Phobio

Like other Phobio complainants, I sent my MacBookAir in the return box, expecting the estimated trade-in amount of $310. Instead I was offered only $130 because the computer was not as I described, wrong model number, although I did enter the serial number, which should have indicated age and model correctly. I have heard nothing back. When I select Accept, the progress bar stops halfway. I called Apple and they told me the "system was down" and I should continue to try. I've been trying for a week. Calling Phobio puts me in phone loop back to Apple.
Product_Or_Service: Trade-in of MacBookAir
Order_Number:

Phobio seems to do a swift business in offering trade-in value on phones; however, I sent a Macbook 13 to them as a trade-in, and when it arrived to them, it had been damaged in transit. Their program is that they send you a padded box to put your device in to ship it back to them; and the padding, while sufficient for a phone I suppose, is NOT sufficient for a computer, obviously.

Unfortunately, before sending it to them, I did not take photos of the perfect state of the computer housing, so I could not prove that it was transit damage.

The Phobio customer advocate support person that I spoke with this morning resolved my concern with so much patience and resolved the amount of refund I was to receive and followed up in a timely manner with a confirmation message about the issue. Now one would say that that is what is supposed to happen but I have to tell you if you are reading this message how satisfied I am selling my old devices to Phobio. I'd say my issue was handled in under ten minutes and with no hassle involved. A shout out to Bre. TY!

Akin to the numerous complaints which have stacked up against Phobio!

I sent a used MacBook Pro to Phobio (good condition. The company promised $195 for my laptop based on its specs. Again, I used their specific packaging.

The computer was inspected myself and also by Apple before shipment. It had no cosmetic damage or and was fully operational. I received back a picture which showed a minor scratch on what looks like the side of the MacBook. The image was poor quality. However, from my prior inspections and also Apples, and from the MacBook 'living' in a customer sleeve, I know the scratch was not there prior to sending it. The price they offered me was downgraded from $195 to $40. Of course, I do not have an image of my Mac from the exact angle (and of an extreme close up) of that precise area!

After reading the web, I noted a considerable number of complaints about Phobio with just this sort of problem! Wish I had seen this before sending my Mac!
Product_Or_Service: Phobio LLC, laptop exchange service
Account_Number: Trade summary:

I took my phone to an Apple store due to the phone not functioning properly. Two Apple technicians inspected the phone and ran a diagnostic test. They determined the problem to be a hardware issue. They informed me I had 2 options: send the phone to Apple to be repaired OR take part in the Apple Give Back Program. They told me since there was NO DAMAGE to my phone I would receive $175 credit after purchasing a new phone from Apple. They recommended this.

What consumers are unaware of is they're dealing with Apple and an Apple partner. Apple tells you they will give you "X" amount of money for your device pending inspection. What they don't tell you is you are dealing with a "partner" corporation with an enormous history of fraudulent claims made by consumers. Many of the complaints seem to be the same. The partner, in this case Phobio, says your phone is damaged and they can't give you the original offered price. When you call Apple to complain they tell you they can't do anything because it's a partner corporation. Meanwhile, everything is done through Apple's website and all emails come from Apple. You never receive Phobios contact info until you press Apple for it.

To recap, I entered into the Giveback program. My phone was verified UNDAMAGED by 2 apple technicians prior to being sent to Apple's partner Phobio. I bought a new phone from Apple, sent my old phone to Phobio. Later I received an email telling me the phone trade in value changed do to "obvious signs of physical damage". Interesting! Two Apple's technicians handled the phone for 15 minutes inspecting it and testing it and found NO damage. They even told me because there's NO damage we recommended the Give back Program. Now Phobio is claiming "obvious signs of physical damage". The reason I'm writing today is to shed light on this scam and hopefully save other consumers from this angst. It's hard to believe Apple isn't complicit in this scam. I called Phobio to resolve this issue but they declined.
Product_Or_Service: Apple iPhone Give Back
Order_Number:

