I’m sure you’re like most cell phone owners, you try to find a balance between upgrading and holding on to your “old” device. But, there is also the appeal and pull of upgrading to the latest and greatest tech devices, too. With the release of Apple’s newest iPhone, you may be convinced that it’s time. If the time is right, you’ll get a new phone. This, however, leaves you wondering what to do with your old cell phone. Though you may think it will spend the rest of its days in a drawer to never be used again, you can also get a bit of cash for it.
“Help, I’ve waited too long to get a new cell phone.”
There are lots of options for recouping some of the initial purchase price of that old phone, or offsetting the cost of the new phone, by selling or trading the outdated device.
The Realities
Before we look at ways to get cash for your old cell phone, let’s just put it all into the proper perspective.
- You are not going to fund most, or even half of the purchase of a new phone by selling or trading the old one. However, cash is cash, and even ten, twenty or thirty percent is going to be helpful. Also, some of these methods can work with other devices that include laptops, tablets and cameras!
- Condition is critical. Anyone who is going to give you cash or accept the device on trade is going to have to take this into account.
- How “new” is your old cell phone. If it’s more than the one release behind the newest model on the market, then the price is toast. You’ll get something, you just won’t get much.
Does it work? Does it have obvious wear or damage? How out of date is the device? These are the factors that any buyer will consider, and that old flip phone without the ability to use apps or the iPhone 4 with a broken screen are not going to yield much. However, a smartphone that works and has some of the original packaging could get you some nice cash. So, be honest and realistic about the condition. Then, look at the places where you can turn that device into cash.
Even if you get a few bucks, it keeps the device out of landfills. One of the greenest things to do is reuse/reduce/recycle. Selling the old technology, does a lot for many different people. Some of the tech can actually go to those who can’t afford it, some is reused or recycled for materials and components, others can be totally re-purposed in interesting ways. You get some cash and a clear conscience, knowing you’ve kept some potentially toxic material out of the trash cycle.
Now…How to Get Cash for your Smartphone!
Understanding that you don’t need to have a pristine or even up to date device is important. If something is broken, still offer it up for sale. The following websites are the most convenient and popular sources for cash for your old cell phone:
It feels good to get cash for your old cell phone!
You can also direct sell your old smartphone on sites like Craigslist, eBay and Amazon.com or more traditional retail locations like BestBuy, GameStop, Apple or your cell phone carrier. You will discover that some sites and retailers don’t take all makes or models, and that you may see “recycle only” options for certain devices. You will want to spend the time doing some comparisons to understand which site will yield the best results. As a simple example, you could get an offer on the same phone from $0 to to well over $100, depending on the site used.
Don’t forget that you can also donate, though this does not bring you any cash, it can help soldiers and others. Cell Phones for Soldiers and Hope Phones are just two great options.
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