Kelly Wang/ZDNET
There are a few reasons to shop Amazon this week, whether you’re looking to pre-order new hardware that was just announced or you’re keeping your eye on Prime Day hit products.
Either way, who can turn down an Amazon gift card? Well, technically it’s not free, but through Amazon’s trade-in program, you can trade in some old, dusty electronics that you no longer use, and Amazon will reward you with gift cards and discounts. It’s a win-win for both you and nature.
MORE: Prime Day deals: Live updates
Here’s everything you need to know about Amazon’s trade-in program, including shipping instructions and answers to frequently asked questions.
How to use Amazon’s trade-in program
What you’ll need: To be clear, there are plenty of other trade-in services out there, many of which likely generate higher return rates and accept a greater variety of products and brands than Amazon, but the benefits of using Amazon’s program include a hassle-free shipping process, in-store discounts, and e-gift cards that are processed directly into your account.
If that sounds like you, check out our step-by-step walkthrough of the service.
Start by heading to Amazon’s trade-in portal: you can choose from a variety of Amazon-owned product categories, including Kindles, tablets, streaming media players, and Echo speakers, or search through the “Other trade-in categories” section, which includes mobile phones and games.
Plus: 4 ways Amazon will use AI to help you shop on Prime Day
When you open the Categories tab, you’ll see a manual search bar and a list of products currently registered to your Amazon account. Select the item you want to trade in.
Trade-in values (and discounts) are displayed next to each product name and model.
Screenshot: Kerry Wan/ZDNET
Once you’ve selected the item you want to trade in, you’ll be presented with a survey to help you meet eligibility requirements.
The questions will be about the condition and status of your trade-in item and will vary depending on the type of device, such as whether it’s cracked or damaged, whether it charges, etc. Your answers will be evaluated during the inspection process, so please be as honest and accurate as possible.
And the AI-powered Alexa could nearly double Amazon subscription fees
If they find any inaccuracies, you can choose to either lower the trade-in estimate for your electronics or have Amazon return the items to your shipping address, which is a good thing, since the latter isn’t typically offered with trade-in programs.
Screenshot: Kerry Wan/ZDNET
Once you complete the survey, you will be provided with a UPS shipping label to package and ship your item. The prepaid label is provided free of charge (at least to you) and you have 45 days to ship your package to Amazon. Be sure to use the provided label and not your own, as tracking information is specific to your particular trade-in item.
And if you’re trading in your old phone, here’s how to factory reset it:
Tip: If you’re shipping a smartphone, tablet, or device that contains personal information, be sure to factory reset and wipe it before you hand it over. Also, document and take photos of its condition. This will help if it’s damaged in shipping or if Amazon claims it was inaccurately described.
After your package arrives at Amazon, it will take up to 10 days to evaluate your item and process your trade-in offer (Amazon gift card or discount on certain products). If you have any issues, you can find more information on the trade-in page or contact an online representative for help.
FAQ
When is Amazon Prime Day 2024?
Amazon’s biggest sales event of the year, Prime Day 2024, took place yesterday and runs until today, with huge discounts across a variety of product categories, including mobile phones, laptops, TVs, audio, and more. The best deals are available only to Prime members, but sellers often slash prices on products to make them available to non-Prime members as well. The event officially takes place on July 16th and July 17th.
How long does it take to receive trade-in credit?
According to Amazon’s trade-in program website, you can receive your trade-in credit within 10 days of your item arriving at the sorting facility.
What condition must the item be in?
Amazon’s trade-in program accepts a variety of items, from non-working to in good condition. Depending on how damaged your electronics are or how new they are, you may receive a higher or lower credit.
How long will it take to ship my device?
Please ship your device within 45 days after you receive the prepaid shipping label. Your best bet is to drop off your package at your local UPS store and get a pickup receipt to confirm delivery. Trade-ins can also be dropped off at select Hub Lockers and Whole Foods stores.
Is Amazon’s trade-in program a good deal?
The answer depends on what you want to get out of your trade-in. If you just want to get rid of some electronics and don’t want to worry about buying shipping labels or paying listing fees, Amazon’s program is a good deal.
If you want the highest return, reselling platforms like eBay, Swappa, Itsworthmore, etc. are the way to go. These methods can get you a good price for your electronics, but keep in mind that you will also have to cover service fees and shipping costs.
