Official Amazon Trade-In FAQ 4.0 - READ 1st POST

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handsomepete

handsomepete

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

Hey trade-in pals! SENDING THINGS IN DISC / CARTRIDGE ONLY / GENERIC CASE NO MANUAL / ANYTHING BUT COMPLETE COULD RESULT IN REJECTION. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS. YOU MIGHT GET ACCEPTED, YOU MIGHT NOT. NO ONE KNOWS. THERE ARE NO HARD AND FAST RULES. IF IT IS ACCEPTED, IT WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY ONLY BE CONSIDERED "ACCEPTABLE." RISK YOUR TIME AND EFFORT AT YOUR PERIL!

[quote name='Indigo_Streetlight']I'm getting an acceptance rate of about one per day; it makes me think some supervisor is standing around with a glass of absinthe next to a couple of dumptruck loads of games...while the one responsible for the glitch is made to scan each item and recite its TIV with tears in their eyes.[/QUOTE]

Amazon.com Trade-in Home Page

------- FAQ BELOW - LEAVE ME ALONE PLEASE -------
Useful links:
-- BlueLobstah
-- CheapAssGamer
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 video game trade-in program. Conspiracy theories about NORAM smashing games before sending them back / stealing children / sneezing and touching public door handles / etc welcome, but try to avoid going nutso. PLEASE READ THE TRADE-IN DEAL DETAILS AND FAQ BEFORE ASKING ANY QUESTIONS.

Trade-In Procedure

1. SELECT ITEMS: Search for items to trade in. Your trade-in items must meet the product eligibility criteria.
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:
note to self: look up new address
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...
----------------------------------------------------------------------

GENERAL FAQ (Updated 06/07/2011)
Can I post a 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.
Can I edit this FAQ? (updated 6/7/11)
  • You bet! Up top there is a section for notable TIVs - feel free to add anything in there (and if you can remember, clean up after yourself in a few days when the TIV has undoubtedly dropped). You can edit the FAQ too, please just make sure it's useful and well formatted! Thanks!
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 put separate trades in to a single box? (updated 6/7/11)
  • Sure, and they'll likely be accepted just fine. However, it isn't recommended since you would only have proof that you sent one of the trades (whichever mailing label you used). So it can be pretty risky.
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?
  • UPS Ground already provides you with tracking information, and I imagine you could get some sort of insurance added at a UPS store or location if you were so inclined.
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 or just submit a new one to use the link), 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? (Updated 6/8/11)
  • Usually a day or with little delay at all, 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? (updated 6/9/11)
  • 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 should be noted that with the new condition requirements (see later in the FAQ), you may be able to send an item in missing some or all of the required items (manual / cover art / case) and still have it accepted in "Acceptable" condition.
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 came with DLC codes and I used them. Will my game be accepted? (Updated 12/28/11)
  • It is expected that included DLC codes have already been redeemed, so you should be fine. It is a kindness however if you have no use for it to not redeem it and let the next lucky soul who buys it from awd or wherever have a crack at it. Up to you!
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.
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 very 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 a month 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. This is probably moot for most folks now with the per account / address trade-in limit.
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. Also, not a question.
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 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[/URL]). 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 (or for a PS2 - just ask io!), 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!
What's all this item condition nonsense? And how can I get screwed over by it? (updated 6/9/11)
  • We're still kinda sussing out the details surrounding the new item condition portion of Amazon Trade-Ins, but it looks like there's a couple things to consider:
    • Good Condition eligibility (games):
    • - The video game, original manufacturer packaging and all original elements are included, but shows wear from normal use
      - Game still plays perfectly
      - Disc may have light scratches and other elements may have minor damage
      - Item may have been personalized (marked or identified)
      Click to expand...

      [*]Acceptable eligibility (games):
      - Game still plays perfectly
      - Item may have been personalized (marked or identified)
      - Item may be missing or have irreparable damage to one or all of the following: case, manual, artwork, bundled accessories, UPC
      Click to expand...

      [*]Note that a game will almost certainly not be accepted if it meets any of these conditions:
      - Game does not play perfectly
      - Disc is cracked
      - Marked Not for Resale (or is otherwise marked not for sale)
      Click to expand...
    Consoles/accessories have some slightly different criteria, but the idea is the same.
Did it seriously just ask me if I wanted my game / other item returned if they refuse to give me credit for it? (updated 6/9/11)
  • Yes, that just happened.

