Trade-in gift card misleading (Brightstar UK) - welcome advice
So, bought a new MacBook Air, and spotted the trade-in ad banner. A swift valuation later, I thought I'd get some credit back on an old MacBook Pro. Everything went smoothly until the email gift card arrived.
The trade-in website does say "Apple Store Gift Card' but no explanation in the page text to clarify how that's restricted in terms of use. I'd argue that most consumers wouldn't immediately assume that Apple Store cards and Apple App Store / Apple iTunes Store cards are completely different. There's no obvious way of knowing, unless you know to look.
Working through the trade-in process, there's no further mention of the restriction:
- the appraisal engine says "Trade in for a gift card"
- the confirmation screen links to the partners Terms & Conditions (which call it an Apple Gift Card)
It's only confirmed when your device has been posted, and when the Gift Card arrives by email, and when it's not accepted when trying to redeem it.
Really poor experience, and I'd have made a different recycling decision if that restriction was clear up front. I don't need credit for a new Mac - I've just bought one! And I don't want to waste the balance on accessories I don't need - I'd prefer it to be used on my iCloud / Subscriptions. I just want the balance transferred to a card I can actually use.
Apple Support aren't interested - they say that:
- I should have realised that an Apple Store Gift Card wasn't the same as an Apple App Store or Apple iTunes Store one
- I should scrolled down to the page footer to check the Shop and Learn section first
- They won't do anything to make this right
- I can raise feedback if I thought the page wasn't clear (but won't affect my case)
Would welcome any helpful advice here - really feel this is unfair, and I'm sure others may have been misled. Any ideas?
