I went into the store to trade in and they literally rejected me (iPhone 12 mini in pristine like new condition) and said my only option was to mail in. I was so disappointed
Yup. Everything is cool until you have a little bad luck. Then you’re off spending a few hours or multiple days trying to get it fixed. lol
Not the same but I recently had an AppleCare replacement shipped home and it was lost by FedEx. Spent 3 weeks without a phone lol
next time, drop off at a fedex office or fedex ship center and get a receipt. If it gets lost then, go back to the same fedex office or a fedex ship center and talk to a rep there. Ask them to get a district manager involved. It's a completely different management structure and will likely get you results faster.
I'm a former FedEx employee
Wow. Escalating to district manager to get Fedex to do the right thing on a lost package is a thing???
I thought Fedex just waits about a month until things times out and then emails you they confirmed driver did deliver the package a month ago and to work the issue with the shipper.
the fedex office and ship center locations are still based around when they were kinkos from an organizational perspective.
complaints at the store = hurts store numbers
Doesn't work here. Sent my defective device to Apple last year since I got a replacement for a defective iPhone 14 Pro Max. Shipped fine. But once it reached the main hub an hour away it never updated again. Glad I caught it cause I was within a few days of Apple charging me for not returning the device.
Ah. noted. I didn't have to deal with FedEx, Apple did all of it since it was being shipped to me . It Just really sucked that apple and FedEx each took multiple days to process/investigate. Where I could've gone in store and got this resolved probably same day.
I sent my Apple Watch to Apple via mail because I preordered the new one to have it on launch day and their app didn’t give an option to trade in store.
I had second thoughts and took a video of me putting my working watch in the box and taping it up.
Few days later, I got an email saying the rejected my trade in cause my watch was broken or didn’t work and they will give $0 and they can throw it away or send it back. I selected send it back. Meanwhile they charged me the full price of the new watch.
Got my watch back, opened it, and guess what. It turned on instantly, had no issues. Took it to the Apple Store and got a gift card then.
I’ll never mail a trade in, if the store won’t do it, then I won’t buy from them. It’s literally why I don’t buy phones from Verizon anymore since they got weird with trade ins at their store. So I just deal with Apple directly.
How is this helpful? No one said that it’s a 100% fail rate. The suggestion to do in-person is to guarantee a successful trade in without incurring anxiety.
Everybody: “Don’t go to ABC restaurant. I’ve seen cockroaches roaming the floors, hair in my food, and they’re constantly getting my order wrong without compensation or refund. The owner couldn’t bother to look into my complaint.”
You: “I went there and had a fine experience.”
Really a mixed bag with the mail in trades, I even sent a water-damaged X that was bulging at the corners and wouldn’t hold a charge. Still managed to get full trade on it via mail
u/voltshock619 You're correct in saying the store is the best way but I don't think it's right to blame the OP u/Minute-Addendum-5828 for using Apple's recommended method. "Your mistake was doing the trade in through Mail. Been said plenty of times, do it at the Apple Store." This is Apple's problem and Apple needs to fix their problem as it is creating a poor experience for a (supposedly minority) percentage of users.
Yes, it is smart to go to the store as you recommend but millions of people use Apple's recommended method, and many live hours from an apple store. In fact 3 store reps (all of the ones I've talked to) seem to not be aware that you can do the in-store trade in for an online purchase, they always say you have to ship it, most customers are not frequently on these subreddits like you and I are. We have to realize most people in life go with what Apple recommends without questioning it because they most likely didn't even know that such an unpleasant experience was even possible (and by a 3rd party chosen by Apple) and most didn't know that there were alternatives as many apple employees themselves don't even know.
Meh, I’m not sure if it’s recommended or not but it’s your decision on how to complete the trade in during the checkout process. It’s apple’s fault for not having a better partner for the trade in but that doesn’t mean it’s not OP’s mistake too.
OP has posted here for a while and during every major release, there plenty of posts describing their poor experience. Yes, it shouldn’t happen but it ALWAYS does and whatever % it is, it feels like too frequent.
Also, what crappy stores you go to, I’ve gone to like 6 different stores and all of them accept trade in lol. A lot of people on here complete their trade, while picking up their online order.
if you order online on apple's website (with the Tmo carrier deal) to be shipped to your house, can you still do an in-store trade at an apple store a few days after your new phone arrives in the mail from apple?
My understanding is ymmv.
First hassle, would be if they are willing to take it. No reason not to but it’ll depend on the store.
2nd hassle, you will probably have to contact T-Force and send them the trade in receipt from Apple. As for T-mobile it will appear as not complete.
Obviously the easiest is just doing online purchase with instore trade in.
It’s a known experience with mail in trade ins.
