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='RoylAsult']im confused now lol. i selected send it back to me if rejected. they are resending it back to me because the condition was not up to par of good, they said it was acceptable but didnt offer me the option to take that price. instead they are sending it back to me.[/QUOTE]

You made that choice when you submitted it. That's why they're sending it back. You can't change your mind during the transaction. When you submit it again, I would still choose good, just don't pick send it back if rejected. Never hurts to see if you get more :)
 
I actually was locking in a trade on a DVD set today for 54.xx and by the time I submitted it, it had dropped to $15. "EL VIGILANTE" strikes again!
 
Weird question that my OCD is forcing me to ask. I had a previous trade-in that I packed up and was going to trade in. However, at the last moment, I decided not to trade it in.

Now I have another trade-in that I want to send. Can I use the unused shipping label that's already on the padded envelope to trade-in this game? Or do I have to use the shipping label that's generated with the specific game I'm sending?

Just trying to be efficient and not waste paper.
 
^ best to use the unique new label you got because they track it on the way and can tell which trade in they received before, but of course, it might be ok to send it with the old label since its the same location.
 
kinectimals 17.30

Now to just remember where I saw it cheap at....I remember looking at how much cheaper it was versus the version with the bears.
 
I think it's interesting that the VG Trade in of the Day is the Move controller for $24 when only two days earlier they had it in their Lightning Deals for $25.
 
[quote name='Sway']:360: Batman Arkham City is back up to $22.95. There are two entries for AC but the UPC from my Best Buy copy matches both.[/QUOTE]

thanks dude. time to get rid of the old game.
 
Has anyone every shipped past the ship due date? I have two books I want to trade in and they're due to ship today however, I still need them until tuesday (textbooks). I have the label printed off already, does amazon pay attention to when they were shipped?
 
[quote name='leylines']Has anyone every shipped past the ship due date? I have two books I want to trade in and they're due to ship today however, I still need them until tuesday (textbooks). I have the label printed off already, does amazon pay attention to when they were shipped?[/QUOTE]

You'll be fine. Just have your box and label ready to go. I find that I get it out faster ifhave the stuff ready to go.
 
[quote name='leylines']Has anyone every shipped past the ship due date? I have two books I want to trade in and they're due to ship today however, I still need them until tuesday (textbooks). I have the label printed off already, does amazon pay attention to when they were shipped?[/QUOTE]

I think a day or two late is fine, YMMV though. I've heard stories of people shipping up to a week late and their trade-ins were still accepted.
 
Hmmmmm I've got the "not for resale" Mario 3D land case and I think I'll take the risk and trade it in.

I do have to wonder why there are two UPC codes on the back, anyone ever trade the same version and have success?
 
[quote name='theking20']Hmmmmm I've got the "not for resale" Mario 3D land case and I think I'll take the risk and trade it in.

I do have to wonder why there are two UPC codes on the back, anyone ever trade the same version and have success?[/QUOTE]

My not for resale trades always get downgraded to acceptable. They've never outright declined them though.
 
[quote name='theking20']Hmmmmm I've got the "not for resale" Mario 3D land case and I think I'll take the risk and trade it in.

I do have to wonder why there are two UPC codes on the back, anyone ever trade the same version and have success?[/QUOTE]
I bought a ratchet and clank ps3 game from AWD before (the one thats in the ps3 bundle marked not for resell) the guy who traded it in cut out the "not for resell" area and glued / sticker on a new upc on it to match their trade-in upc for that game hah. Don't know if he got downgraded but thought it was pretty funny.
 
[quote name='Sway']:360: Batman Arkham City is back up to $22.95. There are two entries for AC but the UPC from my Best Buy copy matches both.[/QUOTE]

[quote name='foreinter']thanks dude. time to get rid of the old game.[/QUOTE]

This is the TIV? I don't see it. All my searches only pull up TIV of 5.25 which is what it's been for weeks now.

Edit: And the other version is showing $10 TIV.

Did I miss it already?
 
[quote name='CaseX']This is the TIV? I don't see it. All my searches only pull up TIV of 5.25 which is what it's been for weeks now.

Edit: And the other version is showing $10 TIV.

Did I miss it already?[/QUOTE]

Yeah, it was showing $22.95 on that link earlier this morning, checked again this afternoon and it's already down to $10.
 
[quote name='Foladar']Yeah, it was showing $22.95 on that link earlier this morning, checked again this afternoon and it's already down to $10.[/QUOTE]

FUDGE. Oh well. I'll just keep waiting.
 
:360:Prototype (PH version) at $14.50. Just like AC, typing in the upc from my regular copy of the game brought up two results, the regular and PH version. I'm hoping my regular copy gets accepted for the PH TIV.


I guess it's another case of a TIV spiking just as its sequel is releasing ( like The Darkness and Mass Effect 1 before).
 
[quote name='scblueeyedguy']You'll be fine. Just have your box and label ready to go. I find that I get it out faster ifhave the stuff ready to go.[/QUOTE]

[quote name='eLefAdEr']I think a day or two late is fine, YMMV though. I've heard stories of people shipping up to a week late and their trade-ins were still accepted.[/QUOTE]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the info.
 
