*This is a collaborative guest post.
There’s a good chance there’s a drawer somewhere in the house full of old chargers, a tablet nobody uses anymore, and at least one phone that’s been “just in case” for the last two years. That drawer is basically a small pile of cash, just sitting there doing nothing.
To turn your old tech into cash is one of the easiest wins going, but it’s also easy to get a rubbish deal if the process is rushed. Here’s how to do it properly and actually walk away with a fair price.
Work Out What It’s Worth Before Doing Anything Else
Before accepting the first offer that comes along, it’s worth checking what similar devices are actually selling for. A quick search on comparison sites or marketplace listings gives a realistic price range in minutes. Condition, storage size, and battery health all affect the number, so it helps to have those details to hand before getting any quotes.
It’s also worth factoring in accessories. A phone with its original box, charger, and a case can fetch more than one on its own, so it’s worth digging those out rather than leaving them to gather dust.
Wipe It Properly
This bit’s non-negotiable. Before any device leaves the house, back up anything worth keeping (photos, contacts, that sort of thing) and then do a full factory reset. Skipping this step doesn’t just risk personal data ending up somewhere unwanted, it can also mean a buyer rejects the device outright if accounts are still logged in.
For phones specifically, remember to sign out of any cloud accounts and remove SIM or memory cards before handing anything over. A device that’s still locked to someone else’s account is essentially worthless to a buyer.
Selling A Phone: Where To Get The Best Price
Phones tend to hold their value better than most other tech, which makes them worth a bit more effort to sell properly. There are a few routes to go down, and each suits a different level of hassle tolerance.
Trade-in schemes are the easiest option by far. Many retailers and networks will offer to trade in phone devices directly, giving an instant valuation and paying out once the phone’s checked over. It’s not always the highest price on the table, but it’s fast, low-effort, and there’s no faffing about with buyers who ask fifty questions then go quiet.
Manufacturer trade-in programmes are also worth a look, especially for anyone upgrading to a new device from the same brand. A Samsung trade-in, for example, can knock a decent chunk off the price of a new handset, and the whole thing is handled through the same retailer, so there’s less back and forth than selling privately.
Marketplace selling (think Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and similar) usually gets the highest price overall, but it takes more effort. Photos need to be decent, the listing needs an honest description of the condition, and there’s the small matter of dealing with buyers directly, some of whom will try to haggle the price down to nothing.
A Few Quick Wins Before Selling Anything
- Give the device a proper clean, screen protectors and all, since first impressions do affect offers.
- Check whether it’s still under warranty, as this can bump up the price with some buyers.
- Test the battery health if the phone allows it. A tired battery is one of the biggest reasons for a lower valuation.
- Compare at least two or three quotes before committing, even if trade-in is the plan.
The Bottom Line
That drawer of old tech is worth more than it looks. Whether it’s heading off through a straightforward trade-in scheme, a manufacturer deal like a Samsung trade-in, or a private sale for the best possible price, a bit of prep work goes a long way. Wipe it, check it, compare a few offers, and that old phone can pay for something far more exciting than sitting in a drawer.