My complaint is similar to all the others. This company is running a scam and I'm surprised a company like Apple is allowing it. Basically, wanted to trade in an older I Mac computer for an Apple gift card. E mailed computer serial number and received a quote for around nd $400. Shipped the computer and received an e mail that they are giving me nothing because the screen was cracked. They can keep it or return it to me. I called them because the screen and computer worked perfectly and I was given the same story as other consumers that 'there are some dark pixels that you cannot see that are there and we call that a cracked screen? I told them to return the computer. When I received my I Mac back,it was missing the front protective panel and trim as well as the power cord was damaged. Upon turning it on, all I had on the screen was a file with a ? on it. Apparently they wipe every hard drive out when they receive the computer, even though they make you do it yourself beforehand , and they did not re install the operating system. Now I have back a computer missing parts and no operating system. They said they were sorry and offered me a $40 Apple gift card. What a scam!!!!!

This company falsely told me that they would give me $325 for my computer but then the said that there is a problem with the screen after I sent it to them and would only give me $110. There was no problem with the screen when I sent it to them! They intentionally damaged the screen to lower the trade in value. They also sent it back via FedEx with signature required without telling me in advance that I would need to be present for delivery so after three failed attempts while at work, FedEx will hold for 10 days before sending back to Phobio, at which point they will try to send it again. I can't be without my computer for another 3 weeks so now I need to stay home from work to wait. They should have disclosed they shipping methods/requirements up front! And I'm so upset that they damaged my screen. Horrible business!!!
Product_Or_Service: Mac Book Pro

Phobio online tradein contract told me if I mail in my used laptop, Phobio would mail me back a $165 giftcard. So I mailed in my laptop on Sep 26, but on October 18, Phobio claims the laptop is received but no gift card is possible. So I asked my laptop to be returned to me since the trade is not going through, but during numerous contact with Phobio from October 18 to November 16th, Phobio keeps telling me they cannot find my laptop anymore and each time they said they will look for my laptop soon.
After at least 10 times such promise during nearly two months period, this whole thing starts to look like nothing but a fraud. They first made me mail in my laptop but did not mail back promised $165 giftcard, now they have my laptop but I still have either my laptop or giftcard.

I sent a perfectly good, used MacBook Pro to Phobio, a company that promised me $265 for my laptop based on its specs.I used their specific packaging. The computer had no scratches or dents on the cover. It was 9 years old and still functioned fine except that the track pad was a bit erratic and the processor was slowing down because of my large file of photographs. I received back a picture which showed a major dent in the side of the top of the computer THAT HAD NOT BEEN THERE when I sent it. The price they offered me was downgraded from $265 to $50. I have complained and they wish to see a photograph of the computer before I sent it, something that they did not advise me to do before I packaged it. I don't have such a photograph and therefore feel at their mercy. I note on the Internet that there are a considerable number of complaints about Phobio with just this sort of problem. You send a good machine, you are told it has all sorts of problems and they offer you a minimum amount for the machine or that they will send it back. People who get theirs back say that the machine has been rendered unusable.
Product_Or_Service: 15" used Macbook Pro

I sent the company a fully functional 2016 MacBook and they damaged the computer to the point where it was no longer functional at all. The original quote was for $590.00 and the quote after delivery to there service centre was revised to $0. The laptop was returned with an obvious sticker that has a large "W" for working, a second sticker was placed over it that has a "D", indicated that it is dead. I had reinstalled the operating system after cleaning and resetting the hard drive. The computer previously worked fine and after some online research, I am now aware of many, many online complaints online in relation to this company damaging other peoples devices and returning them in a non-functional state. In some cases they have altered the hard-drives in order to scam consumers. I would never use this company for anything and can't believe that Apple endorses such a scam company that is ripping of customers and damaging their computers.
Product_Or_Service: Trade Summary for Confirmation #:***
Order_Number:***
Account_Number:

I had the same problem with the complaint below. Phobio managers do not take priority of their customers. I had sent my device in SEPTEMBER. I was quoted $275, but after receiving my device, they bumped it down to $50 (a slight scratch warrants bumping it down $225). I refused the quote, and after 3 delivery attempts, it was sent back. After the second attempt I called fedex to hold it at the facility because I am a law student and I do not have time to wait around all day for a package. They refused. The package was sent back to the facility and now, one month later, I still have not heard anything from Phobio. Called on October 23rd, 29th, and it is now NOVEMBER 11 and my package is apparently still at the facility. No email, no phone call, no nothing. Avoid trading in your device. Apple needs to contract with a more reliable company.

