We tend to buy new phones the month they drop and shove our old ones in the deepest darkest corners of our closet once their successor arrives.

In order to declutter our homes and stop the environment from drowning in gadgets, it’s important that we cultivate a habit of recycling the devices that are no longer functional and selling the ones that we no longer intend to use. Many people are unaware that they can sell their old electronics for cash fairly easliy.

To get the most money for your used, broken, or old electronics there are a few things you must keep in mind that will help you maximize your cash payout. They are:

1. Present your Device Beautifully

When it comes to making a sale, the presentation goes a long way. Whether you’re selling your device online through a list of marketplaces that we’re going to discuss below, or in person, make sure your device is clean and presentable to someone who is willing to spend their hard-earned money on it.

If your device looks dirty, full of dust around the button, or has a cracked screen chances are it going to put off your potential buyer. This sort of appearance creates the impression that the device wasn’t cared for and will most like not to function properly. If a buyer gets such ideas he will not hesitate to call off the deal and look elsewhere. So make sure your phone, tablet, or device looks neat and clean.

If you’re putting up an online listing then make sure the pictures that you upload bring out the best in your devices. Keep a few things in mind – make sure the background is contrasting to the device, pictures must be high quality, and include all angles including the screen (On and Off), the charging port, both sides, the top, and the back of the device. This will not only help you find the buyers that are actually interested but will also solidify your chances of making the sale.

2. Include Accessories

 

When a buyer looks to buy a device they expect it to include some accessories like a charger or a box to transport it in.

You may or may not be able to charge a few extra bucks if you include all the essentials. If possible, keep necessary documents such as the warranty card and sale receipt handy. This will add to the validity of your product and help give the buyer peace of mind.

3. Be Transparent

If you are dishonest about the product you’re selling – be it the date of purchase, the reason for cosmetic damage, or technical specifications – chances are you will never be able to make another sale, especially if your product is listed online. Before buying any product, as a consumer yourself, you will read online reviews to see if the product is worth buying or not. When you are on the other side of the table, make sure you don’t do anything that will earn you a bad review. There are many people trying to sell used phones online so a potential customer could just move on to the next listing.

Now, that our selling guidelines are laid out let’s talk about where you can sell your used electronics.

1. SmartphonesPLUS

If you’re looking for a place to sell your phone online or in-store easily and for the most cash – go with SmartphonesPLUS. Not only do they make the process super easy with their packaging materials and a free shipping label, but they also pay top dollar by check, PayPal, and even Venmo. They are always adding new payment options too! SmartphonesPLUS is a family-owned company that you can trust and their technicians and support team are always happy to help.

The process is easy: select the device you want to sell on the website, see how much it’s worth, then ship it to SmartphonesPLUS with the free shipping label they provide for you. Once received, it will be inspected and everything checks out –  you will be paid within 24 hours. If you’d like to sell it in-store you can do that too. Simply bring your device into the SmartphonesPLUS store near you and a technician will pay you cash on the spot.

2. eBay

eBay is a marketplace with countless buyers and sellers. Selling on eBay is a decent amount of work, however, you’ll be able to maximize your profits using this platform. When using eBay you will want to make sure you are taking good photos of your item and also setting the price at a competitive price point. Also, be sure to respond to any messages in a timely manner. Keep in mind that buyers can return your item.

You may also have to factor in shipping fees, eBay’s selling fees, and the value of your time when calculating whether it is worth it to sell on eBay.

3. Facebook Marketplace

For selling your electronic items, the Facebook marketplace is fairly new. It has a goal of making it more secure for people buying and selling items locally. It serves as a listing portal. The best part is that you don’t pay a single penny as a listing fee to sell your used electronics. Neighborhood sellers will meet up in a public space to help transactions go smoother. Your community may have some e-commerce trading safe-havens at police stations or community centers. If you’re in Cedar Rapids, IA or Coralville, IA, SmartphonesPLUS has designated its stores as e-commerce safe havens.

4. EcoATM

EcoATM allows you to trade in your device at their automated machines. These machines are usually found in malls, large retailers, and other shopping centers. The nice thing about these machines is that they give you cash on the spot. However, they tend to have the lowest payouts of any company. If time is your biggest issue then they may be a good option, but if you are trying to get the most money out of selling your phone choose a different route.

 

 

There you have it. These are our top picks on marketplaces to sell your electronics online and in person. A couple of honorable mentions are Craigslist and Amazon Marketplace.

Letting your devices lose value in drawers is a waste, so make sure you cash in on them as quickly as possible!