Late yesterday there were reports that Microsoft stores were going to accept Surface RT trade-ins against brand new Intel-powered Surface Pros, giving traders the full retail price trade-in value. However if the more recent reports are more accurate, as time has given Microsoft Store managers opportunity to get their ducks in a row, it seems like this will not be the case.
The 30 day refund policy is not a trade-in policy
According to TNW “no such trade-in program exists”, furthermore “Microsoft Stores are being contacted to ensure that they remain on-message” and not get confused and offer trade-ins.
The confusion probably arose from a recent Surface RT purchaser being told they could get their money back in full and buy a Surface Pro when they are launched on 9th February. If you purchase a Microsoft Surface online you can return it within 30 days (15 days if bought in a store) for a full refund. TNW thinks that Microsoft Store managers have, in conversation, slightly re-worded the policy as it does give recent Surface RT purchasers the chance to “in-effect” trade-in at full retail value. But it’s not an actual trade-in; it’s a refund within 30 days and then an independent purchase of the new Surface Pro hardware. (15 days if bought in-store, rather than online)
Already showing up in the USA
There are reports that Microsoft Surface Pro machines are already appearing at Microsoft Stores and other outlets in the US, as the Saturday launch date looms nearer. C-net has a bit of info about that, including its availability at Best Buy.
Here in the UK we still have no official information about the release date for the Surface Pro, except that it is coming soon. In related news, last week we heard that the 128GB/64GB version of the Surface Pro may only have 83GB/23GB of free space as shipped.
**Update from Microsoft**
A Microsoft representative has been in touch with HEXUS to confirm that “There is no hardware trade-in or upgrade program in our stores at this time,” and concerning the returns policy he clarified “We are confident people will love the devices they purchase but if there are any issues that arise we have a 14 day in-store return policy and a 30 day online store return policy.”
