Amazon Trade-In FAQ 5.0

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handsomepete

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Welcome to the Official CAG Amazon.com Trade-In Thread

THIS IS NOT A FLIPPING THREAD. USEFUL CREDIT TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES WELCOME, BUT KEEP THE PROFIT MARGIN TALK / SNEAKY OR LYING SHENANIGANS OUT

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. IF YOU CUT OUT A UPC OR DO ANYTHING TO TRICK THE FINE(?) FOLKS AT AFS EXPECT IT TO BE OPENED AND REJECTED. 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!

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. - Indigo_Streetlight
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 AFS 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

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
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.
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GENERAL FAQ (Updated 12/26/2012)
Can I post a question on this thread?
Only if you can't find the answer from below. And please let me know if it needs to be added to FAQ.

Can I edit this FAQ? (updated 6/7/11)
You bet!

Since when did Amazon start doing trades?
The program began in 2009 and is handled by a third party merchant, previously known as NorAm International. Now known as AFS (Amazon Fulfillment Services).

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. Just use the address on the amazon provided shipping label and make sure to get some sort of tracking.

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 and not in the written rules. 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? (Updated 9/9/13)
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.

Some step by step directions:
1. Go to your trade-in page on Amazon and find the Trade-In ID of the transaction:

Trade-In Placed:

August 24, 2013

  • Total Amount Submitted: $35.00
  • Amount Paid: $0.00
2. Copy the entire Trade-In ID (i.e. TRN-1234567-1234567) to your clipboard by highlighting it and hitting Ctrl+C or right click -> copy with your mouse

3. Paste the Trade-In ID to the end of this link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/tradein/multicondition-your-account/print-label/ref=trdrt_ya_yaprnt?ie=UTF8&orderID=

So it should look like this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/tradein/multicondition-your-account/print-label/ref=trdrt_ya_yaprnt?ie=UTF8&orderID=TRN-1234567-1234567

The Print Shipping Label screen for that trade should now come up.

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 10/11/12)
Usually a day or two with little delay at all. It may take multiple days or even weeks if it's an usual item/hardware.

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 AFS 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! Don't expect greater than 'acceptable' condition though.

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 AFS..

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/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 AFS 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)

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

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)

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 9/14/13)
Amazon Fulfillment Services (previously known as NorAm). Dunno if they changed names, were bought up by Amazon, or what. Not too interested anyhow.

Why does my package jump back and forth between states? (updated 9/14/13)
Look at a map of the involved cities and it'll make sense. Something to do with UPS hubs and proximity to the state border/cities.

Post away!

 
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How long does it usually take to get promo credit for trade ins lost? I done two chats in two weeks and they keeping saying I'll get it when a supervisor approves it.
That's very odd because they've always approved it immediately when I've had something lost. Was it some crazy amount or something?

 
That's very odd because they've always approved it immediately when I've had something lost. Was it some crazy amount or something?
4 games probably over $20 total. I hate getting the runaround. Waiting until the weekend before I pop off on some poor Indian worker. Going to feel bad but you got do what you got to do,
 
So...I found one complete copy of Supremacy and one loose one. I'm checking 2 more Gamestops for complete copies, but if I can't find one, is it still safe to send in just game only? I'm gonna ask the Gamestops if they have spare cases I can at least hold the game in.

 
So...I found one complete copy of Supremacy and one loose one. I'm checking 2 more Gamestops for complete copies, but if I can't find one, is it still safe to send in just game only? I'm gonna ask the Gamestops if they have spare cases I can at least hold the game in.
As long as you told them to downgrade it but I would try to get a blank case from them so you don't have a tiny, smaller than a stamp piece of plastic floating around to fall out and get lost when they open it.

 
As long as you told them to downgrade it but I would try to get a blank case from them so you don't have a tiny, smaller than a stamp piece of plastic floating around to fall out and get lost when they open it.
Damn I didn't do that lol I just told them to send it back uhuhguhghu

If I just went ahead and sent both in, would they accept one and reject the other one?

 
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Wow my tiv that I locked in Dec 30th for Tearaway $19 +$10 editor digital whatever promo just got accepted today. wow, that's the longest I ever let it ride. I waited til like 23rd. i thought 2-3 weeks was pushing it, woot. Also I had a note saying new game didn't have guide, but I forgot to do the same with Naruto 3. Naruto 3 has manual printed on back of cover so hopefully they see that and notice and accept it. 

