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

Status
Not open for further replies.

handsomepete

CAGiversary!
Feedback
20 (100%)
Interesting TIVs
please post date+time / console / title / tiv


Long Term


------- FAQ BELOW - LEAVE ME ALONE PLEASE -------

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.

condition_example.png

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.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Trade-In(s) of the Day
-= Can be found HERE =-
----------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

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
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I found 1 of the 27.xx cases at SEARS for 2.97 a while back. Google the "sony UMD case SEARS" and hit the shopping link on the left once the search results appear. For some reason the picture that show up is the gamestop generic umd case, but its the correct item i beleive because the correct price I paid shows up for the store a bought it at and the staus of out of stock is correct LOL. The correct case is "Sony PlayStation Portable UMD Case Case for game console" I think.
 
[quote name='handsomepete']for anyone keeping score, donkey kong country (n64) is at a whopping 30 bucks this morning.[/QUOTE]

It's actually the SNES version, which I just traded in for $25. I have no idea why this game has such a high trade-in value. It goes for around 10 bucks on ebay.
 
I got full credit today for my copy of Vanquish. It had a small puncture/tear in the back of the cover art. PS3 version, TIV was 19.25, down to 13.25 at the moment.
 
[quote name='oldrtyfrog']It's actually the SNES version, which I just traded in for $25. I have no idea why this game has such a high trade-in value. It goes for around 10 bucks on ebay.[/QUOTE]

Mine was just delivered today for $25 but still shows as "not yet received". I doubt they'll bump it up to the current TIV of $30, but would this possibly be changed if I were to contact them?

Also need to go see if I can find another copy somewhere...
 
I have that UMD case, I bought it for $5 when Amazon had it on sale I think during Black Friday weekend 2009. It is a horrible case since it doesn't fit the UMD's well but since I don't have the packaging I am guessing it will get rejected.
 
Street Fighter 2 Turbo:Hyper Fighting has a TIV for $30 right now too, can get it for $10+shipping on there
DKC for snes of course is $30
Metroid NES is $13.75
Godzilla 2 NES is $25
 
[quote name='Blue Arcana']Traded in Xenogears for $30, not sure if it will be accepted though, the case was slightly cracked.[/QUOTE]

Most of the PS1 games they sell from the trade in program are badly cracked so I don't see why they shouldn't lol.

[quote name='YoshiFan1']I have that UMD case, I bought it for $5 when Amazon had it on sale I think during Black Friday weekend 2009. It is a horrible case since it doesn't fit the UMD's well but since I don't have the packaging I am guessing it will get rejected.[/QUOTE]

They accepted mine.
 
[quote name='Skuttie']Street Fighter 2 Turbo:Hyper Fighting has a TIV for $30 right now too, can get it for $10+shipping on there
DKC for snes of course is $30
Metroid NES is $13.75
Godzilla 2 NES is $25[/QUOTE]

I apologize if it's been asked before but do you need a box and manual for the older games? Not sure I still have those laying around
 
[quote name='chicagocubs04']I apologize if it's been asked before but do you need a box and manual for the older games? Not sure I still have those laying around[/QUOTE]

Read FAQ.
 
[quote name='chicagocubs04']I apologize if it's been asked before but do you need a box and manual for the older games? Not sure I still have those laying around[/QUOTE]

They took my DKC that I got at the flea market that was really dirty for $25 so for older games, probably not as long as the labels are in shape.
 
Search the thread and just seeking clarification on whether you must take the box you are shipping to a
UPS Store, or can you also use a UPS Dropbox? Thank you.
 
[quote name='DealHunter']Search the thread and just seeking clarification on whether you must take the box you are shipping to a
UPS Store, or can you also use a UPS Dropbox? Thank you.[/QUOTE]

Ever since I read step #6 in the "Instructions for Shipping Your Trade-In Items: Take this package to a UPS location and mail it by xdate. To find your closest UPS location, visit the UPS Drop Off Locator or goto www.ups.com and select "Drop Off"."

I drop it off at a UPS Alliance location. In my case, it is an Office Depot location that's about 2 miles away from home.
 
[quote name='DealHunter']Search the thread and just seeking clarification on whether you must take the box you are shipping to a
UPS Store, or can you also use a UPS Dropbox? Thank you.[/QUOTE]

I've always left mine in a dropbox.. no issues.
 
Has anyone notice any fluctuation in trade-in values? For example do you get more for your trade-ins on weekends versus the weekdays? Thank you for your help.
 
Time of week doesn't matter. it usually goes like this...

1) fluctuations occur when competitors offer trade in specials.

2) TIVs on a particular title will drop when several people trade in the game

3) prices can skyrocket when an approved seller lists their item very high. this has been somewhat fixed lately.
 
Does Amazon care if you change the case to games? I have a 360 game that I want to trade but the case has a broken center. Will they accept it if I use a regular black DVD case or do I need a green 360 case? I hate to take it from a game I want to keep.
 
