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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[quote name='Rozz']I have a question about trading things in using the pre-paid USPS label.

I printed one out from the site that said "no additional postage necessary" on the trade-in page. However, when I tried to give it to my mailman today he said that it has not been paid for and can't be shipped out.

http://img11.imageshack.us/i/noram.jpg/

He wrote a question mark in the top saying that's where it should have the postage paid.

How am I supposed to send it out? I thought you had to tape that label to the box and then they pay the postage when they get it.[/QUOTE]

try taking it into the post office???I've never seen those labels when the postage is paid for.
 
[quote name='AJVtony831']try taking it into the post office???I've never seen those labels when the postage is paid for.[/QUOTE]

Does it look like the label I posted (it might be too small for you to see, I can re-size it so you don't need a magnifying glass to read it if you want)? I might just drop it off into a blue USPS box later...
 
[quote name='confoosious']That's cause when you initiated the trade, you selected "My own postage" instead of UPS.[/QUOTE]

This. when trading a single item it's via USPS and the label includes the postage. When trading multiple items they use UPS and once again, a post paid label. Thats the generic one where u pay to ship it in. Cancel the trade and start over.
 
Thanks for clearing it up guys... I feel like an idiot now for not reading that more closely. I really wish you could just change the shipping option but you can't, and now the values of the items have dropped overnight. I guess I'll just cancel it and keep the items.
 
[quote name='mgford11']This. when trading a single item it's via USPS and the label includes the postage. When trading multiple items they use UPS and once again, a post paid label. Thats the generic one where u pay to ship it in. Cancel the trade and start over.[/QUOTE]

Not true. I just traded in a single game and it gave me a UPS label. Not sure what methodology they use (maybe it depends on the game?), but that's not it.

I'm not even sure how he would have chosen to use his own postage because it's set up to use Amazon's shipping. He would have had to go out of his way to change it...but I suppose that's possible. Basic rule of thumb is pay attention and read before agreeing to anything.
 
[quote name='n8rockerasu']Not true. I just traded in a single game and it gave me a UPS label. Not sure what methodology they use (maybe it depends on the game?), but that's not it.

I'm not even sure how he would have chosen to use his own postage because it's set up to use Amazon's shipping. He would have had to go out of his way to change it...but I suppose that's possible. Basic rule of thumb is pay attention and read before agreeing to anything.[/QUOTE]

Definitely my fault for not reading everything completely through before trading the crap in. In the past I've traded in mostly guides so I didn't know the USPS labels were different when trading in multiple games. I shot Amazon an e-mail asking if they could change the shipping label for me. Hopefully they can. :oops:
 
[quote name='HipnotiK']black ops trade in value is back up to 39$ for 360 and 38$ for ps3.

once again i'm pissed i traded it in weeks ago for 35$. i thought for sure the trade in value would have dropped significantly especially after amazon was selling the game new for 40 bucks.[/QUOTE]


I just saw this, too!!! I'm debating whether to trade mine in. I had only recently bought it ($25 used from GS, but in like-new condition). I haven't even had time to start the campaign yet. Not to start a flaming war here, but the multiplayer is mediocre as I expected from Treyarch. Unfortunately a lot of my friends have it so if I got rid of it, that would mean one less game to play with them...
 
[quote name='CaseX']I just saw this, too!!! I'm debating whether to trade mine in. I had only recently bought it ($25 used from GS, but in like-new condition). I haven't even had time to start the campaign yet. Not to start a flaming war here, but the multiplayer is mediocre as I expected from Treyarch. Unfortunately a lot of my friends have it so if I got rid of it, that would mean one less game to play with them...[/QUOTE]

i played it with friends when it first came out but now none of them are on it. that was one of the main reasons i traded it in. if i were you i would trade it in but beat the campaign first. but if you enjoy the MP with friends and they're still playing it keep it at least for now.
 
[quote name='Gamer SDP']Bulletstorm and Killzone 3 are both $11.xx ? that seems wrong[/QUOTE]

All new games always come out of the gate with a very low TIV. They'll rise up next week.
 
[quote name='HipnotiK']i played it with friends when it first came out but now none of them are on it. that was one of the main reasons i traded it in. if i were you i would trade it in but beat the campaign first. but if you enjoy the MP with friends and they're still playing it keep it at least for now.[/QUOTE]


Dude, it just dropped to 0.25. YES, twenty five CENTS!

Now aren't you glad you got $35 for it? :lol:

EDIT: 1 hour later, it jumped up to $8 now....

EDIT #2: 10 hours later, back to $35
 
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[quote name='Bretts31344']Xbox 360 Street Fighter IV FightStick - $70

I bought it for $15 at Walmart. Out of the box the buttons were sticking and the joystick would get hung up in spots. It was hardly worth $15, but man I wish I didn't take it apart yesterday. I totally forgot to check Amazon for hardware trade ins.[/QUOTE]

Let me one up you! I highly doubt Amazon will let it go through, but if it did :bomb:. I just sent mine in for $70. TIV $500.

http://www.amazon.com/Street-Fighte...1?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1298539332&sr=1-21
 
[quote name='Bretts31344']Xbox 360 Street Fighter IV FightStick - $70

I bought it for $15 at Walmart. Out of the box the buttons were sticking and the joystick would get hung up in spots. It was hardly worth $15, but man I wish I didn't take it apart yesterday. I totally forgot to check Amazon for hardware trade ins.[/QUOTE]

Nice, I'll give it a shot. :)

I'm guessing the only thing required is the stick?
 
