Official Amazon Trade-In/FAQ 3.1 - READ 1st POST

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handsomepete

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condition stuff seemingly pulled back by amazon, spoilered until I can reorg
Notice 4/14/11: New shenanigans abound! There is now a condition field for all trades - all trades are set to "Good" and may be determined to be worse than that ("Acceptable") or better ("Like New"). During the trade-in confirmation process you may choose whether to have an item in worse condition returned to you or just processed at the lower value. It does appear that this might mean that NORAM will start taking games/consoles without original packaging / manuals / etc which might be beneficial to some.

We'll see how this works out! To be added to the core FAQ after its newness wears off.

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Amazon.com Trade-in Home Page

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

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 new video game trade-in program. The trade-in deal will be updated whenever one is available, and a list of flippable games will be in the second post. PLEASE READ THE TRADE-IN DEAL DETAILS AND FAQ BEFORE ASKING ANY QUESTIONS.

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Trade-In(s) of the Day
-= Can be found HERE =-
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Amazon.com Trading Info

Amazon.com Video Game Trade-In Store

Trade-In Procedure

1. Select Games: Games must be in good condition and your trade-in shipment valued at $10 or more
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:
NorAm International
22 Hampshire Drive
Hudson, NH 03051
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 12/10/09)

Can I post question on this thread?
Only if you can't find the answer from below. :lol: And please let me know if it needs to be added to FAQ.

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.

Since when did Amazon start doing trades?
The program began in 2009 and is handled by a third party merchant, NorAm International.

What kind of shipping does Amazon provide us?
Free UPS ground ---- USPS is no longer available for free. There is now also an option to provide your own shipping.

Do I have to provide my own box or envelope?
Yes.

Do all my games in the same trade-in submission have to be shipped in the same box? (updated 3/9/11)
Not necessarily - people have sent in multiple boxes for the same trade-in submission successfully. It's even possible to send half at one time and the other half at the end of the valid shipping period. However, it's probably best to always ship everything at once.

Can I 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?
For UPS Ground
It already provides you with tracking information.

I don't trust UPS ground. Can I pay for postage myself? What's the address?
Yes. You're more than welcome to do so. The address is:
NorAm International
22 Hampshire Dr
Hudson, NH 03051

(This is also an option when submitting your trades)

When do I have to send my games once I have submitted my trade order?
You have 1 week (7 days) to send your games. There have been reports of submitting trades up to 15 - 20 days late, but that is definitely ymmv. Send on time for the best chance at success!

Crap, I have one day to go before my shipment deadline, but the website states that my deadline has already passed. How do I print out a shipping label and packing slip?
Load up any existing order (if you don't have any, check your browser's history), and substitute the transaction ID for the trade-in order you need at the end of the URL.

How long does the whole trade-in process usually take?
From the time you send in your games, it may take up to 14 business days for the package to arrive. Most people usually receive their credit (Amazon GiftCard) in 3 to 5 business days, however.

How long does the "processing" status usually take?
Usually with no delay, but the longest reported days so far is 4.

My games were received on Friday (based on Delivery Confirmation), will I have to wait until Monday to receive credit?
People have received credit on a Saturday.

I do not have the manual, cover art, or original case for a game I want to trade in. Will they accept it?
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's always better if you trade your non-complete game as an additional credit, not part of the minimum requirement to qualify for the promo.

I do not have the manual, accessories, original box, original included game, etc for a console or accessory I want to trade in. Will they accept it? (updated 3/9/11)
The current wisdom is "probably not" - it's pretty YMMV but NorAm seems stricter than they should be on this. Your chances seem to be better for them accepting a console or accessory without the box / manual / etc if it's older generation or rare. You're more than welcome to give it a shot though if you're feeling lucky - just pack it well and include as much as you can!

My game is really beat up, what are the chances they’ll accept it?
This is YMMV. Some people have reported in the past that they sent in games in bad shape that were still accepted. Your best bet is still to trade in games in mint condition. Minor scratches are expected as these are used games.

