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

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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
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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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='fujimitsu']It's not an enormous deal but it is return fraud. You're purchasing something, and then returning something else using the receipt. The fact that you're only stealing a little, or that they won't notice is irrelevant.

Honestly the gamestops around here would probably just let you swap the covers in store without even buying if you traded them a pre-order for it.[/QUOTE]

Yes, and that "something" is the coverart which holds no value for Gamestop.
 
[quote name='RedvsBlue']Yes, and that "something" is the coverart which holds no value for Gamestop.[/QUOTE]

If it held no value to them then they would allow you to simply take it. You're defrauding them to get it because that's what it takes.

I'm not saying you're going to bankrupt the company, or that I even frown on it, but it's important to note that this is petty return fraud and I don't think it's appropriate on this board.
 
[quote name='fujimitsu']If it held no value to them then they would allow you to simply take it. You're defrauding them to get it because that's what it takes.

I'm not saying you're going to bankrupt the company, or that I even frown on it, but it's important to note that this is petty return fraud and I don't think it's appropriate on this board.[/QUOTE]

for fraud to occur, wouldn't the gamestop have to incurr a loss?
 
[quote name='mitemouse']for fraud to occur, wouldn't the gamestop have to incurr a loss?[/QUOTE]

They simply have to receive a product other than the you're claiming to be returning. The fact that it doesn't cost them money is irrelevant, you are lying in order to exploit their return policy.
 
[quote name='RedvsBlue']Fraud, really? That's being more than a little dramatic.

How is it different than buying a used game at Gamestop that doesn't have the coverart at all?[/QUOTE]

I thought you mentioned in another thread that you were a lawyer?
 
[quote name='confoosious']I thought you mentioned in another thread that you were a lawyer?[/QUOTE]

Nope, got a couple years and a bar test to pass first.

BTW If you want the legal definition of fraud then this situation falls even shorter because fraud is a false representation of fact. Suppose you could make an argument your making a false representation that the product your returning is the same one your purchased BUT since in Gamestop's mind the product your purchasing is the game/disc itself then we're back to square one about the disc art being something separate.
 
I don't care what the definition is legally. People shouldn't pull this bullshit. You know why? Cause the next person to buy it deserves that artwork much more than you do. I don't care if Gamestop values it at nothing. And it's simply not something you should do if you have an ounce of respect for anyone else. I hate Gamestop as much as the next guy but you don't just swap out cover art because you need it.

If it's not shady, then just walk in and take the art out of their covers and walk out? Because you can't.

I swear, people have absolutely no upbringing anymore. Just do whatever you want to get whatever you can. So much trash in the world.
 
[quote name='RedvsBlue']fraud is a false representation of fact.[/QUOTE]


Like returning a product other than the one you bought? Gamestop accepts the return with the belief that it is the product you bought, but it isn't and you know it. I won't clutter up the thread anymore but there is a reason that you have to return fraud to get this to work.

[quote name='confoosious']
If it's not shady, then just walk in and take the art out of their covers and walk out? Because you can't.[/QUOTE]

Exactly.
 
[quote name='confoosious']I don't care what the definition is legally. People shouldn't pull this bullshit. You know why? Cause the next person to buy it deserves that artwork much more than you do. I don't care if Gamestop values it at nothing. And it's simply not something you should do if you have an ounce of respect for anyone else. I hate Gamestop as much as the next guy but you don't just swap out cover art because you need it.

If it's not shady, then just walk in and take the art out of their covers and walk out? Because you can't.

I swear, people have absolutely no upbringing anymore. Just do whatever you want to get whatever you can. So much trash in the world.[/QUOTE]

If you don't care about the legal definition why'd you ask if I was a lawyer?:whistle2:s
 
[quote name='RedvsBlue']If you don't care about the legal definition why'd you ask if I was a lawyer?:whistle2:s[/QUOTE]

because for a law student, you have some shitty logic.
 
[quote name='confoosious']because for a law student, you have some shitty logic.[/QUOTE]

how does that make him any different than any other lawyer? :lol:

back on topic, has anyone notice that the amazon trade in "condition" thing is gone again?
 
Maybe they put the condition up for a short while just for some trades to see how the reception is and if it goes well for them maybe they will add it back to the pages?
 
[quote name='confoosious']because for a law student, you have some shitty logic.[/QUOTE]

I'm ok with that because opinions are like assholes. My opinion is that you're an asshole and my class ranking's opinion is that you're wrong about my logic. See, it all works out.
 
[quote name='YoshiFan1']Maybe they put the condition up for a short while just for some trades to see how the reception is and if it goes well for them maybe they will add it back to the pages?[/QUOTE]

it's weird because they took it down right away. Either there was something buggy with it or people complained in droves.
 
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[quote name='confoosious']
class rank! one day you'll realize how stupid and naive that statement was.[/QUOTE]

And one day you'll pay off your double wide. See, we both have things to look forward to.
 
I think they hadn't thought it through completely. If another bunch of target games get clearanced like the fight,the shoot, and mel b, not only would they get too many, they had promised to pay you MORE for like new items ( in this case brand new). It compounds the problem by forcing them to pay more for a game whose value is crushed by a nationwide clearance at a major retailer. I bought back a few Mel Bs from AWD for 8.50 about 5 dollars less than I got from them originally (technically they stole all my games and amazon reimbursed me, but that's another story ). All but 1 were like new or better , 1 was new -original seal.

They never even told us what "acceptable " TIV we'd be accepting. How could anyone pick that option? Let NORAM make a fair valuation for us ? No way. Every lowered value could be 10% of the original TIV for all we know.
 
