How to Sell Electronics for Cash Before They End Up in a Landfill

How to Sell Electronics for Cash Before They End Up in a Landfill

If you have an old PC, laptop, smartphone or other electronic gadgets that you’re no longer using, you can try selling them instead of letting get in a landfill. This article outlines some of the top places that you can earn the most from selling old electronics.

Most people don’t know what to do with their old iPads and iPhones after replacing them. Although there’s always the option of tossing them away, you could always make some extra cash by selling them instead.

“The total weight of e-waste that is thrown out worldwide each year ranges from twenty to fifty million metric tons.” Says to DoSomething.org. Selling old electronics can be a great way of helping the planet as well as earning some extra money.

If you don’t know how to go about it, there are a couple of places that help make the process easy and you’ll also be able to make a lot of cash there.

Places To Sell Electronics For Cash Online

Selling your old electronics can be an easy task than you can imagine. There are many companies out there that want to help people sell their old electronics. Luckily, the process is usually simple, fast and hassle free.

Before you settle on a specific company, check out as many websites as you can and compare the prices. This way you’ll be able to earn the money possible.

1. Decluttr

One of the best places you can sell tablets, smartphones, gaming consoles, games, CDs, DVDs and other electronics is in Decluttr.

How to sell on Decluttr: Begin by visiting the company’s website and choose the item you want at the top navigation bar. Search the gadget by barcode, model and make or you can scan it using its free app. You’ll even be able to scan several gadgets at once so that you can sell them together.

Choose the quality of your items which will be determined by the description provided and then place it on “Add to Basket.”

The next step is to either click continue or place more gadgets to the virtual basket or click on “Complete order.” You’ll then be required to sign up for a new Declutrr account or log in to an existing one.

The company will then send you an email containing a prepaid label required for shipping your package. Put your items in safe shipping boxes, label the shipment and take the package to an Authorized Retail Outlet, Customer Care or UPS Store.

Pros of Using Declutrr: If you’re planning to sell more electronics other than just tablets and smartphones,Decluttr is the right place to do so. The company is easy to work with, allow you to look for items with a barcode, pay for your shipping costs and there’s a free app that provides quick estimates.

Cons of Using Decluttr: There basically no drawbacks of using Decluttr to sell your electronics. However, look out for the lowball offers for the gadgets you want to sell.

How to receive your earnings from Decluttr: The company has a “next day payment” choice. Meaning that your electronics will be inspected as soon as they get to the company’s offices and they will then issue payments for them the following day.

The payment methods include PayPal, direct deposit or check.

Related: Declutr Review: Is This the Best Place to Sell Electronics From?

2. BuyBackBoss

If you’re looking for somewhere to sell your broken or used iPhone, smartwatch, android tablet or other electronics, BuyBackBoss is the place to go. This can be done either by selling or trading in the gadget. You can also choose to donate the item through the company’s Giveback program.

How to sell on BuyBackBoss: If you want to trade in or sell your electronics, go to the company’s website and select “Get Started”. You’ll then have to choose the kind of gadget you want to sell, then answer a couple of questions regarding its carrier, condition as well as the memory. The company will then send you a quote for you to accept or deny.

If you like the quote, you’ll have to give out your email address so that they can send a pre-paid shipping label your way. This is what you’ll use to ship your package.

Pros of Using BuyBackBoss: Using BuyBackBoss is easy, plus they have a price-matching guarantee. So, if another company gives you a better quote, they will match it if you’re able to provide proof. The site also has a price lock of 14-days, which depends on whether the item you sent is in the exact condition you described it.

Cons of Using BuyBackBoss: Although the company claims to give a quick turnaround time when it comes to payments, they don’t exactly specify when you’ll get the money. There have been cases where the company didn’t agree with how a customer assessed their electronics, leading them to give a lower payment than what was quoted.

How to receive your money from BuyBackBoss: You’ll receive your earnings after your package has been received and inspected. Some of the payment methods to choose from are PayPal and check. You can choose to donate your earnings to Lighthouse for Hope, which is a 501 that’s known to assist families with kids suffering from pediatric cancer though the company’s Giveback program.

Related: BuybackBoss Review: Is Their Highest Price Guarantee Legit?

3. Gazelle

Gazelle provides its uses with a great selling experience. Unlike other companies, you sell your products through the instant offers given instead of selling directly to a buyer. The company normally makes instant offers on different used electronics such as iPads, smartphones, Mac computers and MacBooks.

