Circuit City is launching a test of a consumer electronics trade-in program, according to Boston-based NextWorth Solutions. The program allows consumers to get instant store credit for their used iPods. Circuit City employees evaluate customers' iPod and give them instant credit towards the purchase of anything in the store.

NextWorth provides retailers with turnkey trade-in program with the aim of giving consumers cash to spend on new products at the retailers' stores. NextWorth also powers trade-in programs for retailers Tweeter and J&R.

The test program is limited to 11 stores in the Boston area, and NextWorth is hoping for a national roll-out at Circuit City in the coming months. In the meantime, the companies are testing different formats and are optimizing their approach during the test.

NextWorth has a program on its website called "the Great iPod Exchange" where it also sells the iPods that consumers trade in, as well as selling the iPods on eBay.

Consumer electronics retail chains such as Best Buy and Circuit City have been testing consumer electronics trade-in programs since 2004.

http://www.nextworth.com