Using trade-in programs for appliances and laptops

All screenshots are public pages captured on 2026-10-26; diagrams are self-made illustrations.

When you buy a new appliance or laptop, some sellers pay you for returning your old one. Phones are covered in our separate electronics buyback guide; this one covers appliances, laptops, and Macs only.

Who this suits

• Anyone replacing a big appliance like a fridge or washer
• Anyone buying a new laptop or Mac

Steps

1. Check the dates and eligibility: manufacturer programs are usually time-limited. For example, LG’s “LG gram trade-in” runs Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2026 for customers who buy an LG gram on LGE.COM, and accepts any LG, Samsung, Apple, Lenovo, HP, ASUS, or Dell laptop that powers on. It’s handled by Treedit (트레딧). Samsung ran an AI TV trade-in for two months from May 2026, which has ended; check Samsung’s online promotions page for new ones.
   
2. Compare retailer trade-ins: Lotte Hi-Mart’s used-appliance form only accepts the same product category you’re buying, made within 8 years and working. The manufacture date comes from the maker’s sticker, and the final amount is set at the in-home inspection.
   
3. Macs: Apple Trade In: get a quote online or at an Apple Store; credit can be paid by bank transfer after inspection. Apple must receive your old device within 14 days of you receiving the new one, and the online process usually takes 2–3 weeks. If the inspected value is lower, you can decline and get the device back. Before sending, follow Apple’s “what to do before you sell or trade in your Mac” guide to back up and erase.
   
4. Apply, inspect, get paid: applying usually happens after login. Agree to the inspected amount and the payment follows.

Common mistakes

• Applying after the event ends
• Removing the maker’s sticker, so the date can’t be shown
• Trying to trade in a different category (Hi-Mart: same category only)
• Sending a laptop without erasing it
• Missing the return window (Apple: 14 days after the new device arrives)

Checklist

• ☐ Event dates and eligible products checked
• ☐ Manufacture date and working condition checked
• ☐ Manufacturer vs. retailer offers compared
• ☐ Backed up and erased
• ☐ Return deadline noted

For phones, see our old phone buyback guide.

We also have a $4.99 PDF guide that collects more everyday money-saving tips. Take a look if it’s useful →