How to sell on Gazelle: The first step is to visit the company’s seller page so that you can be given offers on the devices you want to sell. Choose the device from the list of items accepted by Gazelle. Give honest and accurate answers regarding your device so that you can be given the best offer.

Click on the “Get an Offer” option under the phone model you want to sell. You’ll then immediately see the offer you qualify for. You can then proceed to select the “Get Paid” option or ignore it. If you decide to proceed with the offer, you’ll be required to provide your email address so that the company can send you the shipping instructions and other information.

Pros of Using Gazelle: Since the company states the standards for the kind of electronics they accept, using Gazelle to sell is basically an easy and fast process. They also pay for the shipping costa and you’ll also be provided a prepaid package slip which you’ll use to ship the items.

Cons of Using Gazelle: Selling via Gazelle doesn’t always guarantee that you’ll be given the highest possible price for the electronics you want to sell. The company can as well change they original price they offered you after receiving your items, with the claim that it wasn’t in the same condition that you described it in.

How to receive your money from Gazelle: The company claims that the inspection of items only takes 1 or 2 days after the receipt is received. The payment method is via PayPal or Amazon gift cards which will take an extra 3 to 5 working days.

If you opt for a physical check, the process will take up to 10 working days for you to receive it.

Related: Gazelle Review: What You Need to Know Before Selling You Phone

4. eBay

eBay is the most popular go-to site for selling used electronics, thanks to its good reputation and strong brand. However, it might take some time before your items get sold, but the site has a viable market for old electronics.

How to sell on eBay: If you’re using eBay for the first time, you’ll have to sign up for a new account before anything else. You’ll then need to log in to the site and click on the “Sell” option located at the top navigation bar. You’ll then click on the blue button labelled “Create listing” and proceed to create multiple or single listings using the drop-down menu.

You’ll then have to enter the title and choose the category (suggestions will be given depending on the title you gave), select the state of the item, attach a photo, give a description for your gadget and state the selling price.

Finish giving all the information. Ensure that the photos provided are clear and you’ve described the item honestly and thoroughly before publishing the listing. If the description isn’t accurate, the buyer can choose to ignore your listing and continue browsing for other options.

If your device sells, you’ll receive an email alert from eBay, but you can keep checking on the purchase status using your sellers account on eBay. Ensure that you have all the right packaging materials before shipping off the package to the customer once the payment has been cleared.

Pros of Using eBay: Since you have the ability of setting the price and rejecting or accepting offers, you’ll likely get the best price for the items you posted. You can choose to pay for shipping cost or have the buyer pay for it by themselves.

Cons of Using eBay: You have to monitor the listings you post as well as be in contact with the buyers so that you’re able to answer all questions and complaints. Your items might not sell immediately, meaning eBay isn’t the ideal choice for those looking to make money quickly.

How to receive money from eBay: The payment options include debit or credit card, PayPal, merchant debit or merchant credit (for those doing bulk listings), or payment on delivery.

Related: 22 Sites Like eBay to Sell Almost Anything Online or In Person

5. Nextworth

Nextworth is another online platform where people can sell used electronics from. Similar to Gazelle, you’ll get an offer immediately on the electronics you want to sell.

How to sell on Nextworth: Go to Nextworth.com to receive your quote and click on the “Get a Quote” located at the top navigation bar. Proceed by choosing the device you want to sell. Options provided include tablets, smartphones and clothes. You’ll then need to select the model and make of the device. For instance, if you’re selling a tablet, you’ll have to choose the make (Samsung, Apple, Google or Microsoft), and then choose the model.

Give honest answers about the device and choose “Get a Quote.” You’ll then be given the trade-in value immediately and be able to select the “Add to Cart” option. Finish the process by providing your contact details.

The company will send you a prepaid label so that you can send you items to Nextworth so that they can be inspected and your payment can be sent.

Pros if Using Nextworth: Using Nextworth is an easy, fast and reliable process. Shipping is completely free, the quotes are posted for 30 days, and the payment methods used are check and PayPal.

Cons of Using Nextworth: The offers provided are usually lower than the item’s market price. The site only accepts certain brands of tablets, smartphones and clothes such as Apple watches.

How to receive money from Nextworth: The payment methods to select from include check or PayPal. Once your items undergo inspection and acceptance, your payment will be issued within a period of one week.

Related: 18 of the Best-Selling Apps to Sell Items Online and Locally

Where to Sell Used Electronics Locally For Money

There a couple of places where you can sell your old electronics from. These options provide you with easy and cheap way of shipping electronics without having to pay the seller or for shipping costs.