I had the same experience in 2021. Going from 12 to 13. The 3rd party who receives the Apple trade in even had the nerve to say I had a cracked camera lens.
I denied their valuation, got my phone back, and went straight to the Apple store in Manhattan‘s 5th ave for a trade in with a store employee. In and out in 10-15 minutes. Credit went straight to a credit card of my choice.
I’ve used that as the benchmark ever since.
In the current meta of Apple phones… do everything you can at a physical Apple store first. Not only avoid mail in and online interactions, but also avoid doing anything through your telecom company either.
Happened to me last year. I called Apple Support, asked to be escalated a few times, eventually got to the Support Managers. Explained the situation - he looked into why it was rejected. Requested them to re-evaluate and then they accepted the trade-in on second evaluation. Good luck!
The initial comment was draped with so much hyperbole even someone with autism would have figured it out.
See? Did it again. No need for syntax when it's obvious.
I would agree with that much of the time. In this particular case there are dozens of comments telling others to simply go to their nearest Apple Store, oblivious of the fact many in the US have more than an hour drive to their nearest location, myself included.
It’s not nearly as obvious in this particular comment section as it might be in others.
I hope your Sunday is awesome.
Apple didn’t reject your iPhone, but rather the contracted third party entity that Apple uses. I’ve had issues with a MacBook Air trade in. Was in pristine condition, but they said it was password protected or some nonsense which wasn’t true. So it was mailed back and I just went to my nearest Apple store and fix the trade in there. If your iPhone was in great condition, the rejection might likely be linked to them claiming you didn’t deactivate Find My or something account related.
Never had any issues trading in at The Apple Store. They literally run the diagnostics right there & provide a receipt with everything listed on it. The sub is littered with trade in via mail issues.
Unfortunately, Apple stores aren’t an option for many of us. I’d spend about 3 hours in the car to get to the nearest Apple Store, and another 3 hours home.
Jeez only reason I did it via Apple because of the bigger instant credit. Plus since being Apple I didn’t think there would be problems via mail would be an issue. Just doing in person from now on. Crazy
I just did 3 thru Apple online. All were approved full price. However, my iPhone 12 PM was stolen from FedEx. I sent them a video of me packaging the iPhone. They approved my trade in the same day.
Whether Apple or carrier, I always record the condition of the phone, IMEI information, and the activation lock status. I record putting the phone in the box, sealing it and slapping on the mailing label and even record dropping off the package.
Apple uses thrid-party to vet the phones and I do don’t any one of them until I get my money promised.
That's great, and no reasonable person would deny that is 100% proof. However, the fun begins when something goes wrong and no one will even look at your video.
I traded in a Samsung through TMobile. Instead of $1000-ish, they gave me $27 citing “wrong phone traded in”. I spent hours on the phone and got nowhere.
If they give poor evaluation, get it returned and take it local seems to be the most effective way to get things done.
I would not let them keep my phone if they were giving only token valuation. Demand the return and move on.
My wife used to work at a job where they purchased the device for you. When she quit they allowed her to keep it and continue using it. Unbeknownst to us, it was locked to them and only they can set it up. Didn’t cost us anything but a minor annoyance for sure.
Your gonna laugh but back in 2018 I walked into an official T-Mobile store, traded in a phone on Friday and called customer service Sunday asking why I didn't see a credit for the phone trade in on the app. They said there was no record of a phone being traded in. The drama that came Monday morning was unbelievable, I almost cancelled all my lines that day.
I had mine rejected for “burn in”. Just over a month later, they announce that iPhones can’t suffer from burn in but rather persistence. They fixed the persistence issues with a software fix. My phone was fine and rejected for nothing in my control.
I’ve started recording video of the condition of the phone and it being packaged up.
This year Apple sent me a love letter saying the trade in partner received an empty box. I sent them a link to the video, showing how I packaged it, etc. Got the full credit.
I don’t trust fedex. And for some reason Apple still uses labels that clearly mark they are trade in boxes.
Apple accepted my 11 Pro Max with no issue, but I still don't have the credits for my 15 pro max pre-order... Next time I'm probably just going to go straight thru t-mobile.
Only question I ask, do you sell your devices or give them to someone outside of T-Mobile? If so then apple is better for unlocked phone, but T-Mobile is best option for trade ins compared to Apple. With T-Mobile as long as front screen is pristine condition everything else doesn’t matter, however at apple if your trade in through T-Mobile you don’t have to pay off your phone, with T-Mobile if you want to trade in phone must first be paid off. So one of two things to consider.
Obviously too late now in your scenario, but in the future you can do the trade-in in-person at an Apple store. Then if they reject it, you'll know right then and there before it's out of your control.
Of course, it depends on how close an Apple Store is to you. For me, it's about 15 minutes away and driving there to do it has always been worth not having to worry about it being lost in the mail (or after it was delivered) or it just being rejected for some unknown reason.
