Do not Trust the Online Apple Trade-In Program
Apple's Online trade-in program is not reliable, it completely conflict on the value of used IPhone from the actual Apple store . My used Iphone 5 16 GB -BLACK was quoted $225 in apple store at Palo alto,CA and $200 on an ATT corporate store in Fremont. This incident is before 1-2 week of the launch.
However, the same Iphone when sent to Apple online trade-In program operated by Brightstar. It was initially quoted $225, Then readjusted to $62 without clear description on the problem. The fact is that the phone is 100% fully functional with no visual impairment. But, stating it had display issues was not justified clearly.
I have been an apple customer from last 5 years owning many products. Is this how a customer should be treated ??. Now, I would never be able to tradein my phone on the same price $225 since Iphone6 is launched.
Upon calling the online customer service, they said "we have no control on how the reused phone evaluation is done, we are only online support". I can accept that answer for some low level software or hardware. But, for apple its a major hit on their PR image. If they would like to outsource certain services its understandable, but having it operated by a company that does not stand at par with apple's standard is very disappointing.
I would hope Apple fix the online-trade program and execute them efficiently. Before it turns many loyal customer away and frustrated