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='whatup5']If anyone needs to transfer GS credit to Amazon, the TIV of the day is Kinectimals for $29 which is 26.99 used at GS.[/QUOTE]
Where do you find tiv of the day? I just check it it has dropped to 21 dollar..
 
[quote name='Japakneez']Just realized...I haven't any problems with noram since I started writing them nice notes packaged inside with my trade ins :grouphug:[/QUOTE]

I suddenly have a new tactic.. I'm also gonna start putting cute pictures of puppehhhs and kittehhhs. :cool:
 
[quote name='Toss']What kinda notes?[/QUOTE]

[quote name='DudeImGodly']I suddenly have a new tactic.. I'm also gonna start putting cute pictures of puppehhhs and kittehhhs. :cool:[/QUOTE]

I figure they may be a couple grandmas working our trade ins. They may need some motivation LOL


puppeh pic
"If this puppy could talk, he would say you're grrrrrreat!"

kitteh pic
"Thank you for taking my trade-ins. I sent it in purrrfect condition"


i bet these games get stomped on :lol:
 
[quote name='DudeImGodly']Technically he's not abusing the trade in program. If they say the value is *insert ridiculous number here* and i give them that exact item they should either accept it. or send me an email saying they fucked up on the trade in value.[/QUOTE]

I believe they actually state in their disclaimer they may reject the trade for any reason. You may want an explanation but from what remember on their Tos they don't owe you one.
 
[quote name='Xellos2099']Where do you find tiv of the day? I just check it it has dropped to 21 dollar..[/QUOTE]

Its in the top right corner of the Amazon game trade-in homepage.
 
Weird I tradein my MVC3 copy they finally received it and they revised it as unacceptable "Disk cracked". I only played the damn game 3-4 times game was like new condition. Hopefully its just them not wanting to give me $20. btw first time this happens to me trade it in a lot of games this year to amazon first time I get a return.
 
^that's happened to me...do a chat and discuss how the game was not cracked when shipped, and that ups must have done it. plus they say that their shipping doesnt cover damaged in-transit, but it's happened to me twice and they still gave me credit...

i said bascially wtf am i supposed to do with a broken disc that was done by ups?
 
I just had a nice chat with Customer support. They said they were sorry for the inconvenience and that they will credit me with $20. Just wondering do they return the game I'm crossing my fingers its just a minor crack and that the game is still playable lol. It did say the game was returned. btw thanks guitarguy^
 
trading in a copy of dungeon siege 2 $20.25 credit. Great since i paid $20 for it at Best buy when it was on sale played for 20 mins hated it. Still has the DLC
 
Whoa, was going to trade in Portal 2 a week or two ago and never got around to locking it up. It dropped a ton, down to $10.80. Seems like a pretty low price to give for a relatively new title, what's up with that?
 
Probably everyone getting it for $25 through the TRU screwup. Game can be beaten in a day and I'm sure plenty of people dumped their copies afterward. I traded two in at profit myself.
 
I got credit for some cheapo DS games even when I mailed them 2 days after the deadline, I'm on the West Coast (so UPS takes 8 days), plus there was some sort of weather delay that made it take even longer.

I thought someone had said they got denied on sending things in late recently? Well, these were just $5 DS games, though they did drop in price after I locked them in (which is why I didn't resubmit).
 
[quote name='CGH']Heads up the gba micro 20th anniversary edition is trading in for $91 like new I locked in mine.[/QUOTE]

I was surprised to see how much those sell for on ebay - I doubt that $91 is even an inflation if it is like new (with box). How there's enough demand to still sustain a market for them is a mystery to me.
 
[quote name='CyReN']I shipped my item and accidentally cancelled it on the amazon page, will it still go through?[/QUOTE]

I'm afraid you're probably sunk. You can try to talk to Amazon CS about it but chances are you'll need to resubmit when you get it returned.
 
[quote name='handsomepete']I'm afraid you're probably sunk. You can try to talk to Amazon CS about it but chances are you'll need to resubmit when you get it returned.[/QUOTE]

Yup, they returned the game to me even after CS promised otherwise. Good thing because the TIV jump 3 or 4 bucks.
 
[quote name='handsomepete']I'm afraid you're probably sunk. You can try to talk to Amazon CS about it but chances are you'll need to resubmit when you get it returned.[/QUOTE]

I got it locked again, kinda dumb they are sending it back then I sent it back to them again..
 
So I just noticed tonight Amazon already has their trade in value set for Deus Ex at $28.00. WTF? This game has not had almost any preorder deals and the out of the gate trade is less than $30. Total fail.
 
