The time finally arrived. It was time for me to get a new phone. I’ve had my iPhone 4 for many years and it has simply lost its mojo. It has been running extremely slow and running out of battery juice very quickly.
As a member of the Best Buy Women’s Leadership Forum (WOLF), I was invited to review Best Buy’s trade in process at one of their Best Buy Mobile specialty stores. This was an offer I couldn’t refuse. I didn’t even know Best Buy had mobile specialty stores before this campaign and had no idea they did this EVERYDAY. Who Knew?
Best Buy Mobile stores can be found in malls or in neighborhood shopping centers and focus on mobile devices and accessories.
You can shop for smartphones and tablets from Verizon, AT&T and Sprint, from all the top brands, along with a huge range of accessories. You can even bring in your old phone and get up to $200 back at any Best Buy Mobile specialty store (see my review below).
Click here to find a store near you.
The Customer Service
I went to the Best Buy Mobile store at the Lincolnwood Town Center mall just outside of Chicago. I’m sending a MAJOR SHOUT OUT to the staff there. They were amazing, highly trained (yet non-commissioned). The experience was so much better than when I’ve gone into a Verizon store…and so much more personal than being at a larger Best Buy store. The store is smaller…which means less customers at one time = more personal attention.
The person helping me gave me all the specs on all the phones – and told me very clearing that ultimately this was MY decision to make.
My New Phone
I walked into the store knowing I wanted an iphone 5…but was mesmerized by the new Galaxy S4. I couldn’t make a decision. So I did want any social media junkie would do…I tried to crowd source my decision (just like I crowd sourced my new dress).
In the end, I bought the iPhone 5…and I’m really happy with my decision. The salesman was telling me that if I wanted all the newest bells and whistles that the Galaxy S4 was the way to go. But I decided that all I really need is a new and improved iPhone. And I love it.
The Trade In Process
Here’s how it works…if you have an old phone, you MAY be about to trade it in at a participating Best Buy Mobile specialty store location – and if you have a newer working phone in excellent condition you could get up to a $200 Best Buy gift card.
I have to admit that I was very disappointed in the trade in process. My iphone 4 is in good condition and they only offered me $47 for my phone. The salesman was honest and told me NOT to trade it in at the store because he knew I could make more money selling it on craigslist. Then he reminded me that I could still use the apps on my phone via WiFi..so I decided to keep my phone and transform it into an iPod touch for my boys. Now they can use my old phone instead of my phone. That is a true win-win for us all.
Going back the trade-in…Before you get too excited about receiving $200 for your old phone, click here to determine your phone’s estimated Best Buy value. You can also learn more about the trade in process here: http://bestbuymobile.com/promotion/tradein.
Overall Review
Overall, I really enjoyed my shopping experience at the Lincolnwood Best Buy Mobile store…and plan to go back when my husband is ready to upgrade his phone. They have a huge selection, great knowledgeable staff, plus enough phones and tables to keep my boys entertained the entire time I was there.
Thank you Best Buy and the Women’s Leadership Form for introducing me to Best Buy Mobile. I’ll definitely be back!
Disclosure: I has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card.