Your experiences with trading in MacBook?

[kofman13]

I currently have the 2015 rMBP and warranty is almost up. And the latest refresh of the MacBook Pro 13 inch would be better in every way for my needs than my current MacBook Pro.
So to people who have traded in older MacBooks via Apple GiveBack via mail for a gift certificate towards a new MacBook, what was your experience like? How long did shipping take? Any horror stories or problems? Contemplating whether or not to send in my current MacBook, be without a MacBook for some time (I have iPad Pro 12.9 as well), THEN get the new MacBook after I get the gift card. Or get the new one and THEN send in my old one?( then I wouldn’t be able to directly use the gift card towards the new MacBook)

P.S. this question always turns into people telling me to just sell it on eBay for more money. I don’t want to so that so let’s just stay on topic

 

[ghanwani]

I sold my 2017 nTB MBP through the program to Phobio. The estimate was $710, $110 over Gazelle's. I don't think I got credit for having 16 GB RAM, but they did take into account 512 GB SSD.

It takes a few days for the box to show up. There are instructions for how to reset the machine and package it and materials for sealing the box. You can check status on their website.

I signed up Jun 21. Sent the device Jun 27. They received the device July 3. I got the gift card (electronic) on July 12.

If you are buying a non-CTO machine, you could technically buy a new one the day you send the old one in. Then when you get the gift card you could do a return and rebuy--the store should be able to do it, but best to double-check with the store. If you are doing a CTO buy, this is not an option.

[Ediit: With online orders (works for both CTO and non-CTO) you have to indicate you are trading in a computer at the time of placing the order. Then once you send the machine back and it’s inspected, the card that was used for placing the order will be refunded. Thx @chabig ]

At the time I signed up for the program I put the machine on craigslist for $1000. My post mentioned local buyers only. There were no takers between the time I tried to sell it there and the time the box arrived.

Overall, it was a great experience and I would not hesitate to use it in the future.

 

[Shadowbech]

As above state, other method is if you live near an apple store or is in proximity range, you could choose the option for in-store pick up instead of delivery to your house. This way you don't have to go through the hassle of sending it in, and the Apple Store staff can visually inspect your device you are trading in and get the full trade in value. They do instantly refund you the trade in value back into your card immediately oppose to waiting couple of days.

 

[kofman13]

As above state, other method is if you live near an apple store or is in proximity range, you could choose the option for in-store pick up instead of delivery to your house. This way you don't have to go through the hassle of sending it in, and the Apple Store staff can visually inspect your device you are trading in and get the full trade in value. They do instantly refund you the trade in value back into your card immediately oppose to waiting couple of days.

I went to a local apple store they said no apple stores can do MacBook trade in IN STORE. Only Apple Watch iPad and iPhone. For MacBook you have to mail it in.

 

[ghanwani]

I went to a local apple store they said no apple stores can do MacBook trade in IN STORE. Only Apple Watch iPad and iPhone. For MacBook you have to mail it in.

This is correct. Mac trade ins must be done by mail (FedEx).

 

[chabig]

It's easy. You buy the new computer and are charged full price. A few days later, the trade-in center sends you prepaid packaging. You ship it back and after they inspect it they will post a refund to your credit card.

 

[ilikewhey]

whats the spec, i might know someone who would be interested in buying off you.

 

[ghanwani]

It's easy. You buy the new computer and are charged full price. A few days later, the trade-in center sends you prepaid packaging. You ship it back and after they inspect it they will post a refund to your credit card.

Yes, I forgot about this option for CTO builds. You have to indicate you are trading in a computer at the time of placing the order. Then once you send the machine back and it’s inspected, the card that was used for placing the order will be refunded.

 

[Shadowbech]

I went to a local apple store they said no apple stores can do MacBook trade in IN STORE. Only Apple Watch iPad and iPhone. For MacBook you have to mail it in.

Oh interesting. Did not know that part.

 

[kofman13]

Yes, I forgot about this option for CTO builds. You have to indicate you are trading in a computer at the time of placing the order. Then once you send the machine back and it’s inspected, the card that was used for placing the order will be refunded.

Hmm but I’m going to be buying in store with cash

 

[ghanwani]

Hmm but I’m going to be buying in store with cash

You can check with the store if they will do a return with cash and also if you could buy with cash, wait till the gift card shows up (hopefully within 14 days), and then do a return-rebuy of the same machine. Unfortunately for these unusual things, I don't know if the store will know the answers for sure until they actually try it. They may end up having to take the old machine and give you a new one just to accomplish the above which could be painful depending on how elaborate your setup is.

Otherwise, safest option is to wait till the gift card shows up before you buy.