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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[quote name='oasisboy']Must say that I shipped Left 4 Dead 2 on Amazon and was returned as "Disc Damaged". The game had some scratches but it wasn't that bad. To make matters worse, they put a HUGE STICKER on the actual disk saying "DAMAGED" (on the side read by the console) which left sticky residue on the disk. This pissed me off like crazy. Good job Amazon fucking up my game!

Amazon is not perfect fanboys.[/QUOTE]

Probably stemming from my old Gamestop days but im always weary when someone says "scratches aren't that bad". Usually looked like it came out of an elephants butt and you wondered what the hell people did with their games.
 
[quote name='oasisboy']
Amazon is not perfect fanboys.[/QUOTE]

I think Amazon is pretty lame these days, trade in program included (warehouse deals is still rad though). Still, I hope that doing the teeny amount of effort maintaining this thread requires will help someone in the community.

And with that, I would say your situation is probably a reasonable one to complain about to customer service and I'm sure you'll get it rectified. Sometimes noram does dumb stuff with stickers, I'll never understand why.

p.s. For anyone that's feeling risky:

Buy: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=renegade+racers&_sacat=0
Trade: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004RD7F/?tag=scurker-20

Good luck! Last time it turned out pretty well with that Star Wars Phantom Menace game, but this time the upc on amazon is weird.
 
Left 4 Dead 2
iconxbox360.gif
- $21.60

http://www.amazon.com/Left-4-Dead-2...&qid=1343401287&sr=8-1&keywords=left+4+dead+2
 
[quote name='handsomepete']Good looking out, thanks. I can't believe how that thing has held on to its value so tightly - I think I've had several opportunities to pick it up for a song on Steam, but :360: it's still $30 msrp and doesn't dip much below generally.[/QUOTE]


Not surprising, this, GoW 3, and Halo are the only real exclusive games xbox pushed out in the last 3 years, and Halo and GoW are over hyped and produce.
 
[quote name='thegreatone313']Has anybody traded in a new copy with a loose disc. I can hear the disc out of the tray. Will they accept it?[/QUOTE]

In that case I'd open it just to be safe (and secure that disc back in there). Sometimes when discs are loose, it means the spindle in the center is broken - and that may cause you a problem getting it accepted. Though if this is a PS3 game that is probably not the case - they seem to come loose more often than the others.
 
Yeah the stickers they put on for returns are absolutely ridiculous. I had to use goo-gone to remove a "missing manual" sticker - naturally, the game in question never had a manual to begin with.
 
[quote name='DudeImGodly']Hands[/QUOTE]

Actually, I believe it has to be processed by the 25th day. Even if they've received the game but not processed it yet on the 25th day, the trade-in will cancel out and they'll send the game back as expired. I'd try to give them 3 days for processing and get it there by the 22nd day or so just to be safe...
 
damn, passed the trade in date to print the label, guess i am trading max payne to best buy , its about the same as i locked it in, just $2 less then $27

oh well.
 
[quote name='theking20']damn, passed the trade in date to print the label, guess i am trading max payne to best buy , its about the same as i locked it in, just $2 less then $27

oh well.[/QUOTE]

You could just submit another trade-in for a random game and when the print shipping label page pops up you could just replace the TRN number in the URL with the TRN number of your Max Payne trade-in.
 
[quote name='whatup5']You could just submit another trade-in for a random game and when the print shipping label page pops up you could just replace the TRN number in the URL with the TRN number of your Max Payne trade-in.[/QUOTE]

this guy knows his shit
 
[quote name='whatup5']You could just submit another trade-in for a random game and when the print shipping label page pops up you could just replace the TRN number in the URL with the TRN number of your Max Payne trade-in.[/QUOTE]


Well damn lol, my mind is blown. Never thought of that.

Thanks for the tip :D
 
Locked in some trade-in's the other day and today I noticed that I received credit for a game I haven't shipped yet even though it says "verified and processed" Has anyone else expirenced this?
 
[quote name='Kidd Mischief']Locked in some trade-in's the other day and today I noticed that I received credit for a game I haven't shipped yet even though it says "verified and processed" Has anyone else expirenced this?[/QUOTE]

just pretend you don't see it.
 
[quote name='DudeImGodly']just pretend you don't see it.[/QUOTE]
Lol. Would it be wise to create another trade-in for the same game? Or should I just leave it at that?
 
Trading in DSI XL...I have the box, cable and everything but the manual, will they accept it, or am I wasting my time, thanks..
 
[quote name='vince726']Trading in DSI XL...I have the box, cable and everything but the manual, will they accept it, or am I wasting my time, thanks..[/QUOTE]

wasting your time possibly - they have a track record of being very strict with console trades. I don't think I'd bother trading any console at this point unless I had everything that came with it originally, but maybe other folks have had better luck.
 
[quote name='handsomepete']wasting your time possibly - they have a track record of being very strict with console trades. I don't think I'd bother trading any console at this point unless I had everything that came with it originally, but maybe other folks have had better luck.[/QUOTE]

I've traded in a 40GB PS3 before they got all strict and wanted the OG box and shit.

Got $200 right before the price for it shot down to like $140 and kept on sinking from there.
 
[quote name='handsomepete']wasting your time possibly - they have a track record of being very strict with console trades. I don't think I'd bother trading any console at this point unless I had everything that came with it originally, but maybe other folks have had better luck.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, about a year, year and a half ago, I had my Xbox 360 Elite trade-in knocked down a peg because I didn't have a couple of the plastic bags the accessories came in. I had everything else, including every piece of warranty info, the manual, the bag the manual came in, etc. But I didn't have a bag for the controller and maybe one other thing. But then again, that was just a knock from "like new" to "good" (or whatever the second tier is). So if you aren't trying to go for "like new" you probably don't need every last original plastic bag. But you probably do need the manual.
 
