Phobio Reviews (%countItem)
Phobio Rating
Address: 3100 Cumberland Blvd SE Suite 200, Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 30339-5940
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Was originally quoted $210 for my MacBook Pro. My Mac does have a couple scratches from normal wear and tear, but nothing serious. I included a charger in great condition and after they inspected it they quoted my Mac and charger for $40. Definitely disappointed, didn't think it would be a complete rip off.
Thank you for sharing your feedback regarding your experience.
We hate to hear you are not happy with the revised offer for your device. During inspection, we determined there were dents on the device that were not reported in the online questionnaire, causing the offer revision. During our inspection, we determined the scratches and dent were more severe than originally thought. We do see you requested the return of your device and we will get that back to you as soon as possible.
Thank you again,
Phobio Support
The dents were so minor the tape you put over them completely covered them. To categorize a perfectly working MacBook and charger as "Damaged" and to give me $40 is ridiculous. Obviously a bias point of view on how bad the debts were. The dents were minor wear and tear from a used MacBook. There was not an option for me to choose small wear and tear on my Mac, so that's why it wasn't reported.
We do understand this is not the outcome you hoped for. To clarify our pricing: In an effort to simplify the process and the values for our customers we offer two values, one for a device that does not require any repair or part replacement, and a second value for a device that is in need of repair or part replacement, regardless of the severity. We do apologize you were unhappy with your experience and we know this was not the outcome you were hoping for. Thank you again for your time. Best wishes, Phobio Support
We sent in two iMac computers to Phobio for trade in. The amount of trade in was estimated at $115 each. We shipped the computers back in Phobio's packaging in the exact condition as described and ultimately received an email that the trade in was being reduced to $35 because one had a backlight issue and another had a scratch on the screen. The picture provided for the 1st computer was not included and showed up as a ? mark in the pdf. The second photo was so small and blurry there was no way to see the damage they claimed and no serial number was provided to verify it was even the computer sent. When we tried to adjust the quote on #1 with a supervisor, we were told it would take 1-2 business days to hear back from a supervisor and there could be no adjustment to the 14 day timeframe for accepting the offer. Ultimately, computer #1 was suddenly decided to NOT be damaged (for unknown reasons) and the full $115 was promised without the need to click "accept" on an email. The 2nd offer was accepted under duress out of fear of ultimately being denied. We were told that nothing could be done once the offer was accepted, even though another rep was able to adjust the 1st computer offer without using the automated accept process. Phobio is not consistent in their evaluation of trade ins and customers need to have better recourse for challenging the condition of their property when received in their TX facility. The GA office is making assessments off of poor quality photos for giving estimates to customers. Rep names that we spoke to:*** and***.
Refund Clearly, Phobio is doing everything possible to avoid giving the full estimated amount for trade ins and there is no recourse for challenging the damage that Phobio claims. Their process needs to be challenged. We would like the balance of the trade in amount to be issued by Phobio in the amount of $80.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us, ***.
Upon arrival, we do verify with FedEx and our inspection facility that potential transit is not an issue with any device we receive. Our inspection facility confirmed that neither device you shipped experienced potential transit damage. To clarify our process, once a device arrives to our inspection facility, the unique number on the outside of the label is verified to match the serial number of the device inside and the device stays with the shipping kit throughout the inspection process. In this regard, we are certain the device pictured in each photo are the devices you shipped to Phobio. The inspection process is described on our website at: ***
One of your cases was escalated to Mr. who investigated the trade results and noticed the photo provided in the assessment email was not indicative of a backlight issue as described as the reason for the revised offer. In this regard, a mistake was made involving the trade assessment and Patrick made sure that although the device did not pass the inspection, you received the full valuation in an effort to protect your experience, as the mistake was completely Phobio's fault.
The second computer you shipped to us did not pass the evaluation as there were malfunctioning pixels on the screen. The photo does contain red stickers pointing at the display malfunction. In this regard, the valuation was not able to be changed as there was evidence of the display not functioning properly. Additionally, upon review, after you spoke with Mr., the revised offer had been accepted. Once an offer is accepted or rejected by a customer, we are unable to overturn the decision.
