using AppleCare to replace iPhone before selling: stupid or smart?

[idealcheese]

I'm about to sell my iPhone jet black 7 Plus 256GB which has 1 year of AppleCare left. It has some minor dings/scratches/abrasions but the screen is overall fine.

I'm debating between two options:

A. I use one of the remaining 2 AppleCare accidental damage instances and pay $99 to have the phone replaced, in the hopes of increasing the sale price by more than $99.
B. I sell the phone as is and let the buyer choose whether or not to replace the phone, hoping that the phone's condition won't decrease the value by more than $99.

Which of these scenarios would you choose/recommend? Thanks!

 

[zone23]

You aren't getting another iPhone? Because I generally call and get the Applecare transferred to my new iPhone. Technically they don't "transfer" it they cancel it then use the balance on the new phone. I'm waiting for my iPhone X to come so I can do that.

 

[idealcheese]

You aren't getting another iPhone? Because I generally call and get the Applecare transferred to my new iPhone. Technically they don't "transfer" it they cancel it then use the balance on the new phone. I'm waiting for my iPhone X to come so I can do that.

No, because I'm enrolling in the IUP for the X, which includes AppleCare. Plus, I've always sold my iPhones with the remaining AppleCare because it gives buyers security. I just notify Apple of the buyer's name/address and they transfer the AppleCare to the buyer.

 

[Jordan921]

No, because I'm enrolling in the IUP for the X, which includes AppleCare. Plus, I've always sold my iPhones with the remaining AppleCare because it gives buyers security. I just notify Apple of the buyer's name/address and they transfer the AppleCare to the buyer.

If the AppleCare gets transferred to new owner then maybe talk to them and work that out and see if they wanna get it replaced.

 

[TrickyTreeRed]

I'm about to sell my iPhone jet black 7 Plus 256GB which has 1 year of AppleCare left. It has some minor dings/scratches/abrasions but the screen is overall fine.

I'm debating between two options:

A. I use one of the remaining 2 AppleCare accidental damage instances and pay $99 to have the phone replaced, in the hopes of increasing the sale price by more than $99.
B. I sell the phone as is and let the buyer choose whether or not to replace the phone, hoping that the phone's condition won't decrease the value by more than $99.

Which of these scenarios would you choose/recommend? Thanks!

Why would Apple replace a device with normal wear and tear? As you've admitted, your iPhone is not damaged.

 

[idealcheese]

Why would Apple replace a device with normal wear and tear? As you've admitted, your iPhone is not damaged.

There are a couple of corners with dings deep enough to expose the metal underneath, so I could tell Apple I've had problems with the phone since dropping it. Or, though I would hate to do it, I could "accidentally" damage the phone to the point that it no longer functions. But as I write this, it seems like way too much trouble. Maybe I should just sell it as is.

 

[BugeyeSTI]

Does the AppleCare+ go with the phone or do you get the difference back through a prorate?

 

[idealcheese]

Does the AppleCare+ go with the phone or do you get the difference back through a prorate?

It stays with the phone unless you request a refund (which will be calculated based on how many months are remaining).

 

[sdwaltz]

There are a couple of corners with dings deep enough to expose the metal underneath, so I could tell Apple I've had problems with the phone since dropping it. Or, though I would hate to do it, I could "accidentally" damage the phone to the point that it no longer functions. But as I write this, it seems like way too much trouble. Maybe I should just sell it as is.

That's insurance fraud 101 and if you do that, you'll deserve whatever happens to you.

 

[mattopotamus]

I usually replace the phone and sell it without AC+. You will not get more for your phone by selling it with AC+, at least not enough of a difference. People want a phone in mint condition. Get your phone to that point and then sell it. Selling a phone with significant nicks/scuffs will lose more value than the repair cost.
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It stays with the phone unless you request a refund (which will be calculated based on how many months are remaining).

and you can have no claims.

 

[MisterMillz]

In my inexpert opinion, I don’t think the cost of an AppleCare replacement is worth the extra bit you’ll receive in resale. At minimum, you’re looking at a 50% refund on your applecare+. Consider that an additional $60 back after the sale. Let the buyer get some sort of insurance on his/her own. However, if you’re bent on offering AppleCare+ then sell him/her the device as is. Moral of the story, don’t add an additional expense to the sale.

