Let’s be real, when it’s time to upgrade our phones, most of us just go for the trade-in offer from our cell carrier. It’s easy, it’s quick, and it’s what we’re used to. But, here’s the thing, it’s probably not the best way to get the most value out of your old phone. Especially now that phones are lasting longer and we’re not upgrading as often.
If you’re willing to put in a bit more effort, there are plenty of ways to get more cash for your old phone. So, before you trade in your old phone, take a moment to consider these options. You might be surprised at how much money you could make.
Online Tech Marketplaces
These are websites where you can sell your old phones and other tech devices. Some buy your device directly, while others connect you to other people who want to buy your device.
For example, SellCell is like the Priceline of phone sales websites. It scans dozens of bulk buyers and shows you the prices they’ll pay for your device. But, remember, SellCell doesn’t control its buyers’ policies, so you’ll need to read the fine print before you agree to a sale.
Decluttr is another direct-buyer marketplace that pays a decent amount for old phones. They promise to pay the first price offered for devices that pass inspection. If they find any issues with your device, they’ll give you 14 days to respond to a revised offer.
OCBuyBack is an easy-to-use direct-buy marketplace that eliminates the risk associated with peer-to-peer transactions and still manages to pay top dollar for pre-owned phones.
uSell is a third-party intermediary that offers a seamless checkout process and impressive payouts. It’s an Apple-centric marketplace, but it also accepts phones from other brands.
ecoATM operates a network of about 5,000 semi-automated kiosks in retail districts, shopping malls, and big-box stores across the United States. You enter some basic details about your phone’s type, features, and condition, then receive a buyback quote.
Swappa is a peer-to-peer sale marketplace that claims to pay out more than popular direct-buyer sites. The catch is that sellers must create their own listings, which means uploading photos and writing catchy product descriptions.
eBay and Amazon are also great options if you’re willing to put in the work to create and manage your own listings.
Retail Buyers
If a retailer sells refurbished electronics, there’s a good chance it buys secondhand devices from consumers. Every cellular carrier accepts trade-ins, usually from customers looking to upgrade to newer devices.
Local Options
If you’re not sold on selling your phone through an impersonal online marketplace, consider these local options instead. They all require more work than listing with a direct-buyer marketplace, but the potential for a higher payoff may be worth the effort.
Craigslist and Nextdoor are great places to sell your old phone, provided you’re willing to supply high-quality photos and meet your buyers in person.
You could also hold a yard sale or sell directly to people you know.
Before Selling Your Used Phone
Before you list your old phone for sale, gather all the old phones and electronic devices you can find. Figure out what your phone is worth by visiting the buyback marketplaces and accurately entering your phone’s details. Understand what’s involved in listing and selling, and decide how much work you’re willing to do to get cash for your phone. Lastly, don’t forget to wipe or reset your phone before selling it.
In conclusion, there are plenty of options to sell your old phone for cash. Even if you’re willing to expend just the bare minimum effort to offload that obsolete device, you’ll get something for your trouble.
