Gazelle Trade-in FAQ and Discussion Thread

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Gazelle.com

As the weeks have gone by, I have noticed discussion of Gazelle.com trade-in's within the Amazon Trade-in thread. I have decided to take it upon myself to create a thread solely for the purpose of discussing Gazelle.com and posting information pertaining to it.

This post will be updated to look.. spiffier with a full-fledged FAQ within a day or two, when I find the time.

For now, I'll list some basic information about Gazelle.com.

Credit Increases:

+5% Amazon Gift Card TIV: When trading in at Gazelle.com, if you choose Amazon Gift Card as your payment method, you will receive 5% more for your trade-in's.

Promotional Codes (entered during Checkout) ALL CODES ARE ONE-USE PER ACCOUNT, DO NOT STACK:
gazellebonuscode.jpg

*Credit to no_exit for above picture.

Flipping to Gazelle


Flipping refers to buying items at one place and trading in or selling them elsewhere at a profit (however, sometimes it is done to transfer credit from one place into credit at another or pure cash.)

FAQ

Q) What is Gazelle.com?

A) Gazelle.com is a site where one can trade in items ranging from Electronics to Video Games to Cell phones.

Q) Are there TIV's any good?

A) Some of their TIV's are -very- good, some are average and, like any other trade-in site or establishment, some trade-in values are poor.

However, from my experience and from the experience of other CAG members, I'd say the TIV's are above-average. Especially when one takes into account promotional codes or the +5% Amazon Gift Card TIV. To note, they seem to match Amazon.com's trade-in values on video games. However, they lag behind by around a day or two. So if a value plummets on Amazon, you can still lock it in at Gazelle.

Q) Is Gazelle.com a reliable place to trade-in games?

A) Many members of CAG have used Gazelle for trading in un-needed items and have had good experiences.


TIMING

Q) How long do I have to send in my items?
A) You have 30 days to get your item postmarked according to Gazelle. Don’t always wait because they won’t want to continue to offer 30 days if everyone takes that long & your post office may not want to send your stuff out.

Q) What happens if I send the item after 30 days?
A) You get the TIV as of that day.

Q) How long does it take to ship to Gazelle?
A) From West Coast up to 3-8+ days, usually about 6. From East Coast about the same, though frequently a day or two faster.

Q) How long does it take them to verify the item’s condition?
A) A few days, but can take longer.

Q) How long does it take to receive Paypal/AMZ credit email after item is approved?
A) Usually 1-4 days, but can take up to 10.

Q) I submitted a game but it did not show up on gazelle or email me...
A) It can take up to 24 hours for it to show up, but it's usually less than a minute.

SHIPPING

Q) Who pays to ship to Gazelle?
A) Gazelle pays.

Q) Do they give you a box?
A) If you want one but only for orders that have ~3-6 games (forget exact amount), they will mail you a priority mail box (but they give you parcel post label…). The box will arrive in ~3 days-1.5 weeks.

Q) Why did I get an email saying I’ll get a box when I did not request one?
A) When you delete games from a large order it will then default to giving you a box. Just un-request it.

Q) Can I cancel a shipment after I get a box?
A) Yes, but don’t abuse this or face possible sanction.

Q) Does Gazelle insure your shipment?
A) They claim they do, but no one has run into this problem yet.

Q) Shipping label does not fit on box, what do I do?
A) Set your printer to print 5x8 postcard and this will work fine & fit bubble mailers.

Q) Should I open my games before sending in if they’re new?
A) Does not matter.

Q) Why was it delivered to Cockeysville instead of Hunt Valley, MD?
A) They get them shipped to both of these addresses, which are streets away from each other.

WHAT TO INCLUDE/CONDITION

Q) Do I need to send the instruction manual?
A) No, but again don’t send everything without manuals if you want this policy to stay the same.

Q) Can I print out my own cover art or use generic?
A) Yes, possibly YMMV, again don’t abuse, and try to send cover art that has UPC label that matches the UPC for the game. To check this punch the UPC into Amazon searchbox.

Q) Will they take games without UPC Label on artwork and still give you full value?
A) Yes, YMMV though, as 2 people had this work but both sent in sealed games.

