Amazon Trade-In FAQ 5.0

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handsomepete

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
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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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EldritchOnRye said:
PlayStation Vita 3G Bundle - 4GB with PlayStation Plus and Unit 13 Voucher - TIV LN $202.03; G $190.80; A $145.91

GameCube Platinum with Super Smash Brothers Melee - TIV A $56.80

Not quite the purple Zelda one but still if you can get a silver one at the right price.
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Would try it buy my Black Gamecube's (Mario Kart Bundle) haven't been processed yet. I sent those in with nothing but the console. It will most likely be denied for acceptable but I'm hopeful.

 
With all of these "delayed" shipments, I'm wondering if I should pay for them to be sent USPS 2-Day Priority instead of using the generic UPS slow-as-molasses Ground shipping labels Amazon provides.

 
So I sent three different trade-ins within one shipment by accident and one of the extras just switched to processing. Hoping the other does the same because it's saying "Not Received / In Transit".

 
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AzureFlame said:
I sent in a game and it got there on the tenth. It still says Not Delivered/In Transit. What do I do? It will expire soon.
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I'm in the same boat as you(mine says delivered on the tracking info on the 13th) but they still haven't updated it for me either.. I talked to customer support and they said to wait 5 business days( I assume from when the tracking info says delivered) and if they haven't done it by then to contact them again and they'd give me instant credit
 
Okay.

Called Amazon, asked if they lost my stuff. They said "No" they are on their way to a third party merchant. When that merchant receives it I will get credited. So "supposedly"  it goes: Me-> Amazon-> then when they sell it to a third party->Gift card for me. I shall just point out that the phone rep and the chat rep did not seem as they were originally from America. Time to chat up someone else...

 
Jaashuaa said:
Okay.

Called Amazon, asked if they lost my stuff. They said "No" they are on their way to a third party merchant. When that merchant receives it I will get credited. So "supposedly" it goes: Me-> Amazon-> then when they sell it to a third party->Gift card for me. I shall just point out that the phone rep and the chat rep did not seem as they were originally from America. Time to chat up someone else...
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Hmmmm is that why when I check the tracking of my shipped games it usually shows delivered. Then two days later is says delivered again.

 
Wow Amazon. I sent in 2 more Rock Band 3 Keyboard Bundles. One of them was in perfect condition but didn't have the box. The other did. For the complete one I got LN credit but for the other one I got acceptable. I expected good after my shipment came without the box (I brought that one LN).

Not an issue since I'm using that credit on Christmas gifts but still. Amazon, disappointed. 

 
Yigytugd said:
Yigytugd, on 16 Dec 2013 - 3:53 PM, said:Yigytugd, on 16 Dec 2013 - 3:53 PM, said:
Wow Amazon. I sent in 2 more Rock Band 3 Keyboard Bundles. One of them was in perfect condition but didn't have the box. The other did. For the complete one I got LN credit but for the other one I got acceptable. I expected good after my shipment came without the box (I brought that one LN).

Not an issue since I'm using that credit on Christmas gifts but still. Amazon, disappointed.
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Anything without packaging usually gets bumped down to Acceptable.

Also, God Bless on trying to get any help from Amazon until January. Their foreign temp reps are straight up useless.

 
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SOB! Half Price Books had that damn thing for $50 a couple months ago. I told myself I'll wait until Monday because it would be 40%. I come Monday and it was gone.
 
davo1224 said:
Anything without packaging usually gets bumped down to Acceptable.

Also, God Bless on trying to get any help from Amazon until January. Their foreign temp reps are straight up useless.
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Damn that sucks. It was literally in perfect condition apart from not having the box. Oh well, hopefully I can get a small refund from the 3rd party seller I brought it from. I brought it Like New but it said nothing about not having the box.

If I don't it doesn't matter. Still got $168 credit for the trade in.

 
Yigytugd said:
Wow Amazon. I sent in 2 more Rock Band 3 Keyboard Bundles. One of them was in perfect condition but didn't have the box. The other did. For the complete one I got LN credit but for the other one I got acceptable. I expected good after my shipment came without the box (I brought that one LN).

Not an issue since I'm using that credit on Christmas gifts but still. Amazon, disappointed.
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How many is that now? You better be crossing your fingers Amazon doesn't catch on.

 
EldritchOnRye said:
How many is that now? You better be crossing your fingers Amazon doesn't catch on.
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4. 2 on my account, 2 on my sister's account. I only plan on doing these 4 so no more.

And I'll take that risk. First time doing it and doubt I'll do it anytime soon. Just wanted extra credit for Christmas gifts.

But again, don't normally do it and most likely won't anytime soon.

Now I'm just waiting for the 2 Black Wii's and 2 Halo Reach headsets to be processed on my account. Once those are accepted, I get to finally get my last Christmas gift. Amazon trades have certainly paid off for me.

