yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] Vitamin_D:
Trading in a $40 phone is kinda the point of a trade in program that accepts ANY phone in working condition that has an intact screen, normal wear and tear, and clean IMEI. So you think Samsung should only give a $200 credit if a phone is worth $200? Wow, what an outstanding deal. I planned to trade in a phone worth $50-$80 that, in my opinion, matched their requirements and I don't feel like I'm scamming Samsung. It's their promotion and idea, not mine and suggesting that most of the denied cases are scamming Samsung is an insult. I traded in my wife's iPhone 5 to AT&T for a 6s and got $200 for it. The phone was worth maybe $100 at the time but it didn't matter what the value was because it was their incentive and promotion to get customers in the store to sell phones and plans. A few years ago the government had a cash for clunkers stimulus plan to buy ANY car at a minimum. It's a normal trade in program, except when companies like Samsung change the rules after the fact. It's not a hard concept to understand and Samsung is definitely pulling a bait and switch.

I'm not surprised by this since they really screwed Note 7 owners. I'm returning the phone. I thought I would give it a chance but I'm not doing business with a company that can't honor a simple deal.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] jim262:
There are others besides myself that got the deal. Samsung honored the deal. It seems that the ones complaining are ones that sent them $50 phones expecting to get a $200 discount. Granted this wasn't listed in the basic requirements, but in the fine print it does state that Samsung reserves the right to make all final decisions as to whether the trade-in meets THEIR requirements. So that means they reserve the right, for any reason they deem, to refuse giving the full refund and if that was the case, the individual would only get $25. Was I 100% sure that my trade-in would be accepted? No, I wasn't, but if you are fair with them, they would be fair with you. After all, after the Note 7 fiasco, they are trying to win consumers back. Not scare even more away! Think about it logically.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] ccic2491:
You're not bumming me out. Unfortunately, your story seems to be the exception. Most people that I've heard from are only getting $25. I'm still waiting for my backordered phone so I'll keep you posted on what I get for my trade in.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] knightsfury:
so people sending S6 Edges and S7s that meet all eligibility requirements and being rejected is logical to you? the simple point is that Samsung outlined a list of requirements to be eligible and people are following those only to be rejected for bogus reasons. doesn't sound logical to me in the slightest.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] Vitamin_D:
I wasn't even worried about this until I started seeing blogs and forums popping up where people said they were denied. There is a list of phones that have been accepted and rejected and there isn't much logic to it. Some $10 prepaid phones were accepted and some weren't. I think you just got lucky based on most of the stories I've read.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] Charkatak:
What about if a person was using his/her phone for 4 years and decided to get another phone and Samsung's deal was advertised. That person's phone could cost $50 or less, as you mentioned, don't you think that it would still be fair if that person sends this phone to Samsung as a trade-in? In my view it doesn't matter how much the phone is, as long as it is a smartphone in the condition stated in Samsung's trade-in rules.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] Charkatak:
There could also be different employees checking the phones out. Some of them pay attention to every detail, others just look for overall condition. My trade-in should get to TX early next week.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] s4shield:
I stole my grandmas food stamp phone when she wasn't looking and traded it in and they didn't give me the $200. I only got $1.! :crying::crying::crying:
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] jim262:
If frogs had wings...is this a hypothetical situation? All I am doing is letting people know that they honored the trade in to me. It's people that are running a scam, sending phones that have been rooted or bypassed FRP or simply think better of their trade in than is reality. It really does not matter since they are not running the deal any longer, so your hypothetical is moot.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] Charkatak:
By saying person - I meant myself. It is my situation and I work as an QA/STE with devices and know what I have sent. The device should be delivered to them next week. I expect Samsung to be loyal to their promotion. I am happy that your phone got approved and congrats on your new purchase.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] jim262:
Thank you and I hope yours is approved also. The majority of those that have been complaining are those that went out and bought Wal-Mart, Best Buy or whatever phones for $50 and expect $200 discounts, when it clearly states that the requirements listed were the minimum (not the only) requirements. I wish you luck.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] Charkatak:
Thanks, I hope so too. Would be a good deal to get S8 under $500.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] Thor2j:
Sent in s7 edge , paid 275 for s8 unlocked, got email 2 days ago saying all is well with the deal.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] jaquezconrado:
I went to an AT&T store and traded in a s6 for an s8 and got $200 in bonus accessories
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] Charkatak:
Not bad at all! How long did you wait for "trade-in" approval email to be sent to you after your old phone got delivered?
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] Thor2j:
About 2 weeks
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] Charkatak:
Looks like this is the average, as other people report.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] jim262:
Yeah final determination was about two weeks. That time frame would make sense considering that the time limit they give you is also two weeks to send in your trade-in. Unfortunately, they have ended this deal. In hindsight, I wish I would have purchased a S8+ also. This was truly a great deal for what is a great little phone. I have always disliked touchwiz and prefer an OS like AOSP, but for $425, I can live with touchwiz.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] jadams161:
Where did it say that a trade in cannot be rooted??
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] Charkatak:
Right for $425+tax, it is possible to live with their launcher :) On other hand, we do have options using a different launcher. They do have another deal, but this time it seems that they offer $200 Visa card, but of course the price isn't $625, but rather $725, so the deal isn't as good as it was.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] FAUguy:
FedEx shows my Verizon Note 2 was delivered to them in TX on Friday. I waited over a week to try the S8 out first before sending the Note 2 in. Since I could only get about $80-100 for it on Swappa or eBay, I figured I might as well use it for the trade. I still have my Note 3/4 and LG G5 (which I'm going to sell the G5).
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] Charkatak:
Is your LG G5 is a Verizon variant?
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] FAUguy:
No, it's the unlocked RS988 that can be used on any carrier. I got it from BHPhoto in December, includes 4 batteries, charging dock, Cam Mod attachment, and VR headset.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] GrimEcho:
Samsung was not being vague about the promotion. They clearly stated on their website that they were offering $300 or $350 for some of the newer Samsung phones, and $200 for everything else. I called Samsung and talked to one of their representatives. She confirmed that the $200 credit applied to any smartphone that 1) ran iOS or Android, 2) had an intact screen, 3) powered on and held a charge, 4) had a clean ESN, 5) had no software locks in place, 6) had only normal wear and tear. I specifically asked about the age or features of the phone and was told that that didn't matter, only the condition of the phone.

