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Frequently Asked Questions


How can I can I find out how much my item is worth?
From the TradeUps home page, input information about your product. We will give you a free quote on your product that is based on the category, condition and in the case of computer configuration. 

Why should I trade my product in with TradeUps?
TradeUps provides a complete trade-in solution for our customers. We have developed a customized program that is always available via the Internet. TradeUps specializes in remarketing, refurbishing, and dispositioning pre-owned equipment and can provide the maximum values for customers. TradeUps can support the wide breadth of product categories that are available on the market, providing an integrated, easy to use solution for our customers.

Who can use TradeUps?
Anyone in the United States with eligible pre-owned trade-in product(s) can access and use TradeUps directly at www.TradeUps.com. 

Can I save the information I enter to reference later?
When you come to our website and enter your trade information, we will remember who you are for 24 hours.  When you come back, you will be able to return to your saved trade information. 

How are the trade-in rebate values determined?
The values stated on TradeUps are based on their value in the pre-owned or secondary marketplace also known as Fair Market Value (FMV). It is best to think of the trade-in value as the pre-owned wholesale value.

How is the money for the trade disbursed?
All redemption checks are mailed via the U.S. Postal Service to the address designated in your transaction.  TradeUps will issue your redemption check approximately 45 days after receipt and inspection of your trade-in product.  If you need assistance, please contact customer service at customer.service@tradeups.com.

What products will TradeUps accept in trade?
To see if we will accept your item as a trade, simply go to the TradeUps navigation tool and enter information about the item. All trade-in products must be in working condition.

What if the condition of my product is different from what I represented when initiating my trade in?
To receive your redemption check, you must accurately state your current product's condition. TradeUps will perform an inspection upon receipt of your product. If the product's condition differs materially from that which you described, TradeUps reserves the right to re-price your transaction quote using the same condition parameters originally available to you. You agree to state product conditions accurately and to the best of your ability based on the guidelines posted on this site. Packing and shipping recommendations should be followed in order to avoid possible damage or loss. If you follow the above packing guidelines and instructions, the product should arrive in the same condition as when it left your site. If the product is damaged during shipping and there is visible damage to the packing materials (box is dented, ripped, smashed, etc.), TradeUps will take responsibility for resolving any claims with the courier. If the packing is intact, but the product is not in the condition stated by you in the quote process, TradeUps will contact you to advise you of the adjusted quote value. If your current product(s) were received and through the inspection process, it was determined that the product condition was misrepresented by you, and there is no trade value, (also see "Determining Values"). TradeUps reserves the right to charge you a recycling fee for the disposition of this product. If the product can be returned to you, you will be responsible for any and all associated shipping costs.

Is there a minimum amount of product that must be traded?
No. In the standard trade-in program, any number or combination of products can be traded in.

Who pays for shipping?
Shipping and handling fees will be deducted from the trade-in value of your item.  If the resale value of your item is less than the cost of shipping, we will offer you the chance to send it to us to responsibly recycle.  If that is the case, we will provide you a shipping label for your convenience.  You can use whichever method of shipping you prefer by purchasing postage and sending through the United States Postal Service (USPS), United Parcel Service (UPS), or Federal Express (FedEx).   

What if I cannot print my shipping label or placard?
If you experience difficulty in printing your shipping label or placard, simply contact customer service at customer.service@tradeups.com and a customer service representative will assist you.

What if I lose my TradeUps shipping instructions email?
Simply contact customer service at customer.service@tradeups.com and a customer service representative will assist you.

How do I ship my product?
During the trade-in process, you will be asked for the email address where you would like your shipping instructions emailed. Within one business day of completing your trade, an email with the subject line “TradeUps shipping instructions" will be emailed to the address you provided while registering and will provide the steps for retrieving your shipping label or shipping placard.  This email will contain embedded links for each product you are trading.  To view, simply click on the link and your prepaid, pre-addressed shipping label or shipping placard will appear.  A Microsoft window will direct you on how to print out your label or placard.  Print two copies, and attach one to the shipment of your trade-in product and retain the second copy for tracking purposes.

If you are shipping multiple items, please package each item individually and use the appropriate shipping label for each item.  It is important to use the correct shipping label/placard for each individual item, as the label/placard is used to expedite tracking, identification and increase the speed of processing.

You have 30 days from the day you completed your on-line trade to return the product. The expiration date will appear on the shipping label in the "Reference # field" and as "Expiration date of the trade-in" on the shipping placard. If you experience technical difficulty in printing these items or you lose your shipping instructions email, please contact customer.service@tradeups.com.

How do I remove data from my system?
Before you ship your product, TradeUps strongly recommends that you back up your data and then erase the data from your hard drive. Any files or data left on your system may be accessible to others if the data is not erased. As of 10/01/03, a freeware tool that may assist you in erasing your data can be found at http://www.pcinspector.de/emaxx/uk/welcome.htm. Download the free version of the software, which will allow you to erase the data to US Military standards for cleaning and sanitizing magnetic media.

What is the transaction date?
The transaction date refers to when the customer has agreed to move forward with the trade-in process and is assigned a quote number.