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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I just want to chime in with NorAm accepting new trade-ins and the issues associated, especially with DVDs and Blu-rays. I had some old 300 bonus discs from a Best Buy promo a long while ago. All are sealed. I sent two sealed ones in to make space. They downgraded one down to like new and took $1.50 off the $2.00 trade-in. They were pristine. They are systematically lowering values on trade-ins sent in the with the "do not return" option. It's the third or fourth time they pulled this malarkey with me.

I got my vengenace already. I ordered a crappy movie from one of their affiliates, fulfilled by Amazon, for $2.80. Brand new, and it arrived without shrinkwrap or a seal, a sticker affixed to the bare case, and it was definitely supposed to be sealed. I got a refund from Amazon's customer service in full and get to keep it. I'm glad NorAm understands the concept of new.
 
[quote name='vivafriend5'] They are systematically lowering values on trade-ins sent in the with the "do not return" option. It's the third or fourth time they pulled this malarkey with me.
.[/QUOTE]

I believe this to be true. I only ever choose this option when locking in cause sometimes cases or manuals aren't available and sure enough these are the only trades downgraded.
 
[quote name='Collectorguy00']I have the cables but it says you need the user manual and original packaging. Didn't keep those, who does?[/QUOTE]

I was wondering the same thing. I sent mine in anyway, because the $20 lowest value is about what you'd get on eBay w/o fees/shipping. Hoping for the Good rating though.
 
[quote name='Collectorguy00']I have the cables but it says you need the user manual and original packaging. Didn't keep those, who does?[/QUOTE]

I was wondering the same thing. I sent mine in anyway, because the $20 lowest value is about what you'd get on eBay w/o fees/shipping. Hoping for the Good rating though.
 
For anyone wondering, Amazon took my Rayman Origins (which I bought from them for $30) without the artbook (which was my gift from them for free...) for full value.

Unfortunately the TIV has tanked but if you locked it in and were wondering if you should send it, go ahead. YMMV.
 
[quote name='confoosious']For anyone wondering, Amazon took my Rayman Origins (which I bought from them for $30) without the artbook (which was my gift from them for free...) for full value.

Unfortunately the TIV has tanked but if you locked it in and were wondering if you should send it, go ahead. YMMV.[/QUOTE]



No difference in UPC if you didnt get the artbook right?
 
[quote name='io']Update?[/QUOTE]They were jampacked into a vacuum-sealed bubble mailer and shipped back to me. All of them appear to be without any added dings, scratches or other non-original marks.

I'll be boxing them back up and shipping them right back, at the lower TIVs for "Like New".
 
[quote name='flatliner718']No difference in UPC if you didnt get the artbook right?[/QUOTE]

Amazon has started printing UPCs on the trade in slip. I believe they call it EAN. Anyway, my UPC was definitely different but they accepted it anyway.
 
[quote name='confoosious']Amazon has started printing UPCs on the trade in slip. I believe they call it EAN. Anyway, my UPC was definitely different but they accepted it anyway.[/QUOTE]

Amazon's database of certain titles contain multiple UPC's I've noticed. I traded in different BF3 versions and forza 4 versions and they were accepted. I haven't figured out whether they have retailer exclusive UPC's though. Some UPCs are different because they include launch copy dlc's (i.e. BF3) and had nothing to do with retailer specific copies.
 
[quote name='nas6034']Have 2 games pending verification for 8 days now. Items received before and after have been credited. Very interesting...[/QUOTE]

Same here.

Considering contacting amazon because it's around a $135 i'm missing out on -__-
 
So a while back I locked in that weird black Wii racing wheel for 2 x $70. Amazingly, after locking it in it came up in stock on amazon for $7. So I bought 2, checked em both out and sent em both in sealed. Today I got credited for one and the other is being returned as "incorrect condition". Any guesses on what it'll look like when I get it back?
 
