Upgrade Programs

Dear APC:

I love the idea of your Trade-UPS program. Trading in older UPS units with their lead acid batteries for recycling is a grand green concept. The ability to apply the discount on larger units, and combining several units is a definite win, especially as power requirements for computers rise.

If only the pricing of the upgrade wasn't such a deal breaker.

I have a pair of aging 350VA units. After adding them to your Trade-UPS website, I went about the business of finding a replacement. All of the units listed on the website were off-the-charts expensive, even with the discount. For example, the 1300VA unit offered is identical to a unit I just bought for $120 at my local computer retailer. With the trade-in, your price was $170. Plus shipping.

Now, I don't have an MBA, but I don't understand why a $50 premium is a good deal. For that $50+shipping, I can get two new batteries for the 350VA units and repurpose them to powering a TiVo and a Wii or a cable/DSL router and the cable modem. The local electronics disposal guys don't charge that much to get rid of both of these beasts, and the local Batteries Plus will take the batteries to recycle for free.

If you could make your prices more reasonable, or send us a coupon good towards a new unit at our favorite retailer (local or online), I'd be all too happy to use the program.

Your happy, but confused customer,

John