My phone contract has been expired for almost a year, and I’ve been waiting to get a great deal on the iPhone 5. With my upgrade, I would have been able to get the iPhone 5 for $199.99, but I really didn’t want to spend that much on a phone, when I know that the longer I wait, the cheaper it will be. I called my service provider but they couldn’t give me a better price, so I decided to just wait it out.
Then, I found out that the Best Buy Mobile Specialty Store would give me up to $200 back in Best Buy credit to purchase a new phone, or to use as I wish towards another purchase. Since I was eligible for an upgrade, I figured this would be a good opportunity to get a better price on the iPhone 5. What I appreciated most about this program was their upfront, no frills or hidden fine print policy. I was able to view how much I would get back for my existing phone, so there were no surprises when I got to the store.
Since my phone was well protected, I thought it was safe to say it would be in perfect condition, but knew it was up to the sales rep at Best Buy to determine whether or not it was “perfect” or “good.” We headed to a Best Buy on the location finder which would be to complete my transaction, but after arriving at the store I found out there was a closer location that was not on the list. If you decide to trade in your phone and your store isn’t on the list, give them a call and see if they are running the promotion before you head in.
Trade in, upgrade, and transferring all my information from my old phone to my new phone was a lot easier than I thought. The sales lady agreed that my phone was in perfect condition, but since I forgot to bring my charger she had to write it up as “good condition.” Don’t forget to bring all your accessories with you when you trade in – they will need whatever came with the phone to give you the best price. I received $85 for my two year old iPhone 4, and got a shiny new iPhone 5, completely backed up with all my photos, videos, and contacts moved over. Even my home screen photos were there, and I didn’t have to change any settings. I always loved getting a new phone but dreaded setting it up to my preferences. Best Buy transfered everything and set up my phone, free of charge.
Now, you can’t get an expensive phone without protecting it. I was offered Best Buy protection but decided to go with AppleCare instead. This is just a personal preference and you can speak with a rep when you get to the store to see what the best option is for you. Knowing my track record of dropping my phone, I got a silicone case and screen protector, then I added on a car charger. Luckily, Best Buy offered a package deal and I paid $35 for those accessories, which also included the sales rep placing the screen protector on for me. If you’ve ever done this, then you know how tedious it could be to take out all the air bubbles and dust, so I was happy to have it done for me! I should also mention that I signed up for the Best Buy RewardZone program and already got $5 back for this purchase, and will be getting another $5 for my husband’s purchase – this deal just keeps getting sweeter!
Naturally, my hubby got a bit jealous and wanted to know when his contract was up so he could also get a new iPhone 5. We found out that he will be eligible next week! I asked the rep how long this promotion was good for and she said “we ALWAYS have a trade in policy!” So, next week we will be headed back to Best Buy to trade in his old phone and upgrade to a new phone!
I didn’t know you could trade in your old phone for some credit. That is great!
Hmmmm — so, you can use this regardless of your normal carrier?
Awesome I love that you can trade in your old phone and use it against a new phone. Makes a lot of sense, they can then refurbish them and sell them so it is a WIN WIN for everyone.