Frequently Asked Questions

Popular topics and FAQs about the program.

What is the Tech Trade In Program?
The Tech Trade-In Program allows customers an option to trade in their good working technology at Staples stores for a Staples eGift Card. Not only can you get credit for your item, but you also help keep waste out of landfills.

How do I trade in my device?
First, complete an online quote for your device at https://staplestechtradein.reuse.com/. Next, remove all customer information from your device and reset to factory settings. Finally, bring your device, any quoted accessories, and your quote ID into a participating Staples store where they will validate your item, take possession of your device and provide confirmation to ERI to issue your Staples eGift Card for the agreed quote amount.

How do I get a quote?
Find your product. Answer a few simple questions about its condition to see an estimated value. Complete the quote process by entering required customer information. Check your email for a message containing quote details and shipping instructions. The quote is valid for 30 days.

Can I bring my item into Staples without a quote ID?
Staples associates will not be able to generate a new quote ID in store. However, customers can access https://staplestechtradein.reuse.com/ from their mobile device in store to generate a new quote in just minutes.

How will I be paid for my equipment?
You will receive a Staples eGift Card equal to the trade-in value.

When will I get my Staples eGift Card?
Trade In customers will receive their Staples eGift Card just minutes after the transaction has been completed in a participating Staples store. The Staples associate will retrieve your quote in their system using your issued quote ID, validate that all information is correct, take possession of the device, and complete the transaction and approve issuing of your credit.

How will my Staples eGift Card arrive?
Your Staples eGift Card will be sent to the email address you entered in your initial quote of the product. Please make sure this email address is correct in your quote ID, as once payment has been issued we cannot reissue the eGift Card to a different email address.

What if I can't find my email with my Staples eGift Card?
Your Staples eGift Card will arrive from reward@virtualrewardcenter.com sender. Please check your junk and spam folders as well. Please make sure that you have service with your local carrier if trying to access the email/ eGift Card via a smartphone. If you still cannot find your email, please email support@virtualrewardcenter.com for further assistance.

Where can I use my Staples eGift Card?
You can use your Staples eGift Card immediately at any Staples store or at staples.com.

What does "Powered by ERI" mean?
Staples and ERI partner together to administer the Tech Trade In Program. ERI handles the quoting site, secure erasure of all customer data, refurbishing, reselling, or recycling of all devices, and issuing of customer credit. Staples stores provide the customer with a convenient place for Trade In drop off and final inspection of all product before credit is issued. Together, Staples and ERI offer the easiest Tech Trade In program available!

What if I made a mistake on my quote?
If you have not brought your device into a participating Staples store yet, please enter a new quote with the correct information. It is important to make sure all product and contact information is accurate, as once payment has been issued it cannot be rescinded.

Can I get my device back once a Trade In transaction has been processed?
No. Once a Trade In has been processed by the Staples associate, the device cannot be returned (either by Staples or ERI).

How is the value of my equipment determined?
The value depends on a variety of factors, including the demand for your specific item in the secondary electronics market and its condition. When you visit the website, you'll answer a few simple questions about your product and describe its condition. Based on the information you provide, ERI determines the estimated fair market value of your device and a quote is displayed instantly.

Does the quoted value ever expire?
Yes. Quotes are valid for 30 days. After a quote expires, you may request another quote.

What products are eligible for the program?
Any laptop, desktop, tablet, smartphone, smart watch, media player, or gaming console - may qualify. For the most updated list of items accepted in the Tech Trade In program visit https://staplestechtradein.reuse.com/ (the trade in site).

What if I receive a zero-value quote?
If you receive a zero-value quote for your item, you still may be eligible to recycle it at your local Staples for free. Visit https://www.staples.com/stores/recycling to see if your item is eligible to be recycled as well as any additional offers or incentives you may qualify for.

What if I can't find my product?
If your product is less than five years old, please email us at reuse@reuse.com. We will provide a custom quote and add your model to our program.

Can I sell to ERI if I live outside the United States?
No. Our program is only offered to individuals 18 years or older in the U.S.

What should I do with my old equipment before I bring it to the store?
Remove any account passwords from your product. Search your product's manufacturer support page assistance. ERI recommends that you perform a complete backup and data wipe (erasure) of all the information on your old product. ERI and Staples Tech Trade In assume no responsibility for loss or confidentiality of personal data on equipment.

What happens to my equipment after I trade it in?
Staples will ship all Trade In product back to ERI immediately. ERI will test and assess the equipment to determine if it qualifies for reuse. Qualifying equipment, tested in working condition, will be sold in the secondary electronics market as "used." Equipment that does not qualify for reuse will be recycled by a contracted recycling supplier in an environmentally responsible manner.

What happens to my personal data?
ERI's data erasure process includes complete data removal to industry standards (NIST 800-88, HIPAA, and PII compliant). ERI recommends that you perform a complete backup and data wipe (erasure) of all the information on your old computer.

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