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

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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
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
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 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)

      [*]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

      [*]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)
    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='SpartenOmega117']but it was likely not a mistake right since it was such an obscure value.[/QUOTE]

They basically seem to have some backend script that auto adjusts tiv values based on a couple factors (if amazon sells it or not, how many 3rd parties are selling it and for how much, how many locked in trades there are, etc). It used to be somewhat easy to manipulate an odd item's tiv in to the stratosphere (like, say, any out of print Wii game with horse pictures on the front), but they've worked out a lot of the kinks in the last year. Clearly not all of them.

Long story short, this tiv was probably a result of the auto adjuster gone haywire - logically just consider if anyone in their right mind would pay $556 for that item used. Now consider that Amazon also needs to make a profit on it. Whether it was a mistake or not can be answered by that.

All that said, they might honor it, they might not. They've honored some crazy shit before.
 
[quote name='handsomepete']They basically seem to have some backend script that auto adjusts tiv values based on a couple factors (if amazon sells it or not, how many 3rd parties are selling it and for how much, how many locked in trades there are, etc). It used to be somewhat easy to manipulate an odd item's tiv in to the stratosphere (like, say, any out of print Wii game with horse pictures on the front), but they've worked out a lot of the kinks in the last year. Clearly not all of them.

Long story short, this tiv was probably a result of the auto adjuster gone haywire - logically just consider if anyone in their right mind would pay $556 for that item used. Now consider that Amazon also needs to make a profit on it. Whether it was a mistake or not can be answered by that.

All that said, they might honor it, they might not. They've honored some crazy shit before.[/QUOTE]


well i dont know if it helps but for the $556 it had to be new. So would you guys say I should send it anyway or just not even waste my time?
 
[quote name='SpartenOmega117']well i dont know if it helps but for the $556 it had to be new. So would you guys say I should send it anyway or just not even waste my time?[/QUOTE]

Unless you spent a ton of money acquiring it and can still return it, hell yeah absolutely send it.
 
Wow you guys are too much. Send it and risk getting banned if it is worth that risk then by all means go ahead.

Also why all the secrecy and asking for mods to remove links? Seems strange for a thread like this one....hmmmm
 
[quote name='scarhawk']It isn't very rare. I can easily acquire it.[/QUOTE]

no but he doesn't necessarily "know that" so Amazon can't say he was trying to scam them.
 
[quote name='Edgar Friendly']Wow you guys are too much. Send it and risk getting banned if it is worth that risk then by all means go ahead.

Also why all the secrecy and asking for mods to remove links? Seems strange for a thread like this one....hmmmm[/QUOTE]


wait why would I be banned for this? Amazon is the one who offered me the gift card and I happened to find it. I wasn't scamming amazon or anything.
 
[quote name='SpartenOmega117']wait why would I be banned for this? Amazon is the one who offered me the gift card and I happened to find it. I wasn't scamming amazon or anything.[/QUOTE]

There never been any evidence that I'm aware of anyone ever being banned at amazon trading for anything.
 
[quote name='SpartenOmega117']wait why would I be banned for this? Amazon is the one who offered me the gift card and I happened to find it. I wasn't scamming amazon or anything.[/QUOTE]

That's my thinking too. It's not like a stupid PSP case. There are plenty of rare media items out there that fetch a pretty penny. For all you know, this was one of them.

However, I could see if you had a pattern of trading in stuff that was spectacularly overpriced (like the PSP case) then they might be like "this guy should be banned from trading."

my 2 cents.
 
[quote name='confoosious']That's my thinking too. It's not like a stupid PSP case. There are plenty of rare media items out there that fetch a pretty penny. For all you know, this was one of them.

However, I could see if you had a pattern of trading in stuff that was spectacularly overpriced (like the PSP case) then they might be like "this guy should be banned from trading."

my 2 cents.[/QUOTE]

i hardly ever trade in anything. This is probably my 3rd item I am trading in after pokemon black and fifa 11. I was actually planning on just selling this item instead of trading it in. I just saw that amazon was offering a pretty good gift card.
 
