Apple replaces Mac hardware trade-in partner PowerOn with Phobio
After working with hardware recycling firm PowerOn for more than five years, Apple this week notified customers that a new partner, Phobio, will handle all Mac trade-ins going forward.
Apple quietly announced the change on Tuesday in an update to its hardware Renew and Recycling webpage, which now redirects Mac trade-in inquiries to a dedicated page on Phobio's website. Previously, the Mac recycling link forwarded to a landing page hosted by Apple partner PowerOn.
Like PowerOn, Phobio offers users a number of options when it comes to trading in old Mac computers, specifically those produced from 2007. Customers are directed to enter a device serial number and answer a few basic questions about the trade-in hardware, for example whether the device powers on, is damaged and comes with the original power adapter.
Users who accept Phobio's quote can request a prepaid FedEx shipping label and supplies. If the trade-in passes the inspection process, Phobio provides payment in the form of Apple Store Gift Card, PayPal or Virtual Visa Reward.
Apple failed to elaborate on its decision to change trade-in providers, though MacRumors, citing unnamed sources, reports the move was prompted by an overall better user experience. Compared to PowerOn, Phobio provides higher trade-in values and a payment option for those who prefer cash to gift cards.
Apple's device buyback program was introduced in 2011 as a way for upgraders to recoup a portion of the purchase price of old hardware while at the same time keeping harmful pollutants out of landfills. PowerOn initially handled all trade-ins, but the effort grew to include third-party recyclers Brightstar and Sims Recycling.
After today's policy change, PowerOn has been relegated to the trade-in of Windows PCs. Brightstar handles iOS devices and other smartphones, while Sims Recycling processes Apple Watch, iPod and older Apple hardware.
Apple quietly announced the change on Tuesday in an update to its hardware Renew and Recycling webpage, which now redirects Mac trade-in inquiries to a dedicated page on Phobio's website. Previously, the Mac recycling link forwarded to a landing page hosted by Apple partner PowerOn.
Like PowerOn, Phobio offers users a number of options when it comes to trading in old Mac computers, specifically those produced from 2007. Customers are directed to enter a device serial number and answer a few basic questions about the trade-in hardware, for example whether the device powers on, is damaged and comes with the original power adapter.
Users who accept Phobio's quote can request a prepaid FedEx shipping label and supplies. If the trade-in passes the inspection process, Phobio provides payment in the form of Apple Store Gift Card, PayPal or Virtual Visa Reward.
Apple failed to elaborate on its decision to change trade-in providers, though MacRumors, citing unnamed sources, reports the move was prompted by an overall better user experience. Compared to PowerOn, Phobio provides higher trade-in values and a payment option for those who prefer cash to gift cards.
Apple's device buyback program was introduced in 2011 as a way for upgraders to recoup a portion of the purchase price of old hardware while at the same time keeping harmful pollutants out of landfills. PowerOn initially handled all trade-ins, but the effort grew to include third-party recyclers Brightstar and Sims Recycling.
After today's policy change, PowerOn has been relegated to the trade-in of Windows PCs. Brightstar handles iOS devices and other smartphones, while Sims Recycling processes Apple Watch, iPod and older Apple hardware.
Comments
seems kind of uncool after so many years.
So.......
They called me a hoarder and that my home was a fire hazard, but who's laughing now?!?
Are you waving the proceeds from a recently sold Mac? Then it's you.
Are you waving the proceeds from a recently sold Mac, while Fire and Rescue are damping down the burnt out shell of your home? Then it's probably them.
That is pretty funny.
I save all my boxes too, big and small.
I really wanted to wait to get my credit from
Phobio before buying a new computer but I'm thinking the 10-14 day estimate from shipping to receiving credit is BS and I can't wait longer than that.
"When the device arrives at our inspection facility we wipe the devices hard drive load the OS and run a diagnostic program on the device. When your device was inspected the OS did not load properly and we were given an error showing such. When this error appears it indicates that the internal hardware of the device malfunctions in a way that does not support the OS and indicates that it is damaged."
What you folks think? What should I do?
Thanks in advance.
I contacted Apple Customer relations and they setup an appoitment with the Apple Genius Bar .
THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY COMPUTER!!
Technition wiped the hard drive, installed latest OS and my Mac is good as new.
You made a mistake. Read my posts.
It was nothing wrong with my devise, but Phobio insisted damaged hard drive.
I got my Mac back, Phobio made look like hard drive is not booting, but at the Apple store the Hard Drive was wiped then new OS was installed, and nothing wrong with the hard drive, booting just fine.
You should complain to the Apple Customer Relations (I did) Phobio will continue to rip off us, if we do not stand up!
Apple choose Phobio as a trading partner, so they are liable.
I had a pretty lengthy back and forth with their "support" team through live chats, email, and finally a couple of phone calls. They basically said I was SOL and I could either accept their new lowball offer or get the computer back.
I just got the computer back today and haven't had time to try and boot it up, but I suspect it's the same as what you guys went through. Overall it was just a miserable customer service experience, one that I certainly wouldn't have expected from a company partnered up with Apple on this. I have mostly sold all of my devices through eBay or Craigslist in the past where I could get a better return, but I just went the easy route this time around (or so I thought) since I didn't want to have to deal with shipping and selling myself.
I just want to know if we have any recourse here. Granted, it's a small sample size as I can't really find many reviews of their service online, but this does seem awfully shady.
I'm not gonna type it all here, but if you want to read more info on my situation I had originally asked around in this thread at macrumors.
I just got my computer back from them today and haven't had the chance to try and boot it up yet. But I'm guessing it's similar to what fact and amiemo ran into with them claiming the OS wasn't booting. Do we have any recourse here? I know it's just the few of us, but this seems awfully shady. I'm wondering if there are more people out there who have run into this issue with them.
I told them to send it back to me. It had better be the machine I sent. I am off to complain to Apple now.