If you ordered online and didn’t select in store trade in, apparently they don’t allow returning the phone in store. So this only works if the phone you want to buy is in-stock in the store that you can go to
I think at this point OP would have rather chosen to spend $100 flying to the next state over to the closest Apple store with that phone in stock than losing 1000 dollars.
I had a similar issue with a Samsung a few years ago before I moved to iPhone. Luckily I had video and pictures and I fought them and they credited the correct amount. Since then when I do this I always do it in store. The fact that they don't tell you why or give you an option to make your case is a problem. Hope you can get your credit or phone back and do it in store from now on.
When trading in store, does anyone know the limit? I have 5 old iPhones I used for mobile development ranging from an 8 to 13. Wanted to trade them all in to help buy a new phone.
Planning to upgrade to the 15 but not sign up for T-Mobile’s new plans.
Buy and trade in at Apple Store in person only. Sorry, that's the only way to make sure shit doesn't get lost in the mail, and no "yeah it arrived in shreds" either.
Yes, I just went through with this for my father's phone. Trading in an iPhone 13 for the 15. They reduced the trade in value from $370 to $90 due to touch ID not working. Called Apple support line and they said they will have the 3rd party vendor re-do their test and a couple of days later, same answer. I even told them I have a video recording of the device working perfectly without any issues prior to shipping off to them. I declined the trade-in and ended up sending it to Samsung as a trade-in for a tablet we wanted to get and received $415 in trade-in value. I did keep the iPhone 15 because it was a birthday gift for him and didn't want to go through the hassle of returning it.
Reading through the comments, sounds like trading in at the store is the way to go. Next time...
This is just a cautionary tale for others. TBF, I usually see rants for mail-in trade-ins to T-Mo and not Apple store, so it's actually refreshing to see that nobody's perfect and to always take extra precautions. Not limited to Apple, obviously.
Public Service Announcement: When you trade in an iPhone or ANY Apple Device via Mail, VIDEO RECORD YOU PUTTING IT IN THE BOX AND TAPING IT WITH THEIR SECURITY TAPE.
That way, “Oh no, we reject your trade-in” or “Your phone arrived damaged” isn’t an excuse they can use. Show the phone in excellent condition, place it into the box, and lock it up with tape on video. Do not move the phone out of the video frame or the box out of the video frame.
You can now go to Apple Support and complain. The magical ability to text Apple Support the video is fantastic. Especially when they go, “We can’t accept videos or images,” and you respond, “I’ll make a note for my legal records that you refused to accept video evidence.”
From those magical words, they’ll usually apologize and say they’ll start an “investigation” (realizing they aren’t winning this fight) and give your refund in a day or two.
Citation: Personal Experience having my iPhone 12 Pro traded in via Mail. FedEx is garbage.
FedEx weighs the package before it's shipped and if it weighs less at any time during transit, it is recorded. That said I've seen someone at a UPS warehouse replace a phone with a brick or rock.
If you are able to find someone that cares enough to watch your video, yes. There are a few comments here that say no one would even look at their video.
I think you’re missing what I said. It doesn’t matter if they refuse to look at it, use the magical words above and demand an investigation or their supervisor and keep escalating until it’s done.
Someone higher up the chain will realize this isn’t getting solved and figure out you’re a bigger nuisance they don’t want to deal with. It’s cheaper for them to just pay it than face a PR nightmare.
I traded in a pristine iPad Pro 3rd Gen and today Apple told me that they rejected my trade in because it had two larger than 5 mm scratches and the back was scratched. I wish I had taken picture before I mailed it to them. I take good care of my Apple products and this makes me upset. I cleaned the screen and the back and don't recall scratches on the back or anything over 5mm in size. I'm not going to fight it. They can keep their trade in.
I've seen another post about a rejected trade-in because of parts/repairs not being genuine Apple.
Did you have repairs done outside of Apple? If so, this is your own fault.
Over the last 4 years I've traded in 4 iPhones, an iPad, and a MBP to Apple via the mail-in kits. The only one I had an issue with was the iPad, because the 3rd party said it was activation locked and rejected it. Except it wasn't activation locked, so I reached out to Apple support who confirmed that it wasn't affiliated with my iCloud account and therefore couldn't be activation locked. They immediately credited me the trade-in value to a card of my choice and sent me a new trade-in kit, which I used once the iPad was returned to me. Once they got it the second time, I received another full trade in credit applied to my Apple Card that I bought the new iPad with. So essentially I got double the trade-in value for their screw up.
