Since when does that make the phone useless? Its value doesn't completely vanish just because of such damage. Now, it might not be worth $830, but certainly not $0 either ...
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Apple screwed me out of $830
- Thread starter oliverades
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I did not say it was worthless or useless. I said if I was the one doing the inspecting I would deny the trade in due to the damage being more sufficient than just a 'crack'.
This is not Apple screwing you - this is a third party phone recycler screwing you over.
Just because Apple accepted your phone, doesn’t mean they don’t send it to Verizon’s people to deal with. This is a Verizon deal you are taking advantage of, so your phone goes to Verizon.
I am honestly shocked Apple was willing to bend the rules to try and help you out.
As for what to do, I would try contacting Verizon. I have had trade-in rejected by Verizon, complained and had then accepted upon resubmission.
Worth noting your screen doesn’t just have a crack - it has a whole chunk missing. Usually this would result in you being denied a trade-in but I think Verizons current trade-in terms specifically allow for “damaged devices”, so worth pressing with them maybe.
Just because Apple accepted your phone, doesn’t mean they don’t send it to Verizon’s people to deal with. This is a Verizon deal you are taking advantage of, so your phone goes to Verizon.
I am honestly shocked Apple was willing to bend the rules to try and help you out.
As for what to do, I would try contacting Verizon. I have had trade-in rejected by Verizon, complained and had then accepted upon resubmission.
Worth noting your screen doesn’t just have a crack - it has a whole chunk missing. Usually this would result in you being denied a trade-in but I think Verizons current trade-in terms specifically allow for “damaged devices”, so worth pressing with them maybe.
Sorry, I don’t have current advice that you could use. For the future though, the adage “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch” is one to keep in mind.
You said you can’t afford not to have the $830 trade in value. Best then to have obtained the trade-in value first before purchasing, or keep the box and everything so that if by the 14th day your finances don’t come through, return the item to Apple.
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You can’t say there was zero recourse. You were allowed to return the phone and like all returns the box and all contents are needed. There’s a 14 day return window so even if you really couldn’t afford to own the new phone without the trade in you could still return it. I think part of the fault lies with you.
interesting. That’s a very long time for trade-in analysis. Too bad you don’t have the box.
I think OP answered one of the questions incorrectly: Is the body of the phone in good shape. It was answered YES. I think it’s NO. Chunk of glass is missing and it’s dented in the corner.
I've found that, despite all the written policies and requirements for trade-ins and returns, a lot of what ensues is ultimately up to the specific employee to decide.
Then when another party is involved, like the company that handles trade-ins for a carrier, there's another "gate" you have to pass.
All up to subjective evaluation or someone's mood that day.
And considering all the repairs and refurbishing Apple is willing to do on devices to resell them, the notion that they can't take it back without the product box is ridiculous to me.
I'd definitely try to buy an original(!) box second hand and see if they accept it.
Good luck. 🤷♂️
Then when another party is involved, like the company that handles trade-ins for a carrier, there's another "gate" you have to pass.
All up to subjective evaluation or someone's mood that day.
And considering all the repairs and refurbishing Apple is willing to do on devices to resell them, the notion that they can't take it back without the product box is ridiculous to me.
I'd definitely try to buy an original(!) box second hand and see if they accept it.
Good luck. 🤷♂️
I used to work at a Premium Reseller, and dealt with trade-ins quite a lot. Judging by the pictures of the damage to the screen, we would've rejected it as eligible for trade-in and recommend selling on eBay or something similar.
Apple’s trade in partner is consistently terrible…they claimed my MacBook screen had delamination until I asked for proof and pointed out that there were just fingerprints.
Bummer about the box, weird lack of empathy from people here about throwing it away, especially when they can’t justify why apple *needs* a silly box to accept a return. Not like they have to (or necessarily would) resell it in the same box, it’s a stupid requirement.
Bummer about the box, weird lack of empathy from people here about throwing it away, especially when they can’t justify why apple *needs* a silly box to accept a return. Not like they have to (or necessarily would) resell it in the same box, it’s a stupid requirement.
And another lesson: Don't spend money you don't have yet. ("...am being charged an extra $830 I can’t afford...")
Yeah, the box requirement seems like something created to have an excuse to refuse returns. It is not like they reuse the box.
That being said, pictures may be misleading, but to me it looks like the screen is ruined. I'm not sure what exactly those questionnaires ask for, but it seems very optimistic to hope for $830 for this phone.