My claim number is: ***
Product_Or_Service: Mac Trade in
Account_Number:

I wish I had read the complaints on this company before wasting my time sending my MacBook to them. Today I was notified that they were dropping my trade in value down to $10 because of a dent. They attached a very poor quality photo showing the dent. I can say with 100% certainty that the laptop had no dents when I packaged it up and shipped it. Any dents would have been due to the insufficient shipping materials that they send you to mail the products in, which include just a thin piece of foam to place the laptop in. I've since read the complaints on Phobio and it looks as though I'm far from the only one who has had this exact same experience. This company is a complete sham and I've requested they send me my laptop back. I'd rather it sit in my closet unused then ever do business with this company.

It looks like this whole Phobio trade in through Apple is a scam. I shipped a 2012 MacBook Pro Core i7 in for a trade value of $320. After inspection only an offer of $60. I went into the Apple store and worked with an employee to make sure everything was erased so there would be no problem for the next owner. The Apple employee that helped me inspected my laptop and said it was in excellent condition. After following the shipment instructions from Phobio I sent it in. When hearing back from Phobio after they received it, they said the quote for the device had been adjusted due to the base having physical trauma to the hinge. There is no way there was any damage to the laptop unless something happened in shipping or at the Phobio facility. The customer service representative (over LiveChat) explained that this was how it was received from the inspectors and asked if I had any pictures of that area. Unfortunately I trusted Apple and their trade in company, but obviously that was a big mistake. I had taken pictures, but only of the screen and keyboard area. I believe that Phobio is responsible for the damage of my personal property. This could have been sold on Ebay for a much higher price, but now it's damaged and I won't be able to do that.
Product_Or_Service: Apple MacBook Pro Core i7 2.6 GHz 15" 2012
Account_Number:

In September, we ordered a new Iphone XS and used the Iphone trade in program to trade in an Iphone 6 model a1549. The Iphone 6 was quoted to receive $70 on the trade-in. The phone was mailed to Phobio. They stated that the phone had a swollen battery and revised their quote to $0 and stated they would return the phone. Upon receiving the phone back, the LED display is damaged, thus making the phone unusable. The phone was in working condition when it was mailed, so I would expect it to be returned in the same condition. I called Apple and Phobio with no resolution yet.
Product_Or_Service: Apple Iphone 6
Order_Number:

I was quoted a trade in value of $125 for my 2010 MacBook Pro. I shipped the laptop in the packaging provided by Phobio. The device was in good working condition and free of blemishes or defects. Several weeks passed and I went online to track the status of the transaction. I discovered that Phobio reduced the trade in value to $25 claiming that the laptop was damaged.
I contacted the company via email and also called customer support. I was given no additional information on the status of the machine. My call to Customer support was also fruitless. The only action the agent could provide was to forward my concern to a manager. No representative (manager or otherwise) made any attempt to contact me. I recently received an email stating the laptop was being shipped back to me.

I purchased a new MacBook Pro at the Apple Store in Skokie, IL. The store offered me $45.00 in trade for my old MacBook Pro. The store wrote a notation that the condition of the old laptop as operating. There were no damaged areas on the laptop.

Following all the instructions from Phobio, I prepared and packaged the laptop, and shipped it via FedEx. I received confirmation that Phobio received the laptop. Today (October 26, 2018), I received an email that my refund was cancelled by my request and the laptop was damaged and I failed to respond to a subsequent offer by October 23, 2018. I never received any such notice of a subsequent offer and response deadline. The photo Phobio shows was not the condition of the device I sent to them--in their packaging.

I called Phobio customer service to inquire. At first, the agent wasn't sure w3hat was going on. After consulting with a supervisor, the agent told me the laptop was damaged and my old laptop was already on its way back to me.