 

[TrickyTreeRed]

There are a couple of corners with dings deep enough to expose the metal underneath, so I could tell Apple I've had problems with the phone since dropping it. Or, though I would hate to do it, I could "accidentally" damage the phone to the point that it no longer functions. But as I write this, it seems like way too much trouble. Maybe I should just sell it as is.

I would advise you against this course of action. In Canada this is called fraud and is a criminal act.

 

[lordofthereef]

I’d get the money back on the leftover Apple care and just sell the phone. You’ve got what, $75 to get back from Apple? I don’t imagine your phone would get $75 more of you replaced it.

Conversely you could just list it with Apple care.

I got $380 locally for a two year old 6s Plus 64gb with some minor screen scratches but otherwise no cosmetic wear due to always using a case. I don’t believe I could have done any better had I gotten a “brand new” device.

 

[idealcheese]

Thanks for the opinions. Pretty conflicting.
Personally, I wouldn't buy a used phone that isn't under warranty, brand new or not. If I were to replace the phone under AC+, I'd still sell it with the AC+ so they buyer would have peace of mind.
I'm leaning towards trying to sell as-is and let the buyer choose whether or not to replace it. If I can't get a good price that way, maybe then I'll consider having it replaced.

 

[Billburns]

Why would Apple replace a device with normal wear and tear? As you've admitted, your iPhone is not damaged.

Apple won’t replace wear and tear even with applecare plus and paying for the claim. Trust me, I tried years ago

Apple rarely swaps out phones unless they have to now which in my experience is rare
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Thanks for the opinions. Pretty conflicting.
Personally, I wouldn't buy a used phone that isn't under warranty, brand new or not. If I were to replace the phone under AC+, I'd still sell it with the AC+ so they buyer would have peace of mind.
I'm leaning towards trying to sell as-is and let the buyer choose whether or not to replace it. If I can't get a good price that way, maybe then I'll consider having it replaced.

Dude people buy used phones, a few things isn’t gonna devalue it much. It has apple care plus so for another year or two they don’t gave to worry damaging the phone especially the screen

You’re overthinking it

Just sel the phone as is with the AC+

 

[Applejuiced]

Find out what the price is for a used one depending on the condition of your current device.
And then check on what a replaced as new device sells for.
If its worth it then go for it. And I dont mean spend $99 to get an extra $110 on the current value/price thus maybe making an extra $10-15.
Dont go through all that unless its worth it.

 

[border terrier]

There are a couple of corners with dings deep enough to expose the metal underneath, so I could tell Apple I've had problems with the phone since dropping it. Or, though I would hate to do it, I could "accidentally" damage the phone to the point that it no longer functions. But as I write this, it seems like way too much trouble. Maybe I should just sell it as is.

Live your life with integrity dude

 

[xRYD3Rx]

That's insurance fraud 101 and if you do that, you'll deserve whatever happens to you.

Are you the macrumors forum police ? Haha!

 

[sdwaltz]

Are you the macrumors forum police ? Haha!

Not at all, I just know right from wrong and intentionally breaking your phone for a replacement under insurance is akin to burning your house down and making a claim on it.

 

[idealcheese]

Not at all, I just know right from wrong and intentionally breaking your phone for a replacement under insurance is akin to burning your house down and making a claim on it.

LOL

 

[Flyer888]

I'd say just sell it as-is without AC+ and request for prorated refund from Apple, unless they give you a brand-new in box replacement when you make a claim.

 

[bmac4]

Since when does the phone have to be a certain amount of damage or nonfunctional for Apple to replace it under AC? If you request an express replacement, they send you another phone and take the old one. I talked with them about a used Apple Watch that I received with AC+, and told them it had a few dings and scratches on it but was working just fine. They told me as long as I pay the $79 for an express checkout, they would be happy to replace it. That is what AC is for.

 

[chipchen]

There may be an ethical issue here, but I think the main thing is that I don't believe you would actually gain anything. Flyer888 is right, getting a pro-rated refund would net you more in the long run.

For instance, say your phone is worth $550-650 in good condition. You'd probably knock it down 10-15% for the damage. You'd get some of that back from Apple with the pro-rated refund.

Paying for the replacement through AppleCare doesn't get you enough of a return in my opinion. You're betting off finding someone who doesn't care much about the damage.