Apple's new iPhone trade-in program could be brillant

[jpiniero]

Basically, Apple is trolling the carriers by giving people with the 4 or 4S a very good reason to upgrade to the 5S or 5C. By trading in their current phone, they might be able to get a new 5S or 5C for very cheap, "free", or even get money back. Sure, they would have to extend their contract, but it's not like people switch carriers.

Dat sweet sweet subsidy cash :hmm:

 

[T_Yamamoto]

They won't be able to get it for free or get money.

 

[Eug]

I don't see how this is trolling the carriers. The carriers would love this, as it potentially locks them into another contract.

Almost anything to sell more phones on contract will benefit the carriers. It's a win-win for both the carriers and for Apple.

 

[zaydq]

I thought this promotion was for the iPhone 5? Sounds like they're trying to sell the soon to be old model before the new one hits and makes the price go down.

 

[jpiniero]

They won't be able to get it for free or get money.

The 5C is going to be $450, or $0 on contract. Even if it ends up being $99 on contract, the trade in for a 4 or 4S would be more than that.

I thought this promotion was for the iPhone 5? Sounds like they're trying to sell the soon to be old model before the new one hits and makes the price go down.

That's why they started it now, I think. Clear out the stock. But it makes so much sense that I'm anticipating that it will be a big part of the ad campaign of the 5S/5C.

 

[soccerballtux]

sounds like cash for clunkers. limit supply can keep prices up. interesting.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

The 5C is going to be $450, or $0 on contract. Even if it ends up being $99 on contract, the trade in for a 4 or 4S would be more than that.

The 5C will have the 5's internals, so it should be priced somewhere between where the 4 ($0) and the 4s ($100?) with contract (depending on size of storage of course).

 

[jpeyton]

Nevermind

And FYI, the house always wins in a trade-in program.

 

[jpiniero]

Nevermind

And FYI, the house always wins in a trade-in program.

I'm sure you could do better selling it online to one of the various trade-in companies, but the different probably isn't substantial and not as convenient. (The scammers paradise that is eBay is of course excluded)

 

[Oyeve]

I see nothing brilliant here. Seems the same as everyone else's trade in.

 

[zerocool84]

I see nothing brilliant here. Seems the same as everyone else's trade in.

This, it's something that's been done before. Hell, Sprint has been advertising their trade in program for a while.

 

[AznAnarchy99]

The 5C is going to be $450, or $0 on contract. Even if it ends up being $99 on contract, the trade in for a 4 or 4S would be more than that.

I'll believe that when I see it.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

This, it's something that's been done before. Hell, Sprint has been advertising their trade in program for a while.

Perhaps but practically no one knows about it. I asked my 3 friends on Sprint, and they had no clue about this. I think Apple would make a bigger drop in the water with its trade-in program. Furthermore, without the other 3 carriers making noise, I'd say Apple's move is pretty smart.