    Unless you're purposefully sending them things you deem to be trash, please remember to choose the option that has them return your item to you during the checkout phase.
Who is AFS? (updated 6/9/11)
  • Not sure yet, but that's the name on the trade-in shipping labels now instead of NORAM. May just be NORAM with a different name. This will be updated as we learn more.
Post away!
 
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I got a question, I have a package that shipping deadline is tomorrow but I might not made it to the ups on time. Will amazon give me problem if I ship the game a day or 2 late provide IO print out the label by tomorrow?
 
[quote name='Kendro']Anyone have BF3 accepted? Mine was received on November 16 and it is still in verification status.[/QUOTE]

Had mine accepted for $40 on the 23rd. It was received a day or two earlier.
 
[quote name='Kendro']Where would I proceed from here? Email Amazon's regular customer service or someone else?[/QUOTE]

regular customer service. They could offer you promotional credit in its place but I chose to wait it out a few more days.
 
[quote name='Xellos2099']I got a question, I have a package that shipping deadline is tomorrow but I might not made it to the ups on time. Will amazon give me problem if I ship the game a day or 2 late provide IO print out the label by tomorrow?[/QUOTE]

I will not print your label for you!

But seriously, it shouldn't be a problem, especially if you are on the East Coast.

Hell, I'm sweating out stuff that was supposed to be mailed by Thanksgiving Day but won't go out until today. I tried to bring it in Wednesday but the UPS store had closed early with an earlier than usual Ground pickup. Then of course no pickup Thursday. And then also no Ground pickup (system-wide) on Friday and, as usual, no Ground pickup on the weekend either. So I dropped 4 packages off then but they won't go out until this evening. The whole system, I'm sure, will be slow since UPS took like 4 1/2 days off there. Hopefully Amazon/NorAm doesn't cancel stuff too quickly during this time of the year.
 
If for some bizarre reason anyone has egift cards to burn at walmart.com, you can currently pick up moshi monsters :ds: for $20 (+tax/ship?) there and trade in to amazon for $30.
 
Got a DS game package that I sent in approved and paid. Is there any way to set up payments so that it won't automatically use up store credit first? So I could pay for items with my normal credit card and save the credit? I know in the end it is all the same, but if I have $100 in credit, I'd like to save it for a purchase like the PS Vita where I can immediately feel the impact of a $100 reduction in price. If it ends up being used to pay for multiple small purchases which all add up (MP3, a cheap game or DVD), it won't feel as good. Totally psychological but still.
 
[quote name='io']I sent in a near mint 360 and all I was missing was one original plastic bag (for the controller). They docked it from "like new" to "good".[/QUOTE]
They're that specific? I'm positive I have everything from my 3DS when I got it new, and all it's missing is one or two AR cards I misplaced.
 
[quote name='The Holy Pretzle']They're that specific? I'm positive I have everything from my 3DS when I got it new, and all it's missing is one or two AR cards I misplaced.[/QUOTE]

I just had a 3ds taken as like new for $118, but I had every single thing that came with it, bags included (well, I used some random plastic bags I found to replace missing ones).
 
Was supposed to mail a game out yesterday so I printed the slip and then got really busy at work and didn't mail it. Forgot again today dammit! If I mail tomorrow will I be ok? Or should I process another trade in. Only problem is it went from 8 to 6 dollars!
 
[quote name='PancakesAreLove']regular customer service. They could offer you promotional credit in its place but I chose to wait it out a few more days.[/QUOTE]

Thanks buddy. I emailed them and they gave me a $40 promotional credit to be used on my next order. It doesn't show up in my gift card balance however so I imagine this is tied to my account.

Does anyone know what happens if you order something less than the promotional credit amount? Does the rest of it get discarded or do you keep the remaining balance? Curious because this isn't a gift card balance.

Oh and if anyone is curious what happened to my BF3, the Amazon rep responded saying sorry and that he thinks my trade-in is lost. :D
 
[quote name='Kendro']Thanks buddy. I emailed them and they gave me a $40 promotional credit to be used on my next order. It doesn't show up in my gift card balance however so I imagine this is tied to my account.

Does anyone know what happens if you order something less than the promotional credit amount? Does the rest of it get discarded or do you keep the remaining balance? Curious because this isn't a gift card balance.

Oh and if anyone is curious what happened to my BF3, the Amazon rep responded saying sorry and that he thinks my trade-in is lost. :D[/QUOTE]

Oh crap I probably should have asked you if you needed it right away. The problem with promotional is that first it expires but you have a full year and second is that if you want to return the item you used the credit on, you can't get your credit back since it's promotional.

