Dell has had a similar program for some time now. Think of it from the perspective of a trade-in.

Example: When you go to trade in a vehicle for a newer model, the Blue Book value that the dealer will offer you is less than what the Blue Book value is for a direct sale. This is due to the fact that the dealer must either resell the vehicle or send it off to auction with the possibility of taking a loss on the transaction.

This is how a business stays in business. They pay you to take in your used item and then must make money on the sale or disposal of it. If they are smart, they are investing the fees paid to them at the outset for this program to cover any potential loss on the eventual disposal.

Nowhere will you get a trade-in or sale to a dealer at 100% of the value of the item. Yes, it's not a very good deal for you, but if you are the type of person who always has to have the latest and greatest and are not inclined to take the initiative to sell your older stuff on eBay or Craigslist then this type of offer might appeal to you. Otherwise, you are indeed the smart one by refusing it.