Apple Trade-in Program for MacBook Pros

[smirking]

Has anyone had any experiences with Apple's MacBook Pro trade-in program? Is it dependable? Do they do it themselves or it is done through a 3rd party?

I'm getting quoted $940 (US) as the trade-in value for my 2TB 16" M1 Pro MBP. That's a lot better than I expected to get from Apple. It's enough that I would probably opt for this route instead of selling my old machine on eBay. I would have been happy to get in the $1200 range from an eBay sale, but by the time everyone takes their cut, I'd only be coming out about $50 ahead.

Does anyone know how stringent the evaluation process is and if it's possible to reclaim your device if you don't like your assessed value?

What gets done with your old device? Are they being resold or refurbished?

 

[blufrog]

I thought they were sold in the likes of Africa and elsewhere.

It just needs to be in good working order, and obviously, that you aren't lying about its condition.

 

[glindon]

My only experience so far was when I traded in my 2018 for my 2021 (haven't sent back my 2021 yet). I went through Apple Card and got the credit up front. I got exactly what they quoted me, but my machine was in mint condition. I'd guess so long as you answered the condition questions truthfully, you'll get what they quoted you.

 

[smirking]

My only experience so far was when I traded in my 2018 for my 2021 (haven't sent back my 2021 yet). I went through Apple Card and got the credit up front. I got exactly what they quoted me, but my machine was in mint condition. I'd guess so long as you answered the condition questions truthfully, you'll get what they quoted you.

They don't ask you exactly what kind of condition it's in. That's what worries me a bit. If they're expecting close to mint condition, they'll be knocking off some of the trade-in value.

So this really is Apple's own program and not just a contracted 3rd party service? If I recall, there have been some real serious problems with valuation in the past with one of the 3rd party vendors that was doing this for them.

 

[glindon]

They don't ask you exactly what kind of condition it's in. That's what worries me a bit. If they're expecting close to mint condition, they'll be knocking off some of the trade-in value.

So this really is Apple's own program and not just a contracted 3rd party service? If I recall, there have been some real serious problems with valuation in the past with one of the 3rd party vendors that was doing this for them.

I don't believe they care about it being in mint condition to get the quoted price. I could have sword they asked me about physical condition, but maybe I'm misremembering that with screen not cracked, powers on, etc. Normal wear and tear such as scratches, scratched ports or worn keys probably don't factor in. A huge dent probably would though.

 

[smirking]

I don't believe they care about it being in mint condition to get the quoted price. I could have sword they asked me about physical condition, but maybe I'm misremembering that with screen not cracked, powers on, etc. Normal wear and tear such as scratches, scratched ports or worn keys probably don't factor in. A huge dent probably would though.

That's encouraging. Yeah, mine's in good working condition. Everything works fine. There's just some cosmetic blemishes like shiny keys and some of the finish being worn away where your palms go. I'll go in to the Apple Store and ask them about it this week.

 

[familychoice]

I’d love to do a trade in, but apparently my 16” 16/512 2020 Intel MacBook Pro in mint condition, still 100% battery, is worthless. They’ve offered to ‘recycle’ it for me, which is nice, but since it still works perfectly I might as well hang on to it.

I also note my Mac Mini trade-in offer seems to be around 50% of what I’ve seen US owners quoted. UK trade-in prices suck.

 

[HDFan]

I'm getting quoted $940 (US) as the trade-in value for my 2TB 16" M1 Pro MBP. That's a lot better than I expected to get from Apple. It's enough that I would probably opt for this route instead of selling my old machine on eBay. I would have been happy to get in the $1200 range from an eBay sale, but by the time everyone takes their cut, I'd only be coming out about $50 ahead.

Does anyone know how stringent the evaluation process is and if it's possible to reclaim your device if you don't like your assessed value?

You didn't say where you got this quote. Apple will almost always be lower. You pay for the convenience.

There are risks with eBay. See posts about scams.

There have been a lot of posts about the evaluation process, done by a 3rd party. Many unhappy people. Make sure you have pictures of the device before you send it in. It can be very frustrating. I had to send in an iMac 3 times and get an Apple manager to intervene when they said it didn't boot and had 0 value. Had to take it to an Apple store to prove that it did boot.

Safest way is to take the device to an Apple Store and have them accept it.

 

[smirking]

You didn't say where you got this quote. Apple will almost always be lower. You pay for the convenience.

The quote is from Apple. I didn't make that clear. It's the quote you get if you click on the trade-in link when you're configuring your MBP to order. I was surprised to see such a reasonable quote from them.

I've sold my share of my old gear that way before and so far everything's been fine. eBay's charges are pretty steep though so if Apple's feeling generous as of late, there'd be little incentive for me to hassle myself with an eBay sale.

There have been a lot of posts about the evaluation process, done by a 3rd party.

