A B.C. man wins $87 from Samsung in a Civil Resolution Tribunal ruling after the company reduced his phone trade-in value without justification.
A British Columbia man has successfully challenged Samsung over a disputed cell phone trade-in value, with the province’s Civil Resolution Tribunal ruling the electronics giant must pay the full amount originally quoted.
The case, involving customer Rajat Verma, centered around an $87 shortfall after Verma traded in his old phone through Samsung’s online upgrade program. The tribunal concluded Samsung failed to justify the reduced payout and ordered the company to reimburse Verma.
Trade-In Value Dispute: From $145 to $58
In 2023, Verma purchased a new Samsung phone and used the company’s online tool to determine that his old phone qualified for a $145 credit. But after he shipped the device, Samsung reduced the amount to just $58, claiming the phone had suffered damage.
Verma sought clarification via email, but the company failed to respond. When the remaining $87 was charged to his account, Verma brought the matter before the tribunal.
Tribunal Findings: “Minor Cosmetic Issues” Not Enough
Tribunal member Amanda Binnie found that Verma’s phone showed only “tiny chips in the paint along the top,” based on photos submitted as evidence. These “minor cosmetic issues,” the ruling concluded, did not warrant a reduction in value.
Samsung alleged that Verma misrepresented the condition of the phone, but the company failed to provide any supporting documentation or evidence to the tribunal.
Binnie noted that Samsung was given multiple opportunities to submit evidence but failed to do so. Proceeding without further delay, she ruled in Verma’s favor and ordered Samsung to pay him the $87 difference, plus $125 in tribunal fees.
No Punitive Damages, But a Clear Message
Verma had also requested $1,000 in punitive damages, citing similar complaints on a Reddit page. However, the tribunal dismissed this part of the claim, finding no proof of malicious or deliberate misconduct by Samsung.
“I find there is no evidence Samsung engaged in high-handed, malicious, or highly reprehensible conduct,” Binnie wrote.
What This Means for Consumers
This ruling sends a clear message to major tech companies: transparency and fairness in promotional trade-in programs are non-negotiable. While Samsung avoided punitive damages, the case highlights the importance of accountability and timely communication in customer service.
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