My game is the Greatest Hits version, but the one pictured on the site isn’t. Can I still trade it in?
Unless the game in question has two separate versions that trade at different values, sending in a greatest hits version is okay.

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 YMMV.

The UPC barcode is not intact on my game's cover art, will that be accepted? (updated 3/9/11)
This is YMMV, but probably not. The UPC is all powerful within the walls of NorAm.

I sent in my games, all of which were in pristine condition with the original packaging, but they said that one game is damaged and is now being returned.
Always pack your games well. Put a lot of newspaper around your games in the box to secure them and to prevent any damages from haphazard box cutting. People in the past have requested their entire trade-in order if it’s obvious the damage wasn’t their fault, and Amazon ended up accepting the rejected game. This is YMMV as well.

Can I trade in multiple copies of the same game?
Yes. Once you click “Trade in” for a particular game, you may change the quantities. Once you submit, you can no longer change quantities on that trade-in batch.

How many multiple copies of the same game can I trade-in (updated 1/11/11)?
Maximum of 2 copies within 3 months 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.

Wow, these TIVs suck (updated 3/9/11)!
Really? Hrm. While that may be true, they're often better than other comparable places. Your options of what to do with your used games are greater now than they've ever been, so feel free to shop your trades around or just sell them off on glyde/gamestaq/ebay/whatever.

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 (not the trade-in deal coupon) 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). You can either search on the title of a strategy guide you have to see if they'll accept it, or search for guides. The two best search strings to start with are 'prima guides' and 'bradygames'. Might try 'doublejump' if you want to trade in some of those. (Thanks eugaet)

I locked in some hilariously overvalued trade for some weird rare game/accessory/etc that I can pick up for cheap cheap cheap. They didn't accept it. What should I do? (updated 3/9/11)
The truth is that NORAM can reject things for any reason they see fit. While some people have managed to get silly things like a $200 credit for some cheerleading game, 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!

trade-in promo related faq spoilered for history. promos no longer offered by amazon
---- TRADE-IN PROMO RELATED FAQ ---

When do I receive my coupon code for the current trade-in deal, if any?
The Terms of Service states 10 days after Amazon has accepted your games and added credit to your account, but it usually takes 2 to 3 days.

Can I do two different trade-in submissions that add up to the requirements of the current trade-in deal, if any?
No. In order to qualify for any of the trade-in promos, they have to all be in one trade-in submission. You can't add another game later on to make the minimum. However, you can adjust the quantity of the submitted game to make the minimum.

I submitted my trade-in order online, how do I know if I qualified for the current trade-in deal, if any? Is there a confirmation page or e-mail?
No. They will automatically send you a coupon code once they have accepted your shipment of games and credited your account.

Is the trade-in deal coupon in addition to the credit I will receive for my games?
Yes.

Can I trade in DVDs to take advantage of the current trade-in deal?
You may trade in DVDs to add credit to your Amazon account, but they will not be added to the amount you need to qualify for the deal.

Can I take advantage of the current trade-in (if available) promo more than once?
These deals are “One per household” unless stated otherwise. However, you may use a different Amazon account. The credit for your games will be tied to the specific account used for the trade, but the coupon codes for the deals are not.
*However, some people has confirmed that they get multiple coupon by using 1 Amazon account after doing multiple submission.
NOTE: IF YOU SEND MORE THAN 1 SUBMISSION, THE MULTIPLE COUPONS MIGHT COME IN 1 EMAIL, THE CODE IS SEPARATED BY A COMMA.

If the coupon codes aren’t tied to my account, can I use more than one coupon on my next purchase?
No. Unless stated otherwise in the promo details, these coupons cannot be combined with other offers or promotions.

So if they reject one of my games, am I disqualified from the current trade-in deal, if any?
Unfortunately yes. The best suggestion for trading in games is to trade in $10-$20 more than the minimum for the deal. By doing so, you will still qualify for the promo even if one or two games get rejected.

Can I use the trade-in deal coupon on preorders?
Yes.

What happen to the Coupon code if I cancel the preorder?
The coupon code will stay with your account. It will be applied automatically at check-out as long as the coupon is not expired.

