Retailer Buy-Back And Trade-In Programs For Used Goods In The United States

Various retailers and specialized companies in the United States offer programs that allow consumers to trade in or sell used items, including electronics, clothing, and automotive parts. These initiatives often provide store credit, gift cards, or cash in exchange for pre-owned goods. The availability of these programs, the specific items accepted, and the compensation offered vary significantly by company.

Electronics and Technology Trade-Ins

Several major retailers provide trade-in options for used technology. Best Buy operates an expansive trade-in program that rotates offers to encourage upgrades. Consumers can bring used products to receive deals such as 20% off specific brands or discounts ranging from $30 to $150. Current promotions include trade-ins for Windows 10 or other Windows PCs and used iPads. Best Buy does not require the purchase of a new item to participate in the trade-in program, though the specific discount amounts and eligible products change over time.

Amazon accepts trade-ins for used tech items, including smartphones and gaming systems, in exchange for Amazon gift cards. Additionally, trading in certain devices can provide discounts on Amazon-brand electronics like Fire TVs, Tablets, Kindles, Echos, and Ring cameras. Amazon accepts trade-ins from brands such as Apple, Bose, Google, Microsoft, and others.

Target has a trade-in program for electronics such as smartwatches, consoles, smartphones, and tablets. Items can be taken to a participating store or mailed in for evaluation. In exchange, Target issues a gift card. Target also runs a limited-time annual car seat trade-in program; for example, bringing a used car seat during specific dates in April and May provides a 20% discount on gear purchases for growing children.

Costco offers a tech trade-in program for used phones, laptops, tablets, desktops, displays, media players, and smartwells. The process involves receiving an instant quote and a shipping box. Costco notes that its team will safely erase all data before recycling the device's materials.

Apple operates a trade-in program for iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. Consumers can make an appointment at an Apple Store or submit trade-ins online. If a consumer is not ready to purchase a new device immediately, Apple sends a gift card for the trade-in value. Trade-in values range from $50 for an iPhone 7 to $1,170 for a MacBook Pro.

Gazelle is a website that buys used smartphones, tablets, and computers, with a focus on Apple products. Users answer questions about the item's condition and model to receive an offer, which is valid for 30 days. Shipping to Gazelle is free. If the item is accepted, payment is issued within a few days, with options for PayPal transfer.

uSell purchases outdated smartphones, tablets, game consoles, laptops, and Blackberry devices. Users describe the item and condition to receive a cash offer. uSell provides free shipping for sending the item, and payment is processed via PayPal or check after inspection.

MaxBack buys back late-model electronics and devices, including smartphones, tablets, fitness trackers, headphones, speakers, and virtual reality headsets. The service promises payment within three days for qualifying functional items.

Clothing and Apparel Buy-Back Programs

Several apparel brands offer buy-back or trade-in programs focused on sustainability and store credit.

The North Face operates the Renewed Take-Back program. Members of the free XPLR PASS rewards program can bring old North Face gear to a local store. Depending on the condition, the company resells or recycles the items and provides a $10 coupon per item.

Patagonia’s Worn Wear program allows consumers to trade in old items for store credit. Values range from $10 for kids' clothes and women's dresses to $100 for heavy winter wear like 3-in-1 jackets and parkas. Items can be dropped off at local Patagonia stores or shipped using a $7 flat-rate shipping label.

Eileen Fisher runs a buy-back program offering a $5 Renew Reward for each branded clothing or accessory item brought into their stores. Items are accepted in any condition, though washing is requested. Pristine items are resold, while others are recycled into new Eileen Fisher pieces.

Madewell offers a $20 shop credit for old jeans, regardless of the brand, provided they are made from at least 90% cotton. The jeans are resold or recycled into housing insulation. Madewell also accepts other pre-loved clothing or accessories for store credit, either in-store or by mail.

Lululemon’s Like New buyback program provides trade-in credit. Specific compensation includes $5 for men's shirts, skirts, and shorts. Since 2021, the program has processed over 1.7 million trade-ins.

Automotive and Household Goods

Advance Auto Parts accepts used car batteries, which are often illegal to throw away due to environmental hazards. Returning a battery when purchasing a replacement yields a $10 gift card valid at any Advance Auto Parts location.

Specialized Recycling and Pickup Services

Ridwell and Trashie offer services for offloading unwanted items that are not typically accepted in curbside recycling.

Ridwell is a pickup service available in select metropolitan regions in seven states. It operates on a monthly subscription basis, costing between $14 and $24 per month. The service provides a collection bin and reusable bags for items such as plastic film (bread bags, bubble wrap), multilayer plastic (chip bags), textiles, light bulbs, clear plastic clamshells, Styrofoam, latex paint, and "threads" (fabric and shoes). Subscribers opt-in for pickups every two weeks.

Conclusion

Retailer buy-back and trade-in programs provide consumers with opportunities to manage used goods sustainably while earning store credit, gift cards, or cash. The scope of these programs varies, from specific categories like denim at Madewell to broad electronics trade-ins at Best Buy and Amazon. Participation requirements, such as joining rewards programs or purchasing replacement items, differ by retailer.

Sources

1. Kinda Frugal
2. FinanceBuzz
3. MoneyInc
4. The New York Times Wirecutter