Who operates The BlackBerry Trade Up Program?

The BlackBerry Trade Up Program is managed by Flipswap, Inc, an independently owned and operated organization dedicated to the environmentally responsible reuse and recycling of old cell phones. For more information on Flipswap, see "About Us" on this website.

Does The BlackBerry Trade Up Program guarantee the trade-in value of my old cell phone or wireless device?

As long as you correctly describe the condition of your cell phone and we receive it in the condition stated you will receive the quoted cash value, or a check will be issued to your chosen charity. However, we do inspect every device received, and trade-in values may be adjusted if we receive your cell phone in a condition different than what you describe. Phones received more than 30 days after the quote date may be revalued by Flipswap.

What do I do about the data on my old BlackBerry smartphone?

It is your responsibility to follow the steps provided below to remove any old data from your BlackBerry smartphone and make sure that any emails received through BlackBerry Internet Service™ (BIS) or BlackBerry Enterprise Server™ (BES) are no longer forwarded to the BlackBerry smartphone. Even though Flipswap will process BlackBerry smartphones once they are received, we are not responsible for any old data remaining on the BlackBerry smartphones or any remaining connections to the BIS or the BES.

To "wipe" the device yourself prior to sending it in, please follow the steps below:

RIM shall have no responsibility to you or be liable to you in any way for your failure to remove any personal data from your wireless device prior to trade-in.

1. Unsubscribe from any browser push information services, for example weather, sports, and so on to which you have subscribed.
2. If you use the BlackBerry Internet Service™, perform the following actions:
   • Verify that the forwarding of email messages from the BlackBerry Internet Service™ has been turned off for the BlackBerry smartphone.
   • Change the PIN that is associated with the BlackBerry Internet Service account to the new BlackBerry smartphone, or contact your wireless service provider to set reset the PIN to 0.
3. If your device is associated with an email account that uses a BlackBerry Enterprise Server, perform the following actions:
   • Turn off the forwarding of email messages from the BlackBerry Enterprise Server.
   • Reset any custom IT policy settings that are applied to the BlackBerry smartphone.
4. On the BlackBerry smartphone, turn off the radio.
5. Using the BlackBerry Desktop Software, back up the data on the BlackBerry smartphone.
6. Remove all data, except for applications from the BlackBerry smartphone by performing one of the following actions:
   • Check what version of BlackBerry Handheld Software is running by clicking on "About" on the main options menu. The Handheld Software version will be on the 3rd line starting with a "v".
   • If the BlackBerry smartphone is running BlackBerry Device Software version 3.8 or later, erase all data from the BlackBerry device using the Wipe Handheld option. Visit http://na.blackberry.com/eng/support/ to read article KB-02318 for more information.
   • If the BlackBerry device is running a BlackBerry Device Software version earlier than 3.8, type an incorrect password ten times to erase all data from the BlackBerry device. Visit http://na.blackberry.com/eng/support/ to read article KB-02318 for more information.
7. If you did not have the option to remove third-party software when you deleted the device data, remove any third-party applications from the BlackBerry smartphone by performing one of the following actions:
   • If the BlackBerry smartphone is running BlackBerry Device Software Version 4.0 or earlier, in the BlackBerry smartphone options, click Applications. Highlight an application. Click the track wheel. Click Delete.
   • If the BlackBerry smartphone is running BlackBerry Device Software version 4.1 or later, in the BlackBerry smartphone options, click Advanced Options. Click Applications. Highlight an application. Click the track wheel. Click Delete.
8. Remove the SIM card from the BlackBerry smartphone, if applicable.

How do I erase all the data from my cell phone or non BlackBerry smartphone wireless device?

Most cell phone models allow you to erase all the data and reset it to the factory settings. Refer to your owner's manual or the manufacturer's website for instructions. Also, make sure to remove any user locks from your cell phone, or set the password to 0000.

Do I need to buy a BlackBerry smartphone to use The BlackBerry Trade Up Program?

Yes! If you do not have a BlackBerry smartphone proof of purchase you will not receive your trade in credit or Promotional Bonus Amount. Quotes are only valid if you have purchased your BlackBerry smartphone within 30 days of your trade in online. Phones received more than 30 days after the quote date may be revalued by Flipswap and will be ineligible for any Promotion Bonus Amounts originally quoted.

Does it matter where I purchase my new BlackBerry smartphone?

As long as the device is new and purchased from an authorized BlackBerry dealer, it does not matter where you purchase your new device.

If I forget to apply a promotion code at the time of trade-in, can I apply it later or after I already sent in my trade-in(s)?

No. If you are using a promotion code, it must be applied to a trade-in quote at the time the quote is submitted and cannot be applied once a trade-in is completed, in transit to, or is already received by Flipswap. Any Promotional Bonus Amounts originally quoted are only valid if old cellphone(s) or wireless devices(s) are received within 30 days of quote.