Q) Can I use a generic case?
A) YMMV, again don’t abuse.

Q) How picky are they over game condition?
A) Less picky than Amazon.

MISCELLANEOUS

Q) If I reject the new TIV they give me who pays to ship it back?
A) You do.

Q) How does Amazon credit get sent?
A) You will get a redeemable code much like an Xbox Live or PSN network DLC code. You just redeem that as a gift card on Amazon.

Q) Can I cancel games that I submitted on their site?
A) Yes, you can cancel games individually without the values of the others affected.
*credit to J7.


TC Notes: Please post about your experiences with Gazelle or anything else you think should be added to this post, I'm always up for more information. I apologize for not keeping it as up to date as I should.

~Thanks, RedGamer.
 
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I finally got around to sending in the six 360 Lego Indiana Jones 2 that I've had locked for almost a month last Tuesday. I got an email on Friday saying they arrived and another email on Saturday saying my payment was sent out. That, my friends, is some excellent service. Once they start adding newer games, Gazelle might replace Gamestop as my default trade-in place.
 
[quote name='elrobo8']I finally got around to sending in the six 360 Lego Indiana Jones 2 that I've had locked for almost a month last Tuesday. I got an email on Friday saying they arrived and another email on Saturday saying my payment was sent out. That, my friends, is some excellent service. Once they start adding newer games, Gazelle might replace Gamestop as my default trade-in place.[/QUOTE]

I think you can add games yourself. I'm pretty sure if they don't have something listed they allow you to create it for them and than they review it or whatever.
 
[quote name='rp71284']Same here... except I did mine by check (I loathe Paypal having any cash of mine).

Their check system is funny though... their HQ is in Boston, MA apparently, and the bank issuing the checks is in Pittsburgh (a bank I never heard of either), but the envelope came from Tacoma, WA.[/QUOTE]

Whats the bank they use? I live in pittsburgh and have always just used paypal but if it's one that I know where there is a branch I'll start using that method.
 
[quote name='twinton']
I guess I learned my lesson though and will be dropping off future packages directly with UPS, even though it is far less convenient. It looks like it was the postal service that took the packages for a 4-day trip to Federal Way, WA and back before delivering them to UPS.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I dropped off directly at UPS on the 21st and got a delivery estimate of the 28th. That sucks compared to the previous USPS priority shipping I was getting, but is clearly better than the USPS->UPS option.
 
+1 that always drops off at the nearest UPS store (I have them scan it and print me a confirmation of shipment...just in case...
 
Heyya, a few people asked me bout my recent gohastings b2g1$ flips. i went $190->$250. so i made $60, which isnt much, but free money minimal effort.

So, here's what i did/flipped. remember, this looks complicated, but it isn't...lol

4 different orders - total factors in shipping/tax(ouch)

#1) Mx vs ATV 360 (x2)
Lego Rock Band ps3
total = 32.60 -> 43

#2) NSMB (x2)
God of War 3
total = 69 -> 89

#3) NBA 2k10 360 (x2)
Lego Rock Band Wii
total = 41 -> 55

#4) NBA Live 10 360 (x2)
Tiger Woods pga 10 wii
total = 47 -> 62

so yeah, +$60 isnt too bad. especially for cash -> cash flips. all through gazelle.

Peace!
 
[quote name='Velo214']God of War 3[/QUOTE]


Just for fun I checked to see what God of War III's current trade in value was. Just the game will get you $25 and the Ultimate Edition isn't worth anything. How weird.
 
My package never showed up on UPS tracking except billing info received. I figured it was stolen or lost, but today it showed up as delivered. It's still giving no other tracking data along the way. Puzzled but relieved.
 
[quote name='J7.']My package never showed up on UPS tracking except billing info received. I figured it was stolen or lost, but today it showed up as delivered. It's still giving no other tracking data along the way. Puzzled but relieved.[/QUOTE]

well thats comforting. i dropped off my package in a ups drop box on thursday and haven't had any tracking updates, and i was starting to think the same thing. about how long did it take to show up delivered?
 
i think i'm screwed. I used the new double label thing with the usps/ups and shipped two packages.

