 "Apple 'Reuse and Recycle' programme to hit US stores on August 30")
Apple has been working on the launch of its iPhone trade-in programme for a while now, according to 9to5 MAC. The latest report on the same now suggests that the initiative, to which the company is now adding final touches, will be up and about across all Apple Stores by September.
The trade-in will allow a user to exchange an older iPhone model for a new iPhone at a discounted price. According to the report, the programme will come with the title “iPhone Reuse and Recycle Programme.” The trade-in will start out at select Apple Stores from August 30, while the larger-scale rollout will start next month. It should be noted that this programme has not yet been slated for India**.**
From what is known so far, it seems like this initiative will work for both standard and business customers who are in the market for a new iPhone. There also seems to be a step-by-step process reported. A customer will start off by approaching an Apple Store employee with an inquiry for a new iPhone against an older model.
Apple will be rolling out its trade-in programme across select Apple stores on August 30
The new iPhone reportedly has to be an on-contract phone and must be activated on the spot. The store representative will then crunch in all the data about the customer’s old iPhone on an application installed on their mobile EasyPay devices. Based on the information entered, a value for the old iPhone is tabulated and given to the prospective buyer.
The value is reportedly based on parameters like display quality, button quality, overall hardware damage, engraving, liquid damage and being able to be powered on and used normally. After all this is done, the employee will tell the prospective buyer that their phone will not be returned once they have agreed to the company’s terms and conditions. Worried users can relax, though, because the company will give customers an opportunity to back up their iPhone before handing it in.
The new iPhone is then provided, along with a gift card with the value amount to be paid towards the new iPhone. The gift card must be used at the time, though, and cannot be carried forward for any other product. The old SIM card will be given back to the customer and the Apple employee will offer to set up the new iPhone.
The source was able to confirm that the traded in iPhones will be shipped to and processed by wireless distributor BrightStar. The company, however, has not said anything on the matter yet. From what is known so far, it seems like the old iPhones will be recycled for use only in the US. This seems to be a part of Apple’s new theme of promoting its dedication to the country, according to the report.
While this programme is basically a trade-in, there is also scope for re-cycling old iPhones as well. Non-functional iPhones that are not worth anything can also be shipped out to BrightStar through this initiative. Most models starting from the iPhone 3G, the iPhone 3GS, the iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 will fall under this programme, both for trade-in and recycling. The initiative will be rolled out for the US first, and may hit international markets in the future.
Apple is also reportedly giving its retail employees overtime payment to ensure that two hours of training is completed by the August 30 launch date. There also seems to be a difference in the trade-in pricing reported for the iPhones as compared to the competition, with the former being a bit lesser. Thus an unlocked, undamaged iPhone 5 16GB will be worth around $279 as opposed to an AT&T 16GB iPhone 5, which will be worth $255, according to the report. Sources have said, however, that the pricing will constantly change owing to the supply and demand of certain iPhone models. The company is reportedly looking at this new initiative as a means to boost sales across its retail store chain. The timing is also good, with the launch of the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C just around the corner.
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