iPad Best Buy Trade In Questions

[Rodster]

I'm thinking of trading in my iPad 2 White 32GB towards the iPad 4th Gen. I checked the trade in value and BB says it's worth $160 in good condition. My iPad 2 works great, has all the accessories and a few pit marks along the bezel from the case I used, not very noticeable. The screen has no scratches as I used a screen protector from day 1. Also, I don't have the box and I bought it as a refurb from Apple and since it's past 16 months I can't print the receipt.

Will BB accept the trade without a receipt? Do I need to have the box in order for BB to consider it in good condition?

 

[Kangda]

I turned in two excellent condition (no scratches) black, 32gb Verizon iPad 2s to Best Buy in January and only got $130 in Best Buy gift cards for each.

I had the receipt for both, all accessories (charger), and the original boxes. I do not think you need to have the receipt or the original boxes.

You have to provide your driver's license, and they fingerprint you (in case they are deemed stolen).

Wondering if the value will be even less, now that the iPad 2 has been officially discontinued.

 

[TWO2SEVEN]

I have traded in a few Apple items at Best Buy. I didn't need the receipt for either.

I didn't get fingerprinted, it may vary by state.

 

[Ann P]

I turned in two excellent condition (no scratches) black, 32gb Verizon iPad 2s to Best Buy in January and only got $130 in Best Buy gift cards for each.

Man, $130 each? Those still go for at least $200 especially since it's a cellular model.

To the OP - you don't need the box nor receipt for BB trade ins. I wouldn't expect $160 though as they always value your electronics as dirt cheap.

 

[Rodster]

Man, $130 each? Those still go for at least $200 especially since it's a cellular model.

To the OP - you don't need the box nor receipt for BB trade ins. I wouldn't expect $160 though as they always value your electronics as dirt cheap.

Yeah that's what i'm thinking too. I'm sure they'll try and weasel their way out of paying top dollar. One thing of interest though. If you compare the 16GB and 32GB model, the difference is only $10. I suppose that's probably the value they place on what it cost Apple.

 

[Kangda]

It did not seem like the Best Buy employee had any real input or pricemaking power. He simply looked up the model number, and the price was given to him in the system. I think the numbers just pull up, and you either take it or not. I was not happy with the price, but needed to do the trade-in quickly at the time. Amazon and Target were not offering anything better. Apple.com might have offered more, but sending it in and waiting for a gift card was not an option for me.

 

[Rodster]

It did not seem like the Best Buy employee had any real input or pricemaking power. He simply looked up the model number, and the price was given to him in the system. I think the numbers just pull up, and you either take it or not. I was not happy with the price, but needed to do the trade-in quickly at the time. Amazon and Target were not offering anything better. Apple.com might have offered more, but sending it in and waiting for a gift card was not an option for me.

If you go to the BB trade in website you can look up the price and it's tiered Good/Fair/Poor. I wonder if the BB clerk sees the tier pricing or just gets one offer from the system?

 

[Kangda]

If you go to the BB trade in website you can look up the price and it's tiered Good/Fair/Poor. I wonder if the BB clerk sees the tier pricing or just gets one offer from the system?

Mine looked "like new" with no scratches, dents, etc. Used Switcheasy Canvas cases from the get go. So I assume mine would have been deemed "Good," but not sure.

 

[AppleRobert]

I do not think having the box or receipt matters, they are going to look up the serial number for validity. It only came new with the cable and charger so a deduction if those are missing.

Only if one wants a quick easy way to get something for theirs would I go with Best Buy.

 

[Kangda]

I just did the Best Buy trade-in estimator on Best Buy's website for a 32gb Verizon iPad 2 black in Good condition. Checked off Yes to all questions (yes working battery, yes to charger/adapter, yes to disabled Find My iPad). It gave me the $130 trade-in value, which is spot on with what I was given at the store.

The strange thing is that the estimator gives $160 for the same, but Wifi only model (just like OP mentions)! $30 more credit for the wifi only? Why would the cellular model be valued at less for trade-in? Makes no sense to me. Sure, wifi only models are more popular generally, but isn't that because they are cheaper to begin with?

Based on this, I think OP will get the $160 value if his wifi only iPad 2 is deemed Good at the store. OP, you should be good to go with that estimate.

 

[Rodster]

I just did the Best Buy trade-in estimator on Best Buy's website for a 32gb Verizon iPad 2 black in Good condition. Checked off Yes to all questions (yes working battery, yes to charger/adapter, yes to disabled Find My iPad). It gave me the $130 trade-in value, which is spot on with what I was given at the store.

