Recent Experiences at Tokyo Apple Stores
Oct 26, 2025 | 5:04 pm
#121
Join Date: Jan 2006
Programs: SAS Eurobonus - Blue / Emirates Skywards - Blue
Posts: 637
While this thread is about Apple Stores, I am curious if anyone has recently bought a new iPhone at Bic Camera, Yodabashi or similar and was able to trade in their old phone. It's not a deal-breaker because I can sell the phone privately later, but it would be helpful to get everything done in one transaction if possible. Apple Stores will do the trade-in, but not tax-free.
I'm hoping by December there won't be an issue getting stock of an Iphone 17 Pro Max 256GB in Blue.
I'm hoping by December there won't be an issue getting stock of an Iphone 17 Pro Max 256GB in Blue.
Looks like there are a number of places in Tokyo that support buying - you'll need sufficient id eg drivers license / passport as they need photographic id / proof of address.
Few notes -
1) You'll need to reset / remove activation lock etc from the phone / factory reset.
2) When it's not Apple doing the buyback they'll be harsh on things like scratches and whether or not you have the box and all the accessories - be aware scratches / lack of box will cause valuation drop.
3) VERY IMPORTANT - whats your battery health ? Is it below 80% ? If so and you still have Apple care get a battery replacement done. Devices that are in "Battery service required" status will have a big drop in value. I had a apple watch that didn't realise was below 80% - sent it for valuation and there was a 30 - 40% drop in price. Thankfully was still under Apple care so got it back and replace it out and then re-evaluated.
If you don't have the box or the like you might find it's better to go via Apple as all they care about is the actual device and none of the accessories / box etc.
Oct 26, 2025 | 6:51 pm
#122
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https://119.sofmap.com/buying_service/?id=counter
Looks like there are a number of places in Tokyo that support buying - you'll need sufficient id eg drivers license / passport as they need photographic id / proof of address.
Few notes -
1) You'll need to reset / remove activation lock etc from the phone / factory reset.
2) When it's not Apple doing the buyback they'll be harsh on things like scratches and whether or not you have the box and all the accessories - be aware scratches / lack of box will cause valuation drop.
3) VERY IMPORTANT - whats your battery health ? Is it below 80% ? If so and you still have Apple care get a battery replacement done. Devices that are in "Battery service required" status will have a big drop in value. I had a apple watch that didn't realise was below 80% - sent it for valuation and there was a 30 - 40% drop in price. Thankfully was still under Apple care so got it back and replace it out and then re-evaluated.
If you don't have the box or the like you might find it's better to go via Apple as all they care about is the actual device and none of the accessories / box etc.
Looks like there are a number of places in Tokyo that support buying - you'll need sufficient id eg drivers license / passport as they need photographic id / proof of address.
Few notes -
1) You'll need to reset / remove activation lock etc from the phone / factory reset.
2) When it's not Apple doing the buyback they'll be harsh on things like scratches and whether or not you have the box and all the accessories - be aware scratches / lack of box will cause valuation drop.
3) VERY IMPORTANT - whats your battery health ? Is it below 80% ? If so and you still have Apple care get a battery replacement done. Devices that are in "Battery service required" status will have a big drop in value. I had a apple watch that didn't realise was below 80% - sent it for valuation and there was a 30 - 40% drop in price. Thankfully was still under Apple care so got it back and replace it out and then re-evaluated.
If you don't have the box or the like you might find it's better to go via Apple as all they care about is the actual device and none of the accessories / box etc.
Editing to add - Japan Apple Store trade-in values are much lower than the USA. When I use the Japan website to calculate my cost, the phone (with local tax) is US$1,250 equivalent, while if I bought the phone in the USA and did the trade, it would cost me $1,173 with local tax included. Another option is to buy the phone at Bic Camera for $1,350 no tax, then do the trade-in when I get home and receive a US Apple Gift card for $320 to use towards my M4 Macbook Air.
Decisions, decisions.
Last edited by bocastephen; Oct 26, 2025 at 7:07 pm
Oct 26, 2025 | 7:28 pm
#123
Join Date: Jan 2006
Programs: SAS Eurobonus - Blue / Emirates Skywards - Blue
Posts: 637
The phone is flawless, but my battery health is 'service required' and at 78% - so maybe it's best not to do the trade in and just sell it privately, or bite the bullet and get it at the Apple Store and pay the tax since the Apple Store does not adjust the value for battery health.
Editing to add - Japan Apple Store trade-in values are much lower than the USA. When I use the Japan website to calculate my cost, the phone (with local tax) is US$1,250 equivalent, while if I bought the phone in the USA and did the trade, it would cost me $1,173 with local tax included. Another option is to buy the phone at Bic Camera for $1,350 no tax, then do the trade-in when I get home and receive a US Apple Gift card for $320 to use towards my M4 Macbook Air.
Decisions, decisions.
Editing to add - Japan Apple Store trade-in values are much lower than the USA. When I use the Japan website to calculate my cost, the phone (with local tax) is US$1,250 equivalent, while if I bought the phone in the USA and did the trade, it would cost me $1,173 with local tax included. Another option is to buy the phone at Bic Camera for $1,350 no tax, then do the trade-in when I get home and receive a US Apple Gift card for $320 to use towards my M4 Macbook Air.
Decisions, decisions.
But yeah if it's on 78% service required then best not to use a non Apple trade in.
BTW have you looked at Apple's refrub prices for M4 machines ? You could do an instore pickup on a refurb machine from the Japan apple store (but obviously order in plenty of time). I just upgraded from an M1 MAX to a M4 Pro 20core (the M4 MAX was too rich money - they've seriously priced up in the past 4 years...). I saved 60,000 yen ($400 USD) compared to the "as new price". Might be worth a look ?
Oct 26, 2025 | 8:26 pm
#124
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Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
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You don't have Apple Care on it ? You would get the battery swap done for free .
But yeah if it's on 78% service required then best not to use a non Apple trade in.
BTW have you looked at Apple's refrub prices for M4 machines ? You could do an instore pickup on a refurb machine from the Japan apple store (but obviously order in plenty of time). I just upgraded from an M1 MAX to a M4 Pro 20core (the M4 MAX was too rich money - they've seriously priced up in the past 4 years...). I saved 60,000 yen ($400 USD) compared to the "as new price". Might be worth a look ?
But yeah if it's on 78% service required then best not to use a non Apple trade in.
BTW have you looked at Apple's refrub prices for M4 machines ? You could do an instore pickup on a refurb machine from the Japan apple store (but obviously order in plenty of time). I just upgraded from an M1 MAX to a M4 Pro 20core (the M4 MAX was too rich money - they've seriously priced up in the past 4 years...). I saved 60,000 yen ($400 USD) compared to the "as new price". Might be worth a look ?