Official Amazon Trade-In/FAQ 3.1 - READ 1st POST

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handsomepete

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condition stuff seemingly pulled back by amazon, spoilered until I can reorg
Notice 4/14/11: New shenanigans abound! There is now a condition field for all trades - all trades are set to "Good" and may be determined to be worse than that ("Acceptable") or better ("Like New"). During the trade-in confirmation process you may choose whether to have an item in worse condition returned to you or just processed at the lower value. It does appear that this might mean that NORAM will start taking games/consoles without original packaging / manuals / etc which might be beneficial to some.

We'll see how this works out! To be added to the core FAQ after its newness wears off.

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Amazon.com Trade-in Home Page

Welcome to the Official CAG Amazon.com Trade-In Thread

THANKS TO DISILLUSION386 and GI60 FOR POSTING AND MAINTAINING THE PREVIOUS AMAZON TRADE-IN FAQ THREADS

This thread’s primary purpose is to discuss Amazon.com’s new video game trade-in program. The trade-in deal will be updated whenever one is available, and a list of flippable games will be in the second post. PLEASE READ THE TRADE-IN DEAL DETAILS AND FAQ BEFORE ASKING ANY QUESTIONS.

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Trade-In(s) of the Day
-= Can be found HERE =-
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Amazon.com Trading Info

Amazon.com Video Game Trade-In Store

Trade-In Procedure

1. Select Games: Games must be in good condition and your trade-in shipment valued at $10 or more
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:
NorAm International
22 Hampshire Drive
Hudson, NH 03051
Trade-In Product Eligibility

Trade-in items must match the exact version displayed in the Amazon Trade-In Store, not be damaged, include original packaging (e.g. the manual, cover art, and case), and be postmarked no later than 7 days after submission. You will receive an e-mail confirmation and an Amazon.com Gift Card will be deposited into your account within 2 business days of item receipt and verification by the merchant. Items not accepted by the merchant will be returned to you approximately 14 days after receipt.
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GENERAL FAQ (Updated 12/10/09)

Can I post question on this thread?
Only if you can't find the answer from below. :lol: And please let me know if it needs to be added to FAQ.

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.

Since when did Amazon start doing trades?
The program began in 2009 and is handled by a third party merchant, NorAm International.

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 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?
For UPS Ground
It already provides you with tracking information.

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. The address is:
NorAm International
22 Hampshire Dr
Hudson, NH 03051

(This is also an option when submitting your trades)

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. 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?
Load up any existing order (if you don't have any, check your browser's history), and substitute the transaction ID for the trade-in order you need at the end of the URL.

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?
Usually with no delay, but the longest reported days so far is 4.

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?
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's always better if you trade your non-complete game as an additional credit, not part of the minimum requirement to qualify for the promo.

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 NorAm 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!

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 is the Greatest Hits version, but the one pictured on the site isn’t. Can I still trade it in?
Unless the game in question has two separate versions that trade at different values, sending in a greatest hits version is okay.

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 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 NorAm.

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 months 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.

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/gamestaq/ebay/whatever.

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 (not the trade-in deal coupon) 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). 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 NORAM 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, 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!

trade-in promo related faq spoilered for history. promos no longer offered by amazon
---- TRADE-IN PROMO RELATED FAQ ---

When do I receive my coupon code for the current trade-in deal, if any?
The Terms of Service states 10 days after Amazon has accepted your games and added credit to your account, but it usually takes 2 to 3 days.

Can I do two different trade-in submissions that add up to the requirements of the current trade-in deal, if any?
No. In order to qualify for any of the trade-in promos, they have to all be in one trade-in submission. You can't add another game later on to make the minimum. However, you can adjust the quantity of the submitted game to make the minimum.

I submitted my trade-in order online, how do I know if I qualified for the current trade-in deal, if any? Is there a confirmation page or e-mail?
No. They will automatically send you a coupon code once they have accepted your shipment of games and credited your account.

Is the trade-in deal coupon in addition to the credit I will receive for my games?
Yes.

Can I trade in DVDs to take advantage of the current trade-in deal?
You may trade in DVDs to add credit to your Amazon account, but they will not be added to the amount you need to qualify for the deal.

Can I take advantage of the current trade-in (if available) promo more than once?
These deals are “One per household” unless stated otherwise. However, you may use a different Amazon account. The credit for your games will be tied to the specific account used for the trade, but the coupon codes for the deals are not.
*However, some people has confirmed that they get multiple coupon by using 1 Amazon account after doing multiple submission.
NOTE: IF YOU SEND MORE THAN 1 SUBMISSION, THE MULTIPLE COUPONS MIGHT COME IN 1 EMAIL, THE CODE IS SEPARATED BY A COMMA.

