Electronics retailer J&R has partnered with gadget reseller NextWorth to offer customers a new “trade and save” program that allows people to trade in their old gadgets for store credit. The trade-in service is available at either of J&R’s two New York City locations, or through the J&R website.
In-store, J&R accepts used feature phones, iPhones, iPads, iPods, digital cameras, tablets, e-readers, Nintendo DS units and video games. The website route accepts more types of used gadgets, including laptops, game consoles (Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii) and GPS devices.
Based on NextWorth’s value assessment, J&R is currently offering up to $350 for an iPad 2 in “like new” condition, according to the press release. A good-condition iPhone 4 (meaning it has a “flawless” screen, only light scratches on the back and no chips or dents) can get up to $180, and you can get up to $115 for an iPod touch in good condition.
Based on our tests, these prices were actually lower than the press release advertises. For example, we were given a quote of $418 for a “like new” 64GB iPad 2 with AT&T 3G, and $185 for a “good” 32GB iPhone 4 on AT&T.
While this is obviously just a way to get people to spend more money at J&R, it also offers customers a way to spend less cash on new electronics. Of course, anyone could sell their old iPhone on Amazon, eBay or Craigslist, and possibly get a better deal. But these options all require a bit of hassle. Sure, you get cash instead of store credit. It’s easy to see, however, why simply swapping out your old device for a new one (plus a little extra money) could be more appealing than waiting to meet some stranger wearing a red windbreaker in the McDonald’s parking lot.
