The holiday season is a time where we get all new devices. From tablets to computers to gadgets, there are all sorts of things that can be given and received during the holiday season.
When we do get new things, however, it's time to store, sell or give away our old stuff. Here are some tips on how and where to sell aging gadgets.
Things to Consider
Unfortunately for those of us who own a lot of tech, the value of technology depreciates quite quickly. How much you can earn on a piece of gear largely depends on how old it is and the condition that it is in, like anything else. One way to find out how much an item will sell for is to head over to eBay and look at past auctions of a product. It is likely that they will all be in a similar price range. You can look at completed listings here.
Owners of tech can also often trade in their old stuff for in-store credit to buy newer equipment. Often stores will offer a better deal on in-store credit than selling for cash. Even companies themselves will buy back tech. For example, Apple offers a "reuse and recycle" program, in which users can sell back their old stuff for an Apple store gift card.
A third option to consider is to donate working equipment to places like schools. The trade-off? That nice feeling in your tummy for having done something to help someone else.
Places to Sell
There are a number of places to sell old tech. The first, and perhaps most obvious, is eBay, which allows users to either sell in an auction or sell for a fixed price. Auctions are great for those who are a little less concerned with how much their stuff sells for and "Buy it Now" selling is great for those who know how much they want. The downside is that eBay is huge, so a device likely will not sell if it does not have a price comparable to other similar products on the site.
Another popular option is Craigslist, which is perfect for those who want cash or who want to sell locally. Those using Craigslist should also make sure that their stuff is sold for a decent price, as often buyers have consulted about prices on sites like eBay.
As mentioned before, stores like Best Buy will often take old gear off your hands, as will companies like Apple. The most important thing to do is research. Check eBay and Craigslist. Ask the company if they will buy it back and for how much. And perhaps most importantly, don't let a relative find out if you're selling a gift that they gave you last year!