[quote name='cheeky']Noram damaged one of my Fallout NV trades. Guess they received too many lol.[/QUOTE]

Same thing here i sent in two like new FO NV and then i get an email saying one of them is cracked. like really?
 
[quote name='DudeImGodly']Same thing here i sent in two like new FO NV and then i get an email saying one of them is cracked. like really?[/QUOTE]

i hear this happens all the time based on what others are reporting. "it's as if someone stepped on the case" and that is exactly how i would describe it.

i got one of my games sent back with the corner of the xbox case cracked. luckily the game and everything else was ok. i said fuck this, grabbed a good condition spare case and traded it into gamestop.
 
[quote name='frpilot']i hear this happens all the time based on what others are reporting. "it's as if someone stepped on the case" and that is exactly how i would describe it.

i got one of my games sent back with the corner of the xbox case cracked. luckily the game and everything else was ok. i said fuck this, grabbed a good condition spare case and traded it into gamestop.[/QUOTE]

yeah i had bought the game from gamestop to which it was incomplete and in shitty generic case, i swapped it with a complete like new one, and both literally were pristine being shipped out to them. I even used USPS to avoid UPS's "your package DIE NOW!!" mentality, extremely annoying that the screw me out of the $25 it was worth :roll:
 
[quote name='Brenex']
c8d802b813f6545371946f2e760885a4.png


You missed the high price a few days ago but it looks to be dropping quick again. I would look to trade it in real soon if I were you.[/QUOTE]

that a plug in? if so whats it called?
 
[quote name='DudeImGodly']have you opened yours?[/QUOTE]

I bought it new from gamestop but yeah the seals were broken. I just made sure everything was there before I left. So new but opened.
 
has anyone traded in a ps3? they're offering $220 for a 20gb and i'd like to upgrade to the new version.

it says i need 1 controller, power cable, and av cable.

i also couldn't tell if there's insurance on the ups shipping....is this stuff insured?
 
[quote name='fortunado']I bought it new from gamestop but yeah the seals were broken. I just made sure everything was there before I left. So new but opened.[/QUOTE]

Sell it. There going for $90 on Ebay.
 
[quote name='guitarguy']has anyone traded in a ps3? they're offering $220 for a 20gb and i'd like to upgrade to the new version.

it says i need 1 controller, power cable, and av cable.

i also couldn't tell if there's insurance on the ups shipping....is this stuff insured?[/QUOTE]

You purchase insurance when you take it too ups,
i personally have traded in a console and its pretty easy.
and lock in the $220 because thats more than usual.
Have UPS pack your ps3 and dont use the original box.
 
Holy moley, 40gb trades in for just about $200. Going to use that and the $312 I've built up to upgrade. Thanks for the heads up guitarguy! Looks like this is the highest it has been in a year!

77418ecc54ed339b480e518037a80403.png
 
[quote name='scarhawk']I want BO PS3 to shoot back to $35-$40. I missed my chance last time. You guys think it'll go back up?[/QUOTE]

Just wait for Gamestop 50% trade in bonus to come back then they'll go back up.
 
[quote name='BlueLobstah']For those of you who use chrome, I've just published an extension that will allow you to view the trade-in value history on its Amazon.com product page by clicking on a tracker icon in the omnibar.
[/QUOTE]


you rock once again :applause:
 
Fable 3 is $35 right now. Considering I got it for $30 on black friday this is a sweet deal. I love beating games, having them for 3-5 months, and then still selling them for a profit.
 
[quote name='ClevelandBrowns']Fable 3 is $35 right now. Considering I got it for $30 on black friday this is a sweet deal. I love beating games, having them for 3-5 months, and then still selling them for a profit.[/QUOTE]

I just traded in Heavy Rain for $21 (got it for $20 last December) and Infamous for $15.50 (got it for $15 last October) so I know the feeling. Knock on wood, my streak of never getting back a "cracked" game continues.
 
I see some values fluctuated from when I submitted a trade in earlier - for the most part they seem to be rising a bit. How often do the values change? What time of the day usually?
 
[quote name='mgford11']I see some values fluctuated from when I submitted a trade in earlier - for the most part they seem to be rising a bit. How often do the values change? What time of the day usually?[/QUOTE]

It depends on the game and/or if other retailers are offering a high value for it. Personally, if I'm 100% sure I'm going to trade in a particular game, I check how much it trades for about once or twice a week starting with when I first get the game. That way, I have an idea if its current TIV is high or low. Also take into consideration price changes in MSRP, the demand for the game, if it's getting a newer version, etc.
 
[quote name='madbst']It depends on the game and/or if other retailers are offering a high value for it. Personally, if I'm 100% sure I'm going to trade in a particular game, I check how much it trades for about once or twice a week starting with when I first get the game. That way, I have an idea if its current TIV is high or low. Also take into consideration price changes in MSRP, the demand for the game, if it's getting a newer version, etc.[/QUOTE]

with that new trade-in extension for chrome, i'm definitely over-checking my stuff. that's how I knew the values rose today. Just w/ that new BB promo I'm keeping a lookout for new values. I just want to make sure values don't update on Tuesdays and I mail my stuff on a monday night or something...
 
Good Monday guys :) I sent in DAO:UE last Monday and received my GC today. It was NOT more than the $25.25 they initially offered; the game was new.

I got a little excited when y'all mentioned there was a chance they would offer a little more if the item was found to be in better condition BUT that is a negative for me.
 
I don't get it - I don't see that trade-in condition field you guys were talking about at all. I just see the one price as always.

I just locked in my DAO Ultimate for $25.25. I beat the game the other day and was going to try to sell it on eBay but I probably won't get much more than that after fees. I'll have to think about it.

Edit: OK, so I guess they removed it shortlay afterwards. I never saw it... Oh well...
 
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