So I got one of the M1 iMacs last year, it's been great, but I'm thinking of upgrading to the new Mac Studio. Apple's site says I can trade in my old iMac to save a bunch off of the new one. But, how do I ship it back? I still have the original box it came in, but not the shipping box. Will they send me a box big enough to pack it all up? Or would I have to bring it back to a Mac store? Just wondering how the process will work since I haven't done a trade in before.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Trading In an iMac?
- Thread starter Necross
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
They send you the trade in kit (box, wrapping, mailing label, everything you need), when the new computer is shipped. You then have 14 days to ship it (same as the 14 days you have to decide if you want to keep the new computer.) It is very convenient and easy.
Some people prefer to trade-in at the store. This way there is no dispute if the traded-in computer arrives at Apple's trade-in partner damaged, or the trade-in shipment is lost or stolen. This very rarely happens, but it does happen.
Some people prefer to trade-in at the store. This way there is no dispute if the traded-in computer arrives at Apple's trade-in partner damaged, or the trade-in shipment is lost or stolen. This very rarely happens, but it does happen.
Sorry I can't advise on best way to ship back to Apple for a trade in. I think however that the following could be of interest to many if not yourself:
The main advantage for trade-ins is the convenience. Definitely NOT to get a reasonable price for your commodity. Whether it be a vehicle, a piece of furniture or an Apple product to sell, I would always first check national private ads to get a reasonable idea of the current value of your asset. Then take 3 good photos and post together with enticing description of (say) the iMac on a popular national site for personal ads. If the product doesn't sell within a month or so, it usually means the price is unreasonable, and lowering the price should attract more attention and an eventual sale.
As an example last year I was looking for (the last Intel) 2020 27" iMac, and had my 2012 27" model to sell. Had I traded it in for the new model it would have been practically worthless, but I sold it privately for 500euros (over $US500). Generally a win-win situation, especially if one has a little patience and time to spare.
In fact last year the 27" mid-range 2020 iMac was listed at close to 2500euros (US$2760) and there was "no way" I was going to pay that price. So knowing that a new 27" model was rumored this year (which we now know won't happen!), I looked around for an as-new model on the second-hand market and eventually found one for 1800€, made an offer for 1700euros (US$1900) which was accepted. Now I was never particularly good at maths at school but even by my modest calculations, by not buying new and not trading in my old iMac to Apple I saved myself approx a cool US$1400 - possibly peanuts for many but for others that relates to a 'free' new ipad or M1 MacBook Air. I always preferred economics to maths whilst at college......
Fwiw, this 2020 3,3GHz 512Gb SSD model iMac is a marvellous machine! Which in a year or two I plan to upgrade to a whopping 128Gb memory if & when necessary for my needs. Apart from reading about their technology, M1's don't interest me in the near/medium term until their reliability has been well proven. For those who must buy now, and plan to retain for greater than one year, imho AppleCare is a must!
The main advantage for trade-ins is the convenience. Definitely NOT to get a reasonable price for your commodity. Whether it be a vehicle, a piece of furniture or an Apple product to sell, I would always first check national private ads to get a reasonable idea of the current value of your asset. Then take 3 good photos and post together with enticing description of (say) the iMac on a popular national site for personal ads. If the product doesn't sell within a month or so, it usually means the price is unreasonable, and lowering the price should attract more attention and an eventual sale.
As an example last year I was looking for (the last Intel) 2020 27" iMac, and had my 2012 27" model to sell. Had I traded it in for the new model it would have been practically worthless, but I sold it privately for 500euros (over $US500). Generally a win-win situation, especially if one has a little patience and time to spare.
In fact last year the 27" mid-range 2020 iMac was listed at close to 2500euros (US$2760) and there was "no way" I was going to pay that price. So knowing that a new 27" model was rumored this year (which we now know won't happen!), I looked around for an as-new model on the second-hand market and eventually found one for 1800€, made an offer for 1700euros (US$1900) which was accepted. Now I was never particularly good at maths at school but even by my modest calculations, by not buying new and not trading in my old iMac to Apple I saved myself approx a cool US$1400 - possibly peanuts for many but for others that relates to a 'free' new ipad or M1 MacBook Air. I always preferred economics to maths whilst at college......
Fwiw, this 2020 3,3GHz 512Gb SSD model iMac is a marvellous machine! Which in a year or two I plan to upgrade to a whopping 128Gb memory if & when necessary for my needs. Apart from reading about their technology, M1's don't interest me in the near/medium term until their reliability has been well proven. For those who must buy now, and plan to retain for greater than one year, imho AppleCare is a must!
Last edited: