Trading in a new smartphone or tablet? How to get top dollar for your old one

That old smartphone sitting in your junk drawer might be worth some extra cash. But how much money can you really get for it? CNET found that 29% Of US adults keep old devices at home, while 24% replace them. Worse still, 22% throw their devices in the trash – which is almost like throwing away free money.

The trade-in value of personal appliances can change daily, and even depending on the season or whether there are new models on the horizon. So if you have an old iPad or Apple watch And you’re considering upgrading, it’s best to act fast to get the best deal. All you need is a game plan to get started.

There are some selling tips that can help you maximize the trade-in value of your device, regardless of when and where you sell it. Factors such as wear, use, function, color, battery health, and model determine the value of your device. The better the condition of the phone, the greater returns you can get while trading. But there is more to trading in your device than the basics. Here’s what you need to know to get the highest price on your old appliance.

Your trading time has expired

Knowing when to sell your device is most important. Trading in your device early instead of leaving it in a drawer for months can boost your trade-in value. While there may be downsides to waiting too long, you may make more money if you sell at certain times.

Consider trading in your device when the new model is about to be released. During this time, consumers may compare new and used appliances. For example, if you are selling your product iPhoneyou can wait until September when New iPhones It has been detected. The holidays are another peak season for those planning to buy devices, which could mean people are willing to pay a little more for used devices that are cheaper than new ones.

Compare trading sites

for you Mobile phone provider They may offer a trade-in deal, but that doesn’t mean this is the only place you can sell your device. Think about other retailers or refurbished locations, e.g Swaba or Back market.

Swappa gives you two options. You can sell your device to a Swappa partner online for less work and at a set price based on condition. Swappa’s other option lets you list your device and price it yourself, but keep in mind that you’ll see other listings just like yours. This could mean the risk of selling at a lower price if you want to sell sooner. There are similar sites to compare and list your device, including Gizmogo, eBay Refurbishment Program and He deserves more.

You should compare offers from your mobile phone provider and retailers, e.g Amazon, appleTarget and Best Buy. However, you may receive a credit card or gift card instead of cash.

Be honest about the trade-in value of your device

Before you get excited about the hundreds you can get back selling your old device, find out its value by checking refurbished sites to see how much it’s worth based on its condition. Inspect it for any dings, dents, or functional issues to make sure it’s working properly and that you’re fair about its condition.

Popular brands and models may generate a higher return than less popular brands. The newer the model, the more money you can get back. For example, iPhone 14 Pro (128GB) in good condition resells for $390 USD Back marketinstead iPhone 12 It costs $217 for the same case and storage. Keep in mind that the newer the model, the more money you can get back.

Some devices may be too old to be replaced for cash, so recycling or donating them may be the best option.

Think carefully about used sites

If you feel comfortable, you might consider selling on second-hand shopping sites, like Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp. You may be able to sell your device locally and negotiate the price to make more money — especially if you include accessories and chargers. But keep in mind safe online selling tips, such as meeting in a safe place and keeping transaction details on the selling platform. Make sure to verify buyer information to avoid scams.

Take these steps before selling your personal technology

Before you throw away your unwanted devices, make sure you protect your personal data.

• Back up all your files and personal information to cloud storage or an external hard drive.
• Try removing your SIM card or SID.
• Restore your device to its original state by performing a factory reset to erase all data.