I picked up a OG xbox and it had that monster cable that was trading in at $65 a couple of months ago. :cry: That would have been a nice trade in.
 
[quote name='slowdive21']I picked up a OG xbox and it had that monster cable that was trading in at $65 a couple of months ago. :cry: That would have been a nice trade in.[/QUOTE]

I read this and visibly cringed. Sorry bud :cry:
 
[quote name='slowdive21']I picked up a OG xbox and it had that monster cable that was trading in at $65 a couple of months ago. :cry: That would have been a nice trade in.[/QUOTE]

Say what? Was this before Black Friday? If not, then :censored:

I have 3 of these from random :xbox: craiglist transactions.
 
[quote name='slowdive21']I picked up a OG xbox and it had that monster cable that was trading in at $65 a couple of months ago. :cry: That would have been a nice trade in.[/QUOTE]

If it makes you feel any better, I sent mine in and they weren't even accepted due to "incorrect UPC". :roll:
 
[quote name='karyadi']Can you still get them for $2?[/QUOTE]


No that was a BB coupon deal from earlier this year. It's no longer available...
 
Not a video game but:


Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 3D - TIV $19.30 - New
http://www.amazon.com/Potter-Deathl...RVCQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1336434314&sr=8-2


Best Buy has it for $14.99 (in-store only, out of stock online) and they're running the Trade Up and Save promotion (ends 05/12)where you bring in any DVD and get a $5 BluRay coupon. I picked up 3 of these (2 to flip to AMZ, one to keep) and Deathly Hallows Part 2 3D (also $14.99 in store, $9.99 after coupon) but the TIV on that one isn't as good. Never seen any of the Harry Potter movies but wanted to expand the 3D BluRay collection on the cheap and this seemed like a good way to do it.


Lock in the trade value here before the lurkers get to it. Good luck...
 
[quote name='esalw822']Not a video game but:


Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 3D - TIV $19.30 - New
http://www.amazon.com/Potter-Deathl...RVCQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1336434314&sr=8-2


Best Buy has it for $14.99 (in-store only, out of stock online) and they're running the Trade Up and Save promotion (ends 05/12)where you bring in any DVD and get a $5 BluRay coupon. I picked up 3 of these (2 to flip to AMZ, one to keep) and Deathly Hallows Part 2 3D (also $14.99 in store, $9.99 after coupon) but the TIV on that one isn't as good. Never seen any of the Harry Potter movies but wanted to expand the 3D BluRay collection on the cheap and this seemed like a good way to do it.


Lock in the trade value here before the lurkers get to it. Good luck...[/QUOTE]Thanks a lot for posting this; I locked in a 2-copy trade, I have two Upgrade & Save coupons, and a BBY near me says it has it in stock (which means that there's at least 3 copies available).

Turning $20 in BBY GCs into $38.60 AZ credit is pretty sweet. :cool:
 
WTF? Sorry guys but Best Buy seems to have raised the price to $19.99 during the Tuesday site update. Dunno why the sale would end (or be modified) midweek but the flip I posted is essentially dead since you'd only make about $3 a copy after coupon now...
 
[quote name='esalw822']WTF? Sorry guys but Best Buy seems to have raised the price to $19.99 during the Tuesday site update. Dunno why the sale would end (or be modified) midweek but the flip I posted is essentially dead since you'd only make about $3 a copy after coupon now...[/QUOTE]
I'll still check the price in-store (unless someone else does before I) since I think the in-store price might still be $14.99--that's happened before, right (in-store sale price still in effect even after BBY.com updated its price to the normal one)?
 
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[quote name='esalw822']WTF? Sorry guys but Best Buy seems to have raised the price to $19.99 during the Tuesday site update. Dunno why the sale would end (or be modified) midweek but the flip I posted is essentially dead since you'd only make about $3 a copy after coupon now...[/QUOTE]


Just got back from Best Buy and the prices on the Blu-rays did go up to $19.99 when they rang em up. Luckily the signs still said $14.99 on the sales floor so I was able to get it for that price. It took over 15 minutes to ring me up though, between walking back and forth to show the advertised price to the cashier and then to the manager, and then for some reason, it wouldn't accept my dvd trade-in coupon so I had to wait for the manager to manually type in the price of $9.99.
 
wow. amazon is just messing with me. sr3 has been 28.35/29.70 for past 3 months, only to dip to 12.xx tiv everyonce in awhile for few weeks. then when i am just about to put it in the mail(ups) they raise it back up so i lock it back in for another 2-3 weeks. oh amazon you tiv tease!
 
My attempt to trade in a :360:Prototype as a PH Prototype failed despite the UPC results returning the "vanilla" and PH versions.
 
:3ds: Mario 3D Land - $15.00
:DVD: Pinky & The Brain V1 - $10.xx
:DVD: Animaniacs V1 - $7.xx

Not bad considering Mario 3D was $6 at Goodwill and the DVD sets were free from the WBShop glitch a month or so ago.
 
[quote name='Sway']My attempt to trade in a :360:Prototype as a PH Prototype failed despite the UPC results returning the "vanilla" and PH versions.[/QUOTE]

Likewise. Guess I'll play it now.
 
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