Interesting experience with doing an Apple trade in for my iPhone 14 Pro Max. I traded a 13 Pro Max and was initially offered a $650 trade in. When they received the phone, they said the screen was cracked and reduced the trade in to $250. Prior to sending I notice a small scratch on the screen (about 1" long) and took it to Apple to replace the screen. They examined it and said it was a small scratch and not cracked and should not affect the trade in and it was not worth replacing under my Applecare+ coverage which would have cost $39. I have refused the trade in, and Apple are replacing the screen for a the estimated $39. I will end up with a phone which I can trade for the full amount later. This seems to be a scam by the trade in partner. Anyone else had this experience?
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iPhone 14 Pro Max Trade in issues with Apple
- Thread starter whitby
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Wouldn't say it's a scam but trade in partners will always try to offer as little as possible and a 1 inch scratch is kind of a big deal. Before you get the screen replaced see what Apple will give you at the store since they said it shouldn't affect it.
It is in for repair for now, so too late to just see if they will accept as is. Appreciate the feedback. However I will not be using the trade in option again and will do it at the store as suggested.
There’s been enough complaints about these third party companies handling the trade in evaluations to know things can go sideways quickly. I had a nightmare situation some years back with a trade in (not Apple) that I sent back. Long story short I had to actually file a complaint with the BBB before I was able to get any satisfaction. No more mail-in trades for me.
I usually avoid trade in because of the low evaluation they are usually giving, but I used it (mail in option) a couple of time in the recent past and it worked flawlessly also with not perfect iPhone. In this case the 1 inch scratch was probably really too much, so I would blame the store for the bad advice since the beginning.
why did the OP directly trade in the phone to Apple Store. I have purchased launched day iPhones for full price. Ignored the trade in box they sent me. Took my iPhone trade in directly to Apple Store. And they directly credit me the price (against the original full price purchased ). So I got $720 plus taxes back credited to my original $1099 iPhone pro max 14 purchase receipt. It’s a direct credit against the original purchase price.
Mainly because I did not want to go into a crowded store at this time. I in the dangerous age range, so try to do most of my shopping etc. on line (we still use curb side pick up for groceries). I agree your approach would have probably been more successful but I have not had any issues before and was just somewhat taken aback by this behavior. However lesson learnt.
I have used the Apple trade in program three times now and have always got the maximum amount after inspection.
This is the first time I have not received the maximum amount after inspection (this is the 4th or 5th time I have used it for the iPhone but I have also used it for iMacs and MBPros, so I am very surprised by this). I was concerned that the current fiscal concerns are putting pressure on this process to be less useful. BTW I received my repaired phone and it is perfect. I will not sell it via Apple. You live and learn.