Carrier AT&T Trade In... $800 bucks?

[Gjwilly]

Not saying you're wrong, just trying to work through it in my head.
Sites like Gazelle, etc... how do they know if a phone is still under financial obligations when someone sends one to them?
Besides that, I would assume plenty of phones out there are paid off and still carrier locked. AT&T themselves will not unlock it unless you submit a request.

Gazelle isn’t giving you $800.
😉

There are online IMEI checkers that will tell you if the phone is blacklisted but I don’t think they can tell you if they’re paid off or not.
The one I tried definitely couldn’t.
But do you want to risk losing the $800 if AT&T denies you?
Id stick with an AT&T or unlocked phone.

 

[quietkaos]

I went to my local corporate store to trade in my old XR today. They were clueless about the promo. I was the only person there and all 5 employees proceeded to tell me that I had to buy my iPhone from them and trade in at the same time. I showed them the Apple website, their website but they all insisted I was wrong. Ended up trading in online and dropping at UPS.

 

[blairh]

I went to my local corporate store to trade in my old XR today. They were clueless about the promo. I was the only person there and all 5 employees proceeded to tell me that I had to buy my iPhone from them and trade in at the same time. I showed them the Apple website, their website but they all insisted I was wrong. Ended up trading in online and dropping at UPS.

The incompetence of the people that work at carrier stores is truly incredible. I hope moving forward I never have to step inside an AT&T store ever again.

 

[Tinmania]

Just got the AT&T package in the mail to send in my trade in. It was a small 5x7 bubble mailer and a FedEx shipping label. That’s a joke. First off I’m not sending in a phone in a bubble mailer and using FedEx I’ve had nothing but problems with them shipping things. I’m just going to drop by an AT&T store tomorrow after I setup my 12 pro and trade in my iPhone 8. I just couldn’t believe AT&T sent me a bubble mailer to mail this phone back haha

You do you, AT&T. Consistently inconsistent, as it may be.

I dropped off mine at an AT&T store too. No issues, and got receipt. I didn't even get the box yet but I wasn't taking any chances (they claimed they didn't receive my last trade, but thankfully tracking, of a shipping label they created, proved them wrong).

 

[Wags]

I went to my local corporate store to trade in my old XR today. They were clueless about the promo. I was the only person there and all 5 employees proceeded to tell me that I had to buy my iPhone from them and trade in at the same time. I showed them the Apple website, their website but they all insisted I was wrong. Ended up trading in online and dropping at UPS.

I would have called the corporate office in front of them so they bound talk with them and also tell them woundnt do business there based on their treatment. Basically if you aren’t buying anything there, they dont care.

 

[Tinmania]

I would have called the corporate office in front of them so they bound talk with them and also tell them woundnt do business there based on their treatment. Basically if you aren’t buying anything there, they dont care.

While that would probably work, I'd be a little leery that after you pull the "calling corporate" card they might deliberately do some small unnoticeable thing (at the time) that will screw with your $800 promo offer.

When I walked in to my local AT&T corp store, before he could even start to question anything--and I'm not at all sure he would have--I told him AT&T customer care told me to trade it there, as my last trade was lost in transit. I was in and out in 5 minutes.

 

[Gjwilly]

I bought an iPhone 8 off of Back Market to hopefully use as a trade-in.
Cheaper than swappa and Gazelle and less risky than eBay (they were reviewed on Gizmodo so I figured they must be reputable).
I ordered on Monday and it arrived today. The condition was listed as good which is the middle level. Above that is very good and mint. Below is fair and Stallone
Whatever their grading I’m very impressed with it.
I just hope AT&T is also.
I’ll find out tomorrow.

 

[thadoggfather]

I bought an iPhone 8 off of Back Market to hopefully use as a trade-in.
I ordered on Monday and it arrived today. The condition was listed as good which is the middle level. Above that is very good and mint. Below is fair and Stallone
Whatever their grading I’m very impressed with it.
I just hope AT&T is also.
I’ll find out tomorrow.

How much did ya pay out of curiosity?

I’d run it through tradein.att.com to make sure it’s a clean IMEI not beholden to payments still

 

[Gjwilly]

How much did ya pay out of curiosity?

I’d run it through tradein.att.com to make sure it’s a clean IMEI not beholden to payments still

$212 delivered.
If I had it to do again I’d probably go for one in only fair condition.
I don’t think the IMEI checker at the trade-in site checks payment status.
I put in my work phone which I know is still under contract and it went through no problem.
I think the IMEI checker at the AT&T unlock site is more thorough.
Either way the Back Market phone passed through both.

