Apple Inc. (AAPL) extends retail iPhone trade-ins to France

The latest phase of Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone recycling program kicks off today in France, following closely on its introduction in the United States (August 2013), the United Kingdom, and Germany. Though this is not the only way that an iPhone can be recycled, it adds another option for Gallic customers who prefer to purchase directly at an Apple retail outlet. The program offers a €215 coupon, currently worth slightly less than $300, which can be spent on a new iPhone. In effect, trading in one iPhone gives a discount on the next.

The exact size of the coupon offered by Apple (AAPL) varies by the specific generation of the iPhone being turned in, and its general condition. €215 represents the largest amount that is offered for any phone. The coupon has several restrictions on its use. It must be used the same day, which in practical terms means that it is used at the store where it is received. The discount applies to iPhones, and iPhones only. Therefore, it is designed only for those who are looking to immediately upgrade to the latest generation of iPhone.

The process of handing in an iPhone involves a series of questions that determine what its precise trade-in value is. For example, liquid damaged iPhones are not eligible for trade-in at all. A special site exists so that the customer can see exactly how the offered discount is generated, to ensure fairness and a systematic approach to determining the size of the coupon.

iPhones can also be traded in by mail, and in fact larger discounts on the next iPhone purchased are offered in this case. However, the user needs to wait for the shipped smartphone to reach Apple’s (AAPL) regional customer service center, the device to be evaluated, and the new smartphone to be shipped back. The in-store trade-in program enables same-day acquisition of the latest generation iPhone, trading off time saved for a lower discount on the next mobile device.

The program is part of Apple Inc.’s (AAPL) recycling initiatives. Prices are lower than third party trade-in firms frequently offer, but again, the counterweight to this is that the customer cannot immediately purchase another iPhone immediately. France is likely just another stop on an ongoing drive to spread the recycling program worldwide, as rumors indicate that Canada’s Apple stores will soon offer trade-ins also.

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