I've switched out cases on several games before without problems but I would still say YMMV. Back when hollywood video was around we sent in a lot games with hollywood video cases. Definitely don't send in a case that shows any damage.
 
[quote name='RallyV']Does Amazon care if you change the case to games? I have a 360 game that I want to trade but the case has a broken center. Will they accept it if I use a regular black DVD case or do I need a green 360 case? I hate to take it from a game I want to keep.[/QUOTE]

I sent in a greatest hits box with a non greatest hits game no problem, but I think that is a little different than a generic black box. I want to say you would be fine, but can't say for certain. I definitely wouldn't send in the damaged box.
 
Definitely don't send in a damaged case. I would stick to regular ones if you can. What I do is switch brand new cases with ones I've gotten from used games (as long as they are the regular cases and not in too bad a shape). But I've "freshened up" many a game case with my Amazon trade-ins ;).

And yeah, on occasion I've had to swap out cases that were broken upon purchase (usually either the center ring or the little tabs that hold the manual in). Forrtunately I have a small pile of older used game cases at the ready for such swaps so I don't have to take a nice one from one of my own games. But you don't want to give them any reason to reject it and a broken case definitely qualifies even though it is probably easy enough for them to re-case it.

FWIW, I've had 3 games accepted with no problem over the last week - my first trades since December I think.
 
[quote name='aem']Xbox 360 Elite 120GB went all the way up to $172.25[/QUOTE]

Again? They keep tempting me with that ;). I passed on that $176 trade-in I locked in a few weeks ago but I may bite this time...
 
Thanks for the advice everyone.

The game came in one of those eco-cases and was broken from the start. I guess I'll have swap out one of my other games. There is also a small rip in the cover art from the case too. More like a puncture from something hitting the case, Do you think that'll be a problem as well?
 
i thought the best tivs were when gamestop offered +50% on all tivs and amazon matched that which was awesome. i also like the synergy tivs like orange box going up to 27 when portal 2 was released ;)
 
[quote name='Nohbdy']Any way to know when games will be tradeable? I'm sitting on a copy of Thor.[/QUOTE]

Sitting on games is a good way to make them untradeable. ;)
 
When I ask for a joke, I'll let you know. Scratch that, you're going on my ignore list.

Anyone have a serious answer to offer?
 
[quote name='Nohbdy']When I ask for a joke, I'll let you know. Scratch that, you're going on my ignore list.

Anyone have a serious answer to offer?[/QUOTE]

I believe it is 2 weeks after release IIRC
 
[quote name='Nohbdy']When I ask for a joke, I'll let you know. Scratch that, you're going on my ignore list.

Anyone have a serious answer to offer?[/QUOTE]

Seriously? Dude, lighten up.
 
[quote name='Nohbdy']When I ask for a joke, I'll let you know. Scratch that, you're going on my ignore list.

Anyone have a serious answer to offer?[/QUOTE]

wow. what a douchebag.

it was a joke. Lighten up, francis.
 
[quote name='Velo214']just keep watching amazon's tiv. killzone 3 was untradable for about a week til it hit 40tiv.[/QUOTE]

That's when I traded mine & got the Helghast Ed for only $20 more! :bouncy:
 
[quote name='Nohbdy']When I ask for a joke, I'll let you know. Scratch that, you're going on my ignore list.

Anyone have a serious answer to offer?[/QUOTE]

Please add me to your ignore list too, as I am often incapable of acting serious.
 
Gotta say that lately I've been doing the "trade in at BB, buy Amazon/Kindle gc there, and then buying my games at Amazon" thing. Recently I traded in two games which had twice the TiV at BB than at Gamestop or Amazon (Killzone 2 and Batman GotY).

I also just traded in my PSP for $81. In the process I think I canceled and reopened trades about 3 or 4 times because it kept going up in value. I started out around $70 and luckily I never shipped it out before it hit it's peak of $81 and then crashed again. I was scared they wouldn't take it either, after owning for only a week or so there was a small mysterious chip on the battery cover. Before I sent it out I painted over it really carefully but it was still visible. I've had games denied before because the cover art was sun-faded so wasn't sure if the PSP would be accepted or not.
 
[quote name='jer7583']Trade in for Super Smash Bros Brawl is inexplicably at $33 today.


It will be $20 with the nintendo selects releases, so if you have a copy, get rid of it now.[/QUOTE]

Brawl being apart of the Nintendo Select lineup was apparently just a rumor. Nintendo's official website doesn't list it as being part of the budget line. Possibly later on, but I can't find anything saying that it has been confirmed this week.
 
Sent in a few games on monday and already have the gift cards in my account. Faster than the last time I did it but they are sending back Modern Warfare 2 for the PS3 stating it is damaged. It was fine when I sent it (had disc, maual and cover art)and I packed the box with the six other games really well. Hope it doesn't come back all smashed to hell. Darn I'm out $12 bucks......
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
bread's done
Back
Top