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...
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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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[quote name='mrright4you4now']If the value has gone down a lot I would expect them to deny it. They can see by the tracking when you actually gave it to ups so they would have good reason to send it back.[/QUOTE]

I think the amount they are willing to give for it will definitely go down but the value of the item itself will probably not go down since it has been out of print for a while. Would they still deny it then?
 
Yeah, I'm sure its tanked by now and it was surely $556 for such a short time it probably didn't even show up on the tracker. Feed our curiosity!

Also, I thought $500 was the single trade in limit, but looks like it's currently $750. Has it been like that long? Seems like such an arbitrary amount.

Edit: Oh yeah, long story short is that no one can predict what those knuckleheads are going to do, but chances are even if you were on time with that kind of tiv they likely will arbitrarily cancel it anyways. I think the largest overinflated tiv I've heard of anyone getting for a single item was like $180 for some no name Wii game. When it starts getting in to the triple digits they tend to be much more liberal with the rejections.

Edit 2: Oh, of course it could not be video game related (like consumer electronics, ipad, etc - that could feasibly make its way up there)
 
[quote name='handsomepete']Yeah, I'm sure its tanked by now and it was surely $556 for such a short time it probably didn't even show up on the tracker. Feed our curiosity!

Also, I thought $500 was the single trade in limit, but looks like it's currently $750. Has it been like that long? Seems like such an arbitrary amount.[/QUOTE]


It has been $556 all day and it is not a video game, it's movie. I couldn't believe it at first either. I would say it, but I don't want to say just because I am rather afraid that Amazon will not accept it if everyone decides to send it in even though this item is extremely hard to find (trust me, I have looked everywhere for more but only have one in my collection).

Edit:Only one seller has it and he has it up for $999.99
 
[quote name='handsomepete']Yeah, I'm sure its tanked by now and it was surely $556 for such a short time it probably didn't even show up on the tracker. Feed our curiosity!

Also, I thought $500 was the single trade in limit, but looks like it's currently $750. Has it been like that long? Seems like such an arbitrary amount.

Edit: Oh yeah, long story short is that no one can predict what those knuckleheads are going to do, but chances are even if you were on time with that kind of tiv they likely will arbitrarily cancel it anyways. I think the largest overinflated tiv I've heard of anyone getting for a single item was like $180 for some no name Wii game. When it starts getting in to the triple digits they tend to be much more liberal with the rejections.

Edit 2: Oh, of course it could not be video game related (like consumer electronics, ipad, etc - that could feasibly make its way up there)[/QUOTE]

Dammnit, I thought I had decoded your hints and almost shat a brick because I have a couple different copies of what I thought you meant so I checked it out and nothing matching that TiV. What a waste of my time, i'm going to go watch Smokey and the Bandit now and drink some eggnog.
 
well one person was able to guess and he was correct (he sent a PM). I dont think Amazon made a mistake either. The amount they listed is really hard to make a mistake on. If it was $560 then yeah they may have meant to put $56. But it's $556.50
 
[quote name='SpartenOmega117']It has been $556 all day and it is not a video game, it's movie. I couldn't believe it at first either. I would say it, but I don't want to say just because I am rather afraid that Amazon will not accept it if everyone decides to send it in even though this item is extremely hard to find (trust me, I have looked everywhere for more but only have one in my collection).

Edit:Only one seller has it and he has it up for $999.99[/QUOTE]

you've said too much. this is gonna turn out bad.
 
My detective skills are strong. It only took me 5 minutes and I found it. I think I should let Sparten be the one to tell though, if we wants to that is.
 
[quote name='dino88']My detective skills are strong. It only took me 5 minutes and I found it. I think I should let Sparten be the one to tell though, if we wants to that is.[/QUOTE]

do you actually have one to trade in?

Edit: Nice Work!
 
[quote name='Collectorguy00']Yup, I found it also. Sucks I don't have it :/[/QUOTE]


So do you think the value will hold up for a while? Even if I am like a week late sending it in. amazon should still accept it right?
 
[quote name='SpartenOmega117']do you actually have one to trade in?

Edit: Nice Work![/QUOTE]

No, I wish.