Although I plan to complain to Apple as well, I suspect a complaint filed with Revdex.com will carry influence.
Product_Or_Service: MacBook Pro

Took advantage of the Apple Giveback program. Based on Phobio calculation, my iMac was worth $350 trade in. I sent in the unit as instructed by was told the image was fuzzy and instead of offering me $350, they offered $75.

Told them to return the unit, which they did and find no issue with the image or missing pixels. But now after they used my iMac, it will not reboot. It looks like they wiped the operating system clean.

I now have a computer that will not reboot as it is looking for an operating system.

Given the quality of the screen despite their claim that it is fuzzy, and their counter offer to give me substantially less on my trade in, it makes you wonder if they have a bait and switch business operation.
Account_Number: Serial number

They have a excellent customer service you can trust with your product and it si trade process. They are professional and bale to take care any issue or concern during the trade. Before trade take pictures that may help in case anything happen during shipment and make sure cover the box well on the corner. They are very responsive to e-mail and phone. It is really excellent. Five start to apple trade in you can buy another product when you want to upgrade the gently used one. Thank you Phobio team . you make me loyal apple customer again

Towards the end of August I shipped my Apple Macbook for inspection to receive an Apple credit. Phobio received my laptop and emailed their inspection report. Unfortunately I felt the inspection was wrong and denied their quote for Apple credit. They returned the laptop back to my home address via FEDEX requiring a signature for delivery. The delivery attempts were made during my working hours (M-F 9a-6p). Due to failed delivery FEDEX returned the laptop back to Phobio's inspection facility in Fort Worth, TX and was confirmed delivery on 10/10/18. I called Phobio customer support sometime around 10/15/18 to have the laptop rerouted to my work address and the customer service person said a supervisor will call me within 24-48 hrs to help expedite the shipping. One week passed and no call, so then I called on 10/24/18 to find any update to my package. Turns out the laptop has continued to sit at the Fort Worth, TX facilities. They could not confirm why the shipment hasn't processed yet or when it will process. Phobio insisted the supervisor is the only person who can manage or expedite the shipping. After several more attempts to get a supervisor on the phone, he simply told me he asked for a request to Fort Worth, TX and that's all he can do. He kept reiterating the fact there's not much he can do from the customer service office in Atlanta. I then called again today 10/25/18 asking for the Fort Worth, TX facility's contact information and they said it not privilege to the public. The supervisor also said nothing has changed in regards to my laptop since yesterday and there's nothing else he can do moving forward to help expedite my shipping.
Product_Or_Service: Phobio Apple trade
Order_Number: ***
Account_Number:

I decided to enroll my mint condition 2012 I MAC 27 in. computer in the Apple Buy Back program through Phobio LLC. I was told about the program at a local Apple shop that suggested that would be the best way to get a decent credit towards a new Apple computer. After submitting my information on the Apple Buy Back site I was quoted a credit of $345.00 in the form of an Apple Gift Card towards a new computer. Was quite excited to take advantage of this program and followed all the instructions as to ordering the packing materials and wiping the system clean. After all my efforts in following all the steps and shipping my computer to Phobio LLC, I found out that I was only eligible for a store credit of $85.00. I'd like to add that I never received word of this from Phobio, but had to research my account to retrieve this information. They indicated that my display screen was damaged and had cracks, breaks, lines in display, flicker lighting issues and dead pixels. I was shocked to hear what they described and immediately felt that I was being scammed. In calling them, I told them of my concerns since the computer was in perfect condition when I shipped it out and that it had always been given the greatest of care and used only by me in my home office. In speaking to the customer service rep. and his advisor they corrected the original description and said it was only pixel damage which I found concerning since that claim differed from the original description of damage. They said there was nothing they could do and I'd either have to have the computer sent back or accept their offer of $85.00. I told them I was very unhappy and I would definitely be filing a complaint with the Revdex.com. In doing further research I found that there were many other complaints similar to mine and found that all the other Apple products that were put through the buy back program got similar percentages returned (22%-24%) of the original quoted offer. I would like to pursue
my original quoted credit of $345.00. Thank you