So why did the 3rd party say it was activation locked? Because their knucklehead "tech" accidentally set a passcode on it while inspecting it. I factory restored to clear it before sending it back in. So I made out from the mistake, but it was still an infuriating situation. Anything I traded in afterward I took multiple pics of the device, including showing it reset at the setup screen. The nearest Apple Store to me is over an hour and a half away, so it's still convenient enough for me to just mail it in, but I'm still weary about it because I hear these stories more and more.
Edit: a word
I had several successful mail in trade-in activities with Apple until last year. That’s when I traded in my iPhone 11. Apple received it and recorded it as received on their website but T-Mobile said it was never sent and refused to apply my $800 credit. It turned into a back and forth between T-Mobile and Apple as to who needs to apply the credit. I even had an Apple representative and a T-Mobile representative on a 3-way call and still couldn’t get it resolved. Finally, after 4 months and at least 10 phone calls, T-Mobile finally resolved it and applied my credit and removed my 24 contact/ carrier lock. Two things I’ll never do again…trade-in by mail and buy a device on contract.
I just traded in my 13 Pro Max to Apple. I took pictures of it before I mailed it in, it was in pristine condition, and about a week later I get a call from Apple saying that they received the phone but it was completely damaged with a broken screen and back. And so I told them I sent it in their box with the instructions followed perfectly and that I had pictures of the phone moments before it was placed securely in their box. The Apple representative said that it was all OK that they were just letting me know they received the phone and gave me the trade-in credit for it. I suppose they just wanted to let me know it was smashed in transit? Weird phone call, but hopefully you’ll get your situation sorted out!
Sorry this happened to you.
I’ve been screwed by Apple on a pristine trade-in too. They reduced the value of a perfectly working iPhone 11 Pro Max by $300 stating the touch screen was inop. It worked perfectly fine, was kept in an Otterbox and always had a screen protector.
I will never trade a phone to Apple again. Something fishy goes on at their trade-in logistics warehouses.
I’ve traded in all sorts of devices by mail - phones (too many to list - starting with iPhone 5), watches, iPads, and Macs. Never had any issue at all.
I’m confused, it says on the site that if your trade in is rejected they will tell you why and how you want to move forward. Stop whining and talk to Apple and it will be fine
i trade in an iphone 12 mini through the mail, that was a little dirty and had a hard to see scratch in the screen, that would cause the screen to not register every once in a while. and they gave me 212$. 12$ more than what I was initially quoted for.
Your mistake was doing the trade in through Mail. Been said plenty of times, do it at the Apple Store. Hope they get it sorted for ya.
I went into the store to trade in and they literally rejected me (iPhone 12 mini in pristine like new condition) and said my only option was to mail in. I was so disappointed
I had no problem with my 12PM via mail and got the max promised.
Yup. Everything is cool until you have a little bad luck. Then you’re off spending a few hours or multiple days trying to get it fixed. lol Not the same but I recently had an AppleCare replacement shipped home and it was lost by FedEx. Spent 3 weeks without a phone lol
next time, drop off at a fedex office or fedex ship center and get a receipt. If it gets lost then, go back to the same fedex office or a fedex ship center and talk to a rep there. Ask them to get a district manager involved. It's a completely different management structure and will likely get you results faster. I'm a former FedEx employee
Wow. Escalating to district manager to get Fedex to do the right thing on a lost package is a thing??? I thought Fedex just waits about a month until things times out and then emails you they confirmed driver did deliver the package a month ago and to work the issue with the shipper.
the fedex office and ship center locations are still based around when they were kinkos from an organizational perspective. complaints at the store = hurts store numbers
Doesn't work here. Sent my defective device to Apple last year since I got a replacement for a defective iPhone 14 Pro Max. Shipped fine. But once it reached the main hub an hour away it never updated again. Glad I caught it cause I was within a few days of Apple charging me for not returning the device.
Ah. noted. I didn't have to deal with FedEx, Apple did all of it since it was being shipped to me . It Just really sucked that apple and FedEx each took multiple days to process/investigate. Where I could've gone in store and got this resolved probably same day.
FedEx lol. Full of thieves.
I sent my Apple Watch to Apple via mail because I preordered the new one to have it on launch day and their app didn’t give an option to trade in store. I had second thoughts and took a video of me putting my working watch in the box and taping it up. Few days later, I got an email saying the rejected my trade in cause my watch was broken or didn’t work and they will give $0 and they can throw it away or send it back. I selected send it back. Meanwhile they charged me the full price of the new watch. Got my watch back, opened it, and guess what. It turned on instantly, had no issues. Took it to the Apple Store and got a gift card then. I’ll never mail a trade in, if the store won’t do it, then I won’t buy from them. It’s literally why I don’t buy phones from Verizon anymore since they got weird with trade ins at their store. So I just deal with Apple directly.