[quote name='SpartenOmega117']So do you think the value will hold up for a while? Even if I am like a week late sending it in. amazon should still accept it right?[/QUOTE]

I wouldn't chance it. Couldn't you just get someone else to drop it off at UPS for you?
 
[quote name='SpartenOmega117']lol how so?[/QUOTE]

Because anyone with a brain can figure this out in 4 minutes.

[quote name='dino88']My detective skills are strong. It only took me 5 minutes and I found it. I think I should let Sparten be the one to tell though, if we wants to that is.[/QUOTE]

Oh.. it took you 5?

:)
 
[quote name='dino88']No, I wish.



I wouldn't chance it. Couldn't you just get someone else to drop it off at UPS for you?[/QUOTE]


I really wish I could but pretty much everyone I know will be gone for Christmas too. Also my carrier is USPS so i guess i can just leave it outside my house while I am gone and do a carrier pick up but I don't think it's worth the risk of having it potentially stolen. Can anyone give me like a percentage of the amount of times amazon gives credit if it's past the deadline versus the amount of time they don't give credit after a week.
 
[quote name='confoosious']Because anyone with a brain can figure this out in 4 minutes.



Oh.. it took you 5?

:)[/QUOTE]

The first 4 minutes were spent curing AIDS.
 
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[quote name='SpartenOmega117']I really wish I could but pretty much everyone I know will be gone for Christmas too. Also my carrier is USPS so i guess i can just leave it outside my house while I am gone and do a carrier pick up but I don't think it's worth the risk of having it potentially stolen. Can anyone give me like a percentage of the amount of times amazon gives credit if it's past the deadline versus the amount of time they don't give credit after a week.[/QUOTE]


I can for $555. Don't have a neighbor you can leave it with or something?
 
[quote name='dino88']The first 4 minutes were spent curing AIDS.[/QUOTE]

spreading and curing don't mean the same thing.

I locked on in for the hell of it but I doubt i'll even bother to go get one. Unless one falls out of the sky tomorrow while I drive around.
 
[quote name='Collectorguy00']I can for $555. Don't have a neighbor you can leave it with or something?[/QUOTE]

Ha who has "real" neighbors anymore? No but really I hardly know any of my neighbors enough to trust them.
 
 
 
[quote name='SpartenOmega117']perhaps a mod can remove those links?[/QUOTE]

Nah. Wont happen.

They're either extremely liberal with whats posted or they have to run a Stalin style dictatorship.
 
[quote name='akir']for what?
the reason this forum is here is to SHARE KNOWLEDGE
not hoard it[/QUOTE]

If you search amazon it takes like 10 seconds to find it.
Everyone here found it within the first 10 seconds of the dude dropping the hints.

What you did was extremely unnecessary.
 
So when we trade in stuff to Amazon, we can just drop our packages in UPS drop-off boxes located in some business complex right? The weird thing is what if I drop my mail in there a day before my deadline but UPS doesn't collect it until after my deadline then is there grounds for me to complain that I mailed it before the deadline day and my TIVs should be honored?
 
[quote name='arsenal_fan']So when we trade in stuff to Amazon, we can just drop our packages in UPS drop-off boxes located in some business complex right? The weird thing is what if I drop my mail in there a day before my deadline but UPS doesn't collect it until after my deadline then is there grounds for me to complain that I mailed it before the deadline day and my TIVs should be honored?[/QUOTE]


Yeah. I think Amazon know that UPS may not update. As long as your close to the date, I imagine that amazon will not mind.
 
good lord I can't even leave you guys alone for 5 minutes!

I wish whoever sent this in the best of luck.

Nice to see the Dirt 3 tivs recovering after being destroyed on Black Friday.
 
[quote name='SpartenOmega117']Looks like amazon is only offering $20 today. How likely will amazon honor the $556? Does amazon usually cancel trade ins?[/QUOTE]

Yes they do for something as inflated as this TIV.
 
[quote name='SpartenOmega117']but it was likely not a mistake right since it was such an obscure value.[/QUOTE]

It was probably a percentage based off the used/new price. I wouldn't expect them to honor it, but it's Amazon, so who knows.
 
[quote name='SpartenOmega117']but it was likely not a mistake right since it was such an obscure value.[/QUOTE]

Wishful thinking. Theres a high chance it gets cancelled.
 
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