Right before you click confirm purchase it should show your promotional credit on the right hand side. And I'm pretty sure that you get to keep using it until you spend it all.
 
[quote name='PancakesAreLove']Oh crap I probably should have asked you if you needed it right away. The problem with promotional is that first it expires but you have a full year and second is that if you want to return the item you used the credit on, you can't get your credit back since it's promotional.

Right before you click confirm purchase it should show your promotional credit on the right hand side. And I'm pretty sure that you get to keep using it until you spend it all.[/QUOTE]

Thanks. I will definitely use it in a year (more like a month :D) so promotional credit is just as good as Amazon credit.
 
[quote name='Kendro']Thanks. I will definitely use it in a year (more like a month :D) so promotional credit is just as good as Amazon credit.[/QUOTE]

Not quite, promotional credit can only be used on products sold by "Amazon.com" not on items sold by 3rd party sellers. Other than that, it's just as good:)
 
[quote name='rey6eric']Not quite, promotional credit can only be used on products sold by "Amazon.com" not on items sold by 3rd party sellers. Other than that, it's just as good:)[/QUOTE]

Thanks, I knew I forgot one more.
 
Got my credit from the trade in day a week or two ago with no hassles or anything. First time trading things in to Amazon so I'm pleased. Would have had credit a lot sooner if not for the holiday but that's to be expected! :)
 
[quote name='silkysmooth']Got my credit from the trade in day a week or two ago with no hassles or anything. First time trading things in to Amazon so I'm pleased. Would have had credit a lot sooner if not for the holiday but that's to be expected! :)[/QUOTE]

Did you trade in during the countdown to black friday dealio?

If so, I hope I get credited today. There's a few games on sale today so I reallllllllly hope I get credited!

:drool: :D :bouncy:
 
Assassin's Creed Revolutions shot up from the low/mid $20 range for the 360 to $34.50 today. PS3 version is at $36.45 as well but I'm not sure if it dipped in value before then. I assumed all the BF/CM sales lowered the values on many of the games on sale (ACR, Gears 3, Batman AC, etc) and now they're going to go back to "normal" pre-BF/CM values. I think that's why MW3 and Skyrim stayed mostly the same over the weekend, though I can't explain why Saint's Row The Third went up in value about $7-8.
 
[quote name='Sway']Assassin's Creed Revolutions shot up from the low/mid $20 range for the 360 to $34.50 today. PS3 version is at $36.45 as well but I'm not sure if it dipped in value before then. I assumed all the BF/CM sales lowered the values on many of the games on sale (ACR, Gears 3, Batman AC, etc) and now they're going to go back to "normal" pre-BF/CM values. I think that's why MW3 and Skyrim stayed mostly the same over the weekend, though I can't explain why Saint's Row The Third went up in value about $7-8.[/QUOTE]

thanks for the heads up, within striking distance of 1000/1000 on AC:R so now's as good a time as any to lock in a good tiv. I'll miss the delightful multiplayer though, so it might be tough to let it go.
 
I must say trading in to Amazon is quite addicting since you can constantly monitor trade-in values (as opposed to GameStop) and have it shipped for free. I've already amassed $200 on credit on games that literally sat in my drawer for a year.
 
weird fluctuations for Let's Dance ds tiv. It started at 30.25 this morning, went to 10.xx half an hour later. Went up to 17.xx this afternoon and now stands at 18.xx. 3 adjustments in one day.
 
For anyone that may still have some surviving stock at their local bbv for the 3 for $20/5 for $30 deal the tivs of AC:B :ps3: and DA2 :360: jumped back up today (and maybe some others, just skimmed the list).

I'm expecting a pile of trades to be processed today and tomorrow, hopefully all will go well. Should have a nice little war chest for the Vita launch unless I end up spending it all on diapers, trashbags and other mundanities.

I sure do miss Prime. Any hope of a deal on it after the holiday?
 
[quote name='handsomepete']
I sure do miss Prime. Any hope of a deal on it after the holiday?[/QUOTE]

I hope so as well. Only have about 2 weeks left on the trial I got with the Kindle Fire. Tempted to just sub for $80 after it's over.

Btw, AC Revelations for the 360 just went up to $36.45 to match the TIV for the PS3 version.
 
So my status says not yet delivered. But according to my tracking its been there for 2 days.

I remember Amazon trade in being a pain in the ass but I don't remember it taking this long.
 
[quote name='kinney_bmx']So my status says not yet delivered. But according to my tracking its been there for 2 days.

I remember Amazon trade in being a pain in the ass but I don't remember it taking this long.[/QUOTE]


I spoke to Amazon CSR about that and the problem was remedied on the same day. Maybe you should speak to them too.
 
