After decades of upgrading to the latest and greatest technology, you may have accumulated a pile of old electronics. But before tossing out your dated cell phones, hard drives, speakers, or cameras, take another look. Using the following strategies, you might be able to get some cash for that hunk of metal.
1. Identify Valuable Items
The first step in selling your old electronics is to survey which items might actually be worth money. While some are likely just junk, others might be collectibles due to their age or historical significance — yes, even the broken items. If you have a vintage Apple product, for example, it could be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.
2. Sell It Online
Once you’ve done your research and determined which old electronics might be valuable, take the next step and post it online. Sites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and others are great places to start. You can also list it on sites like Decluttr, which accepts phones, tablets, DVDs, and more. Remember to include any chargers or accessories, which can increase the item’s value.
3. Sell to Niche Collectors
If you’re not having luck selling your used electronics through more popular sites, you might find that targeting niche collectors or electronics enthusiasts might be a more successful strategy. Early-generation gaming consoles, vintage Apple products, and retro cameras are all backed by a community of collectors that will pay top dollar for your used items.
4. Refurbish or Repair It
Some people are willing to pay money for broken electronics, but you’re likely to get more for your item if you refurbish or repair it. This could mean cleaning up a device, repairing a cracked screen, or even swapping out major batteries. You can find DIY repair guides on YouTube or iFixit if you need some additional help.
5. Sell the Parts to a Repair Shop
If your old electronic item isn’t working, don’t toss it in the trash. You may be able to disassemble it and sell it for parts. Repair shops often buy spare parts from old tech, especially in the case of motherboards, functional screens, cases, and batteries.
6. Trade It in for Store Credit
Stores like Best Buy, GameStop, and Apple offer trade-in programs for used electronics. You may get less money than if you sold an item to a buyer directly, but you won’t have to go through the process of listing the item or haggling on price. These trade-in programs usually offer in-store credit, cash, or gift cards for your old electronics.
7. Rent It Out
If you have tech gear in good working condition, you can often rent it out. Sites like KitSplit, ShareGrid, and Fat Llama allow users to rent out things like cameras, speakers, and other equipment. Take note: You’ll have better luck renting out high-value electronics that people don’t want to buy outright before testing it first.
8. Recycle for Cash
Companies like EcoATM and local e-waste centers will often pay for scrap electronics, particularly if there is copper, gold, or silver in the scraps. Search your local area for scrap metal buyers and e-waste centers to see if your item can be swapped for cash.
Need help selling old items for money?
Start by reading Don’t Make These 10 Common Mistakes When Selling Valuable Collectibles and 9 Smart Moves To Make Before Selling Your Antiques. And if you’re wondering when you should sell certain items, check out The Best Time of Year To Sell Vintage Holiday Decorations.
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