Question Beware of AT&T's deceptive "trade-in" policy

[Takoateli]

AT&T says they will give you a large "trade-in" for your old phone.

Hidden in the fine print is the detail that you will receive the trade-in in small payments over 36 months. If it anytime you cancel your phone plan you lose the remaining "trade-in" payments.

When speaking with one of their representatives, they admitted that this is a way of getting you to stay with them for three years. It's basically a way of tricking you into behaving as though you have a contract. You won't want to cancel the plan and lose the remaining "trade-in" payments.

What I have since discovered is that I will save more money if I switch to another cheaper carrier and forfeit the remaining "trade-in" payments. Unfortunately I'm still lost about $800, what Apple would've given me for my old phone.

 

[COLGeek]

Not that it makes this any more tolerable, but I am sure this was explained in the "fine print" of the agreement that was presented to you. Many fail to read through such documents, only to be "surprised" later.

 

[Takoateli]

Yes, it was in the fine print. I didn't realize that I was dealing with skumbaggs. I've never heard of a "trade-in" being applied over 36 months!!!

Had I known AT&T played ball this way I still wouldn't have read the fine print. I would have taken my business elsewhere.

 

[COLGeek]

Yes, it was in the fine print. I didn't realize that I was dealing with skumbaggs. I've never heard of a "trade-in" being applied over 36 months!!!

Had I known AT&T played ball this way I still wouldn't have read the fine print. I would have taken my business elsewhere.

Understood. You still have choices. Sorry for your hassles. Good luck.

 

[rgd1101]

https://www.apple.com/shop/trade-in
$800?

and did you get to keep the new AT&T phone?

 

[Takoateli]

https://www.apple.com/shop/trade-in
$800?

and did you get to keep the new AT&T phone?

Yes, I kept the new phone.

The difference between trading in at Apple and AT&T was about $160 if I remember correctly, and Apple would have given me the money immediately, not in 36 little payments over THREE YEARS.