

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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='Click']LOL this thread is filled with CAG's worst braggarts, liars, and trolls.

The mods should just nuke it (and the trolls) to hell and start over... again.[/QUOTE]

Why don't you continue to be a lurker with your big 72 post in nearly 3 1/2 years here on CAG, I think you contribute a lot better that way.
 
[quote name='DudeImGodly']You mean you are going to trade them in disc only because they are not going to give you anything extra for the items[/QUOTE]
Well I will be trading it in with the steelbook case since I ebayed the codes.
 
[quote name='confoosious']Big beautiful yemens.[/QUOTE]

confoosious, you keep this thread entertaining. I have no idea why people would want to put you on ignore.
 
[quote name='Daring']confoosious, you keep this thread entertaining. I have no idea why people would want to put you on ignore.[/QUOTE]

They be hatin.

(poor grammar used ironically. )
 
[quote name='reddjoey']With BB going under isn't it time to use BB for BBY?[/QUOTE]

In financial term: BBY = Bestbuy. google finance it bud.
 
[quote name='confoosious']They be hatin.

(poor grammar used ironically. )[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the parentheses ... it totally would have gone against your character without them ;)
 
[quote name='reddjoey']With BB going under isn't it time to use BB for BBY?[/QUOTE]
Actually Dish Network bought out Blockbuster Video(which I abbreviate BBV) and closed a bunch of stores w/o doing the usual store closing sales. Now apparently they're suppose to open NEW stores in areas that may have previously been without them.

However, be warned that they are supposed to start an initiative similar to BB(Best Buy) where they're going to have Dish Network reps trying to pester you to sign up for their tv service in their stores. It hasn't happened so far around here(thankfully), but I sense it's coming.
 
[quote name='skiizim']Why don't you continue to be a lurker with your big 72 post in nearly 3 1/2 years here on CAG, I think you contribute a lot better that way.[/QUOTE]


because he's one of many bitter lurkers who see this thread pop up and hope it's with info for he and his fellow non contributors to exploit...

he's a sad sad bitter panda
 
[quote name='donut']because he's one of many bitter lurkers who see this thread pop up and hope it's with info for he and his fellow non contributors to exploit...

he's a sad sad bitter panda[/QUOTE]

A bitter Panda? Never heard that one before, very nice. ;)
 
If this makes better sense to you reddjoey, when you make a .com order on BestBuy the order always starts out BBY, that's the main reason I started using that particular way.
 
[quote name='reddjoey']So why not use GME for Gamestop?[/QUOTE]

I believe it also helps keep things straight: BB (BlockBuster) and BBY (Best Buy)
 
[quote name='JungleRot']A bitter Panda? Never heard that one before, very nice. ;)[/QUOTE]
I've heard it before. I find it funny how the only time you may ever know these lurkers are around is when people complain about DLC codes being taken without anyone posting they were used in the free DLC code drop threads or when a thread is going 'too off topic' for their liking(meaning they have to actually read more than 2 posts to find a deal:shock:).

Otherwise they stay quiet and just continue to leech off the community here without even trying to give back.

But topics such as the Amazon Warehouse Deals thread were meant to be OT imo, since other CAG's will routinely chime in with advice or a mini review on a game someone posts as available. In that way, they're letting their fellow CAG's know if it's a good or bad game and worth the price of admission from AWD. To me, that's NOT OT since it helps other members of the community from wasting money on games that may be total crap.
 
[quote name='Daring']In financial term: BBY = Bestbuy. google finance it bud.[/QUOTE]

[quote name='Daring']Why would we do that when we can you GS. Much shorter.[/QUOTE]

Although this little argument is meaningless, isn't BB shorter than BBY? Wouldn't your first statement contradict your second?
 
[quote name='rey6eric']Although this little argument is meaningless, isn't BB shorter than BBY? Wouldn't your first statement contradict your second?[/QUOTE]


fuck off noob. BB is widely use around here for blockbluster.
 
[quote name='Daring']fuck off noob. BB is widely use around here for blockbluster.[/QUOTE]

No need to get upset. I always thought BBV was used for Blockbuster. I guess others including myself have been using the wrong abbreviations.:roll:
 
[quote name='rey6eric']No need to get upset. I always thought BBV was used for Blockbuster. I guess others including myself have been using the wrong abbreviations.:roll:[/QUOTE]


I think you're right, at least in the official Blockbuster thread, BBV is commonly used.

But since this is the Best Buy trade-in thread, and to keep it on topic...let's say it means 'Best Buy Vacation' in here...since that's what a lot of us will be doing, now that Best Buy nuked so many of the trade-in values. ;)
 
[quote name='IAmTheCheapestGamer']Actually Dish Network bought out Blockbuster Video(which I abbreviate BBV) and closed a bunch of stores w/o doing the usual store closing sales. Now apparently they're suppose to open NEW stores in areas that may have previously been without them.

However, be warned that they are supposed to start an initiative similar to BB(Best Buy) where they're going to have Dish Network reps trying to pester you to sign up for their tv service in their stores. It hasn't happened so far around here(thankfully), but I sense it's coming.[/QUOTE]

There were some directv assholes annoying me in this manner a few weeks ago while looking in the GAMING section at best buy. Before he even began his schpiel (sp?) I told him I was using time warner, that it's working great, and I'm not interested.
 
Many use BBY for best buy as it is their stock abbreviation. I believe it was the same for BBV (blockbuster) until the restructured from viacom and made the stock name BBI as it then included online portion. They seemed to have kept the BBV on most forum boards since it makes more sense then BBI and/or people don't like change.
 