[quote name='handsomepete']So a while back I locked in that weird black Wii racing wheel for 2 x $70. Amazingly, after locking it in it came up in stock on amazon for $7. So I bought 2, checked em both out and sent em both in sealed. Today I got credited for one and the other is being returned as "incorrect condition". Any guesses on what it'll look like when I get it back?[/QUOTE]

You'll get an official white Nintendo racing wheel back (which I'll be sending along with Mario Kari Wii after it was the trade in of the day yesterday).
 
Anyone know if your a new seller to Amazon how long it takes to get paid??? I though it was 14 days after registering but now it says something about I shipped stuff out recently??Im sure evrything is ok just curious.
 
[quote name='hatback']I fail to see where it can be bought for $20. It would be a steal at that price.[/QUOTE]

should be pretty obvious, someone already bought it.
 
[quote name='Vigilante']How can you buy that for $20? I only see the single $300 New option.[/QUOTE]

[quote name='hatback']I fail to see where it can be bought for $20. It would be a steal at that price.[/QUOTE]

someone bought it already
 
[quote name='arsenal_fan']someone bought it already[/QUOTE]

I bought two for $15 each plus shipping. I guess I will find out soon how it will turn out.
 
[quote name='Tsel']It was new at $15 when I looked at it right after it was posted.[/QUOTE]

Yeah it was $15.99 + $4 shipping. The funny thing is the same seller who has it listed at $300 had listed it at $15.99.
 
Amazon is insane sometimes. I had a trade in go sideways cause of UPS hell and wanted to resend it in but have them credit me the difference in the TIV. The dude offers $20 credit and i'm like, no, I only want the difference, which is like $13. Nope, he insists on giving me $20.
 
[quote name='arsenal_fan']Phantasy Star Online, Episode I & II plus (TIV $30)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002LA59I/?tag=scurker-20

Phantasy Star Online, Episode I & II (TIV $27.60)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005RCR0/?tag=scurker-20

Both of these sell for $5 at GS if you can find them at your store.[/QUOTE]

both sell for MUCH HIGHER on ebay/amazon/any other reseller outlet...you'd be a fool to give noram a copy of such a rarity. plus, im pretty sure gamestop will not have either of these games. I seem to remember they stopped taking them for trade-ins long ago
 
[quote name='animemaniac14']both sell for MUCH HIGHER on ebay/amazon/any other reseller outlet...you'd be a fool to give noram a copy of such a rarity. plus, im pretty sure gamestop will not have either of these games. I seem to remember they stopped taking them for trade-ins long ago[/QUOTE]

Hmm yeah I just found them on the TIV tracker and put them up. Don't know anything about how much they sell for. These games show up on Gamestop's website so I figured they may still have a few in stock.
 
Hey folks, a couple things of note - several ps3 titles jumped back up tonight, strike while they're hot:

Skyrim :ps3: - 39.75
AC:R :ps3: - 31.05
Saint's Row 3 :ps3: - 37.80

Also, if you're looking to unload Mortal Kombat :ps3: in anticipation of MK Komplete, 24.75 (25.00 for :360:).

Additionally, :wii: Bowling ball w/ AMF World Lanes is back at 30.60. If you don't know why this is interesting I'm sure someone better versed in it than myself can explain. Happy trading!

p.s. Remember to thank your pal BlueLobstah for creating the greatest website ever: http://tivtrackr.com
 
I traded in a DSi console on Jan. 12 and the shipping label says I have until Jan. 19 to ship it. I thought Amazon gave you 25 days from the day the trade was first submitted?
 
[quote name='SKEETER']I traded in a DSi console on Jan. 12 and the shipping label says I have until Jan. 19 to ship it. I thought Amazon gave you 25 days from the day the trade was first submitted?[/QUOTE]

25 days until they auto cancel the entire trade-in, 7 days until they remove the printing label link. Usually getting your trade there within 14-16 days from lock is safe.
 