 
Yes. If you got a replacement case could always scan the cover art and print it out and hope for the best.
Honestly I feel like that is my best chance. I'm thinkin about buying a used Vita game from GS, keeping the case and returning the game, then just printing my own cover art out. That or drive 40 miles round trip for one with a case -_-

 
Honestly I feel like that is my best chance. I'm thinkin about buying a used Vita game from GS, keeping the case and returning the game, then just printing my own cover art out. That or drive 40 miles round trip for one with a case -_-
It's a gamble either way but some people have gotten it to work in desperate situations, not that I'm endorsing doing it on a regular basis.

 
I traded in one of my LN Tomb Raider CE's when I got it and just put a shipping label on it and sent it on its way.  I just received an e-mail that the condition was unacceptable.

 
Didn't Amazon send PS4s like that for some people? They should not do something that they won't accept for themselves. Come on Amazon!
Nah, that was just a fearful rumor that went around right before launch. I didn't hear of anyone who actually received their console like that.

Off the box or item? I thought it didn't matter - this is good to know.
It shouldn't and doesn't always but like most things depends on the grader and people have reported having stuff rejected that was otherwise perfect. It's also a lot safer when they have a UPC they can scan then you shouldn't get rejected for it being the wrong item.

 
Well, I talked to AMZ and they issued me a $30 promo credit.  $30 promo credit and they are sending the item back to me is fine by me.

 
Wait until you actually get the item back before you approve of that solution. :roll:
If I check it and it is messed up I will be talking to them again. I'll tell them I sent it to them in pristine condition. If Lara is missing any limbs, or if anything is out of place, I foresee another credit in my future.

 
Could someone tell me please how to print out the shipping label after the deadline has passed. I thought I had till today to print it but it was apparently yesterday and I've read that there is a trick to make it appear again through some method.
 
Could someone tell me please how to print out the shipping label after the deadline has passed. I thought I had till today to print it but it was apparently yesterday and I've read that there is a trick to make it appear again through some method.
Click the link to print it on one that's still active then take the TRN number from the trade you need to print and replace that number in the URL of the working one.

 
If I check it and it is messed up I will be talking to them again. I'll tell them I sent it to them in pristine condition. If Lara is missing any limbs, or if anything is out of place, I foresee another credit in my future.
You never really answered: did you send them the collector's edition inside a box or did you just send the game like it is with the label attached to it?

Also.. you're saying that even though you've gotten credit for it, if they send it back to you and you don't like it you're going to try to get MORE from them?

 
Still waiting on my gamecube that was delivered on the 23rd. Funny thing is that it says it "Hasn't been received", while I have trade ins that were delivered afterward that say "Processing".
 
Does the Last of Us season pass include that new DLC coming out this year? The prequel one. And this credit expires on the 31st or the trade ins that apply end on the 31st? Or both?

 
Still waiting on my gamecube that was delivered on the 23rd. Funny thing is that it says it "Hasn't been received", while I have trade ins that were delivered afterward that say "Processing".
Happens from time to time, usually just end up popping over to received. One of my NBA are like that right now.
 
End of February!? I'll wait then! Have they added anything to that list so far or is that pretty much it?
Which promo are you talking about? We were talking about the $20 PSN credit one which works on any PSN content on Amazon except PSN credit. The $10 editor's choice one was broken and ended in December and was a small list.

 
Oh I thought it had to be the list on the trade in page. This promo is a lot better than I thought it was.
Yeah, it's really good actually. Could have gotten Blacklist free or PS4 Injustice for $20 last week. Diablo 3, GTAV, Ghosts, FIFA 14, NBA 2K14 and AC4 PS3 can be had for $20 this week. PS4 AC4, NBA 2K14, Ghosts for $30 or KZ Shadow Fall for $20 this week. Lego Marvel is $10 or $25 depending on platform. There's more stuff on sale too but that's the highlights right now.

 
Yeah, it's really good actually. Could have gotten Blacklist free or PS4 Injustice for $20 last week. Diablo 3, GTAV, Ghosts, FIFA 14, NBA 2K14 and AC4 PS3 can be had for $20 this week. PS4 AC4, NBA 2K14, Ghosts for $30 or KZ Shadow Fall for $20 this week. Lego Marvel is $10 or $25 depending on platform. There's more stuff on sale too but that's the highlights right now.
I'm going to keep my eye on Injustice for the Vita. Nice to know I have a month to decide.
 
I would have bought injustice for $20 on PS4 if I got my credit sooner

so let's say you buy a game but don't redeem the code, does that also expire at the end of February

might just buy killzone and wait til I get a PS4, $20 is my price point for that game.


my GameCube is still in delivery and I just sent my PS3 yesterday, let's goooooooo credit :D
 
so let's say you buy a game but don't redeem the code, does that also expire at the end of February
It should follow whatever Sony's rules for codes so you should have some time but I'm not sure when since Sony is kind of vague about it. You can always use the code to add the game to your PSN account through the webstore if nothing else.

 
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