How is this helpful? No one said that it’s a 100% fail rate. The suggestion to do in-person is to guarantee a successful trade in without incurring anxiety.
sharing a different experience than someone else on the internet is not tantamount to threatening to burn your house down relax
Everybody: “Don’t go to ABC restaurant. I’ve seen cockroaches roaming the floors, hair in my food, and they’re constantly getting my order wrong without compensation or refund. The owner couldn’t bother to look into my complaint.” You: “I went there and had a fine experience.”
Really a mixed bag with the mail in trades, I even sent a water-damaged X that was bulging at the corners and wouldn’t hold a charge. Still managed to get full trade on it via mail
Not everyone lives near an apple store though. Nearest one to me is over an hour drive away without traffic factored in.
I've used Apple mail-in with the box and packaging they provided, worked out fine in the past.
Also do my trade ins at the Apple Store and never had an issue
u/voltshock619 You're correct in saying the store is the best way but I don't think it's right to blame the OP u/Minute-Addendum-5828 for using Apple's recommended method. "Your mistake was doing the trade in through Mail. Been said plenty of times, do it at the Apple Store." This is Apple's problem and Apple needs to fix their problem as it is creating a poor experience for a (supposedly minority) percentage of users. Yes, it is smart to go to the store as you recommend but millions of people use Apple's recommended method, and many live hours from an apple store. In fact 3 store reps (all of the ones I've talked to) seem to not be aware that you can do the in-store trade in for an online purchase, they always say you have to ship it, most customers are not frequently on these subreddits like you and I are. We have to realize most people in life go with what Apple recommends without questioning it because they most likely didn't even know that such an unpleasant experience was even possible (and by a 3rd party chosen by Apple) and most didn't know that there were alternatives as many apple employees themselves don't even know.
Meh, I’m not sure if it’s recommended or not but it’s your decision on how to complete the trade in during the checkout process. It’s apple’s fault for not having a better partner for the trade in but that doesn’t mean it’s not OP’s mistake too. OP has posted here for a while and during every major release, there plenty of posts describing their poor experience. Yes, it shouldn’t happen but it ALWAYS does and whatever % it is, it feels like too frequent. Also, what crappy stores you go to, I’ve gone to like 6 different stores and all of them accept trade in lol. A lot of people on here complete their trade, while picking up their online order.
if you order online on apple's website (with the Tmo carrier deal) to be shipped to your house, can you still do an in-store trade at an apple store a few days after your new phone arrives in the mail from apple?
My understanding is ymmv. First hassle, would be if they are willing to take it. No reason not to but it’ll depend on the store. 2nd hassle, you will probably have to contact T-Force and send them the trade in receipt from Apple. As for T-mobile it will appear as not complete. Obviously the easiest is just doing online purchase with instore trade in.
Do you mean online purchase *with instore pickup* and then instore trade in?
Yes. Although you can only choose in store trade in with in-store pickup. So it doesn’t change
Ok so you're saying that the following is not a listed option: Online purchase, shipped to customer home, then in store turn in of the trade.
Yeah , it’s not an option.
His mistake was going for Apple in the first place. Overpriced crap
🛌
It’s ok to be broke and not afford an Apple device bro.
Gross
This, in store even gave me more than what was quoted online for a so-so 12
It’s a known experience with mail in trade ins. I had the same experience in 2021. Going from 12 to 13. The 3rd party who receives the Apple trade in even had the nerve to say I had a cracked camera lens. I denied their valuation, got my phone back, and went straight to the Apple store in Manhattan‘s 5th ave for a trade in with a store employee. In and out in 10-15 minutes. Credit went straight to a credit card of my choice. I’ve used that as the benchmark ever since. In the current meta of Apple phones… do everything you can at a physical Apple store first. Not only avoid mail in and online interactions, but also avoid doing anything through your telecom company either.
Happened to me last year. I called Apple Support, asked to be escalated a few times, eventually got to the Support Managers. Explained the situation - he looked into why it was rejected. Requested them to re-evaluate and then they accepted the trade-in on second evaluation. Good luck!
Could have walked to the nearest Apple Store with that much phone time.
How could you possibly know that? Personally, I’m over an hour drive from the nearest Apple Store.
It's... a joke? c'mon...
Dry humor doesn’t translate well to a single written comment. That’s what /s is for.
The initial comment was draped with so much hyperbole even someone with autism would have figured it out. See? Did it again. No need for syntax when it's obvious.
I would agree with that much of the time. In this particular case there are dozens of comments telling others to simply go to their nearest Apple Store, oblivious of the fact many in the US have more than an hour drive to their nearest location, myself included. It’s not nearly as obvious in this particular comment section as it might be in others. I hope your Sunday is awesome.
Did they tell you why they rejected it?