[quote name='cancerman1120']So I just noticed tonight Amazon already has their trade in value set for Deus Ex at $28.00. WTF? This game has not had almost any preorder deals and the out of the gate trade is less than $30. Total fail.[/QUOTE]

This happens all the time. They price the trade-in low because there are always people who don't like a certain game out of the gate and just want to dump it. It ought to come up after that initial rush goes by.
 
[quote name='Jodou']Relax, it will bump up in value after launch.[/QUOTE]

[quote name='phantomfriar2002']This happens all the time. They price the trade-in low because there are always people who don't like a certain game out of the gate and just want to dump it. It ought to come up after that initial rush goes by.[/QUOTE]

Thanks...Sorry for the 4:30 am RAGE :)
 
For anyone who hasn't done this yet, TIV for FIFA 11 is over 24 dollars, and preordering he game, which comes out in just over a month, gets you 20 dollar amazon credit.

Buy it for just under 40, and it comes with 20 dollars towards a future purchase. In a few weeks, or even days, this TIV will PLUMMET
 
Has anyone traded in textbooks/books to Amazon. I'm planning on sending them some. Do they reject them or claim books are damaged when they are not like they do with games?
 
I traded in over a $100 worth of strategy guides a few months ago and they all went through. I made sure all the ones I sent didn't have any stains or marks but quite a few did have some fairly heavy shelfwear. Some minor tearing on the cover and gamestop/best buy stickers, all were accepted without a problem. Same deal with a large package I sent to textbooksrus last week.
 
[quote name='FlyingMonkey9']For anyone who hasn't done this yet, TIV for FIFA 11 is over 24 dollars, and preordering he game, which comes out in just over a month, gets you 20 dollar amazon credit.

Buy it for just under 40, and it comes with 20 dollars towards a future purchase. In a few weeks, or even days, this TIV will PLUMMET[/QUOTE]

FIFA 11 has been out for a year now. FIFA 12 is the game that comes with $20 credit
 
[quote name='FlyingMonkey9']FYI, Killzone 3's TIV is up to 35, pretty damned good if you ask me! Im not ready to sell it yet though :([/QUOTE]
damn, I sent it in for $27 a few weeks ago. Oh well, I only paid $20 for it and I got to beat the SP and play the online a bit. I wasn't a huge fan of the multiplayer for some reason.
 
[quote name='FlyingMonkey9']FYI, Killzone 3's TIV is up to 35, pretty damned good if you ask me! Im not ready to sell it yet though :([/QUOTE]

Dammit! I just traded it in to Best Buy for $30.80 (22 + 40% for a pre-order). I would much rather have had the amazon credit (still haven't found the kindle gift-cards at Best Buy...).
 
I think I will lock mine in. Ive played a good amount of MP, but maybe Ill commit myself to beating the SP this week. 35 bucks is a crap ton for this, and will help me buy Dark Souls or another fall release :)
 
[quote name='62t']FIFA 11 has been out for a year now. FIFA 12 is the game that comes with $20 credit[/QUOTE]

I think what this individual was trying to say is that you should lock-in your trade for FIFA 11 if you're planning on getting FIFA 12.

At least, that is what I've done for NHL 11. Right now, the TIV is decent; in another week or so, it will plummet.
 
What if the shipping label that prints out (UPS) doesn't have enough weight on the label? Will they (UPS) still take it and send it?
 
[quote name='Darrith']What if the shipping label that prints out (UPS) doesn't have enough weight on the label? Will they (UPS) still take it and send it?[/QUOTE]

yep, won't be an issue at all. You could send an anvil with a prepaid label from Amazon that lists 1 pound as the weight.
 
The 80gb PS3 has an inflated value $177. The same amount they give for a 320gb PS3. I punched in the UPC # for my 80gb with only 2 usb and it pulled up the same one. I was thinking of sending it in but has anyone hear sent in a PS3 and had them not downgrade the value to good or acceptable condition? I really want to trade it in but can't help but feeling they will screw me over.
 
[quote name='Cerebral_One']The 80gb PS3 has an inflated value $177. The same amount they give for a 320gb PS3. I punched in the UPC # for my 80gb with only 2 usb and it pulled up the same one. I was thinking of sending it in but has anyone hear sent in a PS3 and had them not downgrade the value to good or acceptable condition? I really want to trade it in but can't help but feeling they will screw me over.[/QUOTE]

You don't have to accept the downgrade, unless they changed it and I didn't notice. When you do your trade-in you select condition and then you select if they can downgrade it or if they should just return it to you if it doesn't meet their standards.
 
[quote name='evanwink']You don't have to accept the downgrade, unless they changed it and I didn't notice. When you do your trade-in you select condition and then you select if they can downgrade it or if they should just return it to you if it doesn't meet their standards.[/QUOTE]

Yeah but if you select return the item they stomp on it before sending it back.
 
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