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T-Mobile is putting their own spin on the trade-in programs that have become pretty popular as of recent times. Customers can now trade-in any existing mobile device from any carrier for up to $300 off of the purchase of a new handset from T-Mobile. We doubt many will be getting that full $300 in return for their old handset, but whatever amount you do get is given in the form of a mail-in rebate. T-Mobile hopes the program will offset the cost of upgrading to their high-end 4G smartphones while drawing in new customers to their slowly bleeding totals.
We’re all for a way to turn old phones into cash, especially now that the lifecycle of a smartphone barely lasts six months. See the press release below for full details.
T-Mobile USA Launches Trade-In Program for Used Handsets
T-Mobile Trade-In program enables customers to save on new device purchase whether opting for the latest messaging device or trading up to one of the fastest smartphones running on America’s Largest 4G NetworkBELLEVUE, Wash. — May 17, 2011 — T-Mobile USA, Inc. today introduced a retail Trade-In program, aimed at giving customers a cost-effective way to purchase a new phone and upgrade to America’s Largest 4G Network. T-Mobile’s Trade-In program provides customers with the ability to trade existing mobile devices for money that could be used toward the purchase of a new handset — including any new smartphone running on
T-Mobile’s 4G network.T-Mobile is dedicated to making the latest wireless devices and mobile Internet services more affordable to more people. Through the Trade-In program, customers can offset the cost of a new phone purchase by up to $300 with the trade in of their old device. Even devices from other wireless carriers are eligible as long as they meet the minimum criteria, i.e., being fully functional, having an intact and working display, and being free of liquid damage or corrosion.
Customers can take advantage of the Trade-In program at any T-Mobile retail store. In partnership with The Wireless Source (TWS), a leader in consumer electronics collection programs, a trained T-Mobile representative will determine the trade-in value of each device and a check for the quoted amount will be given to the customer via a mail-in rebate process. Customers receive a voucher, shipping label and bubble pack mailer and simply ship the old phone to TWS at their convenience. They will then be sent a check from TWS in the amount of the quote once the device is received in good working condition.
“T-Mobile is committed to providing the latest, most innovative and affordable technology to new and existing customers,” said Ami Silverman, senior vice president of sales, T-Mobile USA. “If device purchases can be made even more affordable through the value offset of T-Mobile’s Trade-In program, we want customers to have that option. We encourage them to take advantage of it so they can stay connected no matter what their budget, current device or mobile provider.”
Customers have the ability to check the estimated value of their device before going to a T-Mobile retail store and learning more about the T-Mobile Trade-In program at http://www.mytradeins.com/.
If it’s anything like AT&T’s trade-in service, you’re much better off selling your phone on Craigslist. AT&T wanted to give me $80 for my Captivate in perfect condition. I then proceeded to sell it for $250 on Craigslist.
Can’t wait to see how all of the crazy conspiracy theorists try to spin this one into how TMO is trying to bleed off customers so they make the merger seem more needed.
hahah yeah it will be funny lol. You always have a few of them thinking that lol.
How is that unlikely? The FCC hasn’t agreed to this yet, and it’s in T Mobile’s interest to complete this merge. It’s definitely not far fetched guys.
Ok, so how does this particular scenario fit into that little conspiracy theory?
No T-mobile just no.
“especially now that the lifecycle of a smartphone barely lasts six months”
Buhhhh.. really? Had my Nexus One since launch, no plans on getting rid of it until at least the SGS2 shows up.
Our N1s are quite the exception.
I agree.. my myTouch will make it 23 months before it is replaced by a Sensation.. and it will still be usable and a backup hiding in a drawer somewhere in case of catastrophe.. Not everyone phone hops 2 or 3 (or more) times a year.
this is a good program for people who dont want to sell their phone or dont know how. Everyone in the know (us) wont do this and we will sell it else where.
Sign up with TMobile now and get unwittingly assimilated into AT&T. WE ARE BORG
Yeah…it’s a ripoff. $25 for G1, $70 for my G2. Think I’ll stick with Craigslist or even RadioShack has better TiV.