 

[thadoggfather]

$212 delivered.
I don’t think the IMEI checker at the trade-in site checks payment status.
I put in my work phone which I know is still under contract and it went through no problem.
I think the IMEI checker at the AT&T unlock site is more thorough.
Either way the Back Market phone passed through both.

That’s cool

If it’s unlocked GSM model you can be sure it’s good

Mine was an a1901 which is att model and unlocked (sim status is now in settings as of iOS 14 which is convenient don’t need to verify w a T-Mobile sim anymore)

 

[Gjwilly]

That’s cool

If it’s unlocked GSM model you can be sure it’s good

Mine was an a1901 which is att model and unlocked (sim status is now in settings as of iOS 14 which is convenient don’t need to verify w a T-Mobile sim anymore)

Interesting
This one was sold as an AT&T phone but it’s unlocked and according to the serial number it was originally T-Mobile.

 

[thadoggfather]

Interesting
This one was sold as an AT&T phone but it’s unlocked and according to the serial number it was originally T-Mobile.

I think you'll be ok.

that's why I dont like buying a phone from a bulk reseller though. in my case I paid like $214 shipped or something, really close to what you did, with 15 reviews and 100% and asked all the relevant questions: paid off, never opened up, no cracks, unlocked, etc.

 

[Garyhe23]

Hi all, I have a question and hope you can help me. To drop the trade in phone 8n an att store, is every store can do that? Or just “big” stores? Also, what should I tell the guys in the store, just tell him it is a trade in phone and please take it? Thanks for any help.

 

[sjperformance]

The incompetence of the people that work at carrier stores is truly incredible. I hope moving forward I never have to step inside an AT&T store ever again.

You aren’t kidding. Same thing happened to me at local corporate store. I just ended up shipping to AT&T myself. I hadn’t stepped in an AT&T store in years. AT&T speeds/consistency in Miami are the best which is why I stay with them. Need a good cell provider for my business. Regardless I won’t be going to an AT&T store anytime soon. That’s why I do all upgrades etc thru Apple. I still remember the nastiness and attitude that girl at AT&T gave me. She tried to make me feel dumb and like I didn’t know anything. She must’ve been 21 or so. When I was 21 I didn’t give that type of service to anybody. Disgusting.

 

[dmdcash]

Hi all, I have a question and hope you can help me. To drop the trade in phone 8n an att store, is every store can do that? Or just “big” stores? Also, what should I tell the guys in the store, just tell him it is a trade in phone and please take it? Thanks for any help.

I think you need to go to one of the corporate stores. I had no issue, just walked in and said I already have the new phone, and took in the old phone to send back. They will sit down with you and make sure you have the right plan, and verify your new phone is showing up on the account. They will check the old phone to make sure it is in decent shape, and print out a form showing you the value of the phone. Then they will print out a few forms for you to sign and you are good to go!

 

[blairh]

You aren’t kidding. Same thing happened to me at local corporate store. I just ended up shipping to AT&T myself. I hadn’t stepped in an AT&T store in years. AT&T speeds/consistency in Miami are the best which is why I stay with them. Need a good cell provider for my business. Regardless I won’t be going to an AT&T store anytime soon. That’s why I do all upgrades etc thru Apple. I still remember the nastiness and attitude that girl at AT&T gave me. She tried to make me feel dumb and like I didn’t know anything. She must’ve been 21 or so. When I was 21 I didn’t give that type of service to anybody. Disgusting.

Returning my Fold 2 last month took two separate trips to the AT&T store and about 90 minutes total time. FOR A RETURN. And I couldn't even return my 11 PM this go'round!

It should be one of the easier and smoothest things to accomplish in store.

Never again. I plan on never setting foot in an AT&T store for as long as I live. I'm serious. I'll purchase all iPhones moving forward from Apple's site and pick up at my local store. AT&T will just be a company I receive cellular service from and nothing more.

 

[thadoggfather]

PSA (and a big one): the 2020 SE can only get max $90 trade in value now.

SO its only eligible for $350 in credits, not $800 anymore.

would not be surprised to see iPhone 8 slip and be next on the chopping block, sometime before Mini/Max preorders go up or shortly thereafter - which are only eligible for $700 in credits max. As of right now, iPhone 8 in good shape can still yield $100, eligible for the $800 for 12 and 12 pro.

Tread carefully.

Though I could've traded in my SE2020 last week, I am all so glad I found an iPhone 8 to give ATT instead. They don't deserve my SE2020

Maybe because people are getting the Walmart deal, buying it off, then giving it right back. A double dip of discounts of sorts. Who knows?

