In 2013, Walmart introduced a smartphone trade-in program in the United States. That allowed users to trade-in their old smartphones for instant crediting towards getting a newer one. This system worked by utilizing thousands of stores.
The customers simply had to walk into the electronics department of any Walmart store(in partnership with CExchange), then their smartphone would then be appraised things and the customer would be asked questions like: what were their reasons for wanting to sell the phone, are there software problems with the phone, the specifications of the phone and so on, any negative feature of the used phone would reduce the overall selling price of the phone.
Customers could get credit from fifty dollars to three hundred dollars depending on the situation of the phone but that money would go directly into getting a new phone.
It was a very reliable system that ensured individuals could get returns on their gadget investments when they no longer needed them while also recycling unwanted phones so they didn’t pollute landfills.
But customers couldn’t really get paid from selling the phones this way.
Later on the system evolved, you could sell you old phones online with Walmart’s trading page. All you had to do was :select your device and it’s specifications from the list provided, answer a few questions pertaining to the condition of your phone. Then a [prepaid Fedex Ground shipping mail will be sent to you which will allow you to send in your phone for evaluation and after evaluation the customer would be credited with an eGift card worth the credit cost of the phone.
ECO ATM’s
Eco ATM’s did the job much quicker, faster and with much convenience. The eco kiosks found in Walmart come with an artificial intelligence “Eco” that guides you on the steps to appraise your phone, customer could use the ATM’s to sell their phones to get store credit, cash or be credited towards getting a new device
The AI is user friendly and can be tapped at anytime to assist users when their stuck. The EcoATM sysytem has been seamless with little to no complaints with the system, the device quickly evaluates the phones and dispenses credit to the user in an easy to use manner.
How to use EcoATM’s
Firstly customers will have to ensure they come with their state ID card for verification, the process is being watch at all times so in case of an incident, video footage can easily be referred to.
To enable a speedy process, the phone to be evaluated should charged and all vital information should be backed up to prevent information loss..
The phone is then slotted into the secure atm and powerful AI system then runs a scan through the phone while inquiring a few things from the user. Within a few minutes the process is completed and the value of the device is displayed.
Customers can get up to five hundred dollars in value depending on the state of the device.
Yes customers can sell their unwanted devices at Walmart. Be it from a retail store, the online trade-in program or the ECO ATM’s. Old devices don’t have to be thrown away but can be used to make some cash back with these methods.
Conclusion
With these systems that Walmart has put in place, the company helps to play their part in reducing pollution by taking old phones off the users hands ensuring they aren’t dumped in landfills. The customers are also able to enjoy monetary benefits with items they would originally toss away, now they can receive cash or afford a way better phone using one of these system of trade.
Can my phone get stolen from the EcoATM?
No, your phone can’t get stolen Eco boasts, a high level of security at their ATM’s that prevents theft.
What if I don’t want to sell my phone anymore?
With Eco, you can cancel the process at anytime if you feel you don’t want to go through with it, with the online evaluation you would have to submit a form requesting it returned to be returned to you
Is cash the only payment method?
It isn’t, Eco ATM can pay customers by cash, a direct deposit into their bank account, Paypal, voucher our any other form of payment that may suit your needs. The retail stores and online trade-in program can pay you through eGift cards and deposits as well.