I made the mistake of dropping it off at a usps office. A week later and the ups tracking number is still at "billing information received".

I checked the usps tracking number and all it says for both:

" Label/Receipt Number: 9158 9010 0303 8400 0049 04
Service(s): Parcel Return Service
Status: Available for Pickup"

I guessing they think it is a return??

So is my package stuck in limbo forever now? Should I go pick it up and drop it at ups directly? How do I even know which Post Office to go to? Help.... :(
 
Thanks for the thread, guys. I picked up Last Rebellion for $15.xx, got the platinum in 9 hours of playtime, and now I get to send it in to Gazelle for $21.
 
[quote name='y2jasper']well thats comforting. i dropped off my package in a ups drop box on thursday and haven't had any tracking updates, and i was starting to think the same thing. about how long did it take to show up delivered?[/QUOTE]

Dropped it off in a UPS Dropbox on Thur or Fri and it delivered today. I think you'll be okay. I'd give it a few days then contact UPS if it's still not showing up delivered or not verified. I guess at this point I would not put having it be verified but the UPS tracking never show up being out of the question either. Let us know what happens. Gluck

[quote name='backseatdog']i think i'm screwed. I used the new double label thing with the usps/ups and shipped two packages.

I made the mistake of dropping it off at a usps office. A week later and the ups tracking number is still at "billing information received".

I checked the usps tracking number and all it says for both:

" Label/Receipt Number: 9158 9010 0303 8400 0049 04
Service(s): Parcel Return Service
Status: Available for Pickup"

I guessing they think it is a return??

So is my package stuck in limbo forever now? Should I go pick it up and drop it at ups directly? How do I even know which Post Office to go to? Help.... :([/QUOTE]
When I checked the label a little while back the only numbers and wording I saw related to USPS were for Parcel Return, to me that meant USPS will only ship it if it needed to be returned to the shipper. USPS is supposed to give it to UPS if you drop it off at USPS. Those who have done this have had the tracking info basically show UPS deliver it the full way so USPS is only handing it off to them right at the beginning. Some have had this take a while, some had a week go by before USPS gave it to UPS/UPS picked it up from USPS.

You could also have what happened to me, i.e. UPS tracking never showed up for the item until it was actually delivered. However, what I think has happened is that USPS has not given it to UPS yet for you. I would go back to the USPS post office you dropped it off at with a copy of the shipping label and make an inquiry as to if they still have the package because of what the tracking shows. You could tell them you've decided to bring it to UPS yourself to avoid the delay. Gluck
 
[quote name='Capocci 007']I think you can add games yourself. I'm pretty sure if they don't have something listed they allow you to create it for them and than they review it or whatever.[/QUOTE]


Hard to know how great or poor the deal is going to be if you don't know how much you'll get before you ship.
 
FYI... one of the good flips that Gazelle had, COD MW2 Hardened, has tanked from $42 to $10. Was always good for a good bump from eBay value of $30-35.
 
dropped off ups 3 games last thursday, verified today on gazelle. first time gazelle user, love the status updates they send you ;)
i did toss a few packages in the usps drop box tho, i have heard horror stories of usps and gazelle. I know i made a bad choice and will drop it off to ups like i did my first packages, but usps still ships these items or will they show up at my house again or lost in limbo? iv heard it taking 10+ days and that is terrible considering ups gets it there in 3ish days. why is usps so slow now on? they changed from priority to parcel shipping or something? argh
 
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[quote name='Velo214']dropped off ups 3 games last thursday, verified today on gazelle. first time gazelle user, love the status updates they send you ;)
i did toss a few packages in the usps drop box tho, i have heard horror stories of usps and gazelle. I know i made a bad choice and will drop it off to ups like i did my first packages, but usps still ships these items or will they show up at my house again or lost in limbo? iv heard it taking 10+ days and that is terrible considering ups gets it there in 3ish days. why is usps so slow now on? they changed from priority to parcel shipping or something? argh[/QUOTE]

I've never had a problem sending in my games through USPS, even with them changing the shipping service. I've sent in at least 10 orders to USPS and it only seems to delay the shipping by a day or two. I wouldn't worry about it.
 
