Costco and Phobio have partnered to create a trade-in program where customers can turn in old electronic devices for a chance to win a gift card for purchases at the department store chain.
Generally speaking, anyone can visit Costco’s web portal There you can select the model of device you want to trade in, answer questions about its current condition, and receive a quote for the trade-in value. Here we explain it in more detail.
How to get a Costco gift card for your old electronics
These are the Steps to get a Costco gift cardAccording to the company’s official website:
- Visit Costco’s Trade-In Program website in partnership with Phobio
- Select your device model, answer a few questions about its current condition and you will receive an estimate of its trade-in value.
- Print the shipping label or receive a box with prepaid shipping materials and packing instructions.
- Follow the instructions to wipe your device, pack it and hand it over to the courier.
- When Phobio receives your device at its inspection facility, it will be wiped and your trade-in process will be complete.
- You will receive either the Costco Shop Card or a digital Costco Shop Card loaded with the trade-in value.
What types of devices participate in the Costco and Phobio trade-in program?
The program currently accepts used Apple devices, including phones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, desktop computers, displays and media players. For Macs or iMacs, the models must be from 2013 or newer.
How much cash can you get in the Costco trade-in program?
The amount you can receive varies depending on the current market value and condition of the device.
According to Phobio’s website, you can get up to $1,080 for a used Apple laptop. For desktop computers, you can get up to $1,025. For smartphones, you can get up to $750, and for tablets, you can get up to $450.
For screens, on the other hand, you can get up to $400, for smartwatches up to $200, and for multimedia players up to $40.
It may take up to three weeks for your device to be evaluated and for you to receive your physical gift card. Getting a digital gift card is faster.
Costco prepares to increase membership prices
You don’t need a membership to participate in the program, but you may still want to continue shopping at Costco, so it’s important to know that membership prices will increase on September 1st.
All Gold Star, Business and Business Add-On Card members pay an annual fee of $65. in the United States and Canada. On the other hand, Annual fees for executive memberships increase from $120 to $130. ($65 for the main membership plus $65 to upgrade to Executive membership). Membership fees may increase, but benefits are greater for Executive level members.
Executive membership offers even greater savings plus a 2% annual reward on qualified purchases. To qualify, you must first have a Gold Star membership ($65) and then upgrade your account (plus $65). Those with an Executive membership will receive a higher maximum annual reward as it increases from $1,000 to $1,250.