Thank you again for sharing your feedback, we will use the information to improve our process in the future.
Best,
Phobio Support
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
It is absolutely untrue that "Once an offer is accepted or rejected by a customer, we are unable to overturn the decision." They have done it numerous times as evidenced by the other complaints. We have photos and video of the computer they claim was damaged prior to shipment showing that there were zero pixel problems. The photos phobio provides with the adjusted offers are sorely insufficient to verify their claims as they are blurry, no larger than 2"x2" and the lowest resolution possible. There is no indication to me, the customer, that they are showing the computer that I sent in, to verify that they are being honest in their evaluation (why not show the serial number???). This business' practices hold customers' electronics virtually hostage: you have to make a decision on their adjusted offers electronically within a limited amount of time or take the chance of having your electronics returned to you in a condition different than was sent to phobio so that they can justify that their adjusted evaluation is accurate. How is a consumer to trust this business--we have zero recourse? I also know that phobio has the ability to override their offers in spite of them being accepted or rejected by the customer. In the case of the first computer I sent in, we never accepted OR rejected their offer, yet they managed to send their original offer after we complained. But when we complained about a SECOND computer's adjusted offer, suddenly phobio is unable to make a correction? Their original offer of $115 is already well below the average with other trade in companies for an iMac of this age and condition, even if there were actual damaged pixels (which is a not a flaw that even affects the value of a computer, especially one that is not touchscreen. I have had other computers with damaged/dead pixels and the manufacturer said that unless there was 25% of the screen with damaged pixels, the screen was still considered in perfect condition. Because of the threat to cancel any offer phobio made and after reading that they often adjust offers to $0, we worried that we would end up with nothing--how could we know that wouldn't happen in light of other complaints? There are so many flaws with phobio's process it's hard to know where to begin. This response is not sufficient as it is untrue that phobio cannot overturn their decision after an offer is accepted or rejected. You are already making at least $115 based on average trade in on one of the computers and nearly $200 on the 2nd computer. In good faith and in light of proof that the computer was in the exact same condition as the other computer when packaged, phobio should send us $80 so that we receive the amount of the original offer of $115 on the second computer. I am clearly not the only customer with this type of complaint and with the Revdex.com of Atlanta flagging the business as having a pattern indicates that with so many similar complaints, significant changes need to be made.
Thank you for your response, ***.
We appreciate your feedback regarding your experience with Phobio. As it turns out, we are able to have customers re-submit devices in the event a revision was made in error and the customer has had the device returned to them. As we previously mentioned, we are unable to systematically override a trade once it has been accepted or rejected.
To further clarify, the first device revision was reversed as the revision was made in error and the photo did not match the revision reason. Additionally, you had not accepted or rejected the revised offer on the first computer when the decision was made to honor the full value. The second computer's revision was accepted, and as a result, we were not and are not able to overturn that action. The revision regarding the pixel damage is also clearly shown in the photo provided to you. We will pass on your feedback regarding the option to make these overrides. We hate to hear you feel we held your device hostage. Our intent is to provide you a clear, seamless and risk free process in which to trade-in your device, which is why we always offer our customers the option to have the device returned, free of charge. Additionally, we do offer our customers 14 days to decide if they would like to accept a revised offer or request the return of a device to ensure an ample amount of time is available for customers make the best decision for themselves.
You are correct, malfunctioning pixels do not affect the functionality of a device as far as powering it on and usage. We do re-home devices as-is, and as you might imagine, consumers purchasing these devices do want them in the best condition available; pixel malfunctions are something that would require part replacement or repair in order for the device to be considered in the highest condition. The serial number of your device is not shown in the photo as the picture was taken while the device was being tested and at that time, the serial number was not being displayed. We do perform testing on each device that arrives at our inspection facility. During the testing of each device, we cycle solid colors throughout the screen to determine if the pixels are functioning properly. In the case of your daughter's device, we discovered pixels that were not functioning properly. Of course different device manufacturers have determinations regarding the functionality of their devices, however, Phobio has developed their own system for testing the devices so we may provide the most accurate and relevant information available regarding each device.
Our pricing is set based on current market value, we typically offer a higher value for device trade-ins. Additionally, our Terms and Conditions do explain devices will undergo testing upon arrival and the results of that testing can impact the final offer of the device from Phobio.
As mentioned before, your feedback is taken seriously and it will be passed on to the relevant parties. Thank you again for taking the time to share your concerns with us.
Thank you,
Phobio Support
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
A "malfunctioning pixel" is not even a definitive description, especially if you claim to have done extensive tests. As described in NUMEROUS online sources (here's just one reference: ***), fixing a stuck or dead pixel can be fixed with free software 60% of the time and with purchased software, which you would expect would be in Phobio's possession, with even higher success rate. I strongly disagree that your photo "clearly" showed what you were claiming since we only received a 2x3" photo embedded in an email at the lowest possible resolution, preventing the ability to zoom in. All we see is a faint line which resembles a shadow similar to other parts of the photo; it could be a smudge from the packaging, for all this photo shows. ***
This is also NOT how a faulty pixel looks or is diagnosed anyway. From Apple: ***
And fixing a dead or sleeping pixel doesn't involve replacing ***
We still disagree that a malfunctioning pixel, which we did not have when sent to you, should lower the already low ball offer from $115 to $35. Your limited ability to offer more than 2-3 price points when you make offers is inherently part of the problem. As far as having ample time and opportunity to take back our computer, after reading of other cases where returned units were inoperable, we felt that if we didn't accept the ridiculous offer, you would reneg on even that. We never experienced malfunctioning pixels, otherwise we would have fixed them. This is a bogus reason for claiming a person buying this reconditioned computer would see it either. THERE ARE NO COMPONENTS TO REPLACE FOR THIS TYPE OF ISSUE. Phobio should be REQUIRED TO SEND MULTIPLE, HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOS when an original offer is amended. This isn't an item of clothing and the lack of effort Phobio makes in ensuring credibility for expensive merchandise entrusted in their possession leaves consumers vulnerable to being taken advantage of, time and time again. I still disagree that there is no way for you to compensate us: you are CHOOSING not to which is yet another problem with Phobio that should concern the Revdex.com and Apple. I would challenge that Phobio would be unable to correct an electronic Apple gift card if the mistake was theirs, which ultimately means there's a way to correct this. Simply send a new email! We haven't redeemed the original. My complaint is simple: honor your original offer as you did with the first computer, acknowledging that your existing procedures need revising, recognizing the need to change the culture of appearing to inflate seriousness of conditions of units sent to you that in no way affect resell or in our case have yet to be proven to even exist. I am not asking for the unit to be returned as I'm sure it's already been resold for a hefty profit. I'm simply asking for the balance of the offer to be sent to me in the same form as all your offers are made, an electronic Apple reward number and password valued at $80. This is absolutely possible. If Phobio claims it isn't, this is yet another issue the Revdex.com and Apple should address as this should be a very basic financial transaction that any business should be equipped to do. I still disagree that ample proof was given to show the damage Phobio claimed and that the damage they are claiming is completely inaccurate as this is not what a malfunctioning pixel even looks like.
They offered me $50 for my MacBook Pro. It was shipped in perfect condition but they claimed it had damage when received. Changed offer to $0.
Processed a quote for Apple MacBook Pro laptop via the website. Received email from Phobio on 6/14 w/ Confirmation #: *** offering $50. Shipped the laptop to them on 6/20/18 via FedEx using packaging Phobio provided. Tracking shows it was delivered to them on 6/25. On 6/28 received email saying trade in value was now $0 due to damage. Photo they provided shows damage that was not there when I shipped it.
Called customer support who was no help. Now I am waiting for them to return the laptop to me but due to their specific delivery instructions (signature required by someone 21 or older, cannot have it held at a FedEx location), I am not able to be home when FedEx comes. Called Customer Support at Phobio and*** said there's nothing they can do at this time and FedEx will return package to them after making the requisite # of attempts.
