Amazon Trade-In FAQ 5.0

Status
Not open for further replies.

handsomepete

CAGiversary!
Feedback
20 (100%)
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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

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!

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Last edited by a moderator:
Yeah, saw it from Best Buy as well. It's a pretty similar profit compared to LOTR, except LOTR is available closer to me.

Don't have any coupons for Best Buy :(

 
Great, just great. I sent in two copies of Trinity Universe last week for around $36.xx each (still haven't gotten the credit yet), and now the value goes up by $3. :wall:
 
Anyone get their Defiance CE's accepted yet? Bought 4 from gamestop (2 ps3, 2 xbox 360), and I really hope there are no issues.

I only see 1 of each listed by AWD. I'm pretty sure a lot of submitted them.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Alright guys I looking for some advice. First off I am looking on my own but just curious if anyone can think of a game right off the bat. My gamestop has LOTR and Rock Band 3 and I have them on hold. I have a buy 2g1 coupon and am just trying to pick out a third game worth the most trade in without spending anymore money. Those games retail for about $30 so what game should I go with to maximize the flip? I wish they had another copy of one of those games because that would be $60 profit.

 
Alright guys I looking for some advice. First off I am looking on my own but just curious if anyone can think of a game right off the bat. My gamestop has LOTR and Rock Band 3 and I have them on hold. I have a buy 2g1 coupon and am just trying to pick out a third game worth the most trade in without spending anymore money. Those games retail for about $30 so what game should I go with to maximize the flip? I wish they had another copy of one of those games because that would be $60 profit.
i couldn't find too much either. I was thinking of just doing two copies of LOTR, and then getting a copy of Pokemon Black version 2 for $30, and immediately trading it into gamestop for $24.

 
Does gamestop give you the b2g1 coupon there once you renew PUR pro or is it emailed to you?
wondering the same thing.

Different Gamestop's have LOTR, RB3, and others for me.

You think I could buy them, take them back to one Gamestop, return them, and buy them again with the b2g1 coupon?

 
Does gamestop give you the b2g1 coupon there once you renew PUR pro or is it emailed to you?
It takes a couple days to a couple weeks after you activate your account on the website for the coupon to show up.

You think I could buy them, take them back to one Gamestop, return them, and buy them again with the b2g1 coupon?
They're able to but it's probably going to be YMMV.

 
Yea I'm close to that same boat 2 LOTR and 1 trinity universe all at one store thats why I was wondering if I renew my PUR would I get the coupon there cause that would offset the cost of the sub right there

 
Anyone get their Defiance CE's accepted yet? Bought 4 from gamestop (2 ps3, 2 xbox 360), and I really hope there are no issues.

I only see 1 of each listed by AWD. I'm pretty sure a lot of submitted them.
I shipped my sole :360: CE yesterday, so I don't expect anything for a few more days. There really shouldn't be any problems, though, since the UPC was connected to the right product page.
 
Anyone get their Defiance CE's accepted yet? Bought 4 from gamestop (2 ps3, 2 xbox 360), and I really hope there are no issues.

I only see 1 of each listed by AWD. I'm pretty sure a lot of submitted them.
I had two go out yesterday, (The PS3 version from AMZ and the 360 from gamestop both showed up yesterday, sent them out again with the UPS guy who delivered one XD), so they will take a while before they get accepted and processed.

 
Well I figure if I try to remove them they'll look worse. Lol, you know half the tag wont come off.
I've always at least tried to scrape them off but haven't had any issue with the stickiness. If you're sending something that's supposed to be like new you might have an issue though.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Great. 2 days after I sent one in for $36.XX. May lock another in and go searching. Thanks.

Great, just great. I sent in two copies of Trinity Universe last week for around $36.xx each (still haven't gotten the credit yet), and now the value goes up by $3. :wall:
Yeah, seriously, I did not expect that to go up even more. I sent the one and only I could find around here in the other day for the $36.64. Usually I wait until the last possible day (or even later) to see if something like this happens but of course the one time I don't do that it bites me! ;)

I just put in a store pickup request for LOTR BFME II but that has never worked for me in the past (they always say the next day it can't be found - never once have I had it work). So I may just have to drive up there tomorrow. At least it is a relatively close store. It isn't available very many other places though. As usual with these things just 1 in like 10 stores even says they have a copy and more often than not when I actually go to get it, it isn't there.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
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.
I thought I was supposed to click no, so they would at least give me acceptable?