6. Craigslist

Some people claim that it’s not a good idea to sell electronics on Craigslist. However, if you know how to go about it, it can be the best method of making money from selling your old electronic devices.

How to sell on Craigslist: First visit Craigslist.org to be able to choose your country, state and city you live in. From the navigation bar at the top, click on the “electronics” category which is found below the “for sale” category. Proceed by clicking on “post” then “for sale by owner” and “electronics- by owner” options.

Finish the process by providing a price, title, description and location. Specify all the information and use simple keywords to describe the devices. This will enable buyers to search for your electronics and get your listing. Once you finish giving all the details mentioned above, review the listing before publishing it to the public.

Pros of Using Craigslist: The main advantage of using Craigslist to sell your items is that you’ll be able to list as many items as you like at no cost. You’ll also be able to get the full amount on those old electronics.

Cons of Using Craigslist: Craigslist doesn’t have third-party assistance or automation. You’ll have to handle all questions and transactions by yourself. if you’re a professional electronics dealer, you will have to pay $3 to $5 for every listing you make.

How to receive money from Craigslist: The transactions performed on Craigslist are normally done using cash. If you choose to accept online payments instead, ensure that you’re using trusted companies such as Strip and PayPal.

Related: The 6-Step Guide for Selling on Craigslist

7. Facebook Marketplace

A great alternative to Craigslist for selling used and old electronics is Facebook Marketplace. There’s also the option of giving away the items for free through Buy Nothing Groups.

How to sell on Facebook: Begin by listing your item on Facebook Marketplace or other groups that sell things locally. The best way to do this is by engaging and interacting with people in the groups before you start posting your items.

If you’re not a member of a sell/buy group within your area, use your Facebook account to look for one using the search bar. Send a membership request to the group and wait for the group administrator to approve it.

When you request is approved, go to the group and search for your item on the “What are you selling?” search bar. Put an item description, price and post up to 42 images of your items. Click on the “Next” button on all the local groups for buying/selling electronics within the marketplace. Then select “Post” so that your item can be posted on the group.

You’ll then have to set up meetings with buyers and answer questions in your inbox so that you can sell you used electronics.

Pros of Using Facebook Marketplace: You’ll be able to sell a wide range of electronics from Kindles to tablets and Fitbits. The site has fewer rules compared to other online platforms, plus you’ll be able to set the price you want. But there should be room for negotiations. The platform is safe because all Facebook accounts are opened with a name. However, be cautious when meeting with people you don’t know.

Cons of Using Facebook: Facebook is currently working on a payment feature that can be used by buyers/sellers. However, the feature isn’t something that can be used by people who are looking to sell electronics locally. You can instead negotiate prices with the buyer and ask them to pay for the item when you meet for collection.

Related: 17 best Places to Sell Textbooks for the Most Money

Final Tips When Selling Electronics

If you’re planning to sell your electronics locally or online, make sure that you’ve removed all you personal and identifying data from them before handing them over to the buyer. You don’t want sensitive information like your bank account details to be accessible to someone else.

Be Honest

Honesty is very important when selling or trading old electronic devices. If the device isn’t working or has some glitches or imperfections, mention them to the buyer beforehand. Exempting such vital information can make you lose both time and money when you give a wrong description.

Compare Prices

Look for price of similar devices from different platforms before you list them. If you want to get the best price for your item as well as a hassle-free and quick experience, then comparing prices is a very important step. If you end up listing a very high price for your electronics compared to other sellers, they won’t be bought. Comparing prices will also help you to set a fair price, ensuring that you earn the most money as possible.

Always Confirm Payment

If you’re selling your items directly to a buyer, don’t ship them before payment is confirmed. On the other hand, if you’re using a company to trade in or sell your old electronics, you’ll be required to send the items before receiving payment.

Understand the Fees

Online market platforms that process online payments normally require the seller to pay a small fee for the transaction. This is an important part of the transaction. Conduct research on the shipping costs and fees before placing the price for your items, to avoid losing part of your profit from the sale.

Sell Technology and Don’t Trash It

If it’s your first time to sell used or old electronics online, don’t be very worried. Although the process may seem intimidating, if you understand the requirements and terms, it can be very manageable. Settle on a platform that works best and ensures that you’re getting enough profit.

Once the process helps you acquire some extra money from selling your old tablet, smartphone, TV or table, it will be much easier when you want to keep selling your old electronics.

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