I would like the $50 they originally quoted to me. I sent a perfectly good laptop to them. There was no damage. Based on the photo they provided of a damaged laptop this could not be mine. There was a protective covering on the device which I removed right before shipping it to them. I wish I had checked this company out before dealing with them. I am also going to reach out to Apple directly to inform them of this very sketchy vendor.
Thank you for your feedback regarding your experience with us.
We have reviewed your trade and although we do not have evidence from FedEx or our inspection team to confirm potential transit damage, we want to do everything in our power to ensure your experience with Phobio is the best it can be. At this time, we would like to have you resubmit your trade and we will pay you the quoted value of $50.00.
A member of our support staff will follow up with you via email.
Thank you,
Phobio Support
(The consumer indicated he/she ACCEPTED the response from the business.)
They have offered to honor their original trade amount. I am sending the device back to them (I've made a video record of its condition prior to sending it this time).
Wow I wish I had seen these reviews as well. They originally quoted my trade in as 115.00 and then said they would only pay 35.00 once they received my computer. They said it was not working and it was working fine the day I sent it. And it was well packaged in the materials they sent for shipping. I hope Apple will take a look at having them as their trade-in partner!
This is a scam. They agreed on a price and I sent a perfectly good computer, with no damage and they claim it has a dent in the corner.
I shipped my perfectly good and functional MACbook pro in the box with packing material provided by PhoBio for the agreed upon trade in value of $210. Upon receipt, they sent me a photo of a damaged corner of a computer (claiming it is mine) and down-graded my offer to $40. The computer was not damaged when I shipped it; it had never ever been dropped and had no damage at all. This seems to be the way they have operated for other customers. If there is damage, its due to their packaging material or handling. But I regret that based on other complaints and lack of evidence from them, that I don't believe that my computer is damaged. This is a scam.
I would like the full $210 for the computer.
Our records do indicate that you have received your payment of $210 for your device. It looks like you contacted our support team and we resolved your issue when you contacted us. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out anytime. Our phone team is available M-F, 9am-9pm, EST at*** and our live chat currently offers 24/7 support from ***
Best wishes,
Phobio support
(The consumer indicated he/she ACCEPTED the response from the business.)
Phobio intentionally misleads customers. This company will scam you given a chance.
I took a MacBook to the Apple Store to have it appraised for trade-in value with Phobio. The Apple Store employee filled out the online form and said that the trade in value was $85, which leads customers to believe that Apple employees have been trained to examine products to the Phobio standards.
After sending the device to Phobio, I was repeatedly contacted about sending it in, which says that they either do not check their emails or have malfunctioning email servers.
Emails from Phobio told me that the device had a new trade in value of $0, due to "cosmetic damage". The Apple employee saw no cosmetic damage, and there was none before it was sent in via their packaging. The alleged damage has no bearing on the functionality of the device (it was in perfect working order and set to factory standard).
When questioned about this, Phobio emailed me saying "Apple employees are trained on the retail aspect with grading the condition of computers. Our inspection facility is highly trained and certified on evaluating the physical and functionality of devices that are traded in with us".
This implies that there are two standards, and that the Phobio standard is designed to intentionally lower quotes to little or nothing. From reading complaints here, it also seems that Phobio may be intentionally damaging products in order to lower payments.
The long and short of this is, Phobio is a scam. I don't want the laptop back, I'm sure that based on the reviews, it would come back damaged and without the accessories that I originally sent with it. Phobio should honor the quotes that their business partners (Apple) give to customers. This is a harsh lesson learned, and people need to understand not to use Phobio under any circumstances.
Phobio should honor the original quote ($85).
Thank you for providing your feedback about your experience with Phobio.