 
I thought I was supposed to click no, so they would at least give me acceptable?
Whenever I am sending something brand new, always select return to me. But whenever I am locking in a trade for an item I am getting from gamestop, or buying elsewhere, aka a flip or credit move, I tend to give them an option of a downgrade, after all, if the profit is big enough, a downgrade is better than being rejected and being stuck with a much much lower TiV.

 
wow my saints row double pack got rejected. It was in absolute perfect condition. I'm shocked. It didn't have the instrucions but it didn't come with any. It did have an insert stating to print the instructions from there web site. I choose return item cause I didn't see anyway it didn't pass. Man this sucks

 
wow my saints row double pack got rejected. It was in absolute perfect condition. I'm shocked. It didn't have the instrucions but it didn't come with any. It did have an insert stating to print the instructions from there web site. I choose return item cause I didn't see anyway it didn't pass. Man this sucks
Was it the right UPC? There were 2 UPC for that with totally different TIV and both had the same pics as identification.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
wow my saints row double pack got rejected. It was in absolute perfect condition. I'm shocked. It didn't have the instrucions but it didn't come with any. It did have an insert stating to print the instructions from there web site. I choose return item cause I didn't see anyway it didn't pass. Man this sucks
Damn, that has me nervous. Mine has been processing since yesterday. I went to the trouble of including a note saying that this game does not come with a manual.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Was it the right UPC? There were 2 UPC for that with totally different TIV and both had the same pics as identification.
it was the correct upc. It got graded acceptable. I suspect the instructions was the issue. How long do u have to return game to gamestop purchased used?

 
it was the correct upc. It got graded acceptable. I suspect the instructions was the issue. How long do u have to return game to gamestop purchased used?
I had put a note in the case saying that it comes with a digital manual that you must go to the website to look at even though I had the inserts that came with it.

To answer your other question returns are 7 days and 30 days on used if it's an exchange for the same item.
 
My Defiance CE was rejected, says incorrect upc.  What the fuck?

So, are there any options here or do I just eat the cost?

 
Last edited by a moderator:
My Defiance CE was rejected, says incorrect upc. What the fuck?

So, are there any options here or do I just eat the cost?
Where did you get yours from? (Gamestop - if so did it have their own UPC label printed over it?)

Did it match the one on Amazon?

 
Last edited by a moderator:
I bought it from Amazon.  I was stupid enough to try and get a free flip with it, locked in the trade in, got the credit immediately and ordered it with the credit.  Now I'm stuck with the game, Amazon already took the $71 out of my account for it.  Oh well, I knew it was a risk, but this is ridiculous. 

 
I bought it from Amazon. I was stupid enough to try and get a free flip with it, locked in the trade in, got the credit immediately and ordered it with the credit. Now I'm stuck with the game, Amazon already took the $71 out of my account for it. Oh well, I knew it was a risk, but this is ridiculous.
That is odd

 
I bought it from Amazon. I was stupid enough to try and get a free flip with it, locked in the trade in, got the credit immediately and ordered it with the credit. Now I'm stuck with the game, Amazon already took the $71 out of my account for it. Oh well, I knew it was a risk, but this is ridiculous.
I know exactly (I think) what happened, it's because the game inside of the CE (if they opened it) IS marked as "Not for Resale". So the actual game case that the discs are in has no UPC, only the outer case, try explaining that to CS and see if you would be able to send it in for the first quoted amount. As a matter of fact, you can tell CS how you bought the item FROM amazon itself, so how would the UPC be in-correct.

 
I bought it from Amazon. I was stupid enough to try and get a free flip with it, locked in the trade in, got the credit immediately and ordered it with the credit. Now I'm stuck with the game, Amazon already took the $71 out of my account for it. Oh well, I knew it was a risk, but this is ridiculous.

That is odd
That is weird. I even manually entered the UPC code from the amazon CE into their trade in store and it pulled up the correct thing. I wonder why they think the code is wrong...

 
Last edited by a moderator:
I know exactly (I think) what happened, it's because the game inside of the CE (if they opened it) IS marked as "Not for Resale". So the actual game case that the discs are in has no UPC, only the outer case, try explaining that to CS and see if you would be able to send it in for the first quoted amount. As a matter of fact, you can tell CS how you bought the item FROM amazon itself, so how would the UPC be in-correct.
It's this or they got flooded with them and didn't want to pay the high price. The ones I bought from gamestop had the proper upc on the outer box but I just sent them in 2 days ago so they haven't been received. I sold the DLC for about 25-30 after fees before sending them in though.

 
It's this or they got flooded with them and didn't want to pay the high price. The ones I bought from gamestop had the proper upc on the outer box but I just sent them in 2 days ago so they haven't been received. I sold the DLC for about 25-30 after fees before sending them in though.
$25-30?!?! How many codes did you have?

 
$25-30?!?! How many codes did you have?
He had 2, but regardless of the UPC on the OUTER box, like I said, they have it in the trade in T&C that they do NOT accept ANY game marked "Not for Resale". So if they opened up the CE, took out the game, and checked for the UPC on THAT, they would find it marked so.

Well apparently anyone who get's shafted by the amazon trade in can take the secondary market route. You can easily recover cost's and maybe make a little profit while you are at it.

 
He had 2, but regardless of the UPC on the OUTER box, like I said, they have it in the trade in T&C that they do NOT accept ANY game marked "Not for Resale". So if they opened up the CE, took out the game, and checked for the UPC on THAT, they would find it marked so.
You would think after running this trade in program for how ever many years, they would know how to properly evaluate a limited/collector's edition game.

Now I'm wondering if this is why the TIV was so high in the first place. Because they kept rejecting everyone's submissions, their supply becomes low, which makes them think they need to raise the TIV to entice people to trade them in. Lol.

I'm definitely contacting Amazon CS if they reject mine. They received it last night so I should have a response in the next day or so.

 
Status
Not open for further replies.
bread's done
Back
Top