Goodbye, old gadgets: J&R launches ‘trade and save’ program

By Andrew Couts December 13, 2011

jr-iphone-4 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

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.

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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.

Click here to see what you’re old gadgets are worth.

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Emerging Tech

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Features Editor for Digital Trends, Andrew Couts covers a wide swath of consumer technology topics, with particular focus on…

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