[quote name='J7.']Dropped it off in a UPS Dropbox on Thur or Fri and it delivered today. I think you'll be okay. I'd give it a few days then contact UPS if it's still not showing up delivered or not verified. I guess at this point I would not put having it be verified but the UPS tracking never show up being out of the question either. Let us know what happens. Gluck


When I checked the label a little while back the only numbers and wording I saw related to USPS were for Parcel Return, to me that meant USPS will only ship it if it needed to be returned to the shipper. USPS is supposed to give it to UPS if you drop it off at USPS. Those who have done this have had the tracking info basically show UPS deliver it the full way so USPS is only handing it off to them right at the beginning. Some have had this take a while, some had a week go by before USPS gave it to UPS/UPS picked it up from USPS.

You could also have what happened to me, i.e. UPS tracking never showed up for the item until it was actually delivered. However, what I think has happened is that USPS has not given it to UPS yet for you. I would go back to the USPS post office you dropped it off at with a copy of the shipping label and make an inquiry as to if they still have the package because of what the tracking shows. You could tell them you've decided to bring it to UPS yourself to avoid the delay. Gluck[/QUOTE]


actually about an hour after that post i checked the tracking again and it finally showed up. although it didn't get anywhere yet (still in new jersey) but it says its scheduled to be delivered tuesday so we will see. i'm just happy it showed up.
 
velo I wouldn't worry about USPS if you can get a receipt during drop off or if it's just much more convenient than using UPS. The worst seems to be that they just delay your package a bit due to the tradeoff to UPS, but we'll see what happened with backseatdog. I would make sure you have at least 1.5 weeks left on your trade date if using USPS though, maybe 2 weeks from the West Coast.

[quote name='y2jasper']actually about an hour after that post i checked the tracking again and it finally showed up. although it didn't get anywhere yet (still in new jersey) but it says its scheduled to be delivered tuesday so we will see. i'm just happy it showed up.[/QUOTE]

Weird. None of this makes any sense to me. When I sent that package out I had also sent another one out which did get scanned and showed everything from the day it was sent all the way through delivery.
 
Hey you guys made the Gazelle blog!

They listed the top 5 games to trade in, according to their stats (which, coincidentally, most have taken a nose dive in value BTW):

1) Lego Indiana Jones 2
2) Super Street Fighter 4
3) Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
 
[quote name='rp71284']Hey you guys made the Gazelle blog!

They listed the top 5 games to trade in, according to their stats (which, coincidentally, most have taken a nose dive in value BTW):

1) Lego Indiana Jones 2
2) Super Street Fighter 4
3) Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
 
[quote name='io']Uh, did it say what system for #3? Because if it was really Transformers RotF Autobots for the DS, see the current Gamestop sale ;).
.[/QUOTE]
How long has this been going on? I see gazelle lowered their tiv to $9 so I'm wondering if everyone has already known about this flip for a couple weeks.
 
[quote name='io']Uh, did it say what system for #3? Because if it was really Transformers RotF Autobots for the DS, see the current Gamestop sale ;).

I'm surprised at FF XIII though. I traded mine to GS a while back for only about $27 after promo because Amazon and Gazelle had crappy values for it like 2-3 months ago. When the hell did it ever hit $30 (beyond initial release of course)? It had clearly jumped back up again or I would have used Gazelle instead of taking less in GS credit.[/QUOTE]

It didn't say which system. They have a picture of the Wii version, but it was always $9 at least for the last 2 months. Their picture for GH5 was the 360 version, when we all know the Wii one was the flippable title.

AFAIK, FF 13 was in the $20s for a while. Somebody on here posted it was $32 at the beginning of their 30 day window, so who knows. Last time I looked in June though, it was $18/23 for the 360 & PS3 versions respectively.