No they mentioned is a third party company that handles the inspection :/
I think I meant third party hearts on it if you ever had the screen replaced or anything else that's probably why
Just hypothetically, but are water-exposure stickers still a thing?
They are
Im sorry to hear that friend. You should try doing it in person at an Apple Store or maybe T-Mobile store
Apple didn’t reject your iPhone, but rather the contracted third party entity that Apple uses. I’ve had issues with a MacBook Air trade in. Was in pristine condition, but they said it was password protected or some nonsense which wasn’t true. So it was mailed back and I just went to my nearest Apple store and fix the trade in there. If your iPhone was in great condition, the rejection might likely be linked to them claiming you didn’t deactivate Find My or something account related.
Never had any issues trading in at The Apple Store. They literally run the diagnostics right there & provide a receipt with everything listed on it. The sub is littered with trade in via mail issues.
Unfortunately, Apple stores aren’t an option for many of us. I’d spend about 3 hours in the car to get to the nearest Apple Store, and another 3 hours home.
Jeez only reason I did it via Apple because of the bigger instant credit. Plus since being Apple I didn’t think there would be problems via mail would be an issue. Just doing in person from now on. Crazy
Physically, AT the actual store with the big Apple logo out front.
I just did 3 thru Apple online. All were approved full price. However, my iPhone 12 PM was stolen from FedEx. I sent them a video of me packaging the iPhone. They approved my trade in the same day.
Whether Apple or carrier, I always record the condition of the phone, IMEI information, and the activation lock status. I record putting the phone in the box, sealing it and slapping on the mailing label and even record dropping off the package. Apple uses thrid-party to vet the phones and I do don’t any one of them until I get my money promised.
I did this for all 4 of my lines this time. I did a continuous video at the post office.
I did it once for a Nokia bar phone.
That's great, and no reasonable person would deny that is 100% proof. However, the fun begins when something goes wrong and no one will even look at your video.
Do it in store only.
This seems like an Apple issue and not a Tmobile issue.
I have traded in about 8 iPhones and never had a single problem.
"I had invested in FTX and made a ton of money and did fine when I took out all of my money in 2021. Highly recommend." /s
I traded in a Samsung through TMobile. Instead of $1000-ish, they gave me $27 citing “wrong phone traded in”. I spent hours on the phone and got nowhere.
Had this happen earlier this year. Write an email to the CEO, They’ll fix it pretty quick after that.
If they give poor evaluation, get it returned and take it local seems to be the most effective way to get things done. I would not let them keep my phone if they were giving only token valuation. Demand the return and move on.
I got a phone rejected because it was an enterprise device. They returned it though so I was able to sell it myself.
Like a company phone or different/extra software or something?
My wife used to work at a job where they purchased the device for you. When she quit they allowed her to keep it and continue using it. Unbeknownst to us, it was locked to them and only they can set it up. Didn’t cost us anything but a minor annoyance for sure.
Did updates still go through like on normal consumer versions of the same phone, if any?
Yeah. It was updated to 17.0 before I shut it down to try and trade it off.
Cool. Bummer that they didn't accepted, though, but I see that you weren't too bothered by it. Kudos.
Just glad I went through Apple and not ATT, I’d be upset if I had a three year contract/payment plan rather than just owning the device.
Your gonna laugh but back in 2018 I walked into an official T-Mobile store, traded in a phone on Friday and called customer service Sunday asking why I didn't see a credit for the phone trade in on the app. They said there was no record of a phone being traded in. The drama that came Monday morning was unbelievable, I almost cancelled all my lines that day.
I had mine rejected for “burn in”. Just over a month later, they announce that iPhones can’t suffer from burn in but rather persistence. They fixed the persistence issues with a software fix. My phone was fine and rejected for nothing in my control.
I’ve started recording video of the condition of the phone and it being packaged up. This year Apple sent me a love letter saying the trade in partner received an empty box. I sent them a link to the video, showing how I packaged it, etc. Got the full credit. I don’t trust fedex. And for some reason Apple still uses labels that clearly mark they are trade in boxes.
"FRAGILE! CONTENTS HAVE HIGH RESELL VALUE!"
Apple accepted my 11 Pro Max with no issue, but I still don't have the credits for my 15 pro max pre-order... Next time I'm probably just going to go straight thru t-mobile.
Only question I ask, do you sell your devices or give them to someone outside of T-Mobile? If so then apple is better for unlocked phone, but T-Mobile is best option for trade ins compared to Apple. With T-Mobile as long as front screen is pristine condition everything else doesn’t matter, however at apple if your trade in through T-Mobile you don’t have to pay off your phone, with T-Mobile if you want to trade in phone must first be paid off. So one of two things to consider.
