Staples Canada has partnered with American insurer and trade-in enabler Allstate to introduce Staples Trade-in by Allstate, a new programme that allows Canadian consumers to trade in used electronics in exchange for Staples e-gift cards. The initiative is especially aimed at helping families and students prepare for the back-to-school season by offering an easy way to save money and reduce electronic waste. The programme allows customers to submit smartphones, tablets and laptops for an online appraisal. After answering a few questions about the device’s condition, users receive an instant quote. Once accepted, a Staples digital gift card of equal value is issued for in-store use. But there is a catch.
Device inspection and preauthorization hold
Before receiving the gift card, customers must complete a verification process. This includes uploading a government-issued photo ID, a selfie and a valid Canada-issued credit card for a preauthorization hold. The hold is released once Allstate has received and inspected the device and confirmed its condition matches the submitted informationIn practice, this means a consumer might receive an initial trade-in estimate, use the Staples e-gift card in-store, only to later find that Allstate’s final payout is lower than expected, potentially leading to a frustrating customer experience.
Shipping or in-store drop-off
Devices can either be dropped off at a Staples retail store or shipped to Allstate using a prepaid shipping label. The gift card can be redeemed at any Staples retail store in Canada, though it cannot currently be used online at Staples.ca.
Promoting circular use of devices
By streamlining the trade-in process and offering immediate rewards, the programme aims to encourage the reuse of devices while reducing the number of electronics ending up in landfills. Instant pay-out is a prerequisite for a successful trade-in scheme. Staples CA comes closes but misses to be perfect. A pity.
Market
Trade-in
Repair
Refurbishing
