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.

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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='confoosious']Is it really worth the hassle for $5?[/QUOTE]

I bought 2 Batman and 2 controllers, so I figured $10 back would be worth it. Plus, I need to return something at the store right next to BB.
 
[quote name='VaultDweller']can i buy amazon gift card with bestbuy video game trade-in credit?[/QUOTE]

This issue has never been addressed before in 165 pages. go figure.

But you can buy other bestbuy gift cards. I like the ones with glitter on them.
 
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They can, whether or not they choose to enforce it is up to them. Then again, when they go and lock your trade account don't come crying back here. There's already been a couple of people who are locked out.
 
signed up for the gamers club today. I misplaced my $240bb gc(doh!, i know, idiotic, mornic, stupidity). Because of that I signed up for the gamer club after a trade in. the extra 10% from the club on top of the 40% would've netted me an extra $3-5. oh wells.
 
so have any of the low level traders here been locked out yet? I mean have any of you recently traded one over the limit? i have all of my receipts for trade-ins and definitely going to start narrowing down how much i trade-in in terms of multiples but i wonder how quickly it is that they ban you..
 
[quote name='animemaniac14']so have any of the low level traders here been locked out yet? I mean have any of you recently traded one over the limit? i have all of my receipts for trade-ins and definitely going to start narrowing down how much i trade-in in terms of multiples but i wonder how quickly it is that they ban you..[/QUOTE]

The people who have been banned so far have all admitted to being excessive abusers of the system (as one put it, 'no more than 30 copies of a single game' when describing his numbers). I've traded a 4th copy of a game on two occasions, i.e. I've traded in a total of 2 games I shouldn't have. I have not been banned and I imagine that I'm not the type they are going after either. I've traded in over 145 unique titles, with many multiples in the 2-3 range but have only gone over on 2, have only used BB credit to buy a visa or amazon GC once and have made a ton of purchases at BB in the last three months.; can't imagine people such as myself are high on their list to ban.
 
[quote name='BudzMcGee']The people who have been banned so far have all admitted to being excessive abusers of the system (as one put it, 'no more than 30 copies of a single game' when describing his numbers). I've traded a 4th copy of a game on two occasions, i.e. I've traded in a total of 2 games I shouldn't have. I have not been banned and I imagine that I'm not the type they are going after either. I've traded in over 145 unique titles, with many multiples in the 2-3 range but have only gone over on 2, have only used BB credit to buy a visa or amazon GC once and have made a ton of purchases at BB in the last three months.; can't imagine people such as myself are high on their list to ban.[/QUOTE]
You've been buying stuff at BB?:razz: Honestly, if they would really start doing like Amazon and provide a $10-20 gc for some newer releases right at release or get some interesting non-DLC based exclusive goodies to give out to people who buy games at launch, then I'd move more of my gaming purchases over to there.

But since I was able to ride the promo credit train on Amazon by applying $10 and $20 credits I received from prior purchases(which reminds me I have a $10 credit from Saint's Row: The Third sitting in my account now), I ended up paying $40 and $50 for some of the bigger releases this fall and NO SALES TAX.

But I am saving my current $375 in credit for BB for BF. I'll try scoping out the store mid-week n if I already see a line of campers sitting there by Weds then I won't bother going there to try for the shit I want till after the mad rush.:)
 
It's a fact this thread is monitored by a number of BB staff.
Do we really want to start another round of confessions, details with justification outside the parameters of the program?

Budz reply should be adequate, follow the rules, don't abuse and all will be well...
 
[quote name='nas6034']signed up for the gamers club today. I misplaced my $240bb gc(doh!, i know, idiotic, mornic, stupidity). Because of that I signed up for the gamer club after a trade in. the extra 10% from the club on top of the 40% would've netted me an extra $3-5. oh wells.[/QUOTE]

You can get it back if you have the purchase receipt.
 
Booo! I was hoping we were going to see a 40% boost with purchase of Zelda this week. Would be nice since I'm picking up a few anyway.
 
Phew, glad I went ahead and took advantage of the last 50% yesterday, though it was a little bit of a hassle that the guy had to do a work-around because Max Payne 50% was in the online ad but not in the system. I wonder if they've clued in to how badly they're being abused and that people will still trade plenty at 40%, or if it's just because of the approaching Black Friday.
 
[quote name='Shinpachi']Phew, glad I went ahead and took advantage of the last 50% yesterday, though it was a little bit of a hassle that the guy had to do a work-around because Max Payne 50% was in the online ad but not in the system. I wonder if they've clued in to how badly they're being abused and that people will still trade plenty at 40%, or if it's just because of the approaching Black Friday.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, take advantage of Best Buy and openly admit that you abuse them for the world to see.
 
[quote name='Shinpachi']Phew, glad I went ahead and took advantage of the last 50% yesterday, though it was a little bit of a hassle that the guy had to do a work-around because Max Payne 50% was in the online ad but not in the system. I wonder if they've clued in to how badly they're being abused and that people will still trade plenty at 40%, or if it's just because of the approaching Black Friday.[/QUOTE]
I think their strategy is to slowly lower trade in bonuses and try to get people to stick with them. Once people see that they have more options with their credit as opposed to other places such as gamestop, etc., the 10% less isn't really that much of a difference. I'm guessing that they will lower it to 30% sometime early next year but I'm just speculating.
 
[quote name='Shinpachi']Phew, glad I went ahead and took advantage of the last 50% yesterday, though it was a little bit of a hassle that the guy had to do a work-around because Max Payne 50% was in the online ad but not in the system. I wonder if they've clued in to how badly they're being abused and that people will still trade plenty at 40%, or if it's just because of the approaching Black Friday.[/QUOTE]

You're new here aren't you?
 
