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='io']Well, Amazon is not going to know a thing about your new shipping label. Of course they will still have the one they generated and expected you to use in their system.

You will just have to track it via the receipt you got from UPS. It should still be accepted no problem - I'm just not sure how you expected the tracking info (before delivery, especially) to show up on Amazon's trade-in site when you went and used a different method ;).[/QUOTE]
I know, it seems kind of stupid, but it caused me to wonder if they would still accept it. Seeing as they already had the tracking for that specific label, which caused me to ask that question. I didn't expect it to pop up from the start, just if me changing the plan would effect anything, that's all.
 
[quote name='MacmanusBrother']I know, it seems kind of stupid, but it caused me to wonder if they would still accept it. Seeing as they already had the tracking for that specific label, which caused me to ask that question. I didn't expect it to pop up from the start, just if me changing the plan would effect anything, that's all.[/QUOTE]

You're probably alright. This is why they have you print out those slips that go inside of the package.
 
I explained the situation in detail and got a message back saying "we're not sure what the problem you're having is, please explain further"

Basically I think I'm just gonna go back to gamestop. I love amazon's prices and the convenience but if they're just going to fuck around with people and return damaged games and say they received them like that, they're worthless scam artists, IMO. I'd recommend anyone avoid Amazon's trade-in program.
 
[quote name='jer7583']I explained the situation in detail and got a message back saying "we're not sure what the problem you're having is, please explain further"

Basically I think I'm just gonna go back to gamestop. I love amazon's prices and the convenience but if they're just going to fuck around with people and return damaged games and say they received them like that, they're worthless scam artists, IMO. I'd recommend anyone avoid Amazon's trade-in program.[/QUOTE]

Use their callback feature and have a rep call you so you can speak to a person rather than trying to resolve this via email. There are posts in this thread from people who have had similar situations that ended up getting their accounts credited.
 
if anyone wants to try their luck with gamestop.com's used ps2 games, today's trade-in of the day at amazon is shadow hearts :ps2: for 25.00. After cag16/edge buying it from gamestop.com should be ~17-18 per copy.
 
[quote name='MacmanusBrother']Can someone help me please?[/QUOTE]

Did you REALLY need that quick of a turnaround? I sent my stuff out on Monday afternoon and was credited (in full) Thursday afternoon...



I also wanting to post this since I saw other people questioning it. One of the things I traded in was my 360 Splinter Cell Conviction. This was the Best Buy version which actually had BB stuff printed on the cover art (as opposed to stickers)...they took it with no problem.
 
So I may be screwed, but I think there's a chance I put an extra game in my trade order that was shipped tuesday. Definitely will be noticeable since the trade order was for 1 game. =]

It might be in another box I shipped out at the same time, but I'm not worried about that one since I know that person will let me know if there's a mystery game in there.
 
[quote name='handsomepete']if anyone wants to try their luck with gamestop.com's used ps2 games, today's trade-in of the day at amazon is shadow hearts :ps2: for 25.00. After cag16/edge buying it from gamestop.com should be ~17-18 per copy.[/QUOTE]

I've got credit to burn, but hoping that I can get multiple complete copies of a PS2 game from Gamestop is just asking way too much for a $7 bonus on each one :p
 
It depends I completed my first couple of gamestop trade ins they gave me better value for spyro eternal night gba amazon offers $0.25 for it after gs trade 3 or more get additional 20% promo plus 10% power up rewards gs gave me $2.92 amazon offers $6.25 for castlevania por after promo and pur card gs gave me $7.80. Amazon rejected my copy of yoshi's island ds damaged item the case and cover artwork was damaged gs took it no questions asked they gave me over $13 for it amazon $8.75. Amazon is not accepting some games or systems like f-14 tomcat gba, ps2 disc only games gba glacier and arctic systems gs accepted them.

[quote name='IOWABERG']I am considering trading in some games to Amazon for the first time. Have people been generally favorable towards Amazon for trade in values? Better, worse, or similar to my local Gamestop, Best Buy, etc?[/QUOTE]
 
I recently completed my first trade-in with Amazon, and it was painless and hassle-free. I shipped the game out on Monday morning, and my account was credited yesterday (Thursday).
 
Hopefully not a silly question, but I've got a game I'd like to trade in & already started the trade in process, and it's supposedly has to be post marked by Nov 1st.

Can I cancel that trade in and start up a new one so I have a couple more days to finish the game?
 
[quote name='destro4eva']Hopefully not a silly question, but I've got a game I'd like to trade in & already started the trade in process, and it's supposedly has to be post marked by Nov 1st.

Can I cancel that trade in and start up a new one so I have a couple more days to finish the game?[/QUOTE]

You can. The only reason you wouldn't want to do this is if the trade-in value has dropped since you submitted the order.
 
I am sorry some people are having issues with Amazon, I've been sending out games every Monday for the last few weeks and never had an issue.
 
I noticed that there were two different listings for battlefield bad company 2 and bbc2 ultimate edition. Thre trade in value for ultimate is way higher at $30. I have the ultimate edition but already used the all the codes. can I send in the ultimate edition even though I used the codes and get the higher $30 trade in value?

I find it weird that they are even accepting the ultimate edition at a higher price point b/c how could they even tell if the codes have already been used?
 
im still a bit risky on amazon tiv's. ever since they declined on my saints row double packs because they had the tiv too high when i sent it in. they rejected it saying it was the wrong game because they didnt want to honor the tiv i locked it in at. i bet it was a mistake, but still, what's the point of locking in a tiv if they can just dishonestly say it was the incorrect version. now im always worried about being denied, like i got kane and lynch 2 from bestbuy for 21.67 total and traded it in for 21. hoping it doesnt get denied cuz it had some crap weapon pack dlc inside... c'est la vie or somethin like that
 
okay heres my problem.