If the coupon codes aren’t tied to my account, can I use more than one coupon on my next purchase?
No. Unless stated otherwise in the promo details, these coupons cannot be combined with other offers or promotions.

So if they reject one of my games, am I disqualified from the current trade-in deal, if any?
Unfortunately yes. The best suggestion for trading in games is to trade in $10-$20 more than the minimum for the deal. By doing so, you will still qualify for the promo even if one or two games get rejected.

Can I use the trade-in deal coupon on preorders?
Yes.

What happen to the Coupon code if I cancel the preorder?
The coupon code will stay with your account. It will be applied automatically at check-out as long as the coupon is not expired.

Can I use the trade-in deal coupon when shopping from other merchants on Amazon?
No. ONLY ITEMS SOLD BY AMAZON.COM QUALIFY FOR PURCHASE WITH THE TRADE-IN COUPON. Even Amazon's other sites (Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.jp, etc.) do not participate in these trade-in deals.

Trade-in coupon Usage:
Previous promo coupons and their expiration dates (NO ACTIVE PROMOS CURRENTLY):

1st Promo - $ 50 / $75 Coupon (coupon exp: 8/31) - Game Console Only
2nd Promo - 50 % Coupon (coupon exp: 8/31) - Game and Accessories
3rd Promo - $ 30 Coupon (coupon exp: 12/31) - Game Console, Game and Accessories
4th Promo - $ 30 Coupon (coupon exp: 12/31) - Game Console Only
 
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I don't know how come some of you have issues trading stuff in, all of mine have gone fine without a hitch. I just sent off some on Monday out of Baton Rouge and they got there today. I should have my credit tomorrow.
 
how do you know when to expect the credit? im coming from boston and it arrived there next day..is Saturday and Sunday a business working day for them??
 
[quote name='Ketsui']how do you know when to expect the credit? im coming from boston and it arrived there next day..is Saturday and Sunday a business working day for them??[/QUOTE]

They used to credit same day or next day but now it seems to be taking 3-4 days.
 
[quote name='io']They used to credit same day or next day but now it seems to be taking 3-4 days.[/QUOTE]

damn! my games were just delivered today(shipped last friday) hoping i get credit by monday for castlevania :pray:
 
[quote name='Nelo Ice']damn! my games were just delivered today(shipped last friday) hoping i get credit by monday for castlevania :pray:[/QUOTE]

I've actually had packages delivered the last two Fridays and I think in both cases I got the credit Tuesday AM.
 
Hey if I say Print Picture instead of Print Label is that okay? It won't differ, will it? Because for some reason it wasn't working for me unless I did that.
 
Lol Another question. I said I want to ship my stuff in 2 different packages but they gave me the same tracking numbers on both labels? What's with that?
 
Aww man. I've got a different problem (other one is fixed). I sealed all of my bubble mailers but i forgot what packing slips I put in each. They are all for the same game. But I have different labels. So would it matter f I put the labels on the bubble mailers with packing slips that don't correspond to the label? Thanks in advance. This thread isn't very lively it seems :(
 
[quote name='io']I've actually had packages delivered the last two Fridays and I think in both cases I got the credit Tuesday AM.[/QUOTE]

just got my credit today :D

of course i canceled castlevania and im instead putting the gc towards black ops :lol:
 
i sent in a package on Saturday afternoon. UPS havent been updated my tracking number..should i be worried that hte package is damaged? =(
 
Sent in a package last Tuesday and got the credit last night. They even accepted an item that was rejected and returned to me over a month ago. Different inspector, I suppose....
 
[quote name='confoosious']two items delivered yesterday. credited just now.

not too bad.[/QUOTE]


not too bad?? thats awesome bro
 
I haven't even thought about guides. I have an old stack of penny guides I might have to see if anything is worth trading.

Does anyone know how trade in works for old school games? Do they really expect them to come with boxes and manuals?
 
[quote name='CouRageouS']I haven't even thought about guides. I have an old stack of penny guides I might have to see if anything is worth trading.

Does anyone know how trade in works for old school games? Do they really expect them to come with boxes and manuals?[/QUOTE]

I've sent both nes and gba games in without anything but the cartridge and gotten them approved. But according to what I read it depends on the inspector that checks your trade-in.
 
[quote name='VIKINGS6912']Figured I would vouch for the program, 5 day turn around. Would recomened for someone who is looking trade in games.[/QUOTE]

From acceptance to credit, or mailing to credit?