Ok 2 things (I have work experience at Apple Retail)
1) you do not need the original box. That is nonsense and discretionary. People return stuff without the box all the time.
2) You really aren’t going to like this one - they CAN’T make an exception and let you return past 14 days on a phone that was purchased through a carrier offer. Its impossible. There is no override button. Because the offer came from a carrier, it’s a binding contract with the carrier (not with Apple) and therefore cannot be overridden. Sounds like you didn’t get that far or when they found out their error they used the box thing as an excuse.
The best thing you can do is go to a physical store be wildly pleasant and calm. Explain the situation to a manager, “lead” or to a sales associate known as a “Pro.” Let them work through it and try to accommodate you. Understand there are impossibilities (they can’t return it and they can’t override the trade in value or “apply to existing purchase” button). They CAN give you things (although not a phone or cash).
The best case scenario is if you plan on buying something else (a non-iPhone) you should be able to convince them to give you $830 off that item (if it’s over $830). Unfortunately there are no override buttons to push when it comes to phones.
1) you do not need the original box. That is nonsense and discretionary. People return stuff without the box all the time.
2) You really aren’t going to like this one - they CAN’T make an exception and let you return past 14 days on a phone that was purchased through a carrier offer. Its impossible. There is no override button. Because the offer came from a carrier, it’s a binding contract with the carrier (not with Apple) and therefore cannot be overridden. Sounds like you didn’t get that far or when they found out their error they used the box thing as an excuse.
The best thing you can do is go to a physical store be wildly pleasant and calm. Explain the situation to a manager, “lead” or to a sales associate known as a “Pro.” Let them work through it and try to accommodate you. Understand there are impossibilities (they can’t return it and they can’t override the trade in value or “apply to existing purchase” button). They CAN give you things (although not a phone or cash).
The best case scenario is if you plan on buying something else (a non-iPhone) you should be able to convince them to give you $830 off that item (if it’s over $830). Unfortunately there are no override buttons to push when it comes to phones.
It might even do you solid if you explicitly ask them “I understand you are tied by systems on this purchase. Is there any way you could give the $830 off another purchase?”
Lmao people thinking it’s cool Apple requires the original box to process the trade in.
This is a forum of cruel corporate mouthpieces
This is a forum of cruel corporate mouthpieces
It’s also not true, or at least not usually.
I have traded in iPhones several times.
This last time, when I traded in my 12 mini, they specifically asked me *not* to include the box or any accessories, they just wanted the phone.
Something clearly went wrong with the OP’s trade-in.
there’s also this from a former employee.
Members are picking up on the box issue. Does anyone know what are the trade-in terms and conditions concerning the original box? does the T&C's specifically say a trade-in must be in it's original box otherwise it will be rejected for trade-in?.
Also, have you, OP, contacted them requesting the 12 back that you traded in if they won't give you anything for it?
lol and as suspected, it is not a crack but missing glass
You beat me to the reply! In essence:
1)Go back to Verizon and be calm and professional yet firm about your predicament with the Store Manager. Be clear. Be factual. Do not get emotional.
2)If #1 doesn't get anywhere, ask for the Verizon Regional Manager's name and phone number.
3)If Verizon will not help you with #2, then Google the CEO, CFO, CMO, and other high ranking officials at Verizon and get their email address and write them all a calm, factual, professional, and THOROUGH single email about your experience and WHAT YOU WANT or feel you are owed as a customer. Reference Store locations, Mangers and employees you talked to, dates of your visits/conversations, include a photo of your sales receipt, etc. Also email the Public Relations or Press person. The subject line should read "Presidential Complaint" which will require a reply from a public company such as Verizon. DO NOT THREATEN them that you are going to Twitter or some other platform to complain (you can always go on Twitter at the very, very, very end if you are not happy).
4)If after all this work you do not get satisfaction (this may take weeks of work), then cut your losses and either swallow your bad deal and move on with life OR sell the iPhone(s) on eBay or to a friend or whatever. Bear in mind that even then you may not get a good price, will still take work to sell, will take work to go get a new phone and phone #, etc. and think about how much all this work is worth to you both monetarily and stress wise. You should also write a very clear and thorough complaint with the Better Business Bureau even if you think it's a waste of time or the complaint seems to go to a black hole.
I wish you the best in this quest for customer service!