Are you talking about a trade-in service outside of the one Apple is offering? I was under the impression that Apple doesn't actually have their own trade-in program and are just fronting a 3rd party service that people were having bad experiences with.

 

[sw1tcher]

Has anyone had any experiences with Apple's MacBook Pro trade-in program? Is it dependable? Do they do it themselves or it is done through a 3rd party?

I'm getting quoted $940 (US) as the trade-in value for my 2TB 16" M1 Pro MBP. That's a lot better than I expected to get from Apple. It's enough that I would probably opt for this route instead of selling my old machine on eBay. I would have been happy to get in the $1200 range from an eBay sale, but by the time everyone takes their cut, I'd only be coming out about $50 ahead.

Does anyone know how stringent the evaluation process is and if it's possible to reclaim your device if you don't like your assessed value?

What gets done with your old device? Are they being resold or refurbished?

If you're doing this trade-in by mail, it's handled by a 3rd party company. I believe it's Phobio (I know they handle iPhone and iPad trade-ins). If that's the case, the quoted price you got is only valid if after their inspections it meets their device condition standards. The thing is they will claim they found damage or defects even when there are none and low-ball you on the trade in value, sometimes even offering $0.00. If you can, take it into an actual Apple store instead. DO NOT do it by mail. If you do, document (i.e. take pictures of) everything.

Here are 2 examples of what I mean:

1) $505 to $0

I recently upgraded to a new MacBook and was offered a $505 trade in value for my 2020 Intel MacBook. I did everything they asked according to this webpage, and before I shut it off and packaged it it was on the "hello" setup screen. The Mac was in perfect working condition before I sent it in. I finally got an update after four days of it arriving at the trade in partner's location (Apple's website said this should have taken three business days max), only to see that my revised trade in value was reduced to $0 with their only reasoning being "Restore error". Obviously, I rejected the offer, and they should be sending it back to me.


2) $420 to $0

DO NOT send it in. Go to the store and trade it in.

I sent my mid-2014 15" MBP to be traded in so that I can get the money deducted from my purchase of my new 2021 16" MBP M1 Pro. Trade in value was on par with what I can sell elsewhere if not more. They offered me $420. Best Buy, a few places that takes Macbook trade ins was offering $150. Selling it online would of gotten me the same as what Apple would have offered. I would have to deal with packing, paying for postage, potential buyers claiming it didnt' work etc.

So Apple's 3rd party who handles trade in evaluated the laptop and came to conclusion that it did not hold a charge and my trade in value went from $420 to $0. I said HELL NO and requested them to send it back to me. Upon receiving it, they scrubbed the hard drive completely that it couldn't even recognize a start up disk. So even if I wanted to still use the MPB and have it plugged it, I can't even use it.

I ended up having to go to the Apple to find out. Battery was indeed not holding a charge. They are charging me $200 for the battery replacement which I gave them the OK to go ahead with replacement so that it is trade-in eligible. So even with me paying $200 for the battery replacement, the difference in trade-in is now $220.

 

[jacklivehere]

I did trade in at Bestbuy got $30 more than Apple Store. Check out BB trade in as well, but they do need power adapter.

 

[Benz63amg]

Why don’t you just go a bring it into an Apple Store? They will inspect it and give you the trade in value right there and then and if you don’t agree with their valuation you can take the MacBook back home with you

 

[Cosmo M3]

Apple offered me more for my M1 MBP 14" trade-in than Best Buy.

 

[IG88]

Why don’t you just go a bring it into an Apple Store? They will inspect it and give you the trade in value right there and then and if you don’t agree with their valuation you can take the MacBook back home with you

That's what I would recommend. In my case I can only get the veterans discount if I order online and the trade-in is through mail (the 3rd party).

 

[ProbablyDylan]

Not a macbook rather a mac mini, but I had a great experience trading it in at a physical Apple store. Quick tip - don't wipe it before getting to the store, their diagnostics need the machine to be set up to at least access the desktop.

 

[BaggieBoy]

Sent my 13" 2018 MBP in for trade-in today (based in the UK), offered £130. Done via a company called likewize. I thought it was bricked so bought a new M4 MBP but I eventually I managed to get it into DFU mode and then restore the firmware.

 

[SRQrws]

If you would like to get some comparative quotes, try macmeanoffer.com; itsworthmore.com; or cashforyourmac.com. I have used each multiple times per year for several years and all are reputable. They offer free shipping and pay by check or Zelle within a few days of receipt.

 

[familychoice]

I’ve spent, pretty much the whole day being put on runaround by Apple support today. I was querying the low price they were offering as a trade-in (8% of the original purchase price). They have passed me backwards and forwards to multiple support bots, asking me to repeat the same information, and then passing me on yet again without answering my questions. Cut and paste apologies, then back to the start again.

My query was ‘escalated’ to a senior assistant for a phone callback, but the caller had no idea who I was or what the query was, then admitted I’d been called by the wrong department. Forwarded again to the correct department, who again had no idea who I was or what my query was (the three hours I’d spent repeating the same details, over, and over again…), and then admitted he couldn’t help anyway.

Back to text message support, where the runaround continued for a couple more hours.

I have never had such appalling support from Apple - this is on a par with the worst call-centre type system that deliberately wastes your time until you just give up.

I was going to buy a new M4 MacBook Pro and Mini. Now they can shove it.

 

[HDFan]

Are you talking about a trade-in service outside of the one Apple is offering? I was under the impression that Apple doesn't actually have their own trade-in program and are just fronting a 3rd party service that people were having bad experiences with.

Forgot about the trade-in part. Yes, 3rd party service.

My query was ‘escalated’ to a senior assistant for a phone callback, but the caller had no idea who I was or what the query was,

Dealing with a large organization it is inevitable that there will be disconnects. In general I have found Apple support analysts to be well above average but there are exceptions. I wouldn't do text message support as they are likely the least knowledgeable support analysts. Does have an advantage in that it gives you a paper trail. Sounds as if they didn't open a case which you would get and use with phone support calls.

When you have done all you can do with phone support, and have records and a case number with records then it is time to ask for a manager.

 

[familychoice]

Dealing with a large organization it is inevitable that there will be disconnects. In general I have found Apple support analysts to be well above average but there are exceptions. I wouldn't do text message support as they are likely the least knowledgeable support analysts. Does have an advantage in that it gives you a paper trail. Sounds as if they didn't open a case which you would get and use with phone support calls.

When you have done all you can do with phone support, and have records and a case number with records then it is time to ask for a manager.

I repeatedly asked to be put through to someone who could answer my query, and each time the new person had no idea who I was, or what my query was, and proceeded to respond with the same cut and paste, unrelated replies.

I repeatedly asked for a link to provide feedback for my support experience, and they sent links to a totally unrelated form, five times.

Seriously, this is right up there with my worst ever call-centre experiences, where they send you round the houses until you just give up.

So I gave up.

Support is 50% of the deal for me. Without it there’s zero reason to pay extra to buy direct from Apple, so I’ll make my current devices last a bit longer, then buy second hand elsewhere. And the realisation that after three years of minimal usage, with still 100% battery life available, anything I buy from them will be valued at just 8% of the original purchase price as a trade-in, which makes buying direct from Apple even less appealing.

 

[Timpetus]

Don't buy directly from or sell ("trade") directly to Apple. It's a big loss on both ends, especially the back end. Buy from third party stores. B&H with their CC is where I get most of my Apple stuff because it saves the sales tax and they often have good deals. Sell to private parties. I sold my old iMac for $1000 when I would have only received something like $200-300 if I traded it. Apple is great at making the machines and fixing them when you have AppleCare. They're horrible about overcharging and undervaluing your trades.

 

[mansplains]

I’ve spent, pretty much the whole day being put on runaround by Apple support today. I was querying the low price they were offering as a trade-in (8% of the original purchase price). They have passed me backwards and forwards to multiple support bots, asking me to repeat the same information, and then passing me on yet again without answering my questions. Cut and paste apologies, then back to the start again.

My query was ‘escalated’ to a senior assistant for a phone callback, but the caller had no idea who I was or what the query was, then admitted I’d been called by the wrong department. Forwarded again to the correct department, who again had no idea who I was or what my query was (the three hours I’d spent repeating the same details, over, and over again…), and then admitted he couldn’t help anyway.

Back to text message support, where the runaround continued for a couple more hours.

I have never had such appalling support from Apple - this is on a par with the worst call-centre type system that deliberately wastes your time until you just give up.

I was going to buy a new M4 MacBook Pro and Mini. Now they can shove it.

You know trading in isn’t compulsory right?

 

[mansplains]

You didn't say where you got this quote. Apple will almost always be lower. You pay for the convenience.

There are risks with eBay. See posts about scams.

There have been a lot of posts about the evaluation process, done by a 3rd party. Many unhappy people. Make sure you have pictures of the device before you send it in. It can be very frustrating. I had to send in an iMac 3 times and get an Apple manager to intervene when they said it didn't boot and had 0 value. Had to take it to an Apple store to prove that it did boot.

Safest way is to take the device to an Apple Store and have them accept it.

This 100%. Always trade in at the store. If you are unable to, I’d suggest selling elsewhere. It’s not worth the headache. There are many horror stories about devices being damaged in transit either direction, and you’ll be left holding the bag.

That's what I would recommend. In my case I can only get the veterans discount if I order online and the trade-in is through mail (the 3rd party).

You can trade your devices in-store for a gift card, which you can use online. Although this wouldn’t fit a situation where you need one or the other, such as a replacement phone with no backup.

 

[familychoice]

You know trading in isn’t compulsory right?

See also: buying.

 

[raythompsontn]

See also: buying.

See also: Posting. 🤣