iPhone XR Apple Give Back $200 promotion - scam

[yukari]

Not two installments, but two separate refunds. iPhone 7 250.00. My statement shows a 175.00 and a 75.00 refund. I just figured Apple kicked in the 75.00.
My issue was the tracking never worked. Kept receiving we have not received your phone. Then a [we have canceled your return]. Yesterday the promised return came through. It worked out, but kinda irritating

Ok. That makes sense.

Yeah, I too had tracking problem saying Apple did not receive my phone when FedEx tracking clearly showed Phobio received it at least a week before. Apparently Phobio was back-logged in updating their receipt of iPhones.

But it all worked out in the end.

 

[rjedoaks]

Ok. That makes sense.

Yeah, I too had tracking problem saying Apple did not receive my phone when FedEx tracking clearly showed Phobio received it at least a week before. Apparently Phobio was back-logged in updating their receipt of iPhones.

But it all worked out in the end.

I was in a hurry, so I dropped the package using a Fedex drop box. Forgetting to record the tracking #. Completely in the dark the whole time.

 

[netdudeuk]

That’s my understanding. Although I haven’t tried it. Maybe someone else from the UK can answer?

That's what I did on Thursday thanks.

 

[RLRabb]

It seems Apple gave me a the trade-in value in two halves, which seems very odd. Rather than giving me one-time cc refund of $150, they gave me two installments of 1/2 refunds.

Did anyone else get their trade-in value in two installments?

Exactly the same for me and a friend of mine—two $75 refunds posted at the same time.

 

[AppleFanatic10]

I was lured in by the extra $100 trade-in offer for a new XR. Perfectly happy with my 6S, I decided to take advantage of the offer and go for it.

- Purchased iPhone XR
- Received iPhone XR within 2 business days. Did not open for another 3 days while waiting for trade-in box.
- Finally received trade-in box, shined up the 6S and put it in the box. I noticed no issues with the phone.
- Two weeks go by...
- Get email from Apple Giveback that value was revised from $200 to $75!
- Next day, get email stating Apple store gift cards being sent to me.

I did the trade-in with the terms stating $200 trade-in value and credit back to my original payment type. Neither happened. I debated having them send me the 6S back to sell on the open market but at this point, not worth the hassle since open market 6S phones are only selling for $125ish.

I am disappointed in Apple for this one. Especially given the heavy marketing they are doing on the trade-in promotion.

Honestly I would’ve done this in store. I did this with my iPhone X and got full trade in value on the spot. So if THEY thought anything was wrong with your iPhone they would’ve told you that right then and there. No surprises.

 

[EHS]

I was lured in by the extra $100 trade-in offer for a new XR. Perfectly happy with my 6S, I decided to take advantage of the offer and go for it.

- Purchased iPhone XR
- Received iPhone XR within 2 business days. Did not open for another 3 days while waiting for trade-in box.
- Finally received trade-in box, shined up the 6S and put it in the box. I noticed no issues with the phone.
- Two weeks go by...
- Get email from Apple Giveback that value was revised from $200 to $75!
- Next day, get email stating Apple store gift cards being sent to me.

I did the trade-in with the terms stating $200 trade-in value and credit back to my original payment type. Neither happened. I debated having them send me the 6S back to sell on the open market but at this point, not worth the hassle since open market 6S phones are only selling for $125ish.

I am disappointed in Apple for this one. Especially given the heavy marketing they are doing on the trade-in promotion.

I was very interested to read this thread since I'm in the same position with an iPhone 6s looking at the $200 trade-in toward an iPhone XR as a good deal. I went all the way through the process of doing the Apple give back deal and got to the last screen before confirming the deal. The key here is that I chose the Apple Payment option for financing the new phone through Apple. I'm curious if the OP was doing that type of financing. Anyway, in that last screen there was a link for further explanation of the rebate process (don't remember the exact wording), so I checked it out. It clearly stated that if you were paying the phone cost up front you would get a $200 credit to your payment method. HOWEVER, if you used the Apple Payment financing, you would get a credit to your payment method for the amount of your actual upfront payment (I guess this would be first monthly payment plus your tax payment) and the balance of the $200 would be given as Apple store gift cards. Just FYI.

