Online Order, Trade-in in store?

If they accept teh trade in in the store, I'd recommend doing it there - Apple uses mostly third party company partners for the mail ins and the amount determined by them may not be what the estimate was from Apple. I will never use the mail in option.

What you should do instead is set up the trade online when you set up the purchase of the new iPad. The shipping materials will be sent to you, and you may return the old iPad after you receive the new one.

I haven’t experienced any issues precisely because I will not deal with one of the third party companies for a trade in. Too many posts here detailing problems for one thing and getting significantly better prices elsewhere has made it an easy decision for the last three devices.

Doing The Who.e thing in the Store would work … if the particular iPad model you wish is in stock.

Enjoy your Apple gear.

I always order online for pickup in the store.

I haven’t experienced the issues you have with third party trade in. I have also ordered online for pickup in the Store, but never when a trade was involved.