Can I use the trade-in deal coupon when shopping from other merchants on Amazon?
No. ONLY ITEMS SOLD BY AMAZON.COM QUALIFY FOR PURCHASE WITH THE TRADE-IN COUPON. Even Amazon's other sites (Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.jp, etc.) do not participate in these trade-in deals.

Trade-in coupon Usage:
Previous promo coupons and their expiration dates (NO ACTIVE PROMOS CURRENTLY):

1st Promo - $ 50 / $75 Coupon (coupon exp: 8/31) - Game Console Only
2nd Promo - 50 % Coupon (coupon exp: 8/31) - Game and Accessories
3rd Promo - $ 30 Coupon (coupon exp: 12/31) - Game Console, Game and Accessories
4th Promo - $ 30 Coupon (coupon exp: 12/31) - Game Console Only
 
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[quote name='Miro']I'm curious if anyone's had their trade-ins accepted within the past 24 hours. Might delay sending in my packages for a day or two if the snow is still stalling them.[/QUOTE]

I just checked and I got credit sometime within the last couple of hours for a shipment that arrived on Tuesday.
 
Several more (x5 to be exact) of my shipments have been credited. One shipment was guides sent in a cardboard box. The other shipments consisted of 1 or 2 games sent in bubble wrap packages without cardboard. All TIVs had dropped anywhere from $1.5 to $6 since locking them in. No rejections, no damaged games, no conspiracy here.

I should note that all of the items I have sent in have been in return for legitimate TIVs, ie not artificially inflated ones.
 
[quote name='Armstrong x360a']Several more (x5 to be exact) of my shipments have been credited. One shipment was guides sent in a cardboard box. The other shipments consisted of 1 or 2 games sent in bubble wrap packages without cardboard. All TIVs had dropped anywhere from $1.5 to $6 since locking them in. No rejections, no damaged games, no conspiracy here.

I should note that all of the items I have sent in have been in return for legitimate TIVs, ie not artificially inflated ones.[/QUOTE]

My 2 rejections were for legitimate, non-inflated trade-ins that had dropped around $6. So just because you got lucky doesn't mean something isn't going on ;).

Actually, what's odd is that I've been getting reports that they are, in fact, accepting the hugely inflated trade-ins now at full value - that really sucks (ie, that they would reject cheap stuff and take the expensive stuff). (And it also sucks because I passed on some of those after what happened with Let's Draw and now, of course, they take them :roll:).

I still don't know what to make of all of it. I don't subscribe to the conspracy stuff only in that the patterns make no sense. So I lean more towards the "rough handling" at NorAm's end theory...
 
I sent in about 7 games and they all got accepted except for 1. Missing disc! What? I open up my :360: and there it was in the tray. LOL. D'oh! I exported the songs from Lego RB and forgot. And now the TiV dropped from like $9 to $4.50. I'm just going to keep it or probably give it away.

So note to self: check EVERYTHING before sending off games. :)
 
[quote name='io']My 2 rejections were for legitimate, non-inflated trade-ins that had dropped around $6. So just because you got lucky doesn't mean something isn't going on ;).

Actually, what's odd is that I've been getting reports that they are, in fact, accepting the hugely inflated trade-ins now at full value - that really sucks (ie, that they would reject cheap stuff and take the expensive stuff). (And it also sucks because I passed on some of those after what happened with Let's Draw and now, of course, they take them :roll:).

I still don't know what to make of all of it. I don't subscribe to the conspracy stuff only in that the patterns make no sense. So I lean more towards the "rough handling" at NorAm's end theory...[/QUOTE]
Maybe it's because I sent in a FTC complaint and emailed both the CEO(Michael Dugally) of NorAm and emailed Amazon that they should disassociate themselves from such a shady company.:D
 
[quote name='io']My 2 rejections were for legitimate, non-inflated trade-ins that had dropped around $6. So just because you got lucky doesn't mean something isn't going on ;).

...

I still don't know what to make of all of it. I don't subscribe to the conspracy stuff only in that the patterns make no sense. So I lean more towards the "rough handling" at NorAm's end theory...[/QUOTE]

The main reason for my post was to temper all of the reports here about conspiracies and such. Besides the few people going on about their 1 or 2 rejections and a bunch of posts from worried customers that haven't actually experienced any problems I don't think there's enough 'evidence' to support anything more than a conspiracy theory. Based on numbers alone, it seems far more likely that you had a couple unlucky experiences than that luck had anything to do with my experiences.

[quote name='egonpax']I sent in about 7 games and they all got accepted except for 1. Missing disc! What? I open up my :360: and there it was in the tray. LOL. D'oh! I exported the songs from Lego RB and forgot. And now the TiV dropped from like $9 to $4.50. I'm just going to keep it or probably give it away.

So note to self: check EVERYTHING before sending off games. :)[/QUOTE]

Almost did the same with a copy of Bioshock 2 but checked the tray just before sealing it. Boy was I glad I checked!
 
Yeah, but my point isn't that it is a game here or there - just about everyone who has sent in any substantial volume of trades (you excepted) has had at least one problem. And the strange part is that the damage has been nearly identical in each case.

Prior to this batch, I had done trades for over a year, including dozens of games, without a problem.

Clearly, something has changed. Though, like I said above, I don't buy the conspiracy talk because the patterns don't have any logic to them.

Oh well... I am sending one more thing in tomorrow and then I'm done for a while. It's too bad there haven't been any trade-in promos like in the early days. I do keep getting emails from Amazon, though, telling me I should trade in all the games I've bought from them ;).
 
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Is anyone seeing delays in processing? My package was signed for at 5:07 AM on Wednesday morning and my status is still saying not receieved? Shouldn't it be in a processing status once they recieve it?
 
[quote name='Blarkins111']Is anyone seeing delays in processing? My package was signed for at 5:07 AM on Wednesday morning and my status is still saying not receieved? Shouldn't it be in a processing status once they recieve it?[/QUOTE]


Mine has never said processing...it says not received and then either rejected or gift card deposited
 
[quote name='Blarkins111']Wonder what the hold up is then. It's never taken this long after they've recieved it before.[/QUOTE]

My shipment arrived early Tuesday morning and was credited yesterday afternoon. If yours takes the same amount of time you should get credit today.
 
[quote name='Blarkins111']Wonder what the hold up is then. It's never taken this long after they've recieved it before.[/QUOTE]

usually they credit me after a day but last time it took a few days so I say give it time and they should credit you I"m guessing later on today
 
My package arrived Tuesday (Jan 11th) and I still haven't gotten anything. They did add the "ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS / THE MOVEMENT OF THE PACKAGE WILL RESUME AS SOON AS THE WEATHER CONDITIONS ALLOW" but that was after it got delivered.
 
I had one package denied early this morning and another accepted about an hour ago (shipped together), so they're probably just backed up from the weather. The denied package was the ps3 intercooler. I figured I had about a 10% chance of it being accepted, so I'm not upset at all. Back in the box it goes.
 
[quote name='dino88']I had one package denied early this morning and another accepted about an hour ago (shipped together), so they're probably just backed up from the weather. The denied package was the ps3 intercooler. I figured I had about a 10% chance of it being accepted, so I'm not upset at all. Back in the box it goes.[/QUOTE]

Denied for what reason?
 
The My Fitness Coach (Wii) i sent in got accepted today..... for $90.75.... and i sent it in a day late...... and the disk was scratched to hell..... never thought that would happen...
 
[quote name='io']Denied for what reason?[/QUOTE]

denied becuase they didnt want to give him 250 bucks . Thats a good reason right :roll:
 
[quote name='io']Denied for what reason?[/QUOTE]

It was just the standard "damaged item" response.

[quote name='bredbu']denied becuase they didnt want to give him 250 bucks . Thats a good reason right :roll:[/QUOTE]

I locked it in for $25. I thought I'd have a better chance at getting something for it that way.
 
[quote name='whatup5']The My Fitness Coach (Wii) i sent in got accepted today..... for $90.75.... and i sent it in a day late...... and the disk was scratched to hell..... never thought that would happen...[/QUOTE]


haha awesome man. hmmm i wonder if they would have accepted the trade in value of $360 for that wii cheer game if i sent it in, i should have gambled , oh well.