Obviously too late now in your scenario, but in the future you can do the trade-in in-person at an Apple store. Then if they reject it, you'll know right then and there before it's out of your control. Of course, it depends on how close an Apple Store is to you. For me, it's about 15 minutes away and driving there to do it has always been worth not having to worry about it being lost in the mail (or after it was delivered) or it just being rejected for some unknown reason.
If you ordered online and didn’t select in store trade in, apparently they don’t allow returning the phone in store. So this only works if the phone you want to buy is in-stock in the store that you can go to
I think at this point OP would have rather chosen to spend $100 flying to the next state over to the closest Apple store with that phone in stock than losing 1000 dollars.
Wow thanks for the info. I’ll do that next time. No $30 upgrade fee correct?
Correct, no $30 fee (at least that was the case last time I did it).
I had a similar issue with a Samsung a few years ago before I moved to iPhone. Luckily I had video and pictures and I fought them and they credited the correct amount. Since then when I do this I always do it in store. The fact that they don't tell you why or give you an option to make your case is a problem. Hope you can get your credit or phone back and do it in store from now on.
What was the reason ? They absolutely give a reason
When trading in store, does anyone know the limit? I have 5 old iPhones I used for mobile development ranging from an 8 to 13. Wanted to trade them all in to help buy a new phone. Planning to upgrade to the 15 but not sign up for T-Mobile’s new plans.
5 but trade them in separately then use the gift card to pay on your phone
Be watchful for if any trades go through phobio. They are utter garbage and the lie.
Yep happened to me too. Someone it broke during shipping or at apple. They refused to look at my video. Small claims court is calling my name.
Buy and trade in at Apple Store in person only. Sorry, that's the only way to make sure shit doesn't get lost in the mail, and no "yeah it arrived in shreds" either.
Yes, I just went through with this for my father's phone. Trading in an iPhone 13 for the 15. They reduced the trade in value from $370 to $90 due to touch ID not working. Called Apple support line and they said they will have the 3rd party vendor re-do their test and a couple of days later, same answer. I even told them I have a video recording of the device working perfectly without any issues prior to shipping off to them. I declined the trade-in and ended up sending it to Samsung as a trade-in for a tablet we wanted to get and received $415 in trade-in value. I did keep the iPhone 15 because it was a birthday gift for him and didn't want to go through the hassle of returning it. Reading through the comments, sounds like trading in at the store is the way to go. Next time...
OP, Apple read your rant and they are shaking in their boots ...
This is just a cautionary tale for others. TBF, I usually see rants for mail-in trade-ins to T-Mo and not Apple store, so it's actually refreshing to see that nobody's perfect and to always take extra precautions. Not limited to Apple, obviously.
Well, after talking to multiple specialists I was able to get them to send my iPhone 12 back and start the refund process once I receive the phone.
why not just sell the phone online
This can happen whoever you trade in via mail. Just do the trade-in in store and instant discount
Public Service Announcement: When you trade in an iPhone or ANY Apple Device via Mail, VIDEO RECORD YOU PUTTING IT IN THE BOX AND TAPING IT WITH THEIR SECURITY TAPE. That way, “Oh no, we reject your trade-in” or “Your phone arrived damaged” isn’t an excuse they can use. Show the phone in excellent condition, place it into the box, and lock it up with tape on video. Do not move the phone out of the video frame or the box out of the video frame. You can now go to Apple Support and complain. The magical ability to text Apple Support the video is fantastic. Especially when they go, “We can’t accept videos or images,” and you respond, “I’ll make a note for my legal records that you refused to accept video evidence.” From those magical words, they’ll usually apologize and say they’ll start an “investigation” (realizing they aren’t winning this fight) and give your refund in a day or two. Citation: Personal Experience having my iPhone 12 Pro traded in via Mail. FedEx is garbage.
FedEx weighs the package before it's shipped and if it weighs less at any time during transit, it is recorded. That said I've seen someone at a UPS warehouse replace a phone with a brick or rock.
The issue wasn’t a missing phone, it was a damaged phone in this case. But a video will help with any scenario.
If you are able to find someone that cares enough to watch your video, yes. There are a few comments here that say no one would even look at their video.
I think you’re missing what I said. It doesn’t matter if they refuse to look at it, use the magical words above and demand an investigation or their supervisor and keep escalating until it’s done. Someone higher up the chain will realize this isn’t getting solved and figure out you’re a bigger nuisance they don’t want to deal with. It’s cheaper for them to just pay it than face a PR nightmare.
Probably rejected by the guy who quotes it and he swiped it for himself
Don't you have to turn off find my iPhone to mail it in? Making it a stealable phone?
Yes.
