Trade Up To A New Smartphone Or Tablet? How to Get Top Dollar for Your Senior

That old smartphone sitting in your junk drawer may be worth more money. But how much money can you really earn from it? CNET found that 29% of US adults keep their old devices at home, while 24% trade them in. And worse, 22% throw their devices in the trash — which is almost like throwing away free money.

The trade-in value of personal devices can change daily, even seasonally or if there are new models on the horizon. So if you have an old one The iPad or Apple Watch and you’re thinking about upgrading, it’s best to act quickly to get the best deal. You just need a game plan to get started.

There are some selling tips that can help you increase the trade-in value of your device, regardless of when and where you sell it. Other factors, such as wear, performance, color, battery life and model, determine how much your device is worth. If the condition of the phone is better, you can get more back during the trade. But there’s more to trading in your device than the basics. Here’s what you need to know to get top dollar for your old devices.

Time to close your trade

Knowing when to sell your device is very important. Trading in your machine early rather than leaving it in the closet for months can increase your trade-in value. While there may be downsides to waiting a long time, you can make more money if you sell from time to time.

Consider trading in your device when a new model is about to be released. During this time, buyers may compare new and used devices. For example, if you sell your The iPhoneyou might have to wait until September then new iPhones revealed. The holidays are another peak season for those planning to buy devices, which may mean people are willing to pay less for cheaper used devices than new ones.

Compare trading sites

Yours mobile phone provider may offer a trade-in deal, but that doesn’t mean that’s the only place you can sell your device. Consider other resellers or rebranded sites, such as Swappa or Back Market.

Swappa gives you two options. You can sell your device to Swappa partners online for a minimal transaction and a fixed price based on the condition. Another Swappa option allows you to list and price your device yourself, but remember, you’ll see other listings similar to yours. That can mean the risk of selling at a low price if you want to sell quickly. There are similar sites to compare and list your device, including Gizmogo, the eBay Refurbished Program and It’s Worth It More.

You should compare offers from your mobile provider and retailers, such as this Amazon, an appleTarget and Best Buy. However, you may receive a credit 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 from selling your old device, research its value by looking at refurbished sites to see how much it’s worth based on its condition. Check it for any rot, decay, scratches and performance issues to make sure it’s working properly and that you’re doing well in terms of its condition.

Popular brands and models may offer higher returns than rare ones. And if it’s a new model, you might get more money. For example, i iPhone 14 Pro (128 GB) in good condition is also selling for $390 on the Aftermarket, while the iPhone 12 costs $217 in the same condition and storage. Remember that if the model is new, you may get more money.

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

Carefully consider second-hand sites

If you feel comfortable, you might consider selling on second-hand websites, such as Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp. You can sell your device locally and negotiate the price to make more money — especially if you include accessories and chargers. But remember online shopping tips for safety, such as meeting in a safe place and keeping transaction details safe at the point of sale. Be sure to verify buyer information to avoid scams.

Take these steps before selling your personal technology

Before you get rid of 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 or SID card.
• Restore your device to its original state by performing a factory reset to erase all data.