My assassins creed brotherhood just got there today, hopefully i get my credit by tomorrow so i can pre order dead space 2 :D
 
My time traveling package got credited today. They are shipping back the empty DVD case. Probably costs more than $1.50 to ship it back, might as well just have given me the credit anyways =]
 
I'd like to trade in a number of games but a few of them such as Dead Space and Army of Two are not the platinum versions shown on Amazon's website. Does this matter? Will they still accept the game for trade if it's not the platinum edition?
 
That should be fine. If it is a Platinum that doesn't have additional content, it usually has the same UPC, which is one of the primary things they look at.
 
[quote name='scrubsr1']I'd like to trade in a number of games but a few of them such as Dead Space and Army of Two are not the platinum versions shown on Amazon's website. Does this matter? Will they still accept the game for trade if it's not the platinum edition?[/QUOTE]

Type in the UPC of what you have and see what pops up in Amazon's search. That's usually a safe bet.
 
I got Lord of Shadows from Best Buy ... when I type in the upc, I get no match ... I'm guessing I'll get that returned? Didn't someone say there was a place to print out upc's?
 
[quote name='Pookymeister']Type in the UPC of what you have and see what pops up in Amazon's search. That's usually a safe bet.[/QUOTE]

This is the key. They do everything by UPC, none of the other packaging/labelling matters. I sent in a copy of NFS:HP that was labelled "Limited Edition" on the case and disc but had the same UPC as the regular version and it was accepted as the regular version.
 
[quote name='aem']http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Head..._2?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1295205302&sr=1-2 [/QUOTE]

I wouldn't even begin to know where the hell to buy those to send to NorAm.:cry:

LMFAO Only place I found them in stock has them for $8 something with $25 shipping. Total for an order of two of them is $53. fuck that.

I'll check all the B&M stores I know of around here, but I know NorAm will deny these anyway, so I don't wanna spend a fortune.
 
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[quote name='YoshiFan1']Compu America has it for $8.xx but shipping is almost $24. If I could find it for under $10, I'd take the chance[/QUOTE]


link it up i might try it
 
[quote name='YoshiFan1']Compu America has it for $8.xx but shipping is almost $24. If I could find it for under $10, I'd take the chance[/QUOTE]

Hell yeah, I'll take the chance. I would try Play N Trades. They have a lot of Datel items.
 
[quote name='WeaponX2099']Check the shipping cost. [/QUOTE]
lol shipping stays the same if you buy one or three. Three total for $65 to turn it into $750? Decisions, decisions...
 
[quote name='WeaponX2099']Check the shipping cost. [/QUOTE]

Who cares? I paid 53 dollars for 2 of these with 3 day shipping. If I turn 53->500 credit, I'm not gonna be crying about the shipping ;)
 
[quote name='BmBoWnZ']Who cares? I paid 53 dollars for 2 of these with 3 day shipping. If I turn 53->500 credit, I'm not gonna be crying about the shipping ;)[/QUOTE]

Okay, just saying.
 
Sure it would be worth it if we knew they would take them AND that they'd be delivered before the shipping deadline. But I figure the chance of rejection is high. I only locked in one myself because I highly doubt that I find any and would not spend more than $10 either including shipping. At least with games or stuff like the PS3 intercooler if you get rejected you can just sell it. Generic adapters sell on eBay for like $5 and there probably isn't really any market for this.

Good luck though to anyone having it shipped to them. Hope they get accepted.
 
[quote name='BmBoWnZ']Who cares? I paid 53 dollars for 2 of these with 3 day shipping. If I turn 53->500 credit, I'm not gonna be crying about the shipping ;)[/QUOTE]
Keyword there is IF. Chances are even if you bitch to Amazon and get a promo credit it's going to be for half of a fraction of the total value of the two adapters and you spent real cash to get credit without knowing how much in credit you might get.

As someone said in another thread someplace some of you may be willing to take a big gamble on stuff like this but I like a sure thing.;):booty:
 
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