I would try my luck but the only places that sell it offer a 14 day return policy from the date I get it so I'm sure that if it was a rejected, I'd have it back later than the 14 days and thus not be able to return it.
 
lol Reefscapes had a $350 TIV so I locked it in and I called the only guy selling it and he was like lol wtf. He's like did you want the second edition? I said no, the first and he was like "Oh sorry it's discontinued. Just get the 2nd edition, it's practically the same thing" and I was thinking to myself "not the UPC.. >_>"

Funny stuff lol
 
[quote name='scarhawk']I would try my luck but the only places that sell it offer a 14 day return policy from the date I get it so I'm sure that if it was a rejected, I'd have it back later than the 14 days and thus not be able to return it.[/QUOTE]

Where are they selling the set? I wanted to get all the dragon box sets anyway.
 
iv sent high value tiv items before. best case is you get your credit. worst case is they say wrong item and send it back. they had the saints row double pack for like 60 tiv when you could buy it new for 30, i sent 2 and they said wrong item and luckily i was able to break even at least.
 
[quote name='Velo214']iv sent high value tiv items before. best case is you get your credit. worst case is they say wrong item and send it back. they had the saints row double pack for like 60 tiv when you could buy it new for 30, i sent 2 and they said wrong item and luckily i was able to break even at least.[/QUOTE]

Thanks i'll definitely try my luck. Also are there two trade in centers? What is NORAM? A 3rd party merchant? So Amazon has trade ins for both themselves and NORAM? What is the difference between the two? I am sending the dragon box to NH so is that Amazon or NORAM? Is there a better chance of the item being accepted if it goes directly to Amazon?
 
[quote name='SpartenOmega117']Thanks i'll definitely try my luck. Also are there two trade in centers? What is NORAM? A 3rd party merchant? So Amazon has trade ins for both themselves and NORAM? What is the difference between the two? I am sending the dragon box to NH so is that Amazon or NORAM? Is there a better chance of the item being accepted if it goes directly to Amazon?[/QUOTE]

IDK about having a better chance of acceptance but NorAm is in NH.
 
[quote name='Edgar Friendly']Wow you guys are too much. Send it and risk getting banned if it is worth that risk then by all means go ahead.

Also why all the secrecy and asking for mods to remove links? Seems strange for a thread like this one....hmmmm[/QUOTE]

yeah all the secrecy was pretty annoying so I decided to post the link instead of listen to these people talk like they're so special for knowing.
 
[quote name='Collectorguy00']It was pretty pointless.[/QUOTE]

Don't mean to hijack the thread and hopefully you check this thread again but my address is in the PM I sent you earlier. I tried to send it again but your inbox is full.
 
[quote name='akir']yeah all the secrecy was pretty annoying so I decided to post the link instead of listen to these people talk like they're so special for knowing.[/QUOTE]

And let's please leave it at that, no need beating a dead horse. Fact of the matter is when a wacky flip is posted in this thread the tiv generally tanks in anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes, so people are understandably a bit guarded about it nowadays. However, people can and should share whatever they please because sometimes it does help out folks and those wacky tiv things are just a game of roulette anyways.

Additionally, I would've never found out about that Nude on the Moon movie if he hadn't posted links. That movie looks fantastic.
 
holy smokes... TIV for unchartered 3 is 33.75... I'm currently playing this game and almost got all the trophies.. I only need to beat it in crushing to get a platinum... definitely gonna do the trade transaction today because I will definitely beat it on crushing within 2 days... sweet considering I bought the game for 29.99 on BF..
 
[quote name='Vigilante']Thanks--I locked in a trade for 2 copies that I can hopefully find at one of the Gamestops near me with it in stock. $34 GS credit -> $60 Amazon credit isn't bad. :D

I would have done 3 copies, but I won't be able to get to a GS before the B2G1 deal ends. :([/QUOTE]

There is also the slight obstacle: amazon only takes 2 copies of a game per system.
 
