Urgent: Trade-in value?

[Alexander_JY]

Hi everyone,

A few days ago I made a post regarding whether to trade-in or repair my laptop. Thanks to all who responded!
I detailed the condition of my laptop in this thread, so it serves as a good description/reference.
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...trade-in.2210312/?post=27961868#post-27961868

It's such a coincidence that soon after the post, MBP 2019 was released. The upgrades seem pretty decent (especially the keyboard) so I'm considering a trade-in and buying a lastest model.

1.
For those who have done a trade-in or have some knowledge about this, what is the trade-in process like? My laptop is currently at an Apple retail store. I was told to go pick it up, and then send it through a delivery service to a designated location once I receive a box given by Apple. This sounds tortuous and risky. Is it safe to deliver the laptop through a delivery service (like FedEx, UPS) as Apple mandated?

2.
Also, my laptop has some liquid damage, but it was only on one side and was rather shallow. The laptop could be turned on although the touch bar didn't work the first time I tried. What would my laptop be approximately worth?

This website (https://www.apple.com/shop/trade-in) only asks if my computer turns on and something about the exterior case. Since it could be turned on, this online evaluation gave me a $1620 trade-in value. How reliable is this number? Would it be worthy to go through the whole hassle and send my laptop to the trade-in center for a physical estimate of its value? (If the real value/requote is too low, I would have to take the laptop back and send it to the Apple retail store again for a repair or just recycle it.)

Please offer some advice! Thanks!

 

[Lobwedgephil]

It is worth a shot, but the most likely scenario will be your trade in being worth zero due to the liquid damage.

 

[drober30]

I am considering doing a trade so I went through the questions, all I can say is answer the questions they ask truthfully and send it in, I seen on these forums that the return window has been extended for the holidays so if they offer you something you don't want to accept, you can return the laptop.

From the FAQ: How does it work?
Whether you’re making a purchase or not, we’ve made it easy to trade in an eligible device either in a store or online. Just answer a few questions regarding the brand, model, and condition of your device. We’ll provide an estimated trade-in value or a simple way to recycle it.

If you accept the trade-in estimate in the store, we’ll give you instant credit toward a purchase or a gift card you can use anytime.

If you accept the trade-in estimate online when you purchase a new Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, we’ll arrange for you to send us your old device. Once we receive it, we’ll inspect it and verify its condition. If everything checks out, we’ll credit your original purchase method and send you any remaining balance on an Apple Store Gift Card via email.

If you choose to trade in your old device online for a gift card, we’ll also arrange for you to send it to us.
When everything checks out, we’ll send you an Apple Store Gift Card via email.

Regardless of how you choose to trade in, if the condition of your device doesn’t match what you described, a new estimated trade-in value will be provided. You’ll have the option to either accept this revised quote or reject it. If you reject it, your device will be returned to you at no charge.

END

Also, on the web page it says Computers must be traded in online.

 

[Alexander_JY]

It is worth a shot, but the most likely scenario will be your trade in being worth zero due to the liquid damage.

It's zero value even if my laptop can be turned on?

 

[Lobwedgephil]

It's zero value even if my laptop can be turned on?

Im my experience yes, once they inspect and see liquid damage they will give you an estimate of zero. But it may be worth giving it a shot of asking someone else as Apple. I believe Apple told you the same thing.

 

[ilikewhey]

If it doesn’t ask you if it has water damage thn chances r they won’t check it, I know for sure mine had water damage several years ago and Apple didn’t bat an eye