Has anyone recently traded in a Mac AT an Apple store?

[flyersgl]

Hi. I am looking to trade in my 2015 iMac. I started the process online and thought I would have the option to pick whether to send in or go to store but that's not the case - they initiated a mail in process.

I don't want to mail it, I want to bring it into a store, but wondering how that works, especially these days. Do you just walk in with a machine to trade? Make a genius appointment? Something else?

Thanks.

 

[CWallace]

Per Apple's page sounds like you just bring it in, but I imagine a Genius will be the one doing the review and calculating the value so might be better to see if they will let you schedule an appointment ahead of time so you are not waiting for an open slot.

 

[0128672]

An appointment is a good idea. Just select a one-on-one appointment with a specialist. It would more likely be front retail staff who would evaluate it in the back of the store. iPads and phones are evaluated by retail specialists out front.

And FYI in case you hadn't already seen this bit:

Apple Trade In​

How to prepare your device for trade-in.​

Save time by following these steps before you bring your device to the Apple Store.

• iPhone or iPad
• Mac
• Apple Watch

1. Create a backup.
2. Sign out of iTunes on macOS Mojave or earlier.
3. Sign out of iCloud.
4. Sign out of iMessage.
5. If you’re keeping paired Bluetooth devices, unpair them (optional).
6. Erase your hard drive and reinstall macOS.

 

[wilberforce]

The trade in value at the store is not necessarily the same as online. Suggest you find out how much you would get online first, before going to the store. Just to make sure you do not get lowballed:

 

[0128672]

The trade in value at the store is not necessarily the same as online. Suggest you find out how much you would get online first, before going to the store. Just to make sure you do not get lowballed:View attachment 1822846

That makes sense of course because the estimate can be adjusted based on the actual condition, just like it can be with a mail-in. I've always gotten same as trade-in estimate in the store. The important thing is to be real about the condition. Also don't volunteer additional information in the store unless they ask you.

 

[CWallace]

The trade in value at the store is not necessarily the same as online. Suggest you find out how much you would get online first, before going to the store. Just to make sure you do not get lowballed...

Many folks have reported that after sending in their machine via mail that they receive a revised offer lower than the initial quote whereas the Apple Store generally will match the initial quote.

 

[dimme]

I did the online estimate and then wound up taking the computer to the Apple store. I received the same offer. They did a very detailed check at the store. If I do it again in the future I will take it to the store.

 

[flyersgl]

Thanks everyone. I was going to reluctantly send it in, but I needed my husband's help to get it packaged up and he ended up completely butchering the packaging. I'll make a genius appointment and report out afterward.

 

[flyersgl]

Reporting back: I got the same trade in value on the iMac that I was quoted online, threw in an underused 2nd gen mini and a birthday gift card from right before start of pandemic and walked out with a new ipad pro 11! Took less than 30 min.