I’ve always wondered what to do with all the old iPhones and iPads I have around my house.
I knew I could donate or throw them away, but I recently found out you can actually make extra money selling those old devices.
According to DoSomething.org, “20 to 50 million metric tons of e-waste are disposed of worldwide every year.”[1] By selling your items, you’ll help the planet and put extra cash in your pocket.
If you’re not sure how or where to start selling your electronics, there are a few places that simplify the process and can earn you the most money.
7 Places To Sell Electronics For Cash Online
Selling electronics is easier than you think. Most of these companies want to sell your old devices, and they make the process as hassle-free, quick, and simple as possible.
Before committing to one, visit multiple sites to compare prices. That way you can earn the most money possible.
1. Decluttr
Decluttr is a great place to sell your gaming consoles, smartphones, tablets, games, DVDs, CDs, and more.
How to sell on Decluttr: To get started, visit Decluttr and select your first item on the top navigation bar. You can search by make and model, barcode, or scan your item with its free app. You can even scan multiple items to sell together.
Select the quality of your electronics based on the description it provides and then select “Add to Basket.”
Next, you can either continue to add items to your virtual basket or select “Complete order.” You’ll be prompted to sign in to an existing account or sign up for one if you’re new to Decluttr.
You can expect an email with a prepaid label to ship your items. Pack your electronics safely in a box, apply the shipping label, and take your package to the nearest UPS Store, Customer Center, or Authorized Retail Outlet.
Pros of selling on Decluttr: If you’re looking to sell more than just smartphones and tablets, Decluttr is the place to go. It’s easy to work with, covers your shipping costs, lets you search by barcode, and has a free app for quick estimates.
Cons of selling on Decluttr: There’s not much of a downside when selling your electronics with Decluttr. The most important thing to watch for is lowball offers on your items.
How to receive payment from Decluttr: Decluttr offers “next day payment” options. This means that it’ll inspect your electronics as soon as they arrive at the company’s location and issues payment the next day.
You can select direct deposit, PayPal, or check as your payment method.
Related: Decluttr Review: Is This the Best Place to Sell Your Electronics?
2. BuyBackBoss
BuyBackBoss offers cash for your used or broken iPhone, Android, tablet, smartwatch, and other electronic devices. You can do this by trading in or selling your device, or you can donate your phone via its Giveback program.
How to sell on BuyBackBoss: To sell or trade a device, you need to visit the site and select “Get Started” on the home page. You’ll then select the type of device you’re selling and answer a few questions about its condition, carrier, and specifications like memory. You’ll get an instant quote that you can choose to accept or reject.
If you accept the quote, you’ll provide your email address so it can send you a pre-paid shipping label you’ll use to mail the device.
Benefits of selling on BuyBackBoss: Selling with BuyBackBoss is simple and it offers a price-matching guarantee. So if you get a higher quote from another site, it’ll match it as long as you can provide proof of the higher offer. The company also offers a 14-day price lock as long as, when received, the device is in the condition you described.
Cons of selling on BuyBackBoss: Although it claims to have a fast turnaround time for payments, it’s not clear how long it takes to receive your payment. There are also some complaints about the company not agreeing with the customers’ assessments of their phones, causing them to get a lower payout than quoted.
How to receive payment from BuyBackBoss: Payment is sent once the device is received and inspected, and customers can opt for a physical check or PayPal deposit. The money can also be donated to Lighthouse for Hope, a 501(c)(3) that helps families with children fighting pediatric cancer, via its Giveback program.
Related: Buyback Boss Review: Is Their Highest-Price Guarantee Legit?
3. Gazelle
Gazelle offers a “hands-off” selling experience. Instead of selling directly to a buyer, you sell directly to the company through its instant offers. Gazelle makes an instant offer on used devices including certain smartphone models, iPads, tablets, MacBooks, and Mac computers.
How to sell on Gazelle: Visit Gazelle’s seller page to receive an offer on your items. Select your device from the shortlist of items Gazelle accepts. Answer all questions about your device accurately and honestly to receive the best offer.
