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='eugaet']As far as buying 'stuff' (unnecessary for survival), I've long considered $AMZN > $USD.[/QUOTE]

My comment was supposed to be sarcastic. Amazon credit is as good as or usually better than cash to me.
 
Amazon just rejected my Xbox Monster Component Cables because they were not Xbox Monster Component Cables, even thought they were in fact Xbox Monster Component Cables.
 
[quote name='outkastx']Amazon just rejected my Xbox Monster Component Cables because they were not Xbox Monster Component Cables, even thought they were in fact Xbox Monster Component Cables.[/QUOTE]

Xbox Monster Component Cables
 
[quote name='KtMack23']My comment was supposed to be sarcastic. Amazon credit is as good as or usually better than cash to me.[/QUOTE]

how can credit be better than cash? Come on now, cash is cash and can be credit at a whim. Will you people quit saying that. Its stupid.
 
What are the chances of amazon accepting my Akrham City as good when the cover art is just printed on normal paper? Its in a green Xbox case with the Manuel and everything, but the cover art I just printed.
 
[quote name='KtMack23']What are the chances of amazon accepting my Akrham City as good when the cover art is just printed on normal paper? Its in a green Xbox case with the Manuel and everything, but the cover art I just printed.[/QUOTE]

Unless it looks retail, not good at all. Amazon has gotten really picky when it comes to trade ins. Before having retail cover art used to be a toss up, now, unless you listed the game at the poorest condition, Amazon will probably reject it, even if the disc and the emanuel are perfect
 
[quote name='dchrisd']Unless it looks retail, not good at all. Amazon has gotten really picky when it comes to trade ins. Before having retail cover art used to be a toss up, now, unless you listed the game at the poorest condition, Amazon will probably reject it, even if the disc and the emanuel are perfect[/QUOTE]

That sucks. I guess we'll find out for sure soon.
 
[quote name='KtMack23']What are the chances of amazon accepting my Akrham City as good when the cover art is just printed on normal paper? Its in a green Xbox case with the Manuel and everything, but the cover art I just printed.[/QUOTE]
They didn't accept a game I traded in last year because the art said not for resale on the back, as it was from blockbuster.
 
Just got my credit on all but one item... still says verifying. Overall no complaints (including a trade in of a set of "Lemony Snicket" books for $55 that I paid $7 for at a used book store)
 
[quote name='duckydan']Just got my credit on all but one item... still says verifying. Overall no complaints (including a trade in of a set of "Lemony Snicket" books for $55 that I paid $7 for at a used book store)[/QUOTE]

I still have an item like that. "Pending verification." It took an email to Amazon after 14 days for them to eventually credit it to me. The item is still stuck in pending verification however.
 
[quote name='outkastx']Amazon just rejected my Xbox Monster Component Cables because they were not Xbox Monster Component Cables, even thought they were in fact Xbox Monster Component Cables.[/QUOTE]

Had a chat this morning that was probably the worst CS that I've ever had. Copied the chat text and then emailed into Amazon, proclaiming that I was now upset about the CS along with the cancelled trade, and just got a promo for the full amount.
 
[quote name='handsomepete']wii fit plus (software only) is trading in for a hair over $20 at the moment. good credit mover or just a good way to unload the game if you want to.[/QUOTE]

Thanks! Slowly converting the credit gamestop credit from trading in my iPod into Amazon credit. $27 to $40 sounds great to me!
 
[quote name='handsomepete']wii fit plus (software only) is trading in for a hair over $20 at the moment. good credit mover or just a good way to unload the game if you want to.[/QUOTE]

Yep, thanks! I always appreciate any positive transfer of Gamestop to Amazon credit ;). And this one should be pretty easy to find at GS.
 
Stupid gamestop employ thought I was asking about the regular wii fit, they didn't have the plus version. Well I've got about a week for them to get one in.
 
[quote name='DudeImGodly']So many new accounts .__.[/QUOTE]

Are you saying at least 1 out of 10 CAGs are GameStop paid promoters using dirty tactics to take down their competitors?
 
[quote name='outkastx']Had a chat this morning that was probably the worst CS that I've ever had. Copied the chat text and then emailed into Amazon, proclaiming that I was now upset about the CS along with the cancelled trade, and just got a promo for the full amount.[/QUOTE]

email is the way to go. I don't recommend chat from my experience.
 
A tale of caution: Sent in 2 games within the 7 day time period. They were delivered pending verification. I wasn't proactive in emailing Amazon CS. The trade-in now shows expired. Ridiculous!
 
[quote name='nas6034']A tale of caution: Sent in 2 games within the 7 day time period. They were delivered pending verification. I wasn't proactive in emailing Amazon CS. The trade-in now shows expired. Ridiculous![/QUOTE]

That just means that your shipping label has expired (have 7 days to print out your shipping label), not your trade in.
 
