Best Buy's Future-Proof Buy Back Program?

[Trader05]

Hey guys, just recently went to Best Buy and was looking at different cell phones since i'm due for an upgrade through Sprint.

The rep said they are offering a new Buy-Back Program for people who like to upgrade their phones often. (also with tv's and laptops i believe)

How it works:

Buy a new phone plus $60 for this program. Then you get up to 50% trade in credit of the full non-contract price of the phone between 1-6 months, 40% 6-12 months, 30% 12-18months, and 20% 18-24 months.

They were giving a discount promo for the program of $30 if you sign up for the insurance ($10 a month) and you can cancel the insurance at any time.

So for me it would be $190 + tax for the EVO Shift ($150 upgrade + $30 upgrade program + $10 insurance). The phone's off contract price is $550 so if i wanted to upgrade i'd get $275 off a non-contract phone between a 6 month upgrade. You need all retail boxed items for the full upgrade price.

Do you guys think this is worth it versus selling your phone on ebay and just buying an off contract phone?

 

[TheStu]

Depending on the phone and how well you take care of it, ebay/craigslist may be the better route to take.

 

[zerocool84]

Depending on the phone and how well you take care of it, ebay/craigslist may be the better route to take.

That's always the better route but I can understand why people wouldn't want to go that way, scared that they might get robbed or scammed or might not even sell. This BB thing is great for most people.

 

[sivart]

50% of original value for a laptop after one year..no thanks. You could have bought a $1200 i7 laptop a a year ago and only get $600 back today...couldn't even replace the laptop with similar specs today.

 

[TrueBlueLS]

I can't even sell my damned Storm 9530 for $70 after 2 years.

 

[Soccerman06]

50% of original value for a laptop after one year..no thanks. You could have bought a $1200 i7 laptop a a year ago and only get $600 back today...couldn't even replace the laptop with similar specs today.

I think this is mostly geared towards phones, who replaces their laptop every 6-12 months? Usually people replace their phones 1-2 years based on contract or os (cough Apple cough).

 

[Tristicus]

I think this is mostly geared towards phones, who replaces their laptop every 6-12 months? Usually people replace their phones 1-2 years based on contract or os (cough Apple cough).

As described to us, someone who wants to be new and up to date with current technology...a few years ago, it might have been better, whereas now I think technology has hit a slow point. You get the program for half price when you buy a protection plan though....I'd think it would be great on phones, tablets, MP3 players, but anything else...not so much.

 

[amdhunter]

I asked a rep about this when I was there a few days ago. The phone will have to be in "sellable" (their words, not mine) condition. I asked what is "sellable" and he said no scratches at all, original software condition...etc.

They'll deduct what they consider "flaws."

Anyone who buys into this is an idiot.