OnePlus talks about weak trade-in options and plans to enhance brand presence in U.S in December AMA

OnePlus has often portrayed itself as a consumer-facing brand. A brand that listens to user feedback and implements requested features, along with addressing matters arising.

In line with that, we’ve seen the company holding various forums for users of the company’s devices to interact with company officials to give their views, feedback, and input.

In the December 2020 edition of OnePlus’ regular AMA (Ask Me Anything) session, the company assembled some of its top ranking staff members to answer some of the most asked questions from users.

Most of the questions revolved around how OnePlus has managed to stay afloat and to deliver quality products and services to its users, the ongoing COVID-19 scourge notwithstanding.

These have been interesting times for many people and big companies haven’t been spared this new normal. Big institutions and companies walk a thin line between delivering services to the customer and keeping their staff safe.

Perhaps one of the more interesting questions put forward by users in the OnePlus December AMA has to do with the company’s trade-in option in the U.S.

According to a section of users, OnePlus’s trade-in options are rather punitive. An example is given where a user with last year’s OnePlus 7 Pro in mint condition still has to part with $600 for a newer model.

Why is it that the trade in option is so weak. Like for example I have the 7 pro ( in perfect condition ) and I can only trade in for so much money, but then I still have to pay over 6 hundred for the newer versions ( which the newer versions cost a little more than my 7 pro retail ), I just think that we customers should get a better price for already buying one of your 8 hundred dollar phones.

In response, a OnePlus staff member explains that often times, the amount quoted is an approximation and users should get their devices inspected for a more accurate quotation.

I totally understand your concern and appreciate that you bought it to our notice. Amount quoted at the time of trade-in is an approximate amount, and there are various factors that our team looks into, such as age and condition of the device. However, the exact value is quoted only after inspection, and we also give an option to withdraw if the customers aren’t happy with the quote. I shall certainly check on this to ensure the market standards are met. Thank You!
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When done right, such trade-in options could offer users a rather easy way of staying up to date with the current latest technology. Seeing companies like OnePlus doing this at a company level is promising for this acquisition model.

OnePlus is a relatively young brand and as it started off, it only operated online, unlike many conventional phone brands. Times have since changed and OnePlus has gone mainstream.

The company is now expected to act more like a traditional phone brand with stores and a sizable advertisement budget. So what is OnePlus’s expansion strategy?

When asked why there hasn’t been a OnePlus store in the U.S unlike other brands like Samsung and Apple, OnePlus through its Repair Service and Operations Manager, North America, says;

We are coming up with ways to have more of an impact on our customers and fans. Brand awareness, marketing campaigns, and partnerships are all in play. Be on the lookout.
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Could this mean that OnePlus is planning to run more elaborate marketing campaigns or open new stores in North America? Well, only time will tell.

OnePlus started off as an enthusiast brand and has since grown to the heights that it is today. Here’s to hoping that this continues. You might also want to check out more on the company’s Android 11 rollout here.

NOTE: We have these and many more OnePlus stories in our dedicated OnePlus section.

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