5 Places to Sell Your Old Tech After the Holidays

The holidays are a time for giving and receiving, and for many, that means unwrapping a shiny new smartphone, tablet, laptop, or smart watch. But what do you do with your old device? Instead of letting it collect dust in a drawer, why not sell it and put some cash back in your pocket? Here are five great places to [quickly and easily] sell your old tech.

1. Go BuckUp

BuckUp is a new way to get instant cash by unlocking the value of your stuff. In less than five minutes, you’ll get a quote for your device and get to choose whether to ship it or keep it. If you ship the device, BuckUp will give you a free 2-day shipping label. If you want to keep it, you can use the device for up to 30 days, paying $1 a day, then return the cash or using your free shipping label to send it in. 

Pros of using BuckUp: 

• Cash is instant (up to $500) and the process takes less than five minutes.
• You can BuckUp your device before you get a new one, giving you cash and 30 more days use before you ship it.
• Shipping is free.
• BuckUp is a part of the re-use economy. Instead of breaking your devices down for scrap, releasing harmful chemicals and tossing out what can’t be recycled, your device is revitalized and given a second life.

Cons to BuckUp:

• BuckUp makes it much more difficult to be a grinch during the holidays. 🎄😡🎁 Bah humbug.

2. Trade-in programs

Some wireless carriers offer trade-in programs, giving you a discount on your new devices when you renew your contract and buy a new phone.

Pros of trade-in programs:

• The credit you receive is “instant” because it’s applied to the cost of your new device.

Cons of trading in your devices:

• Some carriers offer credits for tablets and watches, but these deals are mostly for phones.
• Trade-in programs offer much less value for your phones.
• These typically require a two year commitment to a phone carrier.
• This isn’t an option if you already have your new phone, since credit can’t be applied to that purchase.

3. Online auction houses

This is a classic. You may not have heard the name “eBay” in a while, but the site is still alive and kicking. A pioneer in the digital economy, eBay allows you to post items for an online auction. Users make bids on the devices until the auction window closes, and your device is sold to the highest bidder.

eBay Pros:

• eBay is a safe and reliable way to sell just about anything.
• You can set a “buy now” price to sell your device instantly if someone wants to forego the bidding process. 

Cons of selling on eBay: 

• eBay takes a cut of your sale price in exchange for your services. This averages about 13%, so a device selling for $500 would only net you $435.
• You’ll pay out-of-pocket for shipping your device.
• Your item can sell for significantly under its true value, especially if it’s an older device, if it’s a slow week for bidders, or you want to set a compelling “Buy Now” price.
• Auctions take time, and eBay payouts don’t happen until two days after the buyer is charged.

4. Online marketplaces

Two names should come to mind when someone mentions online marketplaces: Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Both are digital incarnations of classified ads, allowing you to post items for sale and negotiate directly with prospective buyers.

Pros of online marketplaces:

• Facebook and Craigslist are well-established brands with large followings.
• You get to set your price and the terms of your sale (where, when, how, etc.)

Online marketplace cons:

• These platforms limit your audience to your city or town.
• Fraud and scams. Even if you manage to find an out-of-town buyer for your device, the platforms’ lack of support for secure payments opens digital transactions up to fraud. 
• While platforms fight hard against spam, the era of bots has ushered in a new wave of spammy emails and texts from fake users of online marketplaces.
• BuckUp, trade-in services, and auction platforms save you from haggling and negotiation on price. Online marketplaces all but guarantee it.
• Working directly with buyers and meeting in person to exchange payment and devices can be very uncomfortable, and opens you up to theft and privacy issues. 

5. Marketplace apps

A marketplace like OfferUp is an app-based improvement on what Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist offer. OfferUp alone boasts 150 million app downloads and over 30 million transactions each year. 

OfferUp pros: 

• Posting can take less than 60 seconds.
• The brand is fighting e-waste and emphasizing giving your devices a second life.
• Their “boost” feature allows you to buy a pseudo ad, helping you sell your device faster.

Cons to OfferUp:

• Somewhat geographically-limited audience.
• Haggling over price is a part of the process.
• You’ll still need to meet with buyers in-person.

Final thoughts

Selling your old device is a win-win—it clears clutter and puts money back in your wallet. Whether you choose a BuckUp, an online marketplace, trade-in program, or app like OfferUp, there’s an option that fits your needs. Take a little time to research your phone’s value and pick the method that offers the best balance of convenience and cash.

Happy selling—and enjoy your new device!