Walmart joins the smartphone trade-in fad with its own program in the US
Nowadays, it seems like everyone has a plan to help you part ways with a smartphone in return for some sort of store credit or, in a few cases, cash. Apple's doing it. GameStop's doing it. Amazon's doing it. You get the point. Starting on September 21st in the US, we'll be adding giant retailer Walmart to the list of companies currently offering a way to trade-in smartphones. The newfound program, powered by CExchange, is slated to be open in over 3,600 stores across the country (including Sam's Club locations); Walmart says its program will offer customers instant credit which can then be applied towards a shiny new handset. Obviously, the value will depend on the device's overall condition, so don't expect to get too much for that shattered iPhone you've been rocking the past few months.
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Walmart Launches Smartphone Trade-In Program in the U.S.
* Immediate credit from $50 - $300 applied to the purchase of a new smartphone
BENTONVILLE, Ark., Sept. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Trading up to the newest smartphone just got easier and less expensive for the millions of smartphone users in the U.S. Starting Sept. 21, consumers will be able to receive immediate credit towards the purchase of a new smartphone when they trade in their current smartphone at more than 3,600 participating Walmart stores and Sam's Club locations nationwide.
Walmart's trade-in program offers an immediate credit from $50 to $300 for more than 100 smartphones. Examples of trade-in values for working, non-damaged smartphones include: $300 for an Apple iPhone 5, $175 for a Samsung Galaxy SIII and $52 for a Samsung Galaxy S2.
"Smartphones have become a part of our customers' everyday lives and as new devices launch more frequently, trade-in programs are becoming more popular," said Steve Bratspies, executive vice president of general merchandise for Walmart U.S. "More and more, customers are choosing where they purchase new smartphones based on where they'll get the best value for their trade-ins. Our goal is to give them more value for their old devices and the lowest price for their new one – all part of our promise to be the best destination for wireless."
How It Works
Customers should bring their working smartphone to an associate in the electronics department at participating Walmart stores and Sam's Club locations. In partnership with CExchange, the value of the smartphone will then be assessed by answering simple, unbiased questions on the device's condition and specifications. Once accepted, the trade-in value will be applied to a new smartphone of their choice – like the Apple iPhone 5 for $98 or the Samsung Galaxy S4 for $138 – with a two-year contract from AT&T, Verizon Wireless or Sprint.
Walmart customers can also apply the trade-in value to smartphones available with prepaid plans like Straight Talk, which is only available at Walmart, which provides talk, text and data for $45 a month.
Everyone Benefits – Mother Nature Too
Walmart's smartphone trade-in program is consistent with the retailer's sustainability goals and will help customers and members recycle smartphones responsibly. According to CExchange's green policy, smartphones traded-in at Walmart and Sam's Club will be never be sent to landfills, domestically or internationally.
More Electronics Available for Trade In on Walmart.com
Customers looking to trade in electronics like tablets, MP3 players, video games, cameras, laptops and more can turn "gadgets to gift cards" on Walmart.com. For details, visit: www.walmart.com/gadgetstogiftcards.
Bratspies added, "We're saving our customers money while keeping thousands of smartphones from going to landfills each year. Walmart's smartphone trade-in programs are good for business, our customers and the environment."
Customers should visit their local Walmart store or Sam's Club for more information.
Join the conversation on Twitter at: @Walmart, @WalmartNewsroom and @SamsClub
Editors Note: All three smartphone trade-in examples have 16GB of memory with AT&T.
About Walmart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere -- in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, more than 245 million customers and members visit our 10,955 stores under 69 banners in 27 countries and ecommerce websites in 10 countries. With fiscal year 2013 sales of approximately $466 billion, Walmart employs more than 2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com