If you meant from mailing date people need to realize that it is 100% dependent on where you live and not necessarily expect 5 days. For me, the standard is a 9-14 day turnaround since UPS shipments take a minimum of 8 days, and then Amazon can credit anywhere from day of receipt to about 4-5 days later. So for anyone on the West coast, that is the expected turnaround time. If you live in their backyard, though, it can be as little as a 2 day turaround.

I just had a package credited yesterday in fact. I had mailed it on Sept 27th, it was delivered on 10/4, and credited on 10/5. So that was 7 days for shipment and just 1 day to process, making it 8 days total which is actually pretty close to a record for me. UPS has always taken 8-9 days before.
 
[quote name='Ultragamer']I've sent both nes and gba games in without anything but the cartridge and gotten them approved. But according to what I read it depends on the inspector that checks your trade-in.[/QUOTE]
Thanks I have multiple copies of some of the Genesis and NES games they want, so I'll give it a shot.
 
Anyone had any luck recently trading in PC games? Had 3 games get rejected because they ask for manuals that never came with the game in the first place, couldn't find the cd key, or asked for a cd key when the game didn't even come with it in the first place. I shot an email to customer service at Amazon but felt like NorAm will never get the feedback.
 
I"m happy to say that I'm four for five, and the only one that wasn't accepted was my copy of Mario Kart DS that came in the billfold without the UPC (I didn't know about the UPC requirement). These days they seem to be taking 1-2 days after the items are delivered before accepting the trade and depositing the gift card amount.
 
How about cart only ds games? I sent in cart only gba gb gbc n64 games some had writing on the labels or are beat up I should find out if they are approved some time next week I was surpised how much mortal kombat advance trades in for $5 most gba games trade in for less most of the gba pokemon games are going for $3.50 or under my mka looked like it had been through a war zone my brother's dog chewed on it the label was beat up tears and the cart was slightly bent but the game still worked.

[quote name='Ultragamer']I've sent both nes and gba games in without anything but the cartridge and gotten them approved. But according to what I read it depends on the inspector that checks your trade-in.[/QUOTE]
 
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Wow, I lucked out. HAWX 2 was up to $32.50 trade in value yesterday so I bit on it and sent it in. Took a look today, and it's already down to $26. Sure wasn't giving it to GS for $12, I was going to just let it sit on my shelf for that value.
 
I'm looking into trading Reach in. Would Amazon be the best place? They are offering $39. Any higher offers out there?
 
I'm on my third trade now. 163 dollars worth of games, including Metroid M. (... King Broly, please don't hurt me. I sold it for more than I paid for it.)

Credited to my account after less than 24 hours within receipt by NorAm
 
[quote name='Gourd']..., including Metroid M. (... King Broly, please don't hurt me. I sold it for more than I paid for it.)[/QUOTE]

I got your back on this one. I traded mine in as well and the $1.50 profit I made helped me feel a little better about the experience.

But only a little.
 
[quote name='yeah-yeah']I got your back on this one. I traded mine in as well and the $1.50 profit I made helped me feel a little better about the experience.

But only a little.[/QUOTE]

i got $53 of profit from other m :lol:
well counting the $20 credit since i got it for free from previous promo credit
 
[quote name='iKilledChewbacca']just sent out some guides I got for super cheap :D

in total im getting $27.xx back !![/QUOTE]

Can't find the trade-in values for any guides. Help?
 
[quote name='Nelo Ice']i got $53 of profit from other m :lol:
well counting the $20 credit since i got it for free from previous promo credit[/QUOTE]

how do you get a $33 profit from other m? (even counting the $20 credit)
 
[quote name='confoosious']how do you get a $33 profit from other m? (even counting the $20 credit)[/QUOTE]

i locked in the value when it was $33.50
 
[quote name='confoosious']did you get it for free?[/QUOTE]

like i said i had $50 in promo credit that i used on other m so yes it was free

i pretty much got a $53.50 in profit from the $33.50 in tiv combined with the $20 credit
 
^ No you didn't, You could have used the promo credit on any other game. Therefore, it's not really profit. Profit would be like buying the game for 50 bucks, keeping the $20 credit and selling the game for 40-50 bucks.
 
[quote name='scarhawk']^ No you didn't, You could have used the promo credit on any other game. Therefore, it's not really profit. Profit would be like buying the game for 50 bucks, keeping the $20 credit and selling the game for 40-50 bucks.[/QUOTE]

Can this discussion NOT show up in another thread? Awesome, thanks ...
 
[quote name='Nelo Ice']like i said i had $50 in promo credit that i used on other m so yes it was free

i pretty much got a $53.50 in profit from the $33.50 in tiv combined with the $20 credit[/QUOTE]

Yeah but all those games you got $20 credit for were full MSRP or near it.
 
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