Here's the blog post if anybody even was curious:

http://blog.gazelle.com/posts/gazellelab-toptech-5-friday-7-23-2010-tt5f/
 
[quote name='sotc1988']How long has this been going on? I see gazelle lowered their tiv to $9 so I'm wondering if everyone has already known about this flip for a couple weeks.[/QUOTE]

No, $9 is the high value - you pay $5 for it at GS. I dunno, it isn't the hugest flip in the world, but it might explain why it is on the list. Personally, I just did it to get some new DS cases (to house some used games I bought at BBV and other places) - and make a little bit in the process. Unless it is one of the other versions and it came from somewhere we've never heard of. I know the PS3 version (of Transformers RotF) was $4.97 at Sears but it seemed most people were taking those to GS when they had the 50% bonus and 3/$10 trade-in promos.

As for FF XIII, that's what I remember ($18-$23 range) and that's why I took it to GS for $27+ when I did. I don't think it was ever that great a trade-in at Gazelle. I'm not sure why it is on the list, unless a lot of people just happen to be getting rid of their release day copies around the same time and it was just a popular trade-in in general.
 
I thought I remembered contemplating sending FF 13 in for $32 a while back. It was either Gazelle or Noram, but if it was one of those it was probably both.
 
[quote name='rp71284']
Here's the blog post if anybody even was curious:

http://blog.gazelle.com/posts/gazellelab-toptech-5-friday-7-23-2010-tt5f/[/QUOTE]

Ah, I misunderstood your original post. I thought you were saying those were the top 5 most traded games to Gazelle (as in quantity of trade-ins). The blog is actually suggesting that people trade those games in for various reasons (eg, GH5 since Warriors of Rock is coming out soon). I'm pretty shocked they would suggest Lego Indy 2 and GH 5 in particular, though, since you'd figure they would be swimming in those by now :lol:. Though they are showing the 360 version of GH 5 which probably very few people traded. FWIW, you did say "according to their stats" so maybe I didn't misunderstand your post. I don't see that in the blog though. I just took it to be the guy's opinion on games you should get rid of.

It is good to see them actively discussing games though. With the stagnant database I think some of us were starting to wonder if they'd get out of that racket alltogether.
 
I haven't heard back from Gazelle regarding this so I'll share with you guys...

I had sent in an order of about 20 games (no, not 20 copies of the same game) and they accepted all but 2. The kicker is they said that those 2 were not received but I clearly remember sending them in the box.

Be on the lookout for this issue now, I'm wondering if they might get shiftier.
 
[quote name='confoosious']Never had a problem with gazelle not giving me credit for a game.

in fact, they've given me credit for games i didn't send in.[/QUOTE]

maybe you got converse's credit.
 
[quote name='io']No, $9 is the high value - you pay $5 for it at GS. I dunno, it isn't the hugest flip in the world, but it might explain why it is on the list. Personally, I just did it to get some new DS cases (to house some used games I bought at BBV and other places) - and make a little bit in the process. Unless it is one of the other versions and it came from somewhere we've never heard of. I know the PS3 version (of Transformers RotF) was $4.97 at Sears but it seemed most people were taking those to GS when they had the 50% bonus and 3/$10 trade-in promos.[/QUOTE]
Where do you see transformers rotf autobots for $5 on gamestop? I'm assuming that you are referring to the power sale but I only see it there for $10. And this is the DS version right?
 
[quote name='y2jasper']actually about an hour after that post i checked the tracking again and it finally showed up. although it didn't get anywhere yet (still in new jersey) but it says its scheduled to be delivered tuesday so we will see. i'm just happy it showed up.[/QUOTE]

looks like ups wasn't kidding about delivering it today, gazelle shows the items have already passed inspection.
 
[quote name='sotc1988']Where do you see transformers rotf autobots for $5 on gamestop? I'm assuming that you are referring to the power sale but I only see it there for $10. And this is the DS version right?[/QUOTE]

There is a promotion going on right now that takes $5 off each new copy of a DS game. Discount applies once it's in your cart. Too bad they only limit two per household lol.
 
I have used Gazelle just about as much as anyone has for the past 14 months now, at one time I was considered the Gazelle expert by many as I was using it before it had it's own thread and people even knew about it ;) On a side note, thanks to all of the people that had used me as a referral, I've gotten a nice check from Gazelle on more than one occasion as a result!

This is the first time I have had them lose a game, and I had never have them credit me for something that wasn't sent in.

