Phobio Apple Watch Trade in requiring band?

[laurjwil]

Yes, it is a little box with a cardboard folder inside that features a cellophane see through cover. I would probably tape the sides to avoid the watch to slipping out.
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I traded the S3 in at the Apple Store "after the fact" (the S4 had be pre-ordered online and was delivered earlier this week). Apple did credit nevertheless against my credit card used for the purchase and honored the same amount quoted online. I did bring the S4 packaging though for them to easily link it to the purchase.

Thanks for the info. My outside box looks like it was stomped on

Got my Apple watch trade-in box yesterday. Everything seems pretty straightforward, I'll report back here if that changes. One thing I noticed, once I put my Apple Watch (no band, just case) under the protective film, there is a slight friction. The watch isn't shifting anywhere. Anyways, so far, so good.

Thanks so much for posting this photo. Was a huge help!

 

[newellj]

What about the charger? Do they want that too?

Apple doesn't.
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What about the charger? Do they want that too?

No, you keep the charging block and cable, as well as the band.

 

[Sheboygan]

I sent mine back on Wednesday 9/26 and it was delivered and signed for in Fort Worth, TX, on Friday 9/28 at 4:36 PM. I had not seen this prior to sending so they got both the Series 2 42mm and the sport band that came with it 2 years ago. I had no intent to re-use that [brown] band anyway so maybe they can find a use for it.

I am anxious to see how long this takes for the credit to my credit card and if they hold true to the appraised value of $115 (series 2 gold aluminum, in pristine condition inside and out). I know the watch functions perfectly, has zero damage, and holds a charge like when new, but there are some reports of Phobio not following through.

Will post back as my GiveBack progresses.

 

[DianaMR]

I decided to take mine to an Apple Store. The closest one is about an hour from me. Didn’t have any problem trading my Series 3 in for the $225 quoted without the band and credited back to my card. Took about 15 min. Had to buy that Indigo Sport Loop while I was there.

 

[ZipZap]

I got the box from Brightstar...nothing in it says anything about returning the strap, charger or adapter. No room in the box for those items either.

 

[tromboneaholic]

I got the box from Brightstar...nothing in it says anything about returning the strap, charger or adapter. No room in the box for those items either.

Brightstar has a different insert than Phobio.

 

[aviddk]

I sent Phobio a question regarding including the band over this past weekend. Here is the response I received:

Thank you for contacting Phobio Support in regards to your trade.

Your Trade Quote Expires: 10/11/2018

As it turns out it is not a requirement to include the band for your Apple Watch. If you need assistance on preparing your device for shipping I have provided a link below.

http://phobiosupport.com/device-preparation/


Please review our FAQs at phobiosupport.com for more information. For further assistance, please call us at 1-800-353-9028 between the hours of 8am-12am EST, 7 days a week.


Thank you,

 

[ZipZap]

Brightstar has a different insert than Phobio.

My bad.

 

[Sheboygan]

Phobio has had my Give-Back Series 2 since last Friday and still no update. Compare that to the iPhone Upgrade Program that confirmed delivery, evaluation complete, and loan closed within 24 hours of receiving the device.

Here is the status on Apple's web site on day 4 (no way to look up on Phobio that I know of):

 

[Sheboygan]

So they completed the evaluation and are giving me the full estimate of $115 on the old S2. Took one week after they received it. I'm assuming it will go as a credit to the card I used to buy the S4 on apple.com.

 

[tromboneaholic]

Fedex tracking shows that a couple of days ago they received the 3 watches I sent in. Apple store online order page only shows they received 2 of the 3.

I contacted Phobio, and they confirmed they received all 3. I'll have to keep an eye on it and make sure I get the refund for all 3.
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So they completed the evaluation and are giving me the full estimate of $115 on the old S2. Took one week after they received it. I'm assuming it will go as a credit to the card I used to buy the S4 on apple.com.

View attachment 792402

Did you include the band?

 

[alent1234]

i sent in the band because i don't need it, but the package has been sitting at the fedex drop off location since last week and apple and phobio are virtually no help

 

[aviddk]

I received the estimate of $115 on my Series 2; I didn't send the band. iPhone 6+ hasn't finished being evaluated.

 

[xxMACxx]

I just got my notification of 2 AW3’s that I sent in to Phobio. Neither had the band and I got the full quoted price. Pretty easy process.

 

[Brackintosh]

Very happy with the Phobio process. Got a notice a few days after they received my watch and iPhone 8 that both would receive the full quoted amount. Once it hit my credit card, I received that amount plus tax for both devices, I'm guessing since it was a direct refund to a purchase.

MaxBack quoted the same price for my watch as Phobio, but wanted both the band and charging cable - that was the main reason that I chose the GiveBack program. The refund of the tax amount was a pleasant surprise.

 

[skcoj]

Just received the trade in kit. I thought the Apple trade in concerns only the watch. The trade-in guide now also requests the band.
Has anybody traded in yet with Phobio and has any experience how they manage trade ins without the band?
Thanks.

10/25/18 - I just chatted with Phobio. They said you do not send in the band. Have them note it on your file. They have your info already.

 

[nlkccom]

I posted this information in another thread, but I’ll post it here too in case anyone is curious. This is for Brightstar for Apple gift card.

For those of you interested in what needs to be mailed back for the Apple Giveback program for the Apple Watch. As mentioned by numerous members here, just need to send the watch back without bands and chargers.

Instruction

 

[tromboneaholic]

10/25/18 - I just chatted with Phobio. They said you do not send in the band. Have them note it on your file. They have your info already.

I sent 3 Seres 1 watches without bands and chargers on 10/4 and got the full amount plus tax refunded to my card on 10/13.

 

[CCnNYC]

Just received the trade in kit. I thought the Apple trade in concerns only the watch. The trade-in guide now also requests the band.
Has anybody traded in yet with Phobio and has any experience how they manage trade ins without the band?
Thanks.

My best guess is that since it is a trade-in / *recycle* program (ie damaged or series 1 watch with no value is recycled, not refurbished), they are possibly recycling the bands that you might not have use for (if you replaced or bought a different size watch). So perhaps worth including a band if you don't need it any more, but should not be required as everyone has confirmed.

And just to be clear, when you unpair your watch, it does erase all the data. However my insert makes a big deal of this, saying if you don't, they may not accept the trade in. (Phobia is the vendor).

I also was a little nervous with the packaging arrangement. FWIW I used the pseudo-felt cover for my new watch face, to try to protect the old one getting sent back.