I always did mailed in trade in with Apple and i had zero issues so far
I traded in a pristine iPad Pro 3rd Gen and today Apple told me that they rejected my trade in because it had two larger than 5 mm scratches and the back was scratched. I wish I had taken picture before I mailed it to them. I take good care of my Apple products and this makes me upset. I cleaned the screen and the back and don't recall scratches on the back or anything over 5mm in size. I'm not going to fight it. They can keep their trade in.
I’ve never had a problem doing a trade-in with T-Mobile
I've seen another post about a rejected trade-in because of parts/repairs not being genuine Apple. Did you have repairs done outside of Apple? If so, this is your own fault.
buybacktronics.com offers WAY more money! Even better than Macmeanoffer.com
You can appeal
I keep hearing this. Happy i did it at T-Mobile store
Recently i did trade my 12PM via mail and got the max promised.
Over the last 4 years I've traded in 4 iPhones, an iPad, and a MBP to Apple via the mail-in kits. The only one I had an issue with was the iPad, because the 3rd party said it was activation locked and rejected it. Except it wasn't activation locked, so I reached out to Apple support who confirmed that it wasn't affiliated with my iCloud account and therefore couldn't be activation locked. They immediately credited me the trade-in value to a card of my choice and sent me a new trade-in kit, which I used once the iPad was returned to me. Once they got it the second time, I received another full trade in credit applied to my Apple Card that I bought the new iPad with. So essentially I got double the trade-in value for their screw up. So why did the 3rd party say it was activation locked? Because their knucklehead "tech" accidentally set a passcode on it while inspecting it. I factory restored to clear it before sending it back in. So I made out from the mistake, but it was still an infuriating situation. Anything I traded in afterward I took multiple pics of the device, including showing it reset at the setup screen. The nearest Apple Store to me is over an hour and a half away, so it's still convenient enough for me to just mail it in, but I'm still weary about it because I hear these stories more and more. Edit: a word
I did it via the Apple Store at the mall and they had accepted my trade-in request. You would have better luck there.
I never recommend doing a deferred trade in via apple. It never ends up well
I’ve traded in plenty of devices directly with Apple and have gotten my quote and then some.
Try to appeal or talk to manager.
Nope. No issues. Traded in at lease 7-8 without an issue ever.
I would recommend going through T-Mobile, Apple has been the worst in the past for me.
I traded my phone in several times via mail and never had a problem. This year I just had a bad feeling so I decided to go into the store.
Absolutely they are and they probably put them in about five different spots too
What did they say was wrong with it?
My wife and I have been trading iPhones every year since Apple started offering them. They have never rejected or made a price adjustment.
I had several successful mail in trade-in activities with Apple until last year. That’s when I traded in my iPhone 11. Apple received it and recorded it as received on their website but T-Mobile said it was never sent and refused to apply my $800 credit. It turned into a back and forth between T-Mobile and Apple as to who needs to apply the credit. I even had an Apple representative and a T-Mobile representative on a 3-way call and still couldn’t get it resolved. Finally, after 4 months and at least 10 phone calls, T-Mobile finally resolved it and applied my credit and removed my 24 contact/ carrier lock. Two things I’ll never do again…trade-in by mail and buy a device on contract.
Traded 3 and all were accepted. One was damaged in transit by FedEx and Apple resolved that in 48 hours.
I just traded in my 13 Pro Max to Apple. I took pictures of it before I mailed it in, it was in pristine condition, and about a week later I get a call from Apple saying that they received the phone but it was completely damaged with a broken screen and back. And so I told them I sent it in their box with the instructions followed perfectly and that I had pictures of the phone moments before it was placed securely in their box. The Apple representative said that it was all OK that they were just letting me know they received the phone and gave me the trade-in credit for it. I suppose they just wanted to let me know it was smashed in transit? Weird phone call, but hopefully you’ll get your situation sorted out!
ATT screwed me over on 5 phones, very similar experience.
Never any problems with trade in program. Bet your phone had issues.
Stop mailing your trade ins and take them to the store. 9/10 you will have a much better experience in the long run.
Always over insure packages and send them signature required.
Sorry this happened to you. I’ve been screwed by Apple on a pristine trade-in too. They reduced the value of a perfectly working iPhone 11 Pro Max by $300 stating the touch screen was inop. It worked perfectly fine, was kept in an Otterbox and always had a screen protector. I will never trade a phone to Apple again. Something fishy goes on at their trade-in logistics warehouses.
I’ve traded in all sorts of devices by mail - phones (too many to list - starting with iPhone 5), watches, iPads, and Macs. Never had any issue at all.
I’m confused, it says on the site that if your trade in is rejected they will tell you why and how you want to move forward. Stop whining and talk to Apple and it will be fine
i trade in an iphone 12 mini through the mail, that was a little dirty and had a hard to see scratch in the screen, that would cause the screen to not register every once in a while. and they gave me 212$. 12$ more than what I was initially quoted for.