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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As long as a console UPC brings up the item (like it does with game software) that will match the exact item? I'm shocked they're giving $177 for the 80gb PS3 without BC. I don't want to send mine and then find out they meant the 80gb with BC.

Has anyone here sent in a console and did they give you the condition you thought they would or did they downgrade you or return your console? Everything seems so subjective for condition on their site.
 
[quote name='ral1121']Will they accept games that have a bad case with them? My discs are all perfect and so is the covers and manuals.[/QUOTE]

I bet they'd probably knock down the value from good to acceptable.
 
Yeah, case wear can end up bumped to acceptable, but it's not hard to just switch the case with something else if it's a significant drop off.

Meanwhile, I just sent a pretty big trade-in, got the credit today, but part of it included a lot of still shrink-wrapped, never dropped or anything DVD's. So I put "Like New" naturally, but for some reason they were all bumped down to "Good." It was only a net loss of about $6, but still surprising.
 
I got an email saying
Your trade-in has been received and processed.
Click to expand...
, but it says $0.00 for both items. I only shipped one of the two since I decided to keep the other item. So basically it seems like they are saying I sent an empty box? It had a 4 pound textbook in it, so it is kind of hard to miss. fuck
 
When it says $0.00 for items in my experience that usually means they didn't accept it and are sending it back. I could be wrong though.
 
[quote name='Jodou']FYI, Child of Eden trades for $20 right now and is $10 at BB. Good flip for anyone looking to convert some BB credit at a profit![/QUOTE]

Dang, I was too late in seeing your post...Amazon's TIV is now down to $10. That was fairly quick for them to notice.
 
[quote name='htown01']Dang, I was too late in seeing your post...Amazon's TIV is now down to $10. That was fairly quick for them to notice.[/QUOTE]
Doesn't matter since BB fucked up and raised the price to $20 now. Most stores sold out quick, too.
 
[quote name='Jodou']Doesn't matter since BB fucked up and raised the price to $20 now. Most stores sold out quick, too.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I just read part of the other thread. What oddities the BB system is having today; $10 for Child of Eden and $15 for Bulletstorm one minute, then raise $10/$5, respectively.
 
[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]

Dont be such a whiny turd. Just sell like new on ebay for forty something.
Stop whining so much
 
Wow..

I was about to Trade in Black Ops Xbox 360 version but its 11 dollars...wtf?

The wii version is 25 and the DS version is 8.....


why the sudden decrease? hope it changes.
 
Anybody having issues trading games in? Wanted to lock a game in I'm about to beat but for some reason on the address screen, it just keeps bouncing back to that screen. Worked yesterday, but not today for some reason.

edit: finally got it to go through, but it can't generate a shipping label.
 
I am having the same problem...i had to keep pushing submit trade a bunch of times before it accepted, and now it will not generate a shipping label
 
[quote name='handsomepete']ups.com seems to be down, so maybe some weekend maintenance went awry on their side?[/QUOTE]

i did 3 separate trade ins, one of the labels will print and the other 2 won't. Hopefully it gets sorted out soon.
 
So I sent in two hunted demons forge last Monday for $30 a piece and I did it as two seperate trade ins and mailed them in the same package with the two different trade in slips and today I only get credited for one, the other says not yet received. If they got one then they sure got both of them. What should I do?
 
[quote name='atc250es']So I sent in two hunted demons forge last Monday for $30 a piece and I did it as two seperate trade ins and mailed them in the same package with the two different trade in slips and today I only get credited for one, the other says not yet received. If they got one then they sure got both of them. What should I do?[/QUOTE]

Wait a couple of days and see what happens. Call CS if it isn't updated.

Next time don't send in multiple trade-in orders in the same package for exactly this reason. (isn't this in the OP?)
 
[quote name='ragingst0rm6']Wait a couple of days and see what happens. Call CS if it isn't updated.

Next time don't send in multiple trade-in orders in the same package for exactly this reason. (isn't this in the OP?)[/QUOTE]

Ok thanks, from now on I'll send them separately in their own boxes even though I was trying to make it easier for them and save them some money.
 
[quote name='atc250es']Ok thanks, from now on I'll send them separately in their own boxes even though I was trying to make it easier for them and save them some money.[/QUOTE]

It's nice that you're trying to save them money, but it opens up the trouble of you having no "proof" that you sent in the trade-in.
 
Anyone know how much they might knock off on price if the DVD doesn't have the little insert inside the case, like showing what's the content on each disc? I have the Mickey Mouse in Black and White DVD case but it's missing the collectible art that comes with these. I have it with the Mickey Mouse in Living Color DVD. Wish I had the tins but oh well.
 
Gran Turismo 5 is up to 33 for trade in. Definitely sending that turd back (bought it for around 40 used from hastings early this year, but i really hate it)
 
Update: I never received the credit for the second game so I called and they credited me for $30, lesson learned, always ship your trade ins in separate packages.
 
[quote name='foreinter']Madden NFL 12 for Xbox trade-in is $40 now.[/QUOTE]
I missed it at $40 but $36.45 is good enough :applause:
also mlb 2k11 is $23 :D
 
Would you people learn how Amazon TIVs work and stfu about new trade ins being such a low price and a rip off. It's always at an artificially low price out of the gate.

/haven't had my coffee yet.
 