Am I getting a good deal from Samsung by purchasing a phone from Walmart for $20 and sending it in for a $200 credit? Of courseI am, but how is this trying to scam them? They advertised a promotion and I'm taking advantage of it. How hard would it have been for them to put some kind of additional requirements on the trade in, such as a newer version of Android, or some minimum specifications for the phone?

Also, several people have referenced the fine print that says that Samsung has the right to determine the value of the phone. Could someone please post a link to this specific text?

It states clearly here that the value displayed when you make your order is the value that you are getting. Since I selected the "other" model, my trade-in value was $200.

Again, this states that the trade-in value provided on the website, is the value that is being assigned, and this is the value that you will receive as long as the the Good Condition provisions are met.

---------- Post added at 08:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:00 PM ----------

It has to be factory reset, which means returned to the same software configuration that it left the factory with, so unless it came with root (doubtful), any rooted phone would technically not meet this requirement,
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] Charkatak:
Wow, you have a full arsenal :) Do you know if your G5 supports VoLTE, Band 12 and WiFi Calling if used on T-Mobile?
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] FAUguy:
When I first got it, I was able to use it for VoLTE on Verizon, but not WiFi calling as I was told Verizon only allows that on their branded versions.

I'm not sure about T-Mobile, best place to find out would be on the G5 forum on XDA.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] jadams161:
It clearly says factory reset "to remove all personal information".

The third party company doing the verification process either really sucks or people are not following directions.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] jim262:
Apparently you didn't read this part in the terms and conditions:

Samsung reserves the right to substitute, change, cancel or add to any part of these Terms at any time, including terminating the Trade-In Program or modifying these Terms.

· We reserve the right to decline or cancel your participation in the Trade-In Program, with or without advance notice, if we believe that your participation is enabling a fraudulent or illegal purpose.

Hmmm, I wonder if trying to pull a fast one is considered fraudulent?

If you have a legitimate beef, then take it up with Samsung. All I know is they were straight with me.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] GrimEcho:
So you are saying that Samsung can arbitrarily cancel the entire trade-in program for everyone, charge each person the $200 or $300 or so, keep their phones, and not have any legal liability, all because they included the "reserves the right to substitute, change, cancel or add to any part of these Terms at any time, including terminating the Trade-In Program or modifying these Terms." in the fine print? That is not how contracts and agreements work. While this is a standard boilerplate clause that you see in most agreements and contracts, it has little legal force for contracts that have already been made. It essentially only means that Samsung can change the trade-in program for future purchases at any time without giving notice, but they can't arbitrarily go back and change the agreements they have already made; at least not without being liable.

