Sell iPhones for Cash: A Smart Way to Turn Your Old Device into Instant Value
Smartphones are a necessity in today’s rapidly advancing technology world; they have been quite popular, but no one compares to Apple’s iPhone in terms of sales and popularity worldwide. While the new models are being released in the market every year, for an iPhone user, upgrading to the latest model turns into a compulsion. Meanwhile, with smartphones constantly changing, old sets gather dust in drawers. The good news is that instead of leaving your old iPhone to waste away, you can sell it for cash and put that money to better use. This blog explores the various methods to sell used iPhones for cash, why it’s a smart decision, and how you can maximize the value of your device.
Why Sell Your iPhone for Cash?
The idea of selling an old iPhone might seem intimidating to some, but the benefits are undeniable. Here are some reasons why selling your iPhone for cash is a smart move:
Instant Cash for Upgrading:
The most apparent reason to sell your iPhone is to generate cash. If you plan to upgrade to a newer iPhone model or any other smartphone, selling your old device can provide you with the funds needed to make the purchase.
Current Impact on the Environment:
E-waste grows each day across the world. Selling an old iPhone helps decrease the impact of e-waste. Many services recycle iPhones in an eco-friendly manner, ensuring that your old device doesn’t end up in a landfill.
Maximizing Value:
An old iPhone, even if it is not the latest model, still holds value. The second-hand market for iPhones is healthy, and you can sell it for a decent price if you do it right. The sooner you sell your old iPhone, the higher the value, as depreciation tends to be quicker for electronic devices.
Clearing Out Clutter:
If you are a hoarder who keeps all gadgets, then it is the right time to clear out clutter. Selling your iPhone will help you free up space; whether you plan to use the cash for something else or just want to de-clutter your life.
How to Sell Your iPhone for Cash?
Having explained the reasons why you should sell your iPhone, let’s go on to explore how you can sell your device and receive cash using different methods.
1. Sell to Buyback Programs
The easiest way to sell an iPhone for cash is by participating in a buyback program. These programs have made it easy to sell a device fast and convenient. The most common ones are:
Apple Trade-In:
If you are purchasing a new iPhone or other Apple product, the Apple Trade-In program is a great option. You can trade in your old iPhone for credit toward a new purchase or an Apple gift card. The value of your phone is assessed based on its condition and model, and Apple makes the process straightforward with free shipping, or you can visit an Apple Store for an in-person assessment.
Gazelle:
Gazelle is a safe buyback service, offering cash for used iPhones. You will be required to answer a few questions about your device’s condition, get a quote, and send it in. Once received, they inspect the device and send payment their way. Gazelle allows them to choose to receive checks, PayPal, or Amazon gift cards.
Decluttr:
Decluttr is similar to Gazelle; it’s a buyback service where you sell your old iPhone for cash. Decluttr offers an instant quote based on the condition of your device. They will then pay you the cash within days of shipping the iPhone to them. Decluttr also guarantees that they have a price match so that in case you can find a better deal elsewhere, you get to benefit from that deal.
2. Sell to Online Marketplaces
If you want to sell your iPhone for a higher price and are willing to spend some time, then you can sell it on online marketplaces such as eBay or Facebook Marketplace. You can set your price, and it will reach a larger audience.
eBay:
This is another common marketplace where people sell used iPhones 11. You can either auction or sell it at a fixed price. eBay reaches a wider market, so there is a high possibility of getting premium bidders for your device. You will, however, have to ship the device and handle buyer protection, which will cost you a fee.
Facebook Marketplace:
This platform allows you to sell your iPhone locally so that you will not have to worry about shipping. It’s a great option if you like to meet your buyers in person. There is no listing fee, and you can communicate with potential buyers through Facebook Messenger.
Craigslist:
Similar to Facebook Marketplace, you can also sell the iPhone locally through Craigslist. Sellers will just need to post an ad including much detail and possible photos of their iPhone. However, always be careful when meeting strangers in person for obvious safety reasons.
3. Sell to Mobile Carrier Trade-In Programs
Mobile carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint offer trade-in programs where you can sell your old iPhone for cash or store credit. These programs are particularly convenient if you’re already a customer with the carrier and are looking to upgrade your phone or change your plan. Some carriers offer promotions where you can receive credit toward a new device or a cash payout for trading in your old phone.
4. Sell to Pawn Shops or Local Electronics Stores
For those looking for a more immