Trade-in for pre-order

[tcmeiss]

So I got my S10+ yesterday. So far, I'm loving it. My one issue is: How do I do the trade-in?

I've never bought a phone from the manufacturer before. Last time I upgraded another line, I ordered my G7 from Verizon and they sent a shipping label and padded envelope for my Note5. This time, I bought the unlocked S10+ from Samsung and agreed to trade in my S9+ for the $550 discount. Had no issue activating it, but now I don't know what to do with the S9+...

There's no return label or instructions on how to get one. Anyone else doing the trade with Samsung? If so, did you receive instructions in the package?

Thanks.

 

[SpookDroid]

It should have come with instructions in the confirmation e-mail as that will have the shipping information and what you need to place on the box. But basically you're on your own for shipping and packaging (I suggest you take before and after pictures just in case). Also, don't forget to completely factory-reset your phone before shipping it (yes, Samsung will not bother and if the phone isn't reset, they'll take it as a dud and only trade it in for 25 bucks), it powers on, has no visible defects, etc.

Should there be any issues with the trade-in, you'll get an e-mail from Samsung stating which are the defects it is rejecting the phone for with attached (often crappy) pictures (that's why I suggest taking before and after pictures to make sure you have evidence should you need it).

 

[tcmeiss]

So yeah, I'm just impatient. Just got an email with the shipping label and instructions.

Good call on the pictures. Hadn't thought of that. I can use the box they sent it to me in, but I need to figure out a way to protect and secure it in there.

Thanks!

 

[SpookDroid]

Bubble wrap is your friend hehe.

 

[WizeGuyDezignz]

I got the email and shipping label for mine, but the instructions weren't super detailed. Am I just sending the phone only? No accessories or anything?

Thank you!

 

[SpookDroid]

I got the email and shipping label for mine, but the instructions weren't super detailed. Am I just sending the phone only? No accessories or anything?

Thank you!

Yup, just the phone. If you have the original box, that's probably a good way to ship it, just fill the empty spaces with enough padding material, tape appropriately, and ship away.

 

[singelectric]

Anyone know what happens if the device you trade-in is still carrier locked with a balance?

In Samsung's FAQ, they say:

"The device I’m trading in is one that I bought using an equal payment or other financing plan, and I still have payments left on it. Can I still trade it in?

Yes – however, please note that all remaining payments on the device you’re trading in are your responsibility. You may also be subject to additional fees. Check with your current carrier for details."​

I bought my S9 last year through T-Mobile since they were willing to give a $200 credit (in 24 monthly payments) for my ancient S4 that had been collecting dust for years, so there's obviously still a balance.

Anyone know if T-Mobile will charge me for the remaining balance when I get rid of it? The device is still carrier-locked and I'm sticking with T-Mobile - the hope is I can just continue to make payments, even though I don't have the device, so I can get the full value of the $200 credit for my S9.

 

[jlangner]

Anyone know what happens if the device you trade-in is still carrier locked with a balance?

In Samsung's FAQ, they say:

"The device I’m trading in is one that I bought using an equal payment or other financing plan, and I still have payments left on it. Can I still trade it in?

Yes – however, please note that all remaining payments on the device you’re trading in are your responsibility. You may also be subject to additional fees. Check with your current carrier for details."​

I bought my S9 last year through T-Mobile since they were willing to give a $200 credit (in 24 monthly payments) for my ancient S4 that had been collecting dust for years, so there's obviously still a balance.

Anyone know if T-Mobile will charge me for the remaining balance when I get rid of it? The device is still carrier-locked and I'm sticking with T-Mobile - the hope is I can just continue to make payments, even though I don't have the device, so I can get the full value of the $200 credit for my S9.

As long as it is not leased, just turn in and keep making payments to t-mobile just like you had charged on a credit card. I have never had an issue before. Carrier lock never been a problem for me. Just make sure phone does not have a "Screen Lock"

 

[singelectric]

Thanks - that's what I was hoping. I have no problem continuing to make payments, i'd just have hated to "lose" $100 in bill credits I got from T-Mobile.

 

[SpookDroid]

T-Mobile won't care what you do to the device. BUT if the IMEI shows up as locked due to lack of full payment, Samsung WILL reject the trade-in and only give you 25 dollars for it (I might have the number wrong, but it's peanuts). And there is NO WAY to get the phone back once its been submitted.

So check with the carrier first as you might have to pay the device in full (remaining balance) before they 'release' the IMEI.

 

[singelectric]

You might be right - though if so, Samsung's wording is VERY vague (they could have said any device sent to them must be carrier-unlocked at the time its sent, and then it'd be clear - instead they really hedge their bets).

One thing to say, though, is that Samsung's FAQ now also says:

"If you would like, you can request to have the trade-in device sent back to the original shipping address on file, free of charge by visiting the My Orders Page."

Of course, that's likely not to be of THAT MUCH use to a lot of people, since by then you'll almost certainly be out of the return window for the new device...

 

[Jaycemiskel]

T-Mobile won't care what you do to the device. BUT if the IMEI shows up as locked due to lack of full payment, Samsung WILL reject the trade-in and only give you 25 dollars for it (I might have the number wrong, but it's peanuts). And there is NO WAY to get the phone back once its been submitted.

So check with the carrier first as you might have to pay the device in full (remaining balance) before they 'release' the IMEI.

This has now changed. You can request they send the device back to you now. It's included in the email they send with return label.

 

[singelectric]

So I guess to answer my own question, I messaged T-Mobile after all, and they confirmed that I can trade the device in:


Later in the conversation, the rep confirmed that this means I could continue to pay my EIP as I am now. Samsung's terms say NOTHING about carrier locks, to it looks like I'm good there.

 

[SpookDroid]

Yeah, carrier locks aren't something they check, but stolen phones (AKA Blocked IMEIs, which sometimes carriers flag for unpaid devices) are checked. It seems, however, you should be good on that department. Also, it seems the terms for trade-ins changed as stated above, so that's good! If something happens, sure, you won't get the amazing trade-in value but at least you can get your phone back (and cancel your order if you feel like it).