If you’re an early Microsoft Surface adopter with buyer’s remorse, Best Buy can help out.
The retailer is now accepting trade-ins for the first-generation Surface RT and Surface Pro, in exchange for store credit. Best Buy promises a minimum trade-in value of $200, and a maximum of $350.
The $200 minimum seems to be a limited-time offer, given that Best Buy’s listed trade-in value for the Surface RT is $175 for the 64GB model and $150 for a 32GB model. Best Buy’s website says the trade-in promotion will last until October 21, one day before Microsoft launches its Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2.
As for the original Surface Pro, trade-ins max out at $350 for the 128GB model in “Good” condition. That’s about the same as what online buyback firm Gazelle is offering for “Good” condition, but if your Pro looks like it’s never been used, Gazelle says it will pay $394.
Unlike Best Buy, Gazelle offers another $40 if you trade in your Touch Cover or Type Cover. The site will also pay by check, PayPal, or Amazon gift card, whereas Best Buy is only offering store credit.
Bottom line: Look to Gazelle if you have a Surface Pro in great condition, or if you want to unload a Touch or Type Cover along with it. Surface RT owners should take advantage of Best Buy’s $200 guarantee.
Of course, if you’re willing to sell on eBay, you’ll almost certainly get more cash that way.