[quote name='nas6034']A tale of caution: Sent in 2 games within the 7 day time period. They were delivered pending verification. I wasn't proactive in emailing Amazon CS. The trade-in now shows expired. Ridiculous![/QUOTE]

That has nothing to do with your trade in itself. It will process through just fine as long as you sent it within the 7 day window.
 
na it was expired outside the 25 day window. Had been pending verif for 2.5 weeks. did email them just now and received a promo credit.
 
I got a few items returned. One of them was my gba micro. Amazon said that the console was damaged. As far as it looks to me it isnt damaged at all. It looks great. Maybe because it was the Japanese version?

I also sent in Wii Fit with the Balance Board. Amazon said that the game didn't boot. I get it back with the balance board, then I look inside of the box and Amazon gave me a copy of Wii Fit Plus for free along with my original copy of Wii Fit. I guess. Weird. I'm going to contact them tomorrow and return it.
 
I wonder if all 4 of my items will be accepted: they got there in the afternoon today

Motorstorm apocalypse- $14
Uncharted 3- $25
Batman Arkham City - $34 (lol got lucky with the TiV boost :D)
MW3- $32

hopefully i get the credit tomorrow and my vita will be paid off B^)
 
Sent in my copy of Dead Island and Sims 2 (Mac). Got so lucky. Sent in Dead Island in for $20.25, two days before it drops to $15 because of the Gold Box Event.

Some of the TiV's have been pretty good if you time it right.
 
Had a weird experience today. I recently sent a trade-in of two items and got the customary "your trade-in has been received" email this morning. One item was accepted but the other was still in the Verifying status. I found that worrisome because I expected the status for everything to change at the same time. I decided that waiting a few hours, or even a day would clear things up. Then I got impatient and started to write an email to CS. Just as I was proofreading it, I decided to check my email again. I received another email stating the other item was accepted, three hours after the original one. I don't know why in the world there would be a delay at all between items in the same package. The second item was the Mario Kart Wii w/ wheel and the only explanation I could come up with would be the fact that it's inside a cardboard box.
 
rou ouh all 4 of my items have been verifying for the past two days, they are in such great condition it will blow my mind if any get rejected


*waits*
 
[quote name='irishsoccermbw']Wow already dropped to 3 dollars trade in, they are getting a lot quicker[/QUOTE]

Algorithms.

Assume that 10 of us who actually contribute lock in the price. Then account for the 10x the amount of lurkers who who do exactly that lurk for deals and don't contribute.

They probably had around 50 people lock in the trade within the hour.

For older games that isn't normal so you drop the price.

They also don't want to get stuck with 100+ copies of an old game that they won't be able to sell.

Computer drops the TIV's
(Remember bestbuy?)
 
huh whelp i guess i am gonna have to start sending games separately now, only MW3 got the credit so far and i sent all 4 games in the same package :/ thats stupid if it gets "lost" there.
 
Anyone else see the TIV for Skyrim? Over $40!!!! I thought I missed out when it was $35 a few weeks ago. Glad I waited. :)
 
[quote name='CaseX']Anyone else see the TIV for Skyrim? Over $40!!!! I thought I missed out when it was $35 a few weeks ago. Glad I waited. :)[/QUOTE]

Locked a couple in, hopefully they will be on sale somewhere! Thanks
 
You NEED a manual with your game to get it accepted as "Good", correct?
I have 2 copies of Skyrim and I was planning on ebaying one, so I'd prefer to trade in the one without the manual.
 
[quote name='scarhawk']You NEED a manual with your game to get it accepted as "Good", correct?
I have 2 copies of Skyrim and I was planning on ebaying one, so I'd prefer to trade in the one without the manual.[/QUOTE]

Yes, you will need a manual.
 
[quote name='slowdive21']Locked a couple in, hopefully they will be on sale somewhere! Thanks[/QUOTE]
The game's hardly been on sale anywhere. At least nothing that will allow you to make a profit off of this.
 
I can't believe it. I just got denied three trade-ins of games that were basically just out of shrinkwrap. I was told I could accept a lower TIV because of their "acceptable" condition. My faith in Amazon trade-ins have been shot. At least they accepted a textbook though.
 
[quote name='RabbitSuit']I can't believe it. I just got denied three trade-ins of games that were basically just out of shrinkwrap. I was told I could accept a lower TIV because of their "acceptable" condition. My faith in Amazon trade-ins have been shot. At least they accepted a textbook though.[/QUOTE]
I had a textbook rejected because "there was damage to the spine" got it back noticed zero damaged. Immediately locked it back in (TIV actually went up) this time they accepted it no problem. Took a few weeks but got the credit for it. The trade in system seems really strange lately.
 
My complete Markham City except for the box art being printed on normal paper is pending verifaction, I'm waiting for my denied email.
 
[quote name='Tsel']The game's hardly been on sale anywhere. At least nothing that will allow you to make a profit off of this.[/QUOTE]

Never hurts to lock in while the locking is good as you never know. You might win a copy from a contest, find one on the bus, get one cheap on a glitch, etc.

Worst case scenario, you lose 5 seconds.
 
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