If you have a perfectly working laptop, computer, smartphone, or tablet that you no longer use, why not flip it for some cash?
With the help of the internet, you can turn your pre-owned electronics into cash in a matter of a few clicks. All you need to do is to figure out whether you want to invest a little time and effort by reselling your gadget locally or would much rather prefer an instant online sale. Then, get a few offers to compare and get paid!
Sell Your Electronics for Cash Locally
Reselling your used gadgets locally has its perks. But it may not be the best option for everybody looking to get some spare change for their unwanted technology.
| Pros | Cons |
| You are likely to get a little bit more money if you sell the device yourself. | It may take a while. |
| It is time-consuming. |
The most popular platforms for reselling pre-owned tech locally are Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and Craigslist. All three are easy and free to use and are fairly safe. When listing on either of these platforms, it is important to remember the following:
- Take good clear photos of the item you are selling
- Be honest about the condition of the gadget
- Set a fair asking price and prepare to negotiate.
Many people choose to cross-post on several places in hopes of a quicker sale.
Just like with any peer-to-peer platform, both sellers and buyers must take certain precautions. Remember: you are dealing with strangers. So, when selling locally, it is always a good idea to set a meetup in a well-lit public place. Bring someone with you, if possible. And only accept cash payments.
Sell Electronics for Cash on Marketplaces
If you want to reach a broader audience, but don’t mind doing the work, look into platforms like eBay, Amazon Trade-in, and Walmart.
Just like when selling in person, you would need to create a listing, be very descriptive about the electronic gadget you are selling, and post plenty of pictures, especially if your item has digs or blemishes. However, those selling a newish item can get away with stock photos.
Because you are selling nationwide, your listing will target a far broader audience. But it comes with a price: marketplace platforms do charge a selling fee. And if you want to sell your gadget quicker, offer to cover the shipping cost.
While Amazon Trade-in and Walmart online marketplaces can be restrictive about the types of electronics one can sell, you can pretty much list anything on eBay.
One big downside of selling on a marketplace is a high possibility of the buyer returning their purchase. And more often than not, they return it in a different (worse) condition. Or, in the case of eBay, don’t return it at all and get their money back anyway. For that reason, sellers with expensive high-end electronics should think twice before listing their stuff on a marketplace.
Online BuyBack Sites for an Instant Sale
A more convenient and often faster alternative to marketplaces is using buyback sites for reselling used electronics online. And there are plenty of buyback sites at the seller’s disposal.
Some specialize in purchasing only certain brands and types of electronic devices, while others can accept a wide array of pre-owned technology, like cellphones, laptops, tablets, and computers, in almost any condition.
To sell your electronics for cash, pick a few sites, get and compare offers, and go with the one that suits your needs best.
Some of the most obvious advantages of using a re-commerce buyback website to resell your stuff are:
- Upfront estimates.
- It does not cost anything to sell.
- Quick turnaround time.
- You get actual cash back instead of gift cards or store credits.
- It is safe. There are no returns, chargebacks, or other unwanted surprises.
The downside of using a buyback service is that you will receive a fraction of the price you could get when selling the gadget yourself. But many users find it a fair trade-off for speedy service, convenience, and a piece of mind.
Recycle Electronics Responsibly
If your used laptop, smartphone, or tablet no longer works or is outdated, it is unlikely you can sell it. And if you are unsuccessful in getting offers on your device, the best and only possible course of action here is to recycle it properly.
Large cities often have e-waste recycling programs, helping residents to utilize outdated technology. In addition, big electronics retailers like Best Buy and Apple will also recycle smaller electronics free of charge.
Recyclenation.com is an excellent informational resource for all kinds of recycling facilities in your area.
In Conclusion
If you have unwanted electronics sitting around collecting dust, it might be easier to score some cash for them than you think. Even if your device is not fully functional, there are people and organizations out there who repair and restore gadgets and would gladly make you an offer. You can connect with those folks locally via Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or OfferUp. Or you could use eBay instead. Lastly, if you own a tablet, smartphone, or laptop and want to sell it for some extra cash, we at Gadget Salvation be happy to help!