I really do imagine that the promos are going to be slowing down mostly because of the November rush being over. Plus, I'm sure that they don't want a ton of people coming on Black Friday trying to trade in games with their purchase, you know it would happen and shit's already going to be crazy with that B2G1 GCU coupon that has no limitations (I actually talked to the gaming supervisor at my favored store about it and she even agreed that it was pretty crazy/awesome there were no limitations but wasn't eager to work the register on Black Friday because of it).

Updating OP now.
 
[quote name='BudzMcGee']I really do imagine that the promos are going to be slowing down mostly because of the November rush being over. Plus, I'm sure that they don't want a ton of people coming on Black Friday trying to trade in games with their purchase, you know it would happen and shit's already going to be crazy with that B2G1 GCU coupon that has no limitations (I actually talked to the gaming supervisor at my favored store about it and she even agreed that it was pretty crazy/awesome there were no limitations but wasn't eager to work the register on Black Friday because of it).

Updating OP now.[/QUOTE]

Where does one find this b2g1 coupon? and is it for new or used games only?
 
[quote name='Shinpachi']Phew, glad I went ahead and took advantage of the last 50% yesterday, though it was a little bit of a hassle that the guy had to do a work-around because Max Payne 50% was in the online ad but not in the system. I wonder if they've clued in to how badly they're being abused and that people will still trade plenty at 40%, or if it's just because of the approaching Black Friday.[/QUOTE]

yea Just keep shouting out loud to bestbuy "ha ha ha well are abusing your system badly !" Sigh ....
 
[quote name='strait edge follower']Dude just go to the bottom of the screen where it says "switch to full style" and you will have the full site in the palm of your hands like i do :)[/QUOTE]

Dude switch to full style sucks balls. It takes 999 hours for at@t 3G to load everyones achievement and trophy crap in their signatures. Besides I don't see that button. :)
 
[quote name='SonictheHedgehog1337']Dude switch to full style sucks balls. It takes 999 hours for at@t 3G to load everyones achievement and trophy crap in their signatures. Besides I don't see that button. :)[/QUOTE]

You gotta get 4g as its awsome. Can't wait to get my phone rooted and use it for online gaming :). The full style option should be there somewhere btw.
 
[quote name='reddjoey']My best buy finally started enforcing the "preorder and trade-in at the same time to get the bonus" rule.[/QUOTE]
It's funny that the 2 times I was required to pre-order BEFORE the trade-in were the only two times I didn't have enough BB credit to cover the $5.:lol:
 
I just did another trade-in this afternoon and found there are at least 40 Xbox Holiday Bundle laying on the ground. BBY employees started to prepare for the BF crowed.
 
How does trade in bonus with preorder work? Is it 40% + 10% for Gamers Club Unlocked?

Do I preorder the game with the credit they give me for the trade ins, or before I trade them in?

I have about $400 worth of games I want to get rid of, that extra 10% is $40.
 
How frequently does bb update their online tiv calculator? If it says x online am I guaranteed that price or do stores update faster than the website?
 
[quote name='xxjonoxx']How does trade in bonus with preorder work? Is it 40% + 10% for Gamers Club Unlocked?

Do I preorder the game with the credit they give me for the trade ins, or before I trade them in?

I have about $400 worth of games I want to get rid of, that extra 10% is $40.[/QUOTE]


Read the OP (original post) it will answer all these questions and more.
Budz did a very thorough write up.
 
Depends on the cashier

They just have to check off a promo and apply it, there is no system check to see if you pre-ordered anything

I have gotten the bonus several times with no pre-order, but its YMMV
 
[quote name='jacknicklson']Depends on the cashier

They just have to check off a promo and apply it, there is no system check to see if you pre-ordered anything

I have gotten the bonus several times with no pre-order, but its YMMV[/QUOTE]

Thank you sir :)
 
I just got banned from future trade-in transactions just now. Stayed within their rules too, and I was given no explanation. I was told by a corporate representative that they will no longer do trade-in transactions with me. Final verdict. Disappointing because I wasn't told why. Stayed within their 3 copy rule as well. Maybe my BBV run was deemed too lucrative. I really don't know.
 
[quote name='darkasian']I just got banned from future trade-in transactions just now. Stayed within their rules too, and I was given no explanation. I was told by a corporate representative that they will no longer do trade-in transactions with me. Final verdict. Disappointing because I wasn't told why. Stayed within their 3 copy rule as well. Maybe my BBV run was deemed too lucrative. I really don't know.[/QUOTE]

Did you pick up all your pre-orders? How did you spend your credit? Did you do a LOT of trade-ins even though staying with their 3 copy rule?
 
[quote name='darkasian']Yeah. Had 4 preorders pending. Just canceled them. No explanation is what bugs me.[/QUOTE]
Thats weird. Maybe they think you are a reseller? Around how many games have you traded in?
 
Brother in law just returned my today flip for me and he was told I was flagged as a resaler by corporate. Total games flipped this weekend was around 45 to 50, none over the limit. It was cool while it lasted I guess.
 
[quote name='darkasian']I just got banned from future trade-in transactions just now. Stayed within their rules too, and I was given no explanation. I was told by a corporate representative that they will no longer do trade-in transactions with me. Final verdict. Disappointing because I wasn't told why. Stayed within their 3 copy rule as well. Maybe my BBV run was deemed too lucrative. I really don't know.[/QUOTE]

Which store do you trade at ?

And how many games do you trade a week, or was the 45-50 games an anomaly.

And actually are you saying they cancelled the Buy 5 promotion, so you don't get the 100$ ?
 
[quote name='darkasian']Brother in law just returned my today flip for me and he was told I was flagged as a resaler by corporate. Total games flipped this weekend was around 45 to 50, none over the limit. It was cool while it lasted I guess.[/QUOTE]

what does this mean?
 
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