We understand you have received duplicate emails and that negatively affected your experience with Phobio. We do want to assure you, our trade-in program is not a scam and the majority of our customers do not receive revised trade-in offers. Additionally, we understand you felt mislead by the representative who spoke on Phobio's behalf when your quote was originally completed. While that representative is not trained with Phobio's inspection standards, we agree with you that the damage noted on your device was minimal. We pride ourselves on providing a straightforward trade-in experience. While we do classify your device as damaged and the make and model you submitted for trade has a $0 damaged valuation, we have reviewed your trade and we are going to remit payment to you the for full valuation of $85.00. Your payment will arrive within 5 to 7 business days via email. If we can assist you with anything else, please let us know.
Thank you,
Phobio Support
(The consumer indicated he/she ACCEPTED the response from the business.)
Phobio honored the original agreement. This should have happened without having to resort to a Revdex.com complaint, but they have remitted payment for the original quote amount.
I sent my laptop to Phobio in perfect condition - the only issue with the unit was the slow processor which is not a defect. I was shocked to receive an offer that was 20% of the original offer. When I called Phobio, I was told that the case was badly damaged and the photo they sent showed a bulge in the case. The customer rep said that the battery had expanded and they couldn't resell the unit for the original quote. Of course that meant that if I refused the offer they would return a badly damaged unit. This was unacceptable to me since I sent in a laptop in printing condition and I asked to speak to a supervisor. Shakima listened carefully to my complaint, investigated my concerns, and resolved it quickly and satisfactorily. Prior to my conversation within her I spoke to two customer service reps who really tried to help me and in the end, it worked out. I was impressed with the speed and care they took in helping me and felt that I was treated fairly.
First of all, their service is quick and easy. You enter details about your device, they give you a quote, and if you agree, they send you all of the shipping materials you need, and you can track your equipment the entire time.
They are also really good about sending updates at certain goalposts.
There was actually a hiccup in my trade-in process wherein my laptop screen was apparently damaged in shipping. After a brief back and forth with their support team, however, they honored their initial offer.
I was expecting a hassle, to have to go through levels of management, etc., but no. The person I spoke with was a rep named Cody on their live chat, and he resolved the issue in just a few minutes. Great service.
I wish I had read these reviews before sending in my MacBook Air. However, since Apple was recommending them, I thought they would be fine. Like most people who left negative reviews, I too sent in my fully functional laptop. When they received it, they said the trackpad was not working, and changed the trade-in quote to $0. Strange, because the computer had been working fine until they got it. In any case, I wanted to get it back to sell to a more reliable and trustworthy company. However, they shipped it back to me using *** with a direct signature requirement, and no option to hold at a local store/hub. I, like most people, work during the day and therefore cannot be home to sign. I tried calling ***, and asked them to hold it at a location near me (as I had done in the past), so I could go pick it up and sign. However, *** advised me the sender (Phobio) specifically requested that such an option NOT be available. I contacted Phobio, and they advised me that after the final (third) delivery attempt, it would be shipped back to them, and at that point they would ship it back to me, to be held at a *** location. *** tried delivering it three time, and the status is now "no further deliveries pending" meaning it's hanging out somewhere (not heading back to Phobio and not being delivered to me). Phobio has also stopped replying to my emails. So now I am left with no money and no computer, and no way of getting it back (at least not any time soon). I implore everyone considering this company to do your research (100% negative reviews on Revdex.com is really saying something!) and go elsewhere.
Please do not use this company as way to trade-in/recycle your Apple product. I submitted a rather old Mac laptop for which I was quoted $40. In return, I received zero dollars and a broken Mac which is now worth nothing. My Mac was not cracked when I sent it to them. The return of damaged goods is on top of multiple shipping delays. Oddly, Phobio was rated as "C+" last week, but is now at an A+. Do not use this company. Bring Apple products to your local Apple store of third-party. (I did, however, find Phobio's customer service to be friendly; that deserves one star.)