I trade in K&L2 and send it in on 10/22 (it said to send no later than the 23rd) According to the amazon tracking, it was scanned and delivered on 10/29. As of now on the trade page it states "Ship deadline has passed" and "not yet recieved"

What the fuck is going on here? Am I getting screwed?
 
no, it always says ship deadline has passed. as long as you took it to the ups store or wherever to get your package scanned you are in the clear. It takes a while for them to receive the package and then to review it though.
 
yeah just wait a few days. i did the same thing. i need to rent it again to plat tho. i beat extreme and got all online trophies but addict cuz i could never find people to play the game when i was home, argh...
 
Amazon has been good to me lately. I got Borderlands goty (b2g1f) and used dlc slip and traded game only to bestbuy for 32. I also got dragon age ultimate and traded in my other two dragon age games for 22 total. I also got 3 enslaved for 100 and traded 2 in for 80, so 20 enslaved. woot.
 
took a couple weeks but $39 each for PS3 Enslaved and 360 Reach...

Today locked in $40 for our PS3 Medal of Honor and have until the day COD releases to ship!
 
[quote name='goengland']Can i put multiple trade-in into the same package box and send in? Or it is better to put all seperate?[/QUOTE]

I do it separately but plenty of people have done it and have been fine. But I sometimes I rather be safe than sorry.
 
to convert gamestop credit to amazon credit
buy some hawx2 at gamestop this week for $20, trade in for $24 amazon or bestbuy
not that much profit, but good if you wanna move some cred around like i need to
 
[quote name='Velo214']to convert gamestop credit to amazon credit
buy some hawx2 at gamestop this week for $20, trade in for $24 amazon or bestbuy
not that much profit, but good if you wanna move some cred around like i need to[/QUOTE]

I might do that. I have $25 in GS credit and some PowerUp points I can use. I've just been sitting on the points and credit with all of the deals Kmart has been having and I still have $50 Slackers credit to use. I'd much rather have Amazon credit than GS credit. Thanks

edit: Come to think of it, I still have a few $10 GS online codes. Is that deal good online as well?
 
[quote name='Velo214']to convert gamestop credit to amazon credit
buy some hawx2 at gamestop this week for $20, trade in for $24 amazon or bestbuy
not that much profit, but good if you wanna move some cred around like i need to[/QUOTE]
:) congrats on 3000 trophies !!
 
i put down 3 copies of one game to trade in, but i'm only planning on trading in 2 now. how do i change the quantities? i remember seeing an option for this long time ago but i can't seem to find it now.
 
In case anyone is so enamored with Black Ops that they are willing to part with Modern Warfare 2, it's up to $27 for the PS3 at amazon.
 
[quote name='SoulReaver']So I submitted my trade-ins a day late. What will happen?[/QUOTE]

They'll still get processed. The 7 days is a rough guideline. I've sent in things as late as a week past the ship date and I still got my credit.
 
Locked in my copy of :360: Fallout 3 GOTY at $23.75 today. I bought it 120+ hours of gameplay ago at a Gamestop for less than $39 on some old sale. I'll be applying my trade credit, and a $20 credit from pre-ordering NFS: Hot Pursuit, to a brand new copy of Fallout: New Vegas.
 
I have a bunch of different stuff going in to NorAm this week (arriving late next week or even the week after thanks to UPS snail express :roll:). As usual, I have my fingers crossed that they aren't sent back as "damaged" or "missing item" or "incorrect UPC" even though all are mint, complete, and 100% the right items and standard UPC versions.
 
I swear, the only times I've had things returned were for "trade of the day" promos or games with temporarily high TIVs. I kinda hate those guys (but I still used them :roll:). Last month I got a game back because it was damaged. It was COD WaW PS3 with a small hairline scratch - $20 TIV (it's hard to even see it). I bet they would accept it today for 10.50 though. Maybe I'll send it again.
 
for special versions (such as goty etc), do we have to include any of the bonus items such as a pamphlet with some dlc codes, map packs etc or any poster that's included?

Most of these versions mention the bonus items on the cover art so the inspector might want those there too.

I actually have a few games. One I hated and was going to keep the dlc paper. Another I used them all (so it doesn't matter if I leave the sheet in).
 
Im at college right now and have no boxes to ship it, Can I use a bubble mailer?

edit: thx guys, i'm trading in madden quoted for 30.75, went to check the value again dropped to 20. very lucky
 
Yes, I've sent stuff in bubble mailers before. There is always that risk though that the item gets crushed on the way there so if you have a box use it. But if not, shouldn't be that big of a deal
 
i frequently send games in a big (non-padded) envelope(i tape it over so the game doesnt have room to shift around).. havent had a problem.

i used to work at ups and small/light items like that are put into a large bag with other small items and usually loaded into the trucks at the very end of the shift. there's almost no chance they would get crushed.
 
[quote name='smoger']i frequently send games in a big (non-padded) envelope(i tape it over so the game doesnt have room to shift around).. havent had a problem.

i used to work at ups and small/light items like that are put into a large bag with other small items and usually loaded into the trucks at the very end of the shift. there's almost no chance they would get crushed.[/QUOTE]

I've had almost no problems with games getting crushed in the mail either. A simple secure envelope does the trick.
 
[quote name='io']I just had a Fallout New Vegas sent via bubble mailer accepted for the quote of $39 - nice![/QUOTE]

Why bother, you can sell it at that price, that's what I did (on Amazon).

They're quite picky now and I'm definitely not going to trade-in much from now on... Got my copy of Enslaved back (couldn't do it, invalid UPC), the case is crushed :whistle2:( Stupid... I got nothing in return for the trouble but a cracked case.
 
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