Trade in value revised to $0 for "burn in"

[CJRhoades]

I just received a message stating that my Series 6 SS 44mm trade in value was revised from $85 to $0.

Reason: "LCD display burn in damage/streaks/discoloration across the screen"

My immediate thought was that it was damaged in shipping as the display was in flawless condition when I sent it. After speaking with an Apple rep, they were able to send me this photo of the "damage":

Apparently 4 years of the same watch face left a faint burn in ring, but shouldn't this fall under normal wear and be expected for a device this old? I would imagine they'd be rejecting most trade ins if this were the case. Regardless, they offered to escalate and investigate it further, so we'll see what happens.

 

[4sallypat]

Is this Phobio ?

 

[CJRhoades]

Is this Phobio ?

Not sure, is that the company that handles the trade-ins? I did it all through the Apple Store app when I ordered my Series 10.

 

[4sallypat]

Not sure, is that the company that handles the trade-ins? I did it all through the Apple Store app when I ordered my Series 10.

Years ago, I did that and got burned - Apple's contractor: Phobio had changed the original offer to half due to normal wear/tear on the screen.

Asked to have it returned and sold it privately for more than Apple's original offer.

I have heard horror stories from mailing in your trade in for Apple over the years.

This year, I had the Apple store do the instore trade and got full value.

 

[CJRhoades]

Years ago, I did that and got burned - Apple's contractor: Phobio had changed the original offer to half due to normal wear/tear on the screen.

Asked to have it returned and sold it privately for more than Apple's original offer.

I have heard horror stories from mailing in your trade in for Apple over the years.

This year, I had the Apple store do the instore trade and got full value.

I've been on the iPhone upgrade program since its inception and never had an issue with trade-ins until now. I also traded in my Series 3 when I ordered the Series 6, and that went ok as well. I know I could get more on eBay but just didn't want the hassle. If Apple's official trade-in program is also going to be a dice roll though, I might as well just sell it myself.

 

[SusieS]

I have heard so many stories like this that I have a Phobio phobia. I am lucky enough to live about 40 minutes away from an Apple store so I do trade-ins there. If I didn’t I would also rather sell through a third party than go through Phobio. 😞

 

[Howard2k]

I had a similar issue with an iPad trade.

I won’t bother doing mail in trades. In store only. But more often I just do private sale.

 

[CJRhoades]

Just got an email from Apple support that the trade in was completed at the original stated value. Happy they made it right.

 

[weather34]

beware of third party handling safest option for future trade in’s is across the counter at an official apple 🍏 store. these online trade-in’s are a lottery and the outcome of a smooth transaction is becoming less and less but glad you got a successful outcome many don’t