The strange thing is that the estimator gives $160 for the same, but Wifi only model (just like OP mentions)! $30 more credit for the wifi only? Why would the cellular model be valued at less for trade-in? Makes no sense to me. Sure, wifi only models are more popular generally, but isn't that because they are cheaper to begin with?

Based on this, I think OP will get the $160 value if his wifi only iPad 2 is deemed Good at the store. OP, you should be good to go with that estimate.

I think because it narrows the potential buyer base. Most would go with wifi so that would sell much quicker. Yeah i'll be going to BB on Monday and see what I get for the trade. I'll report back. If I get $160 plus my $10 rewards certificate i'll put the $170 towards an iPad 4.

 

[Kangda]

I agree that cellular versions narrow the potential buyer base. But I see that being because of the price difference and cellular being pricier to begin with. But wouldn't the general public view the cellular model as all the benefits of the wi-fi model, plus more? Namely, wi-fi and cellular, versus just wi-fi. You are getting everything that the wi-fi only has to offer, but with the added benefit of cellular capabilities. Which makes me scratch my head as to why the cellular model is being valued at $30 less than the wi-fi only.

Either way, I don't think $160 is shabby for a wi-fi only trade-in value. That is, if you are looking for quick credit without having to mail it in, do Craig's List, etc. I am sure you could get more otherwise, but time is money.

 

[Rodster]

I agree that cellular versions narrow the potential buyer base. But I see that being because of the price difference and cellular being pricier to begin with. But wouldn't the general public view the cellular model as all the benefits of the wi-fi model, plus more? Namely, wi-fi and cellular, versus just wi-fi. You are getting everything that the wi-fi only has to offer, but with the added benefit of cellular capabilities. Which makes me scratch my head as to why the cellular model is being valued at $30 less than the wi-fi only.

Either way, I don't think $160 is shabby for a wi-fi only trade-in value. That is, if you are looking for quick credit without having to mail it in, do Craig's List, etc. I am sure you could get more otherwise, but time is money.

I may try Craigslist. I forgot about that, thanks. No as far as cellular I think it just confuses the issue and is a non starter for someone who doesn't have cellular. Consider that someone who buys cellular usually has a carrier in mind or already has a data plan. I would only consider wifi because the cost is lower for the device and I have no intention of getting a plan.

 

[samqthegame]

Best Buy seems to really do whatever you want as long as you cry a lot. I had a friend who started balling and talking gibberish about communism and got a brand new MacBook.

 

[sholzer]

I'd try craigslist before trading it in to best buy. I sold my 64gb wifi + 3g ipad 2 for 400 when the rMini came out. Basically paid for the new one (which I ended up returning anyway)

 

[darngooddesign]

Yeah that's what i'm thinking too. I'm sure they'll try and weasel their way out of paying top dollar. One thing of interest though. If you compare the 16GB and 32GB model, the difference is only $10. I suppose that's probably the value they place on what it cost Apple.

Its not about weaseling out of paying top dollar, well ok it is to a degree, its because they have to turn around and resell them.

You never ever ever get top dollar trading in to a business, just try doing that with a car and see what you get in trade in or by using a realtor to sell your house.

Want top dollar, sell it yourself.

 

[Kangda]

Its not about weaseling out of paying top dollar, well ok it is to a degree, its because they have to turn around and resell them.

You never ever ever get top dollar trading in to a business, just try doing that with a car and see what you get in trade in or by using a realtor to sell your house.

Want top dollar, sell it yourself.

+1

I agree. Trade-ins at places like Best Buy are about convenience and expediency. The trade-off is a quick sell, quick credit, and no hassle at the expense of a lower trade-in value. Versus getting top dollar when selling it directly, but at the expense of time, hassle, and screening potential buyers.

 

[Rodster]

+1

I agree. Trade-ins at places like Best Buy are about convenience and expediency. The trade-off is a quick sell, quick credit, and no hassle at the expense of a lower trade-in value. Versus getting top dollar when selling it directly, but at the expense of time, hassle, and screening potential buyers.

Agreed, it's all about convenience.

It's raining today so it gave me a chance to think it over and i'm going to keep my iPad 2 for now with the hopes during Black Friday I can unload it as a trade for $200 at one of the retailers. Plus i've gotten spoiled with the Air. I'll wait for the next refresh.