[quote name='handsomepete']25 days until they auto cancel the entire trade-in, 7 days until they remove the printing label link. Usually getting your trade there within 14-16 days from lock is safe.[/QUOTE]

You can go a little beyond that for sure. I don't think I've ever gotten a trade there in less than that timeframe. I almost always wait until the 7th day to ship, and from the West Coast it is 8-9 days shipping. So my minimum is 15-17 days. More recently I have gone beyond that by a few more days with no problems.
 
I had my copy of Fear 3 with a different UPC from BB accepted. It is nice they aren't being uber strict on upc's like this one where the only reason it had a different UPC was a DLC card in the case.
 
[quote name='Sendoh']
EDIT: btw i have a question regarding the AC:R. I got the signature edition one. Do you think i can get $31 for the TIV from amazon or will they not accept it because of the different upc? thanks.[/QUOTE]

Mine was denied and returned
 
I sent in one copy of l.a. noire, which got returned to me earlier this month because it was in unacceptable condition. So today I get a package with another copy also in "unacceptable condition." I tried to contact amazon but they are clueless.
 
[quote name='Sendoh']
EDIT: btw i have a question regarding the AC:R. I got the signature edition one. Do you think i can get $31 for the TIV from amazon or will they not accept it because of the different upc? thanks.[/QUOTE]

[quote name='Hoos First']Mine was denied and returned[/QUOTE]

That sucks. That's why I don't ever buy special editions of any game. Much more difficult to trade in afterwards.

In case anyone else has been waiting, the Xbox 360 version of AC:R is back up to $32.15 after being $11 for a while.
 
[quote name='CaseX']That sucks. That's why I don't ever buy special editions of any game. Much more difficult to trade in afterwards.

In case anyone else has been waiting, the Xbox 360 version of AC:R is back up to $32.15 after being $11 for a while.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the heads up on AC:R - due to all the weirdness with the listings, I'm able to submit a third copy since my first two were accepted under a different one. I'll try to get the dlc achievements and trade it in once again!
 
[quote name='Hoos First']Mine was denied and returned[/QUOTE]

dam, guess i will hv to trade it to GS then. Y they would reject it, it even has a bonus AC game lol.
 
[quote name='handsomepete']Thanks for the heads up on AC:R - due to all the weirdness with the listings, I'm able to submit a third copy since my first two were accepted under a different one. I'll try to get the dlc achievements and trade it in once again![/QUOTE]

how long would you say it takes to finish AC:R? I have it locked in right now, but haven't started it yet. If I dedicate the next couple of nights to it, you think I should be able to finish? Not trying to get all the achievements....
 
[quote name='jbz']how long would you say it takes to finish AC:R? I have it locked in right now, but haven't started it yet. If I dedicate the next couple of nights to it, you think I should be able to finish? Not trying to get all the achievements....[/QUOTE]

Definitely, you have more than enough time. Dip in to the mp when you're done, it's really pretty fun even if you're normally not a big mp fan.
 
[quote name='Sutarion']Yep, stick to the main story and you'll be able to complete it by the time you need to trade it in.[/QUOTE]

[quote name='handsomepete']Definitely, you have more than enough time. Dip in to the mp when you're done, it's really pretty fun even if you're normally not a big mp fan.[/QUOTE]

Thanks guys, I'll start it tonight.

Is the MP like the last game? I liked that one.
 
[quote name='jbz']Thanks guys, I'll start it tonight.

Is the MP like the last game? I liked that one.[/QUOTE]

I loved the last one and I'm loving this one. I have friends who hated multiplayer in the first one, but loved it in AC:R. I think you'll enjoy it. I would suggest trying out the new game modes, too, as they're pretty fun.
 
[quote name='jbz']Thanks guys, I'll start it tonight.

Is the MP like the last game? I liked that one.[/QUOTE]

Better in my opinion. More variety, easier for anyone to be competitive, progression is a bit more interesting. Really excellent. Picked it back up for $20 at best buy just to play more multiplayer.
 
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