[quote name='confoosious']Would you people learn how Amazon TIVs work and stfu about new trade ins being such a low price and a rip off. It's always at an artificially low price out of the gate.

/haven't had my coffee yet.[/QUOTE]

THANK YOU. That's pissing me off too. Of course resistance 3 isnt 7 dollars lol, its computer generated and the first few days are low because it doesnt know how big demand is yet
 
Should I be worried or is Amazon just being slow to update?

I sent in a iPad and game. They say they got the game but has still not received the iPad. It was in the same box as the game so they should have received them at the same time.
 
[quote name='cheaphuck']Should I be worried or is Amazon just being slow to update?

I sent in a iPad and game. They say they got the game but has still not received the iPad. It was in the same box as the game so they should have received them at the same time.[/QUOTE]

I wouldn't worry yet - hardware always seems to take a bit longer (especially if it's boxless) and they seem to be unusually slow anyways. I'm on day 3 of a wait for two gaames that arrived Tuesday morning.

Also, I'll try to add something to the OP about initial values as that does come up often.
 
[quote name='cheaphuck']Should I be worried or is Amazon just being slow to update?

I sent in a iPad and game. They say they got the game but has still not received the iPad. It was in the same box as the game so they should have received them at the same time.[/QUOTE]

I'm in a similar spot - I sent in 5 games, they were received last Friday. I was given credit for 4 of them on Wednesday, the 5th showed up as not received. All were shipped in the same package. So, I contacted Amazon customer service, and they advised I wait another couple days - if I don't hear anything by the end of the day, I'm going to contact them again. What a pain.
 
I was trying to print out a shipping label for a game I submitted last week and the option doesn't show up. There's no print option like there used to be when you access your trade in account history.
 
[quote name='TheHelix']I was trying to print out a shipping label for a game I submitted last week and the option doesn't show up. There's no print option like there used to be when you access your trade in account history.[/QUOTE]

It's probably because it's past the day you were supposed to ship it by.
 
[quote name='noisesquared']I'm in a similar spot - I sent in 5 games, they were received last Friday. I was given credit for 4 of them on Wednesday, the 5th showed up as not received. All were shipped in the same package. So, I contacted Amazon customer service, and they advised I wait another couple days - if I don't hear anything by the end of the day, I'm going to contact them again. What a pain.[/QUOTE]

As a followup, I did receive credit for the 5th game today. Don't quite understand the delay, but it all turned out ok in the end as I was able to get the trade in credit applied to my release day delivery NHL 12 :D
 
[quote name='Jodou']Actually, that's a high appraisal in my estimation. . .[/QUOTE]

It's out of stock everywhere, and there are currently zero options to buy used on Amazon (new is out of stock estimated 2 to 3 weeks). I've never seen that before, I mean I'm sure it happens, but now would be a good time for someone unsatisfied to just get their money back given the current demand.
 
[quote name='Prismatico']

[quote name='Jodou']Actually, that's a high appraisal in my estimation. . .[/QUOTE]

It's out of stock everywhere, and there are currently zero options to buy used on Amazon (new is out of stock estimated 2 to 3 weeks).[/QUOTE]

I think he's commenting that the game (gameplay, fun-wise, etc.) is not worth much, which I thought was a brilliant comment.
 
[quote name='Japakneez']New release tuesday. Here's our obligatory 'OMG amazon is only giving .25cents for GoW:Origins. What a scam!" post. This likely applies to WKCII, NHL12, etc, etc.


http://www.amazon.com/God-War-Origins-Collection-Playstation-3/dp/B0050SXVK8/[/QUOTE]

I played the GoW:Origins demo soon after finishing GoW3 and man it's like driving a Tonka truck cross country after spending years driving a (insert your idea of a fancy car here).
 
[quote name='CaseX']I think he's commenting that the game (gameplay, fun-wise, etc.) is not worth much, which I thought was a brilliant comment.[/QUOTE]

It's obviously not for everyone, but plenty of people love it for what it is despite the buggy release. I understood what he was saying, but I don't see how that's even remotely clever (it was more snark than anything else), so I went ahead and tried to inform anyone else that didn't like the game that now would be a good time to take advantage of the demand.
 
Sent in a PS2 Slim and it got rejected because they said it doesn't power on. It doesn't power on, talked to CS and they gave me the credit.

I
 
They seem to be really slow about depositing gift cards to your account. My order states that they received my items and the gift card has been deposited, yet nothing is there.
 
[quote name='KingofOldSchool']They seem to be really slow about depositing gift cards to your account. My order states that they received my items and the gift card has been deposited, yet nothing is there.[/QUOTE]
It always, always takes up to 48 hours to process. In fact, I get my credit two days after it's received like clockwork.
 
anyone know any good Gamestop to Amazon flips? I've got about $40 in GS credit that I'm hoping to swap to Amazon for the fall gaming rush. At least 1:1, but better would be preferred.
 
[quote name='myl0r']anyone know any good Gamestop to Amazon flips? I've got about $40 in GS credit that I'm hoping to swap to Amazon for the fall gaming rush. At least 1:1, but better would be preferred.[/QUOTE]

There was a track mania ds game that was was trading for like 125% into bb then flipped into amazon gc's. Not sure with the current bonuses. Always check recent price drops with the tracker at CAG, then check value at amazon and bb.
 
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