I had talked to the guy on the chat today and he said he's going to ask Inspection about it. I suspect they'll take care of it, but it's still worth passing along when there are bumps in the road.
 
[quote name='y2jasper']any idea if it works on games? since most of their codes don't.[/QUOTE]
does not work on games just tried it
 
I can confirm that they accepted a trade that was over my 5 allotment but I had submitted the trade before they changed on July 22nd to the limited trade quantities
 
It looks like they go through your history and if you try to submit more than 5 they will cancel one copy out.

Just test it out: take any game you've submitted multiple copies for and try to submit 4 new copies. They'll automatically adjust.
 
Kind of weird i sent in 7 guitar hero 5s' and they arrived yesterday, and 6 say accepted and the seventh says received and that they are inspecting it, but it has said that since yesterday has this happened to anyone else
 
ok, so gohastings canceled one of my nsmb wii, and i made a gazelle order for 2 in one package. can i still just send my one with the same label/packaging slip and get my 32 locked in for it. i would just make another order for one but the tiv has dropped to 20. i think i will be fine i mean, i wont make a habit of it, but hopefully once won't be a big deal.
also it's weird with my usps packages i sent, they appear to be sitting at the post office waiting for shipping agent(ups?) to pick them up. they have been there since yesterday morning and both the ups and usps guys i talked to had no idea. they both said first times they have seen labels like that. thnx! edit- just reread posts 1040-1050 thnx guys, i guess just a few days difference. peace!
 
[quote name='Velo214']ok, so gohastings canceled one of my nsmb wii, and i made a gazelle order for 2 in one package. can i still just send my one with the same label/packaging slip and get my 32 locked in for it. i would just make another order for one but the tiv has dropped to 20. i think i will be fine i mean, i wont make a habit of it, but hopefully once won't be a big deal.
also it's weird with my usps packages i sent, they appear to be sitting at the post office waiting for shipping agent(ups?) to pick them up. they have been there since yesterday morning and both the ups and usps guys i talked to had no idea. they both said first times they have seen labels like that. thnx! edit- just reread posts 1040-1050 thnx guys, i guess just a few days difference. peace![/QUOTE]

you will get paid for the one you sent in and
gazelle will send you this about the one you didnt

Hello David,

Here is an update about whats happened with the box you sent us.

Your Attention Needed

--------------------------------------------------

When our inspectors checked your Wii LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues (SR39032418524), they found some conditions that affected the value of the Video Game. Here's what they found:

ITEM NOT PRESENT

We're very sorry, but we can't offer you any value for your Wii LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues. Even though we cannot offer any value for it, we will gladly recycle this item responsibly free of charge.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

You have 5 days to respond and ask that we return your Wii LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues by following our instructions here. If we do not hear from you, we will automatically recycle the Wii LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues.


except yours wont say david, and it will say new super mario bros instead of lego indiana jones 2
 
This has probably been discussed previously, but is there any way to look up trades for newer titles? Such as Modnation Racers or Red Dead Redemption?
 
[quote name='jscme']This has probably been discussed previously, but is there any way to look up trades for newer titles? Such as Modnation Racers or Red Dead Redemption?[/QUOTE]

If you really want you can submit a special request.

Seeing that they're finally fixing some of the dumb prices they had, I would not be surprised if there was a massive update on Sunday or Monday.
 
You can just remove one of the items if you don't have everything to send in on the order already submitted . You can even do this if items still sending on the order have gone down in value or even gone as low as recycle.

People should read the FAQ because 85% of questions asked in the last month are in the OP. No offense Velo, most people don't realize the FAQ was updated and you've only asked 1 related question. I'm seeing questions asked every week by many people that are already answered. I created the additional FAQ so we wouldn't have this happen! ;)
 
okay here's an update.

I dropped off two packages at a usps store with the usps/ups label last monday on 7/19.

Today, both tracking numbers showed that ups finally picked up the packages at the post office.

So it took about a week and a half for ups to just pick up the package and probably take a couple more days for them to deliver the packages.

So if anyone is lazy like I was, do yourself a big favor and ship with ups directly.
 
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