Apple iPhone Trade-In Program Unveiled
Apple iPhone Trade-In Program Unveiled by UCStrategies Staff
Recently, an iPhone trade-in program was launched by Apple via its retails stores, ahead of the launching of two new iPhones.
Apple will be taking in previously owned iPhones that can still power on. Users can receive up to $280, depending on the condition, but this money can only be put towards purchasing a new iPhone. Customers who wish to participate in this program must have or leave the retail store under contract.
This sort of trade-in program is not new to the smartphone market; a report from CNBC highlights that models as old as a 16-GB 3GS iPhone has a value of up to $70 on Amazon. A 16-GB iPhone 5 has a buy-back value above $300, at various retailers.
In the past, Apple has offered customers an Apple Store Gift Card at the value of the recycled item, and this service is still provided by the company, according to its website. Apple recycles items to the customer for free, if it is not reusable.
Compsee, a Melbourne, Florida-based solution provider, and the director of regional sales at the company, Tom Narut, stated: “From a marketing perspective, this is going to stir the pot.” He added that the new strategy is a “tease,” and may not be effective if Apple’s new iPhone is not impressive, or if better devices exist elsewhere. Narut said: “It will appeal to late adopters of the iPhone. It will dangle a carrot in front of them, cause them to inquire and maybe make a move.”
Narut also commented that customers who keep their smartphone for three to four years are the most likely to be enticed by this new offer.
At the end of the day, it will be up to the company to draw customers to its new innovation. Narut noted: “When Steve Jobs came out with the iPhone, it was something substantially different. Now, basically everyone holding a [smartphone] has either an iPhone or a mimic of it.”
Apple will not convince anyone unless it can offer something new and innovative. Narut said: “What is going to make consumers and my business customers buy that new phone is not going to be about megapixels or screen size, it has to be something different.” (CY) Link