The short answer
Compare cash resale, instant trade-in, and promotional bill credits after accounting for condition rules and required service.
Step by step
Record the exact model, storage, carrier lock, battery condition, and physical damage before requesting quotes.
Compare manufacturer, carrier, retailer, and reputable resale offers on the same day.
Calculate the promotional value only after adding the required plan cost and the full credit term.
Back up and erase the phone, disable activation locks, photograph its condition, and record the serial number.
Use tracked shipping, keep the receipt, and monitor the appraisal and every expected bill credit.
Before you finish
Keep screenshots, receipts, chat transcripts, confirmation numbers, and the first bill after a change. Carrier terms and account eligibility can change, so verify the final price and conditions directly before submitting an order.