Select “Get an Offer” beneath the smartphone model you’re trying to sell. Your Gazelle offer will populate instantly, and you can choose “Get Paid” or scratch the request. To accept and move forward with the offer, simply enter your email address as prompted to receive shipping details and a progress report.
Pros of selling on Gazelle: Because Gazelle has preset standards for what it accepts, selling on Gazelle is generally quick and easy. Gazelle also covers shipping costs and sends a prepaid package slip to ship your electronics.
Cons of selling on Gazelle: You won’t usually receive the highest price possible for your old device by selling through Gazelle. It also might change the offer price once it receives the device, claiming it wasn’t as you described.
How to receive payment from Gazelle: Gazelle says it should only take a day or two for it to inspect the device upon receipt. Getting paid via Amazon gift card or PayPal is fastest, and payment takes an additional 3-5 business days to process.
If you prefer to receive a physical check, it will typically take five to 10 business days to arrive.
Related: Gazelle Review: What You Need to Know Before Selling Your Phone
4. eBay
eBay will always be a go-to place to sell electronics because it has a strong brand and reputation. Although it may not make for the easiest or quickest sale, eBay has a viable market for all kinds of used electronics.
How to sell on eBay: If you’ve never purchased or sold anything on eBay, you’ll need to sign up for an account. Once logged into eBay, select “Sell” on the top navigation bar. Select the blue button marked “Create listing” and choose to create single or multiple listings from the drop-down menu.
From here, you’ll simply need to enter a title, select a category (suggestions populate based on your title), choose your device’s condition, add at least one image, describe the device, and name your price.
Complete the final details. Make sure the pictures are clear and the item description is thorough and honest, and publish your listing. If you don’t describe the item accurately, the buyer could leave you a negative review or dispute the transaction.
EBay will alert you via email when your listing sells, but you can also check the status right from your eBay seller account. Make sure you have proper packaging materials and ship the device to your buyer as soon as payment clears.
Benefits of selling on eBay: You’ll likely receive the best price for your technology with eBay since you can set the price and accept or reject any offers. You can offer free shipping or have the buyer be responsible for all shipping costs.
Cons of selling on eBay: You’re responsible for monitoring your listings and keeping up with buyer questions and complaints. It might also take a while for your item to sell, so this isn’t the best option if you want the money quickly.
How to receive payment from eBay: Choose to receive payment by PayPal, credit or debit card, merchant credit or debit card (for bulk sellers), or payment on pickup when listing your item.
Related: 22 Sites Like eBay to Sell Almost Anything Online or In Person
5. Nextworth
Nextworth is another great place to sell used electronics. Like Gazelle, you’ll receive an instant offer on your devices and can decide to sell or not with a few clicks.
How to sell on Nextworth: To grab your quote, visit Nextworth.com and select “Get a Quote” on the top navigation bar. Next, select the electronic device you are ready to sell. Options include smartphones, tablets, and wearables. You’ll then be asked to pick a make and model. For example, if you select tables, you’ll be prompted to select a make (Apple, Microsoft, Samsung, or Google), and then a model.
Respond honestly to all questions, and select “Get a Quote.” You’ll instantly see the trade-in value and have the option to “Add to Cart.” Complete your contact details if you’re ready to commit to Nextworth’s offer.
You’ll receive a prepaid label to ship your electronics to Nextworth for inspection and payment.
Pros of selling on Nextworth: Selling on Nextworth is fast, easy, and reliable. Shipping is free, the quotes are guaranteed for 30 days, and it pays via PayPal or physical check.
Cons of selling on Nextworth: Offers will be lower than market pricing. It also only accepts specific smartphones, tablets, and “wearables” like Apple Watches.
How to receive payment from Nextworth: Choose between PayPal or check. After the initial inspection of your device upon arrival, you’ll typically receive payment from Nextworth within a week.
Related: 18 of the Best Selling Apps to Sell Stuff Locally & Online
Where To Locally Sell Used Electronics For Cash
There are several places to list and sell electronics locally. These options can save you the hassle of shipping your technology and the expense of paying seller or shipping fees.
6. Craigslist
Some say selling electronics on Craigslist is a bad idea, but if you’re careful, it can be an effective way to make some cash for your old devices.