[quote name='thebytewasbit']There were some directv assholes annoying me in this manner a few weeks ago while looking in the GAMING section at best buy. Before he even began his schpiel (sp?) I told him I was using time warner, that it's working great, and I'm not interested.[/QUOTE]
:lol::applause:I think I cut the guy short too, since I knew he wasn't a BB employee right off(wearing a Directv shirt)away. Honestly, if it gets to be as much of a hassle to go into a BB like it was to go into GS(hi did you bring any trades with you today, if you don't pre-order blah blah and blah you'll NEVER find them, et. al) then that'll give me even more reason to give Amazon more business.;)
 
[quote name='IAmTheCheapestGamer']:lol::applause:I think I cut the guy short too, since I knew he wasn't a BB employee right off(wearing a Directv shirt)away. Honestly, if it gets to be as much of a hassle to go into a BB like it was to go into GS(hi did you bring any trades with you today, if you don't pre-order blah blah and blah you'll NEVER find them, et. al) then that'll give me even more reason to give Amazon more business.;)[/QUOTE]

im lucky im 21 and Asian. people that are promoting things like that never care to talk to me. they either think im too young or too broke haha.
 
If I end up with more credit than Skyrim is worth, I can put it towards whatever right?

Wouldn't mind paying it and Ultimate Marvel off tomorrow with old games.
 
[quote name='Solder']If I end up with more credit than Skyrim is worth, I can put it towards whatever right?

Wouldn't mind paying it and Ultimate Marvel off tomorrow with old games.[/QUOTE]

Of course you can. I got 112 $ with my trade ins today and have enough for uncharted and extra which is awsome
 
[quote name='Solder']If I end up with more credit than Skyrim is worth, I can put it towards whatever right?

Wouldn't mind paying it and Ultimate Marvel off tomorrow with old games.[/QUOTE]

also, in store you just put 5 towards a pre-order. then the rest of the credit you get on a gift card. or well to be more exact, you can pay for the pre-order with cash/debit/credit and the trade in credit you get on a gift card.
 
Wow, didn't mean to stir up the dust on BB vs BBY.

Back on topic, anyone have any luck having a trade-in value adjusted? I traded some games for BF3, but they gave me the 40% vs the 50%. Only like $2, but that's my $2.
 
[quote name='reddjoey']Wow, didn't mean to stir up the dust on BB vs BBY.

Back on topic, anyone have any luck having a trade-in value adjusted? I traded some games for BF3, but they gave me the 40% vs the 50%. Only like $2, but that's my $2.[/QUOTE]

ya BF3 dropped to 40%, coulda just done a 50% game an exchanged it
 
[quote name='Jimmienoman']Many use BBY for best buy as it is their stock abbreviation. I believe it was the same for BBV (blockbuster) until the restructured from viacom and made the stock name BBI as it then included online portion. They seemed to have kept the BBV on most forum boards since it makes more sense then BBI and/or people don't like change.[/QUOTE]

:applause: This is the best answer I have heard. Personally I used the BB and I never understood why the Y was added until now ;). As far as the BBV Block Buster I thought it was just to point out that it isn't a game store but mainly Video.

I am stubborn that way and I use the BB still , but can see now that would lead to confusion... is it Block or Best?

I will now have to change my ways and catch the wave. :)
 
[quote name='reddjoey']Wow, didn't mean to stir up the dust on BB vs BBY.

Back on topic, anyone have any luck having a trade-in value adjusted? I traded some games for BF3, but they gave me the 40% vs the 50%. Only like $2, but that's my $2.[/QUOTE]

"I want my $2!!" Isn't that a reference to a John Cusack movie?
 
Here you go all. A small mover, but a mover none the less:

Speed (Wii) at GS is 4.99> Best Buy Base Value $4
(It's a tough find in my area though.)
 
If I have to cancel a $5 pre-order, can I just go the customer service dept to do this and get back my $5 cash deposit? Or do I have to do it at the Gaming dept?

BTW, called BB Cust. Support who are going to make 2 of my games FINALLY show up as Qualified on the 5/$100 program. We'll see if they are truly added in a bit.
 
[quote name='destro4eva']If I have to cancel a $5 pre-order, can I just go the customer service dept to do this and get back my $5 cash deposit? Or do I have to do it at the Gaming dept?

BTW, called BB Cust. Support who are going to make 2 of my games FINALLY show up as Qualified on the 5/$100 program. We'll see if they are truly added in a bit.[/QUOTE]

I went to cs yesturday to cancel my mw3 preorder and I got back the 5$ with no problem
 
[quote name='prayformojo']Are manuals required for BB trade-ins, I know cases are not, but can't remeber if manuals are needed?

THX[/QUOTE]

If you don't have the cases then manuals aren't required.

I brought in a ds game with manual and no case. The guy woulndt take the manual.
 
[quote name='rey6eric']If you don't have the cases then manuals aren't required.

I brought in a ds game with manual and no case. The guy woulndt take the manual.[/QUOTE]

Did you get full trade in price or was it discounted, thanks for the info BTW.
 
From the OP:

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.
 
[quote name='confoosious']From the OP:

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.[/QUOTE]

It doesn't hurt to answer questions once in a while even if it's stated in plain sight in the OP. At least he was on topic unlike some recent posts :)
 
[quote name='rey6eric']It doesn't hurt to answer questions once in a while even if it's stated in plain sight in the OP. At least he was on topic unlike some recent posts :)[/QUOTE]


Also, on this particular question there is a great deal of confusion. People do it, but on the Unboxed forums they have stated that games are supposed to be complete. So I think this is an issue of employees not actually knowing the policy.

Now whether it is the CSR's who are unaware or the reps at Unboxed is the question that needs an answer.
 
Just an fyi, I work at bestbuy, and one thing in the rules post is incorrect. You can't use the giftcard to pay off the pre-order. Granted, it's YMMV but our boss was told that we aren't allowed to let customers use the giftcard. Just an fyi.
 
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