iPad trade returned back to me

Unfortunately, we cannot address the reason why Apple rejected your trade-in. We are not Apple employees here. As already mentioned, you will need to contact Apple Support directly to try to get an answer. To do so, simply select the "Support" link in the lower left-hand side of this forum's web page.

Kathycap wrote:

it was initiated during my order for a new iPad. I received my iPad so not sure how my order would have been cancelled.

As the order was fulfilled upon received the order, the trade-in itself was either rejected or cancelled. Prior to receiving the shipping kit, with which to return the iPad to Apple’s trade-in partner, you should have received an email from Apple - that included contact and process information. You should use these details to query the failed trade-in.

We can't answer for either Apple or their third party trade in partner, but usually the company did not agree with your estimate of the condition it is in. You have their contact/address info - ask them. If you do not agree with their opinion, hopefully you took pics of it before sending it in so you can prove its condition?

If it was done online, then Apple sent you a kit most likely addressed to a third party tradein partner. If it was returned to you, look at the sender's address on the box to see who returned it to you.

And, you need to argue your case with the company who rejected it - we are all other users and can't speak for them.

When your trade-in was returned to you, you will have received communication as to “why” the trade-in was being returned.

Either the trade-in had been cancelled by you - or perhaps more likely, was rejected because of damage or other defect that disqualified the device from being eligible for trade-in.

Kathycap wrote:

I never used a 3rd party. Apple sent me the packaging and I returned it to Apple as per the instructions provided.

Then you would need to contact Apple to find out why the iPad was returned.

Was the trade-in initiated during an online order for a new iPad - or as a separate “trade-in” for a gift certificate? Assuming the former - and that you didn’t intentionally cancel the trade-in - perhaps your entire order was cancelled?