 

[BurntbyApple10]

I was lured in by the extra $100 trade-in offer for a new XR. Perfectly happy with my 6S, I decided to take advantage of the offer and go for it.

- Purchased iPhone XR
- Received iPhone XR within 2 business days. Did not open for another 3 days while waiting for trade-in box.
- Finally received trade-in box, shined up the 6S and put it in the box. I noticed no issues with the phone.
- Two weeks go by...
- Get email from Apple Giveback that value was revised from $200 to $75!
- Next day, get email stating Apple store gift cards being sent to me.

I did the trade-in with the terms stating $200 trade-in value and credit back to my original payment type. Neither happened. I debated having them send me the 6S back to sell on the open market but at this point, not worth the hassle since open market 6S phones are only selling for $125ish.

I am disappointed in Apple for this one. Especially given the heavy marketing they are doing on the trade-in promotion.

This truly is a scam. I traded in a 6s for the 10r. Before putting it into the box I had my ATT ins. replace the screen because of a small chip at the top. Now I received and email that they will pay half of what they offered because it is a different model (serial # can’t lie) and that the screen is broken. Total fraud. Thinking a lawyer is in my future!

 

[andiwm2003]

This truly is a scam. I traded in a 6s for the 10r. Before putting it into the box I had my ATT ins. replace the screen because of a small chip at the top. Now I received and email that they will pay half of what they offered because it is a different model (serial # can’t lie) and that the screen is broken. Total fraud. Thinking a lawyer is in my future!

I just traded my 64GB 6s for a XR. I got $200 at the apple store.

They didn't look too closely at the 6s at all. It has already two battery replacements, one from a non apple authorized shop. The home button and the mute button were wobbly and the screen had a hairline scratch from left to right that was easily visible when the screen is dark. I bought and paid the XR already and have it here.

So I guess there is no way they can go back on that deal anymore as the $200 is what they offered AFTER inspecting the phone.

 

[Hannah265]

Such a marketing stunt! I was also lured by the $150 trade-in deal. I wanted to surprise my husband on his birthday with a new iPhone XR and because his iPhone 6 was in such good condition, I was super confident we’d get the full trade-in value of $150. Because of their partnership with Apple, I put my trust into their trade-in partner. At the time, the name of the trade-in partner was not disclosed on Apple’s website(which in retrospect, I see as a red flag). I purchased the XR and sent in the old phone. When packing the iPhone 6, I was even complemented my husband on keeping it in such excellent condition-both software and hardware. A week or two passed and suddenly wr got an email saying that the trade-in value has been updated from $150 to ZERO due to camera malfunction. My husband took photos almost every day of our baby and I remember taking photos with it days before sending it to Phobio. I immediately called Apple who of course delegated the issue to Phobio. They only said that something was wrong with the lens. They did not offer any other explanation or any other trade-i value so I assumed the camera was in a bad condition. I demanded the return of our phone and was wondering if they or Fedex had mishandled the device. Finally, when the device was returned, I saw a little sticky arrow pointing towards the front camera. I initially saw nothing wrong with it, but after I came really close I saw that the lens was somewhat misaligned. This is so small, I never even noticed it before so then I immediately switched the phone on and checked both front and back cameras and both were working PERFECTLY. So they eitherc were working so hastily they didn’t bother to open the device and check the camera was work properly or they just wanted to find a fault with the device no matter how small to send it back. This conclusion is evident in the trade-value going from $150 to an absolute zero due to very, very small, negligible issue that doesn’t even affect the camera’s function. I will NEVER EVER use Phobio again and I will NEVER trust an Apple’s trade-in program. Such a marketing stunt/scam!

 

[I7guy]

When I bought my max, I traded my 6s in for $200 on the spot(or maybe it was $250, don’t remember). It was easy-peasy.

 

[Hannah265]

When I bought my max, I traded my 6s in for $200 on the spot(or maybe it was $250, don’t remember). It was easy-peasy.

Did you trade-in at an Apple store or my mail? I’ve heard people having more pleasant experiences at the store.

 

[I7guy]

Did you trade-in at an Apple store or my mail? I’ve heard people having more pleasant experiences at the store.

Apple store. They helped get the max up and running and then I gave the 6s to the genius. The credited the account on the spot.

