Lead time for Verizon's trade-in promotion - how long before my phones show as received?

Question

I ordered 3 new iPhones (2 iPhone 6's for my daughters and 1 iPhone 6 plus for myself).  I ordered the new phones thru apple.com.  I mailed the first iPhone 4 in as a trade in on October 7th in the provided envelope for the first iPhone 6 activated on my account.  After mailing it, I was worried due all the problems that I have read that others have had. So, I called the corporate store near my home and asked if I could bring the remaining trade-ins into the store.  I was told that since I initiated them on-line that I was not able to do the trade in at the store.  So I, very nervously, mailed the second iPhone 4 as a trade-in.  Prior to mailing, I asked at the post office if I could pay for insurance/tracking on the package.  But, I was told no because it was a prepaid envelope.  So, now I have the second trade-in mailed on 10/14.  Both, still show as "not received" at Verizon. This is such a nerve wrecking experience!  I am counting on getting the promised Verizon gift card for each of my trade-ins. Up until this endeavor, all of my dealings with Verizon have been very pleasant and handled with the utmost professionalism.  There is not any communication that tells me how long it is currently taking to receive the trade-ins and log into the system so that they show as "received".  I have called the 877-number given for the device recycling team to only get a busy signal.  I have not gotten any additional emails other than the very first one that said the packing materials were on the way.  I have one more phone that needs to be traded in.  My iPhone 6 plus will be delivered tomorrow.  I am not real comfortable with this process. I have sent emails asking for this information but I have not gotten a response as of yet.  If anyone can share how long it took for their phones to be received or, if a Verizon representative can respond, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

Answer 1

TrevorC_VZW,
Thanks for your response.  I followed the directions that said to use the
brown envelope provided and to take to the USPS.  The USPS would not allow
me to purchase insurance or tracking for the package.  The instructions say
that not using the brown envelope to return the phone will negatively
impact value.  Are you saying that I could place the brown envelope inside
another USPS envelope and pay for shipping, tracking and insurance and it
would not negatively affect the trade in value?
On Tue, Oct 21, 2014 at 6:25 PM, Verizon Wireless Customer Support <