I wish I had read these reviews before I sent them my computer. I sent them my four year old IMAC desktop a few weeks ago. It was in mint condition. I erased the HD and reinstalled the latest operating system myself. I mailed in my wireless keyboard and mouse as well. They initially offered $340 for my computer, then claimed that it had damage to the screen ( which I do not believe was there when I sent them the computer as it never left my desk in four years ). They reduced the offer to $90. I said return the computer to me. It took weeks to get it back, and when it did I was not sure it was my computer. Now it would not even boot up and they neglected to return my keyboard and mouse. I called and complained and they sent me a keyboard and mouse, but the mouse was broken. I agree with the negative reviews of this company. It is a bait and switch operation that seems to be doing some very questionable and unethical business practices. Better you sell you devices on your own or gift them to a charity.
I took my computer to the Apple Store and two different representatives told me it was in "great" shape. I received a $200 offer from Phobio during the initial process. Once Phobio received the laptop they sent me photos of a damaged computer and reduced the offer to $40. Phobio conducts its business in an unethical manner. This was a disturbing bait and switch interaction.
DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPUTER TO THIS COMPANY. Sent two perfectly working and pristine devices to Phobio, they reduced my offers to 0$ and then sent photos of physical damage on the devices that did not exist prior to shipping. When I sought answers to how my devices incurred damage they implied that it was my fault and offered to ship them back. Why would I want a damaged device back. I can't believe Apple affiliates with this company.
WIsh I had read these reviews before I sent in an old laptop. It had been used very rarely, was in pristine condition, but was downgraded to $0 because the track pad supposedly did not work. It worked before I packed and sent it. I have a desktop to get rid of and will check out other ways to do so and NOT use Phobio. Sadly, the info about the Apple Give Back program recommended them. What a scam.
COMPLETE SCAM! ABSOLUTELY OUTRAGED WITH THIS SERVICE!
I sent my computer back in perfect condition with this service! they write back they instead of the original $215 they will give me $40 because there is damage. The picture is of a dent in the corner of a computer. Completely ambiguous could be any computer. I know for a fact mine was not damaged! So either it was damaged in transit, they physically damaged it themselves, or it is a picture of another damaged computer. Completely disgraceful service
I submitted three Apple products to Phobio, LLC - a 15" MacBook Pro; an 11" MacBook Air and a 17" MacBook Pro. So far they have received the 15" and 11" and have devalued both of the computers stating cosmetic damage. They have sent alleged photos of the damage but as someone else has stated these could be any computer and on top of that, the images they sent cannot be seen / viewed very well. I take excellent care of my 'things' and these laptops were not damaged at all. This company is a total SCAM!!!
I have read the other reviews on this company and agree 100% that this is a bait and switch company, a scandalous company and borderline acting in an illegal manner.
The buy back program is a scam. They damaged the laptop themselves to reduce the payout and returned the laptop damaged when I declined payout.
I sent them my 2012 retina macbook pro in excellent condition (had a new screen, trackpad, and back plate from Apple service only a year or two ago). I made sure I wiped down the laptop, it looked great. Was initially offered $360 but after they got it, they said there was something wrong with the screen, some smudge or something (was impossible to tell from their generic description and blurry picture they sent via email). So instead they offered $70. No way I would accept that - I told them to send it back. When I got it back, there was some sort of oily/sticky/dirty adhesive smudges on the screen and on the back plate. Fortunately I was able to clean it off with some rubbing alcohol. I turned on the laptop and fortunately permanent damage was apparent, at least for now. So they dirtied my laptop themselves, didn't want to or didn't know how to clean it, claimed it was damaged and then offered me $70 for their own poor quality process. This company is ridiculous. The fact that they don't tell their customers to take pictures of their computer before shipping or have Apple inspect and sign off on it together with the customer suggests to me that Phobio is a scam. Apple needs to take over handling of this refurbish process. They would never treat a customer's laptop like how Phobio treated mine.
Their instructions to self inspect the laptop is insufficient and prone to fraud by Phobio. They should instruct customers to take photos of the laptop to document the condition to hold themselves accountable and prevent them from damaging customer's property and blaming it on the customer. That or *** should pre-inspect and sign off on the product before sealing the shipping box. Having Phobio be the "prosecutor, judge, and jury" is absurd and allows them to get away with this scam/fraud. Furthermore, if the product is damaged during shipment, the service should include insurance and the insurance should be clearly stated in the advertisement. The packaging does not look secure enough to protect something as expensive as a laptop given the various sizes and shapes that laptops comes in.
We are sorry to hear this process has not been smooth and seamless for you. We pride ourselves on providing our customers with a smooth and straightforward trade-in process. We apologize your device was not returned to you in the same condition in which it was originally shipped. We value the opportunity to correct this for you, and we look forward to resolving this experience for you.
At this time, we request you resubmit your trade online at: https://www.apple.com/shop/trade-in and we will ensure you receive the full original valuation of $360.00 for your device. For additional information and verification of this resolution, a member of our support staff will be in touch with you shortly.
(The consumer indicated he/she ACCEPTED the response from the business.)
Phobio claims they will honor the original trade in value and apologized for not returning the laptop in the condition it was originally shipped.
Do not send any of your products into this company. They use improper ways to diagnose the device and retract original quotes to save the company money. Upon sending in my 21.5 Inch iMac, the device arrived and a condition was put in as "Damaged." I know for a fact that the device was not damaged, had the company send back my device, and inspected it myself as well as with Apple. The device turned on with a properly functioning backlight (they stated the backlight was damaged and no image appeared). I set up the device and ran diagnostics with no issues found. Apple did not find any issues with the display or the way the computer was working. To top it off, the company came back with another pathetic excuse trying to cover themselves stating that there were too many bright pixel anomalies, which there weren't and again confirmed by Apple. I would highly avoid this company due to the nature of their technical incompetencies as a "company" and unmoral ways to make money.
I shipped my computer and when they received it they said it was damaged and lowered my trade offer.
I sent a *** Pro to Phobio for a $265 trade which Phobio received on 4/5/2018. My trade number is XXXXXXXXXXX. Upon receiving my computer, Phobio stated the new trade in value was changed to $55 because of damage and included a dark, grainly, low quality image. I rejected the offer since they would return my computer and I didn't $55 was worth it and my computer wasn't damaged. Phobio then emailed me 2 more times asking to for me to accept the trade offer of $55 which I had already rejected. When they finally shipped my computer back to me on April 17th, I was able to inspect it and see that I had not cause the damage. It looks like someone used a screwdriver to scratch the top of the casing. I communicated with customer service and they said there is nothing they can do since I asked for the computer back. I then asked if I could talk to a manager. He said I could not because all the managers had left for the day, and then said again there was nothing they could do because I had asked for them to return my computer.
I think what is happening is Phobio is damaging computers and making a lower trade offer to lower their expense of purchasing used computers. After this interaction I see other people who have the same complaint as mine.
I want the business to pay me the full trade offer they initially offered. The computer was not damaged when it was sent in and now I have a damaged computer in my possession.
We are sorry to hear you are unhappy with your experience with Phobio. We pride ourselves on providing each and every customer with a seamless and upfront trade in experience.
We have reviewed your trade and we would like to have you resubmit for the full original quote of $265.00. Please resubmit your trade online at: https://www.apple.com/shop/trade-in and we will ensure you receive the full original valuation of $265.00 for your device. For additional information and verification of this resolution, a member of our support staff will be in touch with you shortly.
Our chat support team is available 24/7 and our phone support is available M-F, 9am-9pm, EST for additional questions or concerns.
(The consumer indicated he/she ACCEPTED the response from the business.)
This is a fair resolution. Thank you for working this out.
Phobio is a scam. I trusted them because they were recommended by Apple and I used PowerOn to recycle in the past and had no problems. They offered me $120 for my 2011 MacBook Pro. I cleared it of all data, used their shipping box, and shipped it to their site. They changed their offer to $25 and sent me a photo of a damaged laptop. It could have been ANY laptop.... certainly not mine. If it was damaged... it happened after they received it. This is bait and switch and totally fraudulent. I took the $25 when they refused to discuss my complaint. I cannot believe Apple partners with this company!