In terms of canceling the Trade-in Program when it is enabling a fraudulent or illegal purpose, what is illegal or fraudulent about purchasing a phone for personal use and following the conditions stated. Are you implying that fraud encompasses a company not making a profit on something it sold? Or that as a consumer I should know that when Samsung says any smartphone, what they really mean is a phone that "is worth trading in."? I certainly hope not, if that rises to the level of fraud or criminal activity then we are in a lot more trouble than Samsung not honoring its agreements.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] Armani2017:
Honesty does not work that stupid Samsung. I mailed them my mint T-mobile s7 edge in its original boxed and well packed with bubble sheet. Even tho they charged me $325, my phone did not meet the "normal wear" criteria🤔. Whoever has this matter, go and tweet their page
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] gboybama:
My trade in was rejected and I was charged the extra $175. I sent in an old Jellybean phone with Verizon branding. It worked fine and the screen was intact, but it was rejected anyway. At first, I was mad, but I guess I should never have expected they'd accept that phone. I can sell my Moto X Pure on eBay if I want to try and recover my full discount.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] jim262:
I am not saying any thing or making things up, but it is clearly stated in the terms. Those individuals that in any way who were fraudulent in their claim, based on their determination, would not be honored. So if someone tried to pull a fast one by sending in a crap phone they bought for $50 in order to try and get a $200 discount, they would not honor it.

As for sending in an older phone they did honor it and my LeEco Le Max 2 currently goes used for about $160-$190 and I received the $200 discount. So I am assuming if you send in a brand new device that is worth next to nil, they will look at this as a fraudulent claim.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] eoga:
I just got an answered for my two trade-in I did. One was successful and I was charged the $175 for the others saying that it didnt meet the normal wear & tear criteria :( The two phones I used were a brand new Moto E I bought for 20 dlls and an old Iphone 4 I had. The moto E was the one that passed and the Iphone 4, which according to my criteria was in perfect condition didnt passed. I really think their eligibility process sucks, If i would have known this I would have certainly buy another moto e for 20 dlls and send it. So far because I used a virtual card I dont think they were able to charge the extra 175 because the card doesnt have any any credit so i dont know what will apply there.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] jon611:
FWIW I traded in a 1.5 year old Samsung Galaxy J something phone that was less than $200 brand new... they gave me the full trade in value.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] Thor2j:
Just got my second s7 edge approval for $350. 2 phones, no problem with either.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] jasleen_ss:
To everyone who says people are scaming Samsung by sending cheap phones:

1. Can you guys fight from samsung's side where they rejected fully working s6 and s7 edge devices.. Those were definitely worth more than 200!

2. Do you guys understand what a promotional offer means?

3. Did they ever state anywhere that your device should be worth 200$ on other market sites? And if you are giving a phone worth that $ amount, what as a consumer are you saving?? If you fall in this category, I am sorry to you are a dumb consumer and companies like Samsung look forward to selling there stuff to people like you.

Now hear this experience: A person switched to a new Prepaid carrier recently, so they gave him a phone(worth ~80$) for free, because he ported his number! Was he a smart consumer? Yes.

He bought a new S8 and sent that brand-new "free" device. Was he a smart consumer? Yes

This is how a promotional offer is meant to be utilized. And don't you think people at Samsung thought about these scenarios before posting those offers? The crappy part is Samsung not standing by their words.

Confiscating working expensive devices by blaming those ineligible is what you call a scam! That is what Samsung is doing!
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] eoga:
I think i would have tried sending a cheap phone and selling your S7 edge on swappa probably could have made more in that way. Just something i would have done. if the cheap phone ended not working out you would still had the money from selling your phone.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] Thor2j:
That's what I've always done in the past. Didn't want to bother with it this time.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] jim262:
The reason your iPhone was not accepted is quite simple. It is not an android phone. I seem to recall the original webpage stated xx amount for Samsung phones and $200 for your old android phone. But everyone can take it up with them. But good luck getting around this clause:

Samsung will determine, in its sole judgment, whether your Trade-In Device is in good condition.