[quote name='kinney_bmx']So my status says not yet delivered. But according to my tracking its been there for 2 days.

I remember Amazon trade in being a pain in the ass but I don't remember it taking this long.[/QUOTE]

I'm guessing with the "50% bonus" day they got a larger than usual number of trade-ins landing. Stuff is definitely taking longer than usual (3 days after delivery or so to finish).
 
This may be a dumb question, but can anyone give me advice on the best place to get boxes for shipping games back? I usually use what's on hand and rarely ship items.

Is there a store/location near by which would have boxes in the sizes I'd need and for cheap? Like UPS or a local store?
 
[quote name='dm85']This may be a dumb question, but can anyone give me advice on the best place to get boxes for shipping games back? I usually use what's on hand and rarely ship items.

Is there a store/location near by which would have boxes in the sizes I'd need and for cheap? Like UPS or a local store?[/QUOTE]

The post office?
 
I know you can cancel a trade in but is this frowned upon by amazon? Do they have to pay ups anyway when I do cancel? I ask because I want to lock in the awesome tiv for AC:R but not sure I'll be done with the game in a week.
 
[quote name='dm85']This may be a dumb question, but can anyone give me advice on the best place to get boxes for shipping games back? I usually use what's on hand and rarely ship items.

Is there a store/location near by which would have boxes in the sizes I'd need and for cheap? Like UPS or a local store?[/QUOTE]

Cardboard boxes are pretty pricey if you buy them from Staples or any other office supply store. USPS gives out free boxes if you use their USPS Priority Mail shipping service.

The cheapest way is to just save boxes from whenever you order games online.
 
[quote name='Kendro']Cardboard boxes are pretty pricey if you buy them from Staples or any other office supply store. USPS gives out free boxes if you use their USPS Priority Mail shipping service.

The cheapest way is to just save boxes from whenever you order games online.[/QUOTE]

I appreciate the response. I've used USPS' Priority Mail before, but since the free shipping offered by Amazon for trade-ins is done through UPS it's not an option. I usually keep old boxes, but the clutter get's so bad I end up throwing them out :cry:. Oh well. I'm sure I'll figure something out.
 
[quote name='dm85']I appreciate the response. I've used USPS' Priority Mail before, but since the free shipping offered by Amazon for trade-ins is done through UPS it's not an option. I usually keep old boxes, but the clutter get's so bad I end up throwing them out :cry:. Oh well. I'm sure I'll figure something out.[/QUOTE]

How many games you trading in at a time? If I trade two or three, I do it the ghetto way by wrapping the games a few times in plastic supermarket bags for cushion and throw them in a large envelope.
 
[quote name='Kendro']How many games you trading in at a time? If I trade two or three, I do it the ghetto way by wrapping the games a few times in plastic supermarket bags for cushion and throw them in a large envelope.[/QUOTE]

I don't have that many games so I'll probably just trade-in the 3-4 I'm planning on getting rid of in one package. Just got a Newegg box today so I should be covered.
 
[quote name='perfectsil']I know you can cancel a trade in but is this frowned upon by amazon? Do they have to pay ups anyway when I do cancel? I ask because I want to lock in the awesome tiv for AC:R but not sure I'll be done with the game in a week.[/QUOTE]

I'm pretty sure they only pay UPS if the shipping label is actually used. Also, there have been no reports of anyone getting banned or anything for canceling trade-ins. People probably forget to send in there trades all the time.
 
[quote name='dm85']This may be a dumb question, but can anyone give me advice on the best place to get boxes for shipping games back? I usually use what's on hand and rarely ship items.

Is there a store/location near by which would have boxes in the sizes I'd need and for cheap? Like UPS or a local store?[/QUOTE]

I've gotten some boxes from uline.com in the past. They aren't exactly cheap (their prices are alright, but often the shipping is about the same as the item cost due to the weight) and usually the minimum order is 25 boxes per size. But now that amazon is using these boxes you tear open on the side, and thus effectively destroy their re-usability, folks might not have such a steady supply of boxes as they did in the past. So you need to order a fair number but that said, you'd be set for a while.

