Wondering if Apple trade in is a scam

After I rejected the scam trade-in offer they did return my computer and it was in good shape cosmetically - they didn't harm in any way. However, it was completely bricked and although I followed all of the various procedures described online in the Apple support area to reinstall an operating system, none have worked so far. I've received a variety of error messages - untrusted certificate, unable to reach the server, etc.. So I'm calling support directly. I figure they owe me. Especially since the new computer - the one they hooked me into buying with the phony assurance I'd receive $390 for my trade-in - is still well within the initial free support period. I'll let you know what happens.

For any Verizon customer thinking about a new phone and wanting to get some actual money for their trade ins: just go with Verizon's "upgrade and trade in". Not only do they offer way more than Apple for your old device, they are not trying to scam you out your device by lowballing you once you've sent it in. I've used them twice now for my phones.

Update on my scenario, sent a phone one defect. I took a video before sending with pictures to show condition of phone when I declined the trade offer they sent me my phone back with a scratch from one corner to the other. So I went back and forth with them after the third try even with clear cut evidence they said they didn’t accept the liability. Even with clear cut pictures. MADness

Total scam - first time I have used the trade-in option - never again. Traded in my 8 plus - really good condition - always been in a protective case, no scratches on screen, no scratches on case - even sent it back in the original box. Was advised of a $290 trade in - get an email last night due to scratches on back it has a value of $79. The back has never seen the light of day.

I would not have bought another apple if the trade in value was not attractive - this is just a scam. Rejected the offer and this will be my last iphone - if you can't trust the service provider, I won't continue to do business with them.

Thank you for you lengthy response. I know exactly what you are talking about and it does certainly appear to be a bait and switch (bait with a high value and "find" damage then offer a lower value). Apple needs to adjust their trade-in methods and procedures to fix this now rather than wait until it negatively affects their bottom line.

I too have had a very poor experience with the apple trade in program. After buying a new MacBook Air I decided to trade in my 2015 version for the price of $250. I boxed up the laptop and sent it off but only got a lowball offer of $120 due to a few scratches on the underside of the laptop. Deciding this was a ridiculous offer and I could put it too good use for my young son I rejected the offer and had it returned. Upon receiving the laptop back it now won't start up - A folder with a flashing question mark means that your startup disk is no longer available or doesn't contain a working Mac operating system. This was. a perfectly good laptop prior to sending it off for a trade in and I can only feel that this entire process is a scam that's been endorsed by apple. Im very disappointed and expected a lot better from apple.(

@JezzaX10. this is normal. I had the same thing happening. You have to rename your harddrive. During the format of your harddrive it automatically got renamed to some generic name. But now the startup process cannot find the harddrive because it doesn't recognize that name. A simple rename back to the original and familiar harddrive name will fix that.

Tried to trade my Mac pro retina and got an “estimate of $460! Sent it in and after few days got a “ re evaluation “of $ 0 ! ! Due to “swollen battery “ nothing wrong with the battery: the keyboard is fine, the bottom of the laptop is in perfect condition,no “ signs “ of deformity anywhere ;I never had any problem with the laptop;I just wanted to get a new Mac mini. The company that seems to be handling the trade in is called AUCNET DP …… have you ever hear about this company? Well I just find that “ trade in” very dishonest.

I had two negative experiences with the so-called Apple trade-in. The first was my son's Air, which was supposed to yield something like $350. We packaged it up and they sent us an e-mail saying they'd give us something ridiculous like $70 because of some made up problems. The same thing happened a few months later when I went to trade-in my Notebook Pro. They promised nearly $700, yet, the same thing happened. They adjusted the amount to less than half claiming there was an issue with the graphics card and a dent in the case. I had used the laptop up to the day I traded it in and neither issue existed. In both cases I had them ship it back, so now we have a few extra Macs lying around.

Yes...I think it's a scam. Same thing just happened to me. 6 year old Macbook Air in very good condition they valued at $240. I traded it for a new Air. I've set it up. Needed to purchase new adaptors and a new monitor to work with the new Thunderbolt (USBC). They come back and say dead spots on the screen. $90. No way there were dead spots on the screen. I told them to send back my computer. They think they made the sale of the new computer, but I am considering sending it back. It will go back if my computer does not come to me in the condition I sent it. Bait and Switch is my personal experience.

Apple offered me $460 for my laptop Mac Pro retina ,I thought I was going to deal with Apple so I sent it, surprise! It’s Phobio the company that deals with the offers and they emailed me telling me that the laptop was worth $ 0 …..zero,nada,zilch!

this company Phobio has been doing business for Apple for years in spite of hundreds of bad reviews and complaints…… Why?

How come that nobody including the BBB does anything to stop this company?.why does Apple associate with this company?

There was an article a couple months ago about the 3rd-party company that handles Apple's trade-ins having a higher-than-normal number of complaints about situations just like yours.

https://9to5mac.com/2021/04/14/apple-trade-in-partner-mac-complaints/

The reality is Apple doesn't deal with this. It has other companies handle it for them. If you feel you're getting taken advantage of, ask to have your MacBook sent back and sell it privately. It could be possible that these spots were something you didn't notice. Either way, you're allowed to get your property back.

Very surprising that Apple lets this kind of thing effect its brand. Not Apple like. Puts some bad feelings in the consumers mind.

In recalling the trade-in offer, if I used an Apple Credit card to purchase, I would have received the full amount offered at the time of purchase. So basically Apple is pushing you to use their card. Can you say "Bank of Satin". So they are right there with Phobio on ethics. Sounds like Apple sales run amuck. Where are the brand experience police. As for the product I received, basically all good...faster computer...but pretty much the same as what I had in capability, the USB C a pain and costly...and the TouchID is near useless.

I got the same issue!! I literally made a video of saying goodbye to my Macbook Pro that I traded in, and no white spot whatsoever. Traded it in and got email saying there are white spots.

Suggest sending Apple your feedback Here. Not that it will change the value given but to voice your opinion