 

[Hannah265]

Good

Apple store. They helped get the max up and running and then I gave the 6s to the genius. The credited the account on the spot.

Good for you! Unfortunately the closest Apple store was 50 miles away and I thought it would be the same experience if I send everything by mail straight to Phobio-WRONG!

 

[PeteS1963]

Good

Good for you! Unfortunately the closest Apple store was 50 miles away and I thought it would be the same experience if I send everything by mail straight to Phobio-WRONG!

I recently got £155 for an old iPhone 6 Plus. It had been used by my daughter and had a few scratches. Apart from looking at the serial number they didn’t even inspect the phone and I received a gift card, no questions asked. They didn’t even try and turn it on.

This was at an Apple store. It’s hard to say how many people have good/bad experiences but my wife also had no issues trading in her old iPhone 6.

 

[Heat_Fan89]

Such a marketing stunt! I was also lured by the $150 trade-in deal. I wanted to surprise my husband on his birthday with a new iPhone XR and because his iPhone 6 was in such good condition, I was super confident we’d get the full trade-in value of $150. Because of their partnership with Apple, I put my trust into their trade-in partner. At the time, the name of the trade-in partner was not disclosed on Apple’s website(which in retrospect, I see as a red flag). I purchased the XR and sent in the old phone. When packing the iPhone 6, I was even complemented my husband on keeping it in such excellent condition-both software and hardware. A week or two passed and suddenly wr got an email saying that the trade-in value has been updated from $150 to ZERO due to camera malfunction. My husband took photos almost every day of our baby and I remember taking photos with it days before sending it to Phobio. I immediately called Apple who of course delegated the issue to Phobio. They only said that something was wrong with the lens. They did not offer any other explanation or any other trade-i value so I assumed the camera was in a bad condition. I demanded the return of our phone and was wondering if they or Fedex had mishandled the device. Finally, when the device was returned, I saw a little sticky arrow pointing towards the front camera. I initially saw nothing wrong with it, but after I came really close I saw that the lens was somewhat misaligned. This is so small, I never even noticed it before so then I immediately switched the phone on and checked both front and back cameras and both were working PERFECTLY. So they eitherc were working so hastily they didn’t bother to open the device and check the camera was work properly or they just wanted to find a fault with the device no matter how small to send it back. This conclusion is evident in the trade-value going from $150 to an absolute zero due to very, very small, negligible issue that doesn’t even affect the camera’s function. I will NEVER EVER use Phobio again and I will NEVER trust an Apple’s trade-in program. Such a marketing stunt/scam!

I had a similar experience trading in the original Android Kindle Fire tablet using Amazon's trade in program. I also had a problem, so lesson to be learned is to, trade in your goods in person because it's a crapshoot whether you will have a good experience or not. Some have found success mailing stuff in and others have had problems. Doing stuff in person will allow you a chance to prove why you deserve the trade in price you are seeking.

My story and experience is pretty similar to yours but the outcome was better because of Amazon's customer service. I sent in my tablet in pristine condition. I even cleaned the entire tablet although it did not need it. I even put it back in the original protective plastic wrap and had saved the box and accessories. I mailed in the tablet and I awaited the good news about the trade in. I was notified there was a problem with the tablet although no explanation was given and I had the choice to accept their lowball offer or have the device returned. So I asked for it to be returned. I received the tablet in a plain brown box and the only things in the box were the tablet and charger and that was it. The tablet that was in new condition was now scratched because they didn't even bother using any shipping wrap to cushion stuff moving and flying inside the box and at the time UPS did their deliveries.

So you can imagine, just like you I was p*ssed. So I called Amazon and raised cane and wanted to speak to a mgr in the trade in program. They apologized and issued me the full trade in credit I was supposed to get and they told me to keep the tablet. So that turned out OK in the end but I decided I would never take the chance of trading in my stuff to a company who is the judge and jury and even worse buying something first before I received my trade in credit.

In the end I decided to submit the tablet again for the lower price they said it was worth and it was accepted so in the end I actually made a little more than the initial trade in price was supposed to be.

 

[PrettyWings]

I used to work for one of these companies that offers the trade-ins...when appraising a phone, a single scratch meant that it was in "poor" condition, and valued at the second lowest price, right next to zero.

