Apple Trade In

https://www.apple.com/shop/trade-in

I have used the Apple Trade-in/GiveBack process a number of times for my iOS devices. Typically, it took around a week.

How long it will actually take will depend on a number of factors, including:

1. How soon you engage in the process. You will be offered a chance to participate when you start the selection process for a new device at the on-line Apple Store.
2. The process starts with you answering a few questions related to the device you are wanting to trade in. Once you answered them, you will be provided with an estimated value for the device. You can then accept the estimate or reject it, and for the latter, the process stops.
3. If you accept the estimate, a third-party Apple uses will send you a pre-paid shipping container. How soon you get it, will depend on where you live.
4. Once you receive it and go through the process of preparing your device to be "sold," you will need to ship it to this third-party.
5. It will take approximately 3 business days once the third-party receives the device to evaluate it. Once done, they will send you an email either confirming that it meets the requirements for the estimate or it does not and offer a lesser amount, or if it doesn't have any value, offer to dispose of it for you.
6. This third-party then notifies Apple and Apple either processes a refund to your credit card or offers you an Apple Store credit.

As you can see, this can take a bit of time. You an significantly speed up this process, by taking your trade-in directly to an Apple retail store.

If there are no Apple Stores in your area, you have to send it for trade. Apple will send you package. But I would advise you to take photos of your iPad mini before sending if off. There plenty of complaints regarding trade in’s from Brightstar, were rejected because trade in items received “damaged.”

Exactly. If the OP has an Apple Store nearby, the trade can be made on the spot and takes mere minutes to trade it and walk out with a brand new device.