he Mercado libre exchange plan It is a system that allows you to hand over a used mobile phone in exchange for a sum of money deposited in it Payment marketOnce you buy a new smartphone. The goal is to make it easier to refurbish the device without having to sell it yourself and avoid the risks and delays typical of the informal market.
The process works like an exchange: you get a new model from among the posts bearing the tag “exchange plan” Then hand in your old device for certification. The value can be up to $700,000depending on the model of the phone you hand in, its physical condition and function.
The key is that the feature doesn’t act as an “instant discount” on the purchase price. First, the total cost of the new equipment is paid, and once the used equipment is verified, Mercado Libre adds the corresponding amount to your digital wallet. This money can be used for purchases, payment for services or transfers.
In short, the program is useful for those looking to refurbish their mobile phones without the complexity of private sales. It is an agile mechanism with clear steps and without the need to coordinate deliveries with third parties.
Step by step: how to use the exchange plan without making mistakes
To start, you need to choose A New cell phone This is part of the program. Only publications bearing the official badge “exchange plan” It does allow you to log into the system, so it is advisable to check carefully before proceeding further. Once you select the model, the platform asks if you want to hand over a previous device.
The second step is Quote your used cell phone. The make, model and general condition are entered there. It also checks for shocks, screen or battery failure, and whether the device is working properly. Based on this information, the system displays you A Estimated quote. It is not the final value, but it serves as a reference to know how much you can get.
The new cell phone is then purchased by any available payment method. This may include a credit, installment, debit or Mercado Pago credit card. It is important to remember that the purchase does not automatically deduct the trade-in value: the price of the new smartphone is paid in full.
After receiving the new cell phone, the decisive moment arrives: Delivery of used equipment. Shipping is done through Andriani branch and has no additional cost. When the technical service verifies that the cell phone matches what was advertised, the funds are credited to your Mercado Pago account. If there are discrepancies, there may be an adjustment in the amount, which you can accept or reject.
Prerequisites: Which mobile phone works and what happens if it is damaged
In order for a phone to be accepted into an exchange plan, it must be Run properlyallow normal use and not blocked by IMEI. It should also be possible to restore and charge it without problems. This means that a cell phone with normal wear and tear can be entered, but a phone that is completely unusable will not be taken into consideration.
The system requests from IMEI Equipment to verify that it has not been reported stolen, lost or locked for security reasons. This number identifies the phone and is necessary to continue the process without hindrance. It can be easily obtained from the device settings or by dialing the code *#06#.
Before handing it over, you must make Factory reset. This includes deleting personal information, closing open sessions, and disabling features like Find My Device. If a cell phone arrives with active locks, it cannot be reused and therefore the quote may be reduced or simply rejected.
In terms of physical condition, the plan accepts minor scratches and bumps that do not affect functionality. However, serious damages e.g Broken screen, The battery is in bad condition, Defective ports Or malfunctions that prevent it from operating may cause the value to decrease significantly. In extreme cases, no amount may be applied.
Concrete examples: How much you could end up paying
Let’s say you want a premium smartphone and the price is there $2,500,000but with seller promotions it drops to a close level $1,600,000. If you have a previous cell phone in good condition and you are offered a replacement plan $700,000the final cost of the renovation ends up being approx $900,000. In real terms, you’ll be paying a high-end model at a mid-range price.
Another accessible example: Let’s imagine a mid-range device priced close to $1,200,000. If your used cell phone is evaluated $250,000net expenses are reduced to $950,000where the exchange amount is later credited to Mercado Pago. It can be an effective way to renovate without bearing the entire cost at once.
Also, if you are paying for a new cell phone Quotasafter which you receive the funds used in Mercado Pago, you obtain a financial effect that can be appropriate: part of the expenses are distributed over time and the other part is compensated by subsequent credit. In the context of inflation, many households prefer this dynamic to avoid losing capital.
Of course, there is always an alternative Sell a cell phone yourself. If you post it on buy and sell networks, you can get higher value from the exchange plan. But this option means more time, greater risk, and the need to coordinate meetings. For those looking for security and speed, Mercado Libre is usually more practical.
Is the exchange plan really suitable? keys before making a decision
The first factor is Displayed value. If the software’s quote is similar to the price you expect to get for a particular sale, an exchange plan is likely the best option for convenience, security, and speed.
The second aspect is Money flow. Since the discount is not applied at the time of purchase, you must have room to pay for a new cell phone before getting credit for a used phone. If your goal is to reduce immediate spending, these details are key so you don’t get caught off guard.
The third relevant point is your Needs renovation. If your cell phone is broken and you need to replace it quickly, the plan centralizes the entire process into a few steps: choosing the new device, handing over the used device and making a deposit. It is a closed circuit, without external risks and involves logistics.
Finally, the software can be especially useful for people who don’t want to deal with sales, messaging, haggling, or negotiations. The value of a used item may be somewhat lower than in a private sale, but the ease and safety of the process makes up for this difference for most users.
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