Just me, or did most items just tank in value? Had a few games locked in while I'm finishing up achievements and most are down in value.

L4D2 $22 -> $8
Darksiders $8 -> $4
Crysis 2 $9 -> $2.80
Castlevania $10.80 -> $3.95
GTA 4 Complete $16 -> $7.70
 
[quote name='io']Yeah, about a year, year and a half ago, I had my Xbox 360 Elite trade-in knocked down a peg because I didn't have a couple of the plastic bags the accessories came in. I had everything else, including every piece of warranty info, the manual, the bag the manual came in, etc. But I didn't have a bag for the controller and maybe one other thing. But then again, that was just a knock from "like new" to "good" (or whatever the second tier is). So if you aren't trying to go for "like new" you probably don't need every last original plastic bag. But you probably do need the manual.[/QUOTE]
And a bit of contrast: I recently traded in an old Sansa Fuze. I locked it in at "Good, but lower value if not good" fully expecting them to knock it down since it only came with a usb cable. However, they gave me the "Good" price for it even though it didn't have a box, manual, or headphones. Not a video game console, but might be a sign for the better?
 
[quote name='Guerrilla']And a bit of contrast: I recently traded in an old Sansa Fuze. I locked it in at "Good, but lower value if not good" fully expecting them to knock it down since it only came with a usb cable. However, they gave me the "Good" price for it even though it didn't have a box, manual, or headphones. Not a video game console, but might be a sign for the better?[/QUOTE]

I think there's a whole different tier of assessment when it comes to non-video game stuff. I traded in a U2 ipod only (no box, manual, etc) all scratched up to hell and uncharged and they accepted it as like new for an obscene amount of space bucks. I was hoping they'd just take it as acceptable.
 
Just got my first rejection because of a cracked :360:Max Payne 3 disc. The paranoid me thought it was rejected because they just had it on sale for $30 and I was gonna get $29.70 credit. But that probably isn't the case since it's currently trading in at $24.30. But I can't fathom how the disc was cracked if there was another game with it that was accepted without a problem. Anyways, can't wait to see what kind of shape it returns in.
 
OK dumb question. Are 360 discs usually the 'cracked' ones? Where do they crack...in the center by the hole? Does it happen to blurays or DVds or is it mainly games and DVDs that are used in the 360? I just want to know what to look for, so I don't get stuck with one.
 
[quote name='slowdive21']OK dumb question. Are 360 discs usually the 'cracked' ones? Where do they crack...in the center by the hole? Does it happen to blurays or DVds or is it mainly games and DVDs that are used in the 360? I just want to know what to look for, so I don't get stuck with one.[/QUOTE]

around the center hole on 360 discs crack, I've never seen a damaged bluray
 
A couple decent jumps on a few 360 games:

Left 4 Dead 2 - $22.95
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood - $16.20
Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary - $20.25
Fallout New Vegas - $8.80
L.A. Noire - $10.80
Borderlands - $10.60
Halo 3: ODST - $8.10
Resident Evil 5 - $8.25

Check the TIV tracker for some more.
 
how long does it take to process a system..I was credited for my games Friday but not my system..Does it usually take this long..Thanks..
 
[quote name='vince726']how long does it take to process a system..I was credited for my games Friday but not my system..Does it usually take this long..Thanks..[/QUOTE]

I don't think it's weird for a system to take a bit longer than games, so I wouldn't worry yet.
 
well my DSI XL console that was in Like New Mint Condition maybe used it 15 times was rejected and they said it does not work. Now what do I do, did they break my console, Im so upset..I called Amazon and they said to call back when I get the console back and they will see what they can do.. Has this happened to anyone else..
 
[quote name='vince726']well my DSI XL console that was in Like New Mint Condition maybe used it 15 times was rejected and they said it does not work. Now what do I do, did they break my console, Im so upset..I called Amazon and they said to call back when I get the console back and they will see what they can do.. Has this happened to anyone else..[/QUOTE]

Usually if you get it back and it works fine they'll offer the difference in current and submitted tiv to you if you want to send it back in. If you get it back and it's busted it's anyone's guess what'll happen, depends on your history with Amazon I suppose.
 
xbox morrowind elders scrolls game of the year addition had a TIV of $14!?!?!?!

I sent that in last week still no word.
 
[quote name='3kingdoms']xbox morrowind elders scrolls game of the year addition had a TIV of $14!?!?!?!

I sent that in last week still no word.[/QUOTE]

Please tell me that's a joke... Morrowind GotY is worth double that.
 
[quote name='sabanoo']Please tell me that's a joke... Morrowind GotY is worth double that.[/QUOTE]

really who will buy it?
 
[quote name='3kingdoms']really who will buy it?[/QUOTE]

People who are interested in buying it...? I'd pay more than whatever trade-in value you got at least.
 
[quote name='sabanoo']People who are interested in buying it...? I'd pay more than whatever trade-in value you got at least.[/QUOTE]
i have it it is crack slightley in center but work 100% only freeze 1nce in awhile i buyhed it long time ago so its in good condt 4 game 5+ yr old. ill cell it 4 $25 plus $3.99 ship i ship in box. very sturdy.
 
[quote name='sabanoo']People who are interested in buying it...? I'd pay more than whatever trade-in value you got at least.[/QUOTE]



i wouldnt ask for double. $14 was very fair for an old xbox game.
 
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