[quote name='Gamer SDP']Bulletstorm and Killzone 3 are both $11.xx ? that seems wrong[/QUOTE]

Are you saying that the almighty Amazon has bad TIV? How dare you!
 
[quote name='danstabbingworth']I like my controllers small enough to throw so I'll be claiming $70 hopefully[/QUOTE]
This is why they should make all controllers out of rubber, so at least they'll bounce if you throw them.:lol: But now I can understand why I've seen so many broken controllers in GS stores.:cry:

There is another solution. Grab pillow, put up over face, SCREAM into pillow. Rinse, repeat till relieved of aggravation.;)
 
[quote name='IAmTheCheapestGamer']This is why they should make all controllers out of rubber, so at least they'll bounce if you throw them.:lol: But now I can understand why I've seen so many broken controllers in GS stores.:cry:

There is another solution. Grab pillow, put up over face, SCREAM into pillow. Rinse, repeat till relieved of aggravation.;)[/QUOTE]

I second that!
 
[quote name='madbst']GS always has lower TIV's than Amazon.[/QUOTE]
Not always. With the right promo you can rake in the credit. Best Buy, TRU and even Target are joining the game/item trading fray now, though their trade programs are all being handled by third party companies. Mind you, some folks have said that BB's partner is actually a wholly BB owned subsidiary.
 
[quote name='nbballard']Killzone is up to $40 now. Don't think i've ever seen a TIV that high on a new release. I locked in just in case.[/QUOTE]

Fable 3, regular edition, was $42 when I traded it in. (Good game. Completed it 3 times before trade in.)
 
[quote name='CaseX']Fable 3, regular edition, was $42 when I traded it in. (Good game. Completed it 3 times before trade in.)[/QUOTE]
Yea- out of curiosity i looked back through my history. I got $42 for Mafia 2 when i traded it in.
 
[quote name='danstabbingworth']I like my controllers small enough to throw so I'll be claiming $70 hopefully[/QUOTE]
hasn't stopped gootecks!
 
you can buy bulletstorm for $60 and get the $20 credit and then lock the trade in for $40..........
edit: ah seems they took the $20 credit out, it was up earlier.



I locked in Marvel vs Capcom 3 for $39.25, I will have Pilotwings Resort payed off :D
 
If I have games that give similiar value at amazon and gamestop after the 50% bonus, should I do the trade in at Amazon or Gamestop? My only worry is that Noarm would reject the game for w/e reason...
 
[quote name='Xellos2099']If I have games that give similiar value at amazon and gamestop after the 50% bonus, should I do the trade in at Amazon or Gamestop? My only worry is that Noarm would reject the game for w/e reason...[/QUOTE]

That all depends on your buying habits. For me I hardly ever go to gamestop so amazon credit is of more use to me. If you drive past a gamestop or buy stuff there all the time, well then its much easier to just hand someone your stuff and get the credit right away.
 
It depends sometimes they choose to randomly reject stuff it seems. The only stuff that I've ever gotten back was because it was missing a manual or they claimed it was the wrong item when it wasn't. Never had a problem with the condition of the disc but then again I treat all my games like they cost me $60.
 
The only discs I've had returned as "damaged discs" were PS3 games obviously scratched. I think cause they risk damaging the blurays during the refurb process. I've sent in bad wii and 360 games but since those discs are more safely buffed without data damage they take them that way.
 
[quote name='Scholarly_Sam']My items got to them early in the morning on the 24th(like at 1 AM) and its still showing as not yet received on Amazon.com...[/QUOTE]

They usually take about 3 days. It won't say received on the trade-in on the page. It will say gift card deposited when they give you your gift card. Until that, it will say item not received.
 
I sent in a scratched game with a messed up case that wouldn't even close in my last order and they accepted it.

I've had to have sent in over 50 games by now and never have I had anything sent back in. *shrug*
 
[quote name='crazydom2']I sent in a scratched game with a messed up case that wouldn't even close in my last order and they accepted it.

I've had to have sent in over 50 games by now and never have I had anything sent back in. *shrug*[/QUOTE]

i've sent in a good amount of orders and the only time i had something returned was "wii play" for wrong UPC. it's probably in part due to the fact i always keep my games in prime condition and package them very well when sending them in.

i got my credit for madden 11 and RDR-UN today.

27.25 for madden and 16.00 for RDR-UN.

i know you guys probably don't care about my personal story but i'd like to share the fact that i used to be a firm believer that trading in games was a waste of money. i would buy all my games new and thought if you're spending that much money for a game you should keep it for life. slowly but surely over the last couple years i've realized that it is worth it to trade in games. the main thing that made me come to this conclusion was looking at my PS2 that doesn't work anymore and the 25+ games i have for it that i never play and probably never will play again. sure there's the collector's aspect to it but aside from that i think you get a lot more for you money if you can play more games by trading in games once you're done with them and/or have no desire to go back to play them again. even with xbox 360 i found my collection building up and most of the times i would look through all of them and end up playing the same 1 or 2. if you're not gonna play it why keep it? to collect dust?

i guess that's my story on trading in games. in case anyone cares lol.
 
I just noticed that the TIV for the Microsoft Children's Miracle Network Games Bundle is $24....... this 3 game pack was only $0.50 when the crazy halo cards deal happened at Toys Rus
 
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