Packing up iMac for trade in

I called AppleCare and talked to a very nice representative who spent some time chasing down this problem. Finally she sent me an email with the instructions on how to pack the box. I haven't tried it yet but here is the link. It looks like it covers what it needs to. If I have any problems from this point on, I'll let this discussion group know about it.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211120

I received a shipping label and tape but no instructions. I'm not sure how to manipulate the 2 strange cardboard panels to ensure the best protection. Isn't there an on-line document outlining the procedure?

Please follow What to do before selling or giving away your Mac and then put the computer and power cord in th box and ship it. I recommend you take good photos that illustate the computers condition and time stamp the pics in case of a disute.

Your packing label is usually nowadays under the address label used to ship it to you - peel that off very carefully and you should see a label for the return. Also please use the following link to learn how to box it up iMac Packaging for Apple Trade In. Finally in order to prepare the old Mac correctly please use What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac

The box I received doesn't contain any foam or packaging as mentioned in the linked Apple support article.

Here is what I think you're supposed to do with a box with a cardboard insert covered with plastic wrap:

1. Lift up the cardboard flap with the plastic so the hole is at the bottom.
   1. Note: The plastic should be on the side of the box facing away from you.
2. Place the iMac in the box so the screen is facing you.
3. Lift the cardboard flap out of the box and hold it vertically, above your iMac. See where this is going?
4. Patiently slide it over the iMac, so the plastic sheet holds it securely against the insert in the middle of the box.
   1. The glass should be flush against the cardboard.
   2. The stand should be sticking through the hole at the bottom, and
   3. The back should be visible through the plastic.

Then, once you've assembled your cardboard / iMac / plastic sandwich, lower the cardboard insert back into the box. I taped my powercord to the inside of the box, so it won't bump around.

Good luck!

I very highly recommend not trading in your old Mac. Mine was in pristine condition with all the bells & whistles. After telling me i would get $440 for it, They said it had arrived destroyed and was worth essentially nothing.

If you do send it away, don’t expect anything in return.

I was told that you no longer can take it to a store for trade in. All they’ll do is give you a trade in packing box If it helps, when you’re packing up the iMac in the box, put it face down & slide it under the plastic on the bottom piece of the box.

I received the box, a piece of cardboard, a piece of tape and a label. No instructions. I wasn't about to send it back that way. I looked at some instructions online but that had 2 cardboard sheets and a bag for power cord. Called and eventually got someone in shipping but they were no help. Eventually put it in the original 2 boxes it shipped in and put those plus packing in the new box. I sent the keyboard and mouse as well even though they weren't asked for. Totally unlike Apple. Must be a different outfit handling it.

The return label is usually nowadays under the address label used to ship it to you - peel that off very carefully and you should see a label for the return.

Having said that, it usually goes to a third party partner company, so take lots of pictures of the iMac to be able to prove its condition and make sure to copy the tracking number on the return label so you can keep track of when it arrives. And, keep a note of the company name, address, etc. as well.

Did you get your full refund? Thanks! I am faced with the same situation. Only one piece of cardboard in the box and no bag for power cable. No top cardboard piece to keep imac from breaking loose and flopping around. If I do as you did and add the box my imac came in (I don't have the outer mailing box, only the box with photo on it and the handle) and add a little packing material the return box will weigh at least 27 pounds. The return shipping label they sent me says 12 lb. I'm concerned either it won't ship or they will deduct the shipping cost from my already small refund.

Apple explicitly states they are not responsible for any damage incurred in shipping, so the provided packaging doesn't inspire confidence. The last Apple support person I talked to said I was supposed to use my own box! She evidently didn't even know what Apple says about trade-ins. The post above with photo does look helpful so I may try that.

In my case, the shipping label on the outside of the box was carefully (!) removable and revealed a return shipping label underneath. Be sure to copy the tracking number before dropping it off so you can keep track of the process.

The iMac trade-in is worth over $900, and Apple has a 3rd party company send a "trade in kit" with no instructions on how to protect the computer, a couple of slabs of cardboard and some plastic shrink wrap which tears right off the cardboard as soon as you try stretching it over the iMac.

Will Apple please respond to this thread and offer suggestions or specific instructions on how to ship the computer in this packaging?

If you want Apple to respond, you need to contact Apple.

These are user to user forums.

Note: be sure to take plenty of photos of your device in case there are questions later. The third party company will be giving you a final amount after they examine the machine.

The best instructions were given above. You can also add your own packing material to protect it.