How to sell on Craigslist: To get started, visit Craigslist.org and select your country, state, and the city closest to you. Below the “for sale” category, choose “electronics.” On the top navigation bar, select “post.” Then select “for sale by owner,” and “electronics – by owner.”
Complete the form with a title, price, location, and description. Be specific in your description and use variations of keywords to describe your items. That way people searching for your electronics will find your listing. When you’ve completed all of the required information, you can review your listing and publish it.
Pros of selling on Craigslist: One of the biggest benefits of selling on Craigslist is the ability to list as many items as you want for free. You’ll also earn full price on your old devices.
Cons of selling on Craigslist: There’s no automation or third-party assistance. You must handle all transactions and questions on your own. Safety can also be an issue. And if you’re an electronics dealer, then you can expect to pay $3-5 per listing.
How to receive payment from Craigslist: Craigslist transactions usually occur in cash. However, if you do decide to accept payment online, make sure to use a trusted payment portal like PayPal or Stripe.
Related: The 6-Step Guide for Selling on Craigslist
7. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace offers an alternative to Craigslist for locally selling your old and used electronics. You can also opt to give away your items in a Buy Nothing group instead if you don’t feel like selling them.
How to sell on Facebook: You can start listing on Facebook’s Marketplace or search for local selling groups. Highly engaged selling groups are typically the best place to start.
If you’re not part of any buy/sell groups in your area, sign in to your Facebook account and search “[your city] buy/sell group” in the search bar. You should see at least one group that matches your query. Request to join the group and then wait for a group administrator to approve your request.
Once approved, visit the group and type your item into the “What are you selling?” text box. Add a price, item description, and list up to 42 images of your electronics. Select “Next” and select the radio buttons next to any local buy/sell group(s) listed and the Marketplace. Choose “Post” to list your item in the group.
Be ready to answer questions on the listing or in your message box and set up meetings to sell your electronics.
Benefits of selling on Facebook: You can sell any type of electronic device, from smartphones to tablets to Kindles and FitBits. There are fewer rules than other sites, and you can set your price at whatever you’d like. But you should leave room to negotiate. It’s also more secure since every Facebook account is attached to a name; but take precautions when meeting a buyer you don’t know.
Cons of selling on Facebook: It’s not as convenient as dropping a prepaid package in the mailbox, and you’re 100% responsible for the entire sale from the initial listing to collecting payment. You’ll also need to schedule a time to meet with buyers.
How to receive payment From Facebook: Facebook is rolling out a payment feature for buyers/sellers, but it’s not typically something you would use to sell your electronics locally. Instead, discuss pricing with your buyer and request cash at your place of meeting.
Related: 17 Best Places to Sell Textbooks for the Most Money
Final Tips When Selling Electronics
Before selling your electronics online or locally, you always want to make sure that you clear any personal or identifying data from your devices before selling them. You don’t want your bank account information accidentally getting into the wrong hands.
Be honest
It’s important to be honest when trading or selling used electronics. If your technology doesn’t work or has imperfections or glitches, make sure your buyer knows this ahead of time. You can end up losing time and money if your device isn’t as described.
Compare prices
Be sure to check the prices of similar items on multiple platforms before listing yours. If you want the best price available versus a quick, hassle-free experience, then price comparison is important. If you list your devices with an outrageously high price, they won’t sell. Knowing comparable prices will help you set a fair price, allowing you to make the most money.
Always confirm payment
When selling electronics directly to a consumer, wait for payment confirmation before shipping your device. However, if you’re working with a company to trade in electronics for credit or cash, then you’ll need to send your devices before receiving payment.
Understand the fees
Selling platforms that process payment online almost always charge a seller fee. That’s just part of the process. Make sure to research your fees and shipping costs before setting your price, or you could end up with a much lower profit.
Related: Where Can I Sell My Phone? The Best Places to Earn the Most
Sell Technology and Don’t Trash It
If you’re trying to sell electronics for the first time, don’t stress. It may seem intimidating, but if you understand the terms and requirements, it’s quite manageable. Choose the platform that works best for you and will get you the most profit.
Once you’ve earned extra cash for that old smartphone, tablet, or TV, you’ll want to keep selling instead of trashing your used items.