 
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Sent one Xbox 360 wireless microphone via prepaid UPS label, the other via USPS priority 2-day. Hope the USPS one doesn't get lost since it doesn't have the UPS prepaid label. :\

 
Lol I hope not was really just thanking OP for pointing it out that was my last resort since no gamestops around me had any in stock
 
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One of my Wii's was delivered in Hebron on the 14th but still shows as "not received." I'm used to long "processing" times but this delay between receipt and acknowledgement is new to me. This the new normal? Or should I be concerned?
 
it took me 4 or 5 attempts but to all those with items 'still not received'in transit', just be persistent.  get on chat support every day until they go ahead and credit your account.  provide your trade # and your tracking number to prove its been delivered.  tell them the policy states they'll credit the account 2-3 days after receiving it.  they'll eventually just go ahead and issue the credit in the amount you selected when you locked it in.

 
Amazon trade in's were working so well for me the last month. Now everything has slowed down, and I'm getting crappy grades for stupid stuff.

Street Fighter Fight Stick got bumped down to acceptable for missing user manual. Everything was in there. Now they are trying to give me 30 dollars instead of the 60 or 80 I should've received.

It is also annoying because I bought them from amazon as good. I had extra credit and thought I might as well send them in for the extra 25 or so credit each.

Edit:

Have people had any luck getting things corrected?

I guess from now on I better put return instead of downgrade. I thought I'd get bumped to good, so that is why I allowed it.

 
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Day 5 of "processing"...will give it till the end of the day before contacting CS. I need to order a couple more Xmas gifts and today is the last day for guaranteed delivery with free shipping by Christmas Eve.
 
Well, it appears that e-mailing is the better way to go than chat reps.

I've chatted with a few reps recently and all they do is pretty much link me to policies.

Trying to see what is up with my wii that was delivered a week ago just got me links to the trade in information. After I kept telling them that it has been delivered for a week they just said it will be processed in 2 or 3 days and a gift card deposited. Bleh

With my downgraded SF4 sticks the chat rep said he completely understand where I was coming from and said I should try to e-mail or call since he is extremely limited in what he can do. He is allowed to only give out promotional credits up to $30. He was awesomely upfront about that, but it was strange for him to say that.

I e-mailed and within an hour I got the rest deposited to my account. So that was good. I will have to send another e-mail later on about my Wii.

 
I took your guys advice and emailed them. This is exactly why I always lock in the highest grade. If they credit me the "Like New" value, which they should since they have no way of knowing the grade without my item that's a bonus $50. My biggest flip evaa! $20-> $194.14.

/Brag

 
Jaashuaa said:
I took your guys advice and emailed them. This is exactly why I always lock in the highest grade. If they credit me the "Like New" value, which they should since they have no way of knowing the grade without my item that's a bonus $50. My biggest flip evaa! $20-> $194.14.

/Brag
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DAAAANG. What did you trade in? O_O

 
When the heck did Amazon's TIVs get so pathetic? Offering less than 50 cent for PS3 games from only a couple of years ago is insulting.
 
 
Havok83 said:
Havok83, on 17 Dec 2013 - 1:03 PM, said:



When the heck did Amazon's TIVs get so pathetic? Offering less than 50 cent for PS3 games from only a couple of years ago is insulting.
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About a year ago now I think. Based on the dwindling supply @ AWD I wouldn't be surprised if they're trying to scale back or duck out of the used game biz, but we'll see. Insulting is a bit dramatic, but hey, you do your thing. At least there's a few other options!
 
handsomepete said:
 About a year ago now I think. Based on the dwindling supply @ AWD I wouldn't be surprised if they're trying to scale back or duck out of the used game biz, but we'll see. Insulting is a bit dramatic, but hey, you do your thing. At least there's a few other options!
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lol...I think it is. They are offering 21 cents for Dark Souls. I ended up putting it on their marketplace and it sold for about $14. I'll get about $10.50 after Amazon takes it's cut. Infamous Collection only came out last year and all they are offering is 37 cents. There seems to be little reason to deal with them anymore unless there is a promo
 
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Well I got a very nice America Rep to talk to me. She did confirm that they actually get shipped out again to the merchants. She did however say she'll just give me the credit on Saturday if it still hasn't gone through. Apparently when we trade stuff in it's not to Amazon. I knew they had someone else grade it, but Amazon doesn't even sell the stuff directly on Amazon. They sell it to the merchants who then sell it on Amazon. So whenever we see something on Amazon and say "Hey, their selling all those copies of xxxxxx game, I sent them in". We are actually wrong. Even Warehouse deals aren't our trade ins. Maybe this is common knowledge, but I thought Amazon was selling our shit.

 
davo1224 said:
Anything without packaging usually gets bumped down to Acceptable.

Also, God Bless on trying to get any help from Amazon until January. Their foreign temp reps are straight up useless.
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So is there any hope in trading in Xbox games to upgrade to Xbox One games? There are 14 days to place the order to get that $25 bonus.

 
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