Black Friday is right around the corner, and if you plan on doing most of your work holiday shopping on Amazonthen this is a great service that will also assist you.
Amazon’s own Exchange program is a quick and simple way to convert your old, deprecated technology into Amazon discount and gift cards. Unless you’re saving them as keepsakes — or in the hope that something will external value spike — you’re better off trading those electronic vacuum cleaners for recycling and making some money back.
It’s also a satisfying, hassle-free way to get rid of old electronics at no cost, just in time for new ones to come out.
Also: The best early Black Friday deals on Amazon
How to Use the Amazon Exchange Program
Let me put things straight: There are many Other buying and selling services out there, many of which will likely offer a higher rate of return and accept a wider range of Amazon products and brands. But the advantages of using Amazon’s program are hassle-free shipping, in-store discounts, and e-gift cards processed directly into your account.
If that works for you, here’s a step-by-step guide to the service.
You’ll want to start at Amazon transaction portal. You can choose from a wide range of Amazon-owned product categories, like Kindles, tablets, media players, and Echo speakers, or search from the “Other Exchange Categories” section, which includes cell phones and games.
Opening the categories tab will show you a manual search bar and a list of products currently registered with your Amazon account. Select the item or items you want to trade.
Potential trade-in value (and discount) will be listed next to each product name and model.
Once you have selected your item to trade, a qualifying questionnaire will appear for you to complete.
Questions surround the condition and condition of your exchange item, including whether the item is cracked or damaged, whether the item is chargeable, etc., depending on the type. device. Your answers will be evaluated during the testing process, so you should be as honest and accurate as possible.
If you find an inaccuracy, you can choose between getting a lower estimated exchange value for the electronic device or having Amazon send it back to your shipping address. The latter is not usually offered with exchange programs, so it’s good to see that.
Also: You can now use Venmo to shop on Amazon
Upon completion of the questionnaire, you will be provided with a UPS shipping label to pack and deliver your item(s). Prepaid labels are free — for you at least — and you’ll have 45 days to send your package to Amazon. Make sure you are using the provided label and not your own as the tracking information is assigned to your specific transaction.
Tips: If you are shipping a smartphone, tablet, or device that contains personal information, make sure it has been factory reset and wiped before transferring. Also, record and photograph its condition. This is useful in the event of shipping damage or if Amazon claims that what you are describing is incorrect.
Also: Your old phone business? Here’s how to restore factory settings
Once the package is shipped and received, Amazon says it takes up to 10 days to evaluate the item or items and process the exchange offer – whether it’s in the form of Amazon gift cards or discounts for some products . If there are any problems, you can visit Transaction page for more information or contact an online representative for assistance.
Frequently asked questions
How long will it take to receive my transaction credit?
According to the Amazon Exchange Program website, you will receive the exchange credit within 10 days after your items arrive at the sorting facility.
What condition do my items need to be in?
Amazon’s exchange program accepts items from inactive to good condition. Depending on how damaged or pristine the electronics are, you will receive less or more credits in return.
How long do I have to ship my device?
You have 45 days after a prepaid shipping label is provided to ship your device or multiple devices. The best course of action is to drop off the shipment at a local UPS store and request a shipping receipt to confirm delivery.