[quote name='sylveranking']There is also the slight obstacle: amazon only takes 2 copies of a game per system.[/QUOTE]Ah, I didn't know that, thanks. That will work out just fine, then. :)
 
[quote name='crazydom2']Is it okay to send a brand new game to Amazon or should I open it first?[/QUOTE]

By all means, send it sealed. Most of the things I send in are new/sealed. I always hope that a cag is able to get it from warehouse deals down the line with dlc intact.
 
How about we just start writing nice little notes on every trade in?




"Hope you accept my trade and have a great day"

P.S. "You look wonderful today"
 
[quote name='ral1121']How about we just start writing nice little notes on every trade in?




"Hope you accept my trade and have a great day"

P.S. "You look wonderful today"[/QUOTE]

i think for a while we had a thing going where we would send pictures of cats and dogs whenever we sent high value items in.
 
quickie gamestop -> amazon flip if you're looking to move some credit around.

Fast and the Furious :psp: 14.99 used -> tiv currently 21.00 at amazon. Use your pal b2g1 free currently running at gamestop to get a little something for yourself.

as always the risks of getting a generic case and/or no manual exist when ordering from gamestop.com, so source local if you're able (or at least check local pre-owned stock for possible exchange locations)

p.s. I've totally given up on :ds: flips from gamestop to amazon. Most (all?) of my local Gamestops throw away the ds cases/manuals when they get trade-ins unless it's a very popular game.
 
[quote name='Pookymeister']Trades from last week are starting to trickle through now.[/QUOTE]

very slowly. I have 1 of 4 paid.

come on noram workers, double time!
 
[quote name='DudeImGodly']i think for a while we had a thing going where we would send pictures of cats and dogs whenever we sent high value items in.[/QUOTE]


I stopped getting rejected ever since i used these tips. Another one is to send a cash "tip" worth 10% of the TIV mistake you are hoping to get. Works everytime. :applause:
 
[quote name='handsomepete']quickie gamestop -> amazon flip if you're looking to move some credit around.

Fast and the Furious :psp: 14.99 used -> tiv currently 21.00 at amazon. Use your pal b2g1 free currently running at gamestop to get a little something for yourself.

as always the risks of getting a generic case and/or no manual exist when ordering from gamestop.com, so source local if you're able (or at least check local pre-owned stock for possible exchange locations)

p.s. I've totally given up on :ds: flips from gamestop to amazon. Most (all?) of my local Gamestops throw away the ds cases/manuals when they get trade-ins unless it's a very popular game.[/QUOTE]Thanks for posting that--I locked in a single-copy trade. I've got quite the GS search adventure planned later this week that will hopefully end with me converting $60 GS credit to $111 Amazon credit:

-My Hero: Firefighter :)ds:): $30
-Walk It Out! :)wii:) x2: $60
-Fast and the Furious :)psp:): $21

I've also still got to send in Skyrim :)ps3:) and Dead Island :)360:) for $33.75 and ~$24, respectively, so if all goes well, I'll end up $168 richer at Amazon, give or take a few dollars. :applause:
 
[quote name='Supreme']For those of you that have gotten your trade in rejected, how long does it usually take to get your game back?[/QUOTE]

About a week.
 
[quote name='handsomepete']My gift to all of you for tonight. No idea how long the $30 tiv will last, but if you're creative sourcing it this can be some quick easy credit.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000R0URWE/[/QUOTE]

Thank you for mentioning this flip. I was able to trade in my copy of R&C:A4O that I got from the BF bundle into Gamestop's 50% bonus trade in sale and buy two copies of Thrillville. I just got my $60 trade in credit accepted from Amazon. :D
 
All mine from last week were accepted, including one i wasn't sure that would go through.

Anyone else still have things in Verifying that have already been paid? I have one from Dec 6th still sitting there.
 
In general, if you end up getting a trade-in delivered to them 7 days from the "ship by date," they typically honor that? One package of mine is getting there tomorrow (12-28) and it was supposed to be shipped by 12-22.
 
[quote name='Pookymeister']All mine from last week were accepted, including one i wasn't sure that would go through.

Anyone else still have things in Verifying that have already been paid? I have one from Dec 6th still sitting there.[/QUOTE]

yeah that happens sometimes. Eventually it moved to done though.
 
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