 

[Heat_Fan89]

I used to work for one of these companies that offers the trade-ins...when appraising a phone, a single scratch meant that it was in "poor" condition, and valued at the second lowest price, right next to zero.

The irony to that is I had ordered a tablet from Amazon Warehouse in "like new" condition. When I received it, it had a couple of scratches on the back and the screen had fingerprints all over it. I obviously sent it back for a refund after my prior experience.

 

[Vince 0513]

I was lured in by the extra $100 trade-in offer for a new XR. Perfectly happy with my 6S, I decided to take advantage of the offer and go for it.

- Purchased iPhone XR
- Received iPhone XR within 2 business days. Did not open for another 3 days while waiting for trade-in box.
- Finally received trade-in box, shined up the 6S and put it in the box. I noticed no issues with the phone.
- Two weeks go by...
- Get email from Apple Giveback that value was revised from $200 to $75!
- Next day, get email stating Apple store gift cards being sent to me.

I did the trade-in with the terms stating $200 trade-in value and credit back to my original payment type. Neither happened. I debated having them send me the 6S back to sell on the open market but at this point, not worth the hassle since open market 6S phones are only selling for $125ish.

I am disappointed in Apple for this one. Especially given the heavy marketing they are doing on the trade-in promotion.

[doublepost=1554385968][/doublepost]I traded in an iPhone 6 for a new XR. The $150 for the IPhone 6 made this $1000 purchase, with apple care, barely acceptable. After carefully erasing the phone I got a three word note back saying “data erasure issue” no, zero, zip refund. Called them, got sent to a third party, which read a script like an insurance company. I’m stuck for the full $$1000! THE IPHONE XR TRADE IN IS A COME ON AND A SCAM. YOU WONT GET YOUR REFUND. They said they would return the phone

 

[burgman]

[doublepost=1554385968][/doublepost]
I traded in an iPhone 6 for a new XR. The $150 for the IPhone 6 made this $1000 purchase, with apple care, barely acceptable. After carefully erasing the phone I got a three word note back saying “data erasure issue” no, zero, zip refund. Called them, got sent to a third party, which read a script like an insurance company. I’m stuck for the full $$1000! THE IPHONE XR TRADE IN IS A COME ON AND A SCAM. YOU WONT GET YOUR REFUND. They said they would return the phone

Read the posts, trading at an Apple store works just fine. Caps are so 2011

 

[Hootersguestwifi]

I would stay the heck away from these trade in programs. Apple wouldn't do it if they didn't make a profit. You pay a premium for convenience.

For example: The iPhone upgrade program? If you swap out an iPhone every year, you're better off financing your phone through a third party at a low rate of interest, selling the device privately, and then buying the next device.

I was on iPhone upgrade program and it was pretty difficult to get out. I had to jump through some hoops to explain to Swappa that the phone wasn't subject to being deactivated if I didn't pay my loan.

There’s no interest on iPhone upgrade program. To get out of it, you either pay the phone off and it’s yours, or you trade it in and close out the remaining loan balance and then you’re free to choose how you get your next phone.

 

[Hieveryone]

Is it a scam? I don't know...but in my experience it was a headache.

Supposedly someone stole my iPhone in transit and they never got it.

I got the money.

But I mean...

 

[Closingracer]

I would stay the heck away from these trade in programs. Apple wouldn't do it if they didn't make a profit. You pay a premium for convenience.

For example: The iPhone upgrade program? If you swap out an iPhone every year, you're better off financing your phone through a third party at a low rate of interest, selling the device privately, and then buying the next device.

I was on iPhone upgrade program and it was pretty difficult to get out. I had to jump through some hoops to explain to Swappa that the phone wasn't subject to being deactivated if I didn't pay my loan.

You’re equating the money value only. I leased my phones previously with sprint because I don’t have to deal with selling it privately. I don’t want to deal with people on Facebook marketplace or Craigslist with low ball offers and waiting for the right person who you can trust to pay you and show up. eBay charges too many fees. For the time I save the money I would get selling it isn’t worth it. Leasing it is worth it for me. Same would apply if I did the Apple upgrade.

 

[maxjohnson2]

If it’s that bad from now I’ll just replace the phones battery and give it to a family member or just keep them as a collection.