Trade in Timing for Iphone 6 Promotion

Question

This has probably been asked and answered somewhere else, but I cant find it.
I will try to explain my situation.  I would like to take advantage of the iPhone 6 trade in offer.  As I understand it, I can trade in my IPhone 4 and receive $200 credit to go towards the iPhone 6.  Which will basically make it free with a 2 year contract.
I called Verizon customer service and was told to take the following steps:
1 Preorder the iPhone 6
2 Wait until I get the phone, then go online to fill out the forms to do a trade in
3 Send the phone in to get the $200 credit.
That seemed pretty straight forward until I started going through the process.
The delivery date on the iPhone 6 I chose was 10/121.  I went to the trade in section to check out what I need to do there and it stated that I need to submit the trade in forms by 9/30 to take advantage of the $200 trade in offer.
So my question is this.  How am I supposed to trade in my iPhone 4 before I get the iPhone 6?  That makes no sense at all.  Was the customer service Rep correct with the steps she gave me.  She told me not to fill out the forms until I got the new iPhone 6.  Or is the wording incorrect on the Verizon Trade in page?
I have now pre ordered my phone and would really like to take advantage of this offer since that was the main reason why I felt I could make this purchase.
I think Verizon needs to be more clear on this process.
Thanks for your comments on this subject.
James

Answer 1

jamesliston You can fill out the trade in info now and then wait until you get your phone and activate it (deactivate the old one, remove find my phone etc.) and then mail in the old phone.  Here is the email I recieved from verizon after filling out the trade in request:
Your postage-paid, self-addressed envelope will arrive within 5 business days. Before sending your used device:
1
Disconnect your wireless service from all device
2
Remove personal information, data, and user locks
3
Remove memory and SIM card
Please use the self-addressed prepaid envelope we send you. Simply seal the envelope with your device in it and drop it off at any USPS location.
Once we receive your device we will confirm the appraised value and email your Verizon Wireless electronic gift card within 2 weeks.
The appraised value includes a promotional offer that requires a purchase of an iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus on Verizon Wireless by 9/30/2014. Trade-in device must be mailed to Verizon Wireless within 7 days after receiving the new iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus but no later than 11/15/2014. Device received after 11/15/2014 will be reassessed at current market value. Damaged and non-working devices will be appraised according to their condition at time of inspection.
Hopefully that helps! It was confusing to me during the order process was glad to get the clear email after.