8x6x4 is a good standard size for games and DVDs and that size is fairly cheap at 28 cents a box. You can easily fit 6 games/DVDs or a couple TV DVD seasons in that box. Oddly enough, this size is the cheapest 8x6 box they have...the smaller 8x6x2 size is 7 cents more per box.
http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-4080/Corrugated-Boxes-200-Test/8-x-6-x-4-Corrugated-Boxes
 
[quote name='K_G']I've gotten some boxes from uline.com in the past. They aren't exactly cheap (their prices are alright, but often the shipping is about the same as the item cost due to the weight) and usually the minimum order is 25 boxes per size. But now that amazon is using these boxes you tear open on the side, and thus effectively destroy their re-usability, folks might not have such a steady supply of boxes as they did in the past. So you need to order a fair number but that said, you'd be set for a while.

8x6x4 is a good standard size for games and DVDs and that size is fairly cheap at 28 cents a box. You can easily fit 6 games/DVDs or a couple TV DVD seasons in that box. Oddly enough, this size is the cheapest 8x6 box they have...the smaller 8x6x2 size is 7 cents more per box.
http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-4080/Corrugated-Boxes-200-Test/8-x-6-x-4-Corrugated-Boxes[/QUOTE]

Thx for the heads up. I noticed a few ppl mentioning while doing google searches.
 
[quote name='Kendro']How many games you trading in at a time? If I trade two or three, I do it the ghetto way by wrapping the games a few times in plastic supermarket bags for cushion and throw them in a large envelope.[/QUOTE]


Holy sh!t...that is one of the most ghetto things I've ever heard! Well done, sir (or madam). :applause:
 
I buy all my boxes from uline. Even with shipping it works out pretty cheap per box if you get a bunch at once.
I remember looking at boxes at UPS Store since i need a pretty big one. This $11 one was branded by Uline. So i went home and ordered 10 of them for $10 from there instead. 1100% markup ftw.
 
I usually just reuse Amazon shipping boxes. Sometimes I'll run out and then use a padded envelope (also reused from something sent by an online retailer usually) with some cardboard - and also the plastic bags ;). All recycled of course... But right now I'm swimming in boxes from Amazon and Best Buy so it is no problem. I'll have to move them out of my office and into the garage as my tower o' boxes falls over all the time. I sent in several things to Amazon last week, though, and didn't have all these boxes then so it was the padded envelope/cardboard/plastic bag treatment. I got credit for 2 submissions today - no problems.

There was a time a few years ago (when Amazon had the awesome trade-in promos) that I had to buy boxes. I got pretty cheap ones from Target, actually. You definitely do not want to go to a UPS store - their boxes are way overpriced. And USPS does not generally carry generic (non-Priority) boxes (though they may have some). But they would probably not be that cheap either. It always surprises me how many people I see go the post office and treat it like a full service packing store - expecting them to provide a box, tape, labels, etc... If you end up buying that stuff there it will add up - much better to hit up a cheaper place for tape (and boxes if necessary).

[quote name='perfectsil']I know you can cancel a trade in but is this frowned upon by amazon? Do they have to pay ups anyway when I do cancel? I ask because I want to lock in the awesome tiv for AC:R but not sure I'll be done with the game in a week.[/QUOTE]

Absolutely do not worry about it - cancel at will. I've canceled probably 40-50 trade-ins. Sometimes I've locked the same game in and canceled it 3 or 4 times. Sometimes the price actually goes up or sometimes I just cancel/resubmit to extend the mailing period (assuming the value stays the same). Other times I just decide to keep a game or maybe even sell it (or trade it to Best Buy instead). It is always good to cancel as we aren't sure if you get your "slot" back if you let it expire. By "slot" I mean one of your 2 copies per year on that title. You never know - you may find it dirt cheap later and want to do another trade. To be absolutely safe, though, if you are just doing the 1 copy of AC:R, simply make another trade-in submission. When that shows on your trade-in history as valid (or you get the confirmation email), then cancel the older one. The reason I say that is that sometimes the value will drop while you are checking out and you end up with a lower price at the end (this has happened to me a few times).
 
I tried looking through the past couple of pages, found some info but it doesn't hurt asking anyway I guess. Still looking to sell my copy of Ratchet and Clank that came with the PS3 bundle. I know Amazon won't accept it with the Not for Resale on it. But is there anyway to get around it? I've found a picture of a bar code, but doubt I could just slip it over the cover. Are there covers online that you could print out? Has anyone found one? Any advice or information on what I could do would be appreciated.
 
I'd just google a local packaging store around your area. I stumbled across a place that is 2 miles from my house and these packaging places will usually sell new and used boxes. The used boxes work great and are half the price. I go here when I need to find a special box for certain eBay collectibles I sell. Some of these places even offer UPS delivery services too. Used boxes are really cheap. They go for about as low as a $1 each depending on how big you need it.
 
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