Not sure why iPhone 8 would still be on the list for now but SE not, but maybe that's the core reason is they're seeing tons of SE 2nd gen's.

 

[Wags]

Wound be dirty to cut the 8 right before preorders when had listed on their toc and people had to wait to order.

 

[Garyhe23]

I think you need to go to one of the corporate stores. I had no issue, just walked in and said I already have the new phone, and took in the old phone to send back. They will sit down with you and make sure you have the right plan, and verify your new phone is showing up on the account. They will check the old phone to make sure it is in decent shape, and print out a form showing you the value of the phone. Then they will print out a few forms for you to sign and you are good to go!

thank you very much for the information!!!!

 

[blairh]

Looks like the $700 off deal was officially announced today even though it's been on Apple's site for a while. Pulling the SE 2020 off the eligible trade-in list was a dirty move by AT&T.

 

[28Gauge]

Just a heads up, the promo has been updated as of October 30th. In addition to removing the 4.7" SE from the trade-in offer, I don't see any mention of the iPhone Mini or 12 Pro Max as being eligible anymore for the $700 credit. It's still listed on Apple's site but not on these official terms. Wow if true! 😧

That is not good. I was planning on using the $700 credit for a 12 Pro Max.

 

[blairh]

That is not good. I was planning on using the $700 credit for a 12 Pro Max.

I think I was wrong. Looks like it was announced officially today.

 

[Gjwilly]

I think you'll be ok.

Oh I wasn’t worried. I was just noting that I’d ordered AT&T and got one that was unlocked. Often those cost more.

I just left AT&T and got the full trade-in.
The phone really was in excellent shape. Battery was at 83%.
I can wholeheartedly recommend Back Market.

 

[Lsmachado]

Looks like the $700 off deal was officially announced today even though it's been on Apple's site for a while. Pulling the SE 2020 off the eligible trade-in list was a dirty move by AT&T.

Yeah, I just checked it, too. Kind of a dirty deal for those of us who had to wait to order the Pro Max or the Mini. I didn’t really think it was quite fair anyway if we wanted to get the Max we would only get $700.00 even though we would be buying the most expensive model. Now, for the $700, it’s only Samsung, LG, Microsoft and Motorola. The Max and the Mini aren’t even being shown as being part of the promotion. I hope this changes next week. 🤬

Promotion Details as of October 30th, 2020:

• Up to $800 max bill credit for new and existing customers with purchase of an Apple iPhone XS, XR, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, 12 or 12 Pro and trade in value of $95 or above
• Up to $700 max bill credit for new and existing customers with purchase of a Samsung S20+, S20 Ultra, Note20 5G, Note20 Ultra 5G, S20 FE 5G, Z Flip, Z Fold2 5G, LG V60, Microsoft Surface Duo, Motorola razr and trade in value of $95 or above
• Up to $350 max bill credit for new and existing customers with purchase of of an Apple iPhone XS, XR, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, 12, 12 Pro, Samsung S20+, S20 Ultra, Note20 5G, Note20 Ultra 5G, S20 FE 5G, Z Flip, Z Fold2 5G, LG V60, Microsoft Surface Duo, Motorola razr and trade in value between $35 and $94.99

 

[blairh]

Yeah, I just checked it, too. Kind of a dirty deal for those of us who had to wait to order the Pro Max or the Mini. I didn’t really think it was quite fair anyway if we wanted to get the Max we would only get $700.00 even though we would be buying the most expensive model. Now, for the $700, it’s only Samsung, LG, Microsoft and Motorola. The Max and the Mini aren’t even being shown as being part of the promotion. I hope this changes next week. 🤬

Promotion Details as of October 30th, 2020:

• Up to $800 max bill credit for new and existing customers with purchase of an Apple iPhone XS, XR, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, 12 or 12 Pro and trade in value of $95 or above
• Up to $700 max bill credit for new and existing customers with purchase of a Samsung S20+, S20 Ultra, Note20 5G, Note20 Ultra 5G, S20 FE 5G, Z Flip, Z Fold2 5G, LG V60, Microsoft Surface Duo, Motorola razr and trade in value of $95 or above
• Up to $350 max bill credit for new and existing customers with purchase of of an Apple iPhone XS, XR, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, 12, 12 Pro, Samsung S20+, S20 Ultra, Note20 5G, Note20 Ultra 5G, S20 FE 5G, Z Flip, Z Fold2 5G, LG V60, Microsoft Surface Duo, Motorola razr and trade in value between $35 and $94.99

I think they are still a part of the deal. CNET reported it today and it’s still active on the Apple site.