It's amazing how many folks will say Samsung is running a scam when they were out to scam them in the first place. Think about it logically, they don't need these old phones. they will just donate them to some cause as a tax write off. What they wan to do is get people back in the Samsung fold after many left due to the Note 7 fiasco. They lost a lot of money and potential future customers with that. So they want to get people to come back. This and other deals they are offering for this phone are designed with that in mind. The average cost of making an S8 is $360. They charge customers in excess of 100% markup. So even if they reduced their $725 S8 by $300 and sold it to me for $425, they are still making money. They are not hurting so much that they are out to scam people and start another public relations fiasco.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] eoga:
I was thinking that it doesnt even worth to reply you as it seems like you dont have idea of what are you talking about and you are writing to waste some time. First the offer was for any android or IOS phone so certainly i can see that you never bother checking the rules of it.

certainly a lot of people think that Samsung scam them because the rules for this offer were really clear any phone in good condition running Android or IOS nothing more. so please before to come here saying nonsense do a little investigation.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] Charkatak:
It was for both iOS and Android devices. I had a Blackberry phone with Blackberry 10 OS and customer service told me it won't be accepted.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] Charkatak:
I made a copy of the trade-in terms and conditions web page 3 weeks ago and here is what I found at the bottom:

9.** DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Any dispute you may have with Samsung arising out of or relating to the Trade-In Program or these Terms shall be governed by the Arbitration Agreement (including its 30-day opt-out provision) included in the Samsung Terms and Conditions that apply to the new Samsung Galaxy S8 or S8+ device you purchased using the Trade-In Program. For more information about your rights, obligations, opt-out opportunities and the full terms of the Arbitration Agreement, see www.samsung.com/us/Legal/phone-HSGuide, the printed materials enclosed in the box, or the Legal section of the settings menu of the new Samsung Galaxy S8 or S8+ device you purchased using the Trade-In Program (typically in the “About Device” or “About Phone” section). As stated in such Arbitration Agreement, you agree that any such dispute shall not be combined or consolidated with a dispute involving any other person’s or entity’s claim related to the Trade-In Program, and specifically, without limitation of the foregoing, shall not under any circumstances proceed as part of a class action.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] jim262:
For all the people that feel they were wrong there's the info on the post above.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] odyssey61:
I traded in my S6+ when I upgraded to the S8+ and received $180. Not quite the $200 however I was happy with the exchange.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] FAUguy:
That link doesn't show anything.

http://www.samsung.com/us/Legal/phone-HSGuide
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] Charkatak:
This link was included in terms and conditions...hmm very interesting why Samsung would provide a link that doesn't work.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] neenski:
I traded in my rooted 6 year old Galaxy S2 with a custom rom and a battery that barely lasts an hour. Got the approval email today.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] Charkatak:
Not bad! Do you remember how long it took Samsung to send you an email after they got your old phone?
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] MINTED7:
I traded in a Knox disabled rooted on5 with a custom rom and it was accepted.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] radpp16:
Samsung accepted my fair condition iphone 5 for $200.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] suleman2004:
after how long did you get an email that they accepted?
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] TF1222:
I traded in a ZTE Zmax Pro, and an LG G Stylo toward two S8+'s. They were both in excellent shape, always had cases and screen protectors, and met all the criteria. I even took videos of both of them powering on, holding a charge, physical appearance, etc. Just got the email yesterday that they were both accepted. Took about two weeks after I received the phones.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] neenski:
About a week after it was delivered. Was a bit nervous seeing all the rejections lately, but my trusty S2 held out for me one last time.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] Charkatak:
So looks like it is the least amount of time I have heard. Someone said 2 weeks, another person reported 9 days, and now you reported a week. Samsung has my trade-in for for 3 days, will see how long it will take them to send me an email. Did you see the status of your trade-in on Samsung's website under your "orders?" When I check my order, it shows my trade-in as product received. I am thinking this status may change to "evaluating or such" and then possibly saying approved or similar.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers] FAUguy:
I sent in my Verizon Note 2 on July 3rd and they got the 7th.

I had fully reset the phone, relocked the bootloader, and flashed a stock ROM in ODIN, then did the Verizon software updates. It was also in the Retial box with charger and cable.

Just a minute ago I got an email stating the following:

"We’re happy to inform you that your Trade-In was successful and your device met all of our product eligibility criteria. We hope you’re enjoying your new Galaxy S8 64GB (Unlocked). Thank you for participating in the Samsung Trade-In Program. No further action is needed at this point."

So I'm glad that it went through, as I had been nervous from all the other posts in here.