My brother has a Zune 80 that will not turn on. Still under warranty, registered, and purchased as a present to replace his Zune 30, I wanted to fix my brother’s Zune 80 as as soon as possible. I visited service.zune.net and walked myself through the clear tutorials on how to awaken an unresponsive device. After following the tutorials, the website determined I should send my Zune in for repair. Before choosing whether to print a label or wait for one to mailed to me I decided to call Zune Support to see if I had any other options to service my Zune. It turns out I do.

In May, Zune Scene reported on the coming of a Zune trade-in program. Yesterday, after calling in to assess all options available to repair my brother's Zune, it appears the program exists. I call it a Zune Allowance Rebate System (Zunes for Zuners maybe?), they called it a trade-in option. Offered through Zune Phone Support (1-877-438-9863) the program allows you to trade-in your current Zune for a different capacity Zune device, at a discounted price. If you still need to exchange your Zune for the same capacity device you can still do that for free within your warranty period. According to one support representative the program has been available for a few months. All devices purchased though this program carry a one-year warranty. Inspired by the Zune Scene article, I made a table reflecting the current retail prices and the discount one might expect through the Zunes for Zuners program. 

*Prices for black Zune models as of 10/15/09
**Percentages are approximate as I rounded to one decimal place

From a ‘green’ perspective the nature of the program is somewhat notable. One can see it casting an eye to the environment. Instead of disposing your old Zune in the trash, you can send it in and try out a different capacity Zune at a significant discount. This program works even if your original Zune is out of warranty. However, even if out of warranty, the device must still be registered to you. For current Zune owners, this is the least expensive option to switch to a different Zune and still have it warranted by Microsoft. This program shows Zune’s commitment to the customer is paramount.

The prices seem pretty good, but the ability to switch to the Zune 16 and Zune HD models are not available at this time. When I asked about expanding the program to include these models, another support representative (I made two calls) recommended I make a thread in the Zune forums requesting their inclusion. Considering the track record of the Zune Team in listening to your forum posts, I would not take his suggestion as an empty request. The Zune Team does listen to what you have to say. I started a thread in the Devices Wishlist section. I recommend you show your enthusiasm for trading up to the Zune HD by posting your support for the idea.