Wondering how much is your used MacBook computer worth on the resale market today? Here is how to determine its resale value.
Whether you need a laptop for work, study, or entertainment, an Apple MacBook is an investment due to its high-quality components and sleek design. Thus, an Apple MacBook has a higher price tag than any other brand of a comparable configuration. Regardless, even Macs depreciate, so you will want to upgrade eventually. So the question is: what should you do with your older model? Well, selling it is undoubtedly one way to go about it. While it might not be worth much, a used Apple MacBook laptop generally holds pretty good resale value over time and can be resold on the second-hand marketplace.
But you probably wonder: How much is my older MacBook worth today? This article will try to answer your question and provide a few tips for picking the right buyer or marketplace.
Before Selling Your MacBook
Determine its Model Number
Figure out what kind of Macbook you have, as the year and model dictate its reselling value. For that, power up your laptop and wait for it to load the desktop screen. Then go to the Apple icon in the top left corner of the screen and click on About this Mac. You’ll see information about the processor, RAM, storage, and also a Serial number. The latter will tell you the model and year make. Next, visit Apple’s warranty coverage page, type in your Serial number into a search bar, and hit Enter. It will give you the exact model and year make information. Alternatively, if your device does not boot up anymore, you can find its Serial number on the bottom.
Moreover, you will need to wipe your storage and reset the Macbook before selling it. Our post about How to wipe a MacBook Pro to sell it will walk you through the process, as the same procedure can be applied to other Mac models as well.
Assess MacBook’s Functional and Overall Cosmetic Condition
Along with the model number, the cosmetic and working state also determine the worth of your MacBook. You will be asked to describe your laptop in detail regardless of whom you choose to sell it to. Take time to inspect your MacBook beforehand. Look for wear marks, dents, scratches, and other cosmetic blemishes. Also, the functional condition can be evaluated by assessing battery life, display quality, etc. Make notes of any known issues.
Lastly, clean your laptop well, as dirt and fingerprints may reduce its reselling value.
Shop Around and Compare Offers
It is always a good idea to get a few offers and compare prices from various sources. First, see what other sellers ask for their identical or similar laptop models on marketplaces like eBay and Craigslist. Then, if possible, obtain a few estimates from online buyback websites. Comparing quotes will help you determine whether it is worth spending time and effort listing your MacBook on eBay or selling it instantly via a buyback site.
Where Do You Sell a Used MacBook?
When in doubt, ask Google. You’ll be able to find plenty of businesses that buy used Macs, and some might even be in your area. When picking a place, set a selling goal for yourself. For example, an Apple store credit might be the best way to go if you want to upgrade your MacBook to a newer model. But if you are looking to sell your Mac for cash, local or online marketplaces can accommodate that. When picking an online buyback, research what payout options they offer.
Trusted Buyback Service: Gadget Salvation
We are a buyback platform designed to provide a seamless, fast and reliable online selling experience. Since 2008, thousands and thousands of MacBook owners have chosen to do business with us. But our purchasing database is not limited to Apple products: we also buy other laptop brands, as well as smartphones, gaming consoles, tablets, and more.
At Gadget Salvation, we aim to provide customers with a safe, convenient one-stop virtual resale space. Thus, all our estimates are upfront and calculated in real time. We will also pay for the shipping of your MacBook to us. Once it reaches our office, we will pay you within one to two business days via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or check—whichever you prefer.
How Does the Selling Process Work?
To sell your Mac online with us, please follow the steps below:
- Visit our site and type the last three digits of the unit’s Serial number in a search bar. You can also search by the model number.
- Answer a few quick questions about the laptop’s condition and click Calculate for an instant dollar valuation. You can then complete the checkout form and receive a prepaid shipping label via email or mail. All that’s left is to package your MacBook and drop it off at the carrier.
- Once the laptop arrives, we’ll quickly check it to ensure it is intact and matches the seller’s description. After that, the payment is issued. If the condition of your MacBook is different from that described, our team will email you a detailed test results report and a new offer, which you can either accept or decline.
So How Much is My MacBook Worth Right Now?
The resale price depends on several factors, such as model, release year, configuration, and cosmetic and functional condition. So, naturally, a well-kept and fully functional MacBook laptop will yield a higher offer.
Here are a few pricing examples for you:
- The Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch 2019 Touch Bar with Core i9 2.3 GHz Core i9 processor can go for as much as $969.* For comparison, Best Buy Trade-in offers up to $650 for the same model.
- An older 2012 MacBook Pro 13 with an Intel Core i5 2.5GHz processor still gets up to $127.* That’s not bad, considering the model is almost ten years old!
- Apple Macbook Air 13-inch Late 2018 i5 1.6 GHz with 256GB of storage could be resold for up to $389.*
Bottom Line
Pre-owned Apple MacBooks’ reselling value depends on several key factors. The seller must know the exact model of their laptop to receive an accurate appraisal and a fair payout. Assessing its overall functional and cosmetic condition is just as important. Using online e-commerce tools like our site will help you figure out how much your MacBook is worth today in seconds! For those researching Apple laptops to purchase, please check out our budget-friendly Macbooks post.
* Priced on 07/29/2021. Subject to change.