Do I need to send in my proof of purchase?

Yes! The BlackBerry Trade Up Program is exclusively for those trading up to new BlackBerry smartphones. If you do not send in your proof of purchase you will not receive the promotional bonus.

What can I return as my Proof of Purchase?

A sales invoice or packing slip are both acceptable Proofs of Purchase. The packing slip should include your name, purchase date, purchase amount, purchase model and serial numbers and should come from one of Research in Motion's carrier or channel partners. Purchase Orders, Order Confirmations and Order Acknowledgments are generally not considered acceptable Proof of Purchase.

How do I provide Proof of Purchase?

Send it in the box with your old device

Fax it to: 1-866-725-1191

Mail it to:

The BlackBerry Trade Up Program - Proof of Purchase
c/o Flipswap, Inc.
2610 Columbia St, Ste A
Torrance, CA 90503

Do I need to cancel my service or deactivate my cell phone?

YES! All Sprint, Verizon, Alltel, US Cellular, Cellular One, metroPCS, Ntelos, Bell and Telus cell phones and all other CDMA cell phones that DO NOT use a SIM card MUST BE RELEASED AND HAVE A ZERO ACCOUNT BALANCE. Credits issued may be reduced to 0 for phones from CDMA carriers that have not been released or carry an unpaid balance.

How do I find my cell phone's IMEI/ESN number?

Most cell phones have the IMEI or ESN number located on the sticker underneath the battery. If your cell phone is GSM (most Cingular and T-Mobile phones) you can also press the following keys one by one: * # 0 6 #. As you press the last #, your phone's IMEI number will appear on the screen.

How can I tell if my wireless device has been water damaged?

Most cell phones have a water damage sticker underneath the battery. If the sticker is a red dot that has "bled" beneath your battery it is an indication that it has come in contact with moisture or water.

Who pays for shipping?

We do! Once you have determined the trade-in value of your old wireless device(s) and accepted the credit offered, you can print out a prepaid USPS or Canada Postal shipping label. There is NO cost for you to send us your cell phone!

How do I know what cell phone model I have?

If the model number is not visible on the front it can usually be found on a sticker underneath the device's battery.

When will I receive my check or donation confirmation?

You will be notified via email when your cell phones are received, and again when your donation has been confirmed. Please expect your check to be delivered approximately 2-3 weeks after your device is received.

Why do I need to create an account?

So we can send you your cash! Creating an account also allows you to log in to check the status of your trade and to trade more devices in the future.

What do you do with my old wireless device?

If your cell phone is in working condition or can be repaired, we make sure it goes to a place where it can be reused. If your cell phone is broken beyond repair, we recycle it using the most environmentally friendly methods currently available.

What does it mean when I see "Plant a Tree"

If your cell phone is too old or in too poor condition to get cash back, we will ensure your old cell phone is recycled and a tree is planted through our reLeaf project initiative.

For each recycled device, Flipswap's reLeaf initiative will ensure a donation, equivalent to one (1) tree, is made to carbonfund.org in support of their reforestation projects in Nicaragua and Louisiana.

Do you keep my information safe and private?

We will never sell or give your information to 3rd parties. The information you provide will only be used by Flipswap and RIM for the purposes of facilitating the program.  Please see our Privacy Policy for more details.

Do you want my charger and other accessories?

We will gladly accept your wall charger, car charger, or any other accessories that you have for your device. Simply include them in the package when you ship your device to us.

Do you accept broken or damaged devices?

Some broken or damaged cell phones still have enough value for us to pay you for them. If not, we will gladly accept them for recycling. Flipswap plants a tree for every broken phone recycled.

What models do you accept?

We accept ANY phone from ANY carrier in ANY condition!

What if my wireless device isn't listed?

Please send an email to blackberrytradeup@flipswap.com. Make sure to include the manufacturer and model of the cell phone. We will add it to our system and notify you by email when it has been added so you can trade it in!

Can I get my wireless device back once I send it to The BlackBerry Trade Up Program?

Unfortunately, once you send us your phone, we are unable to send it back to you.

Can I trade in more than one wireless device?

There is no limit to the number of devices you can trade in as long as you provide a BlackBerry smartphone Proof of Purchase with each trade-in.

What if my old devices are located at multiple locations?

No problem. Simply send us an email at blackberrytradeup@flipswap.com and a customer service representative will contact you to provide assistance.

How long do I have to send in my phone?

You can send your phone anytime you want, but devices received by Flipswap more than 30 days after they are traded in online may result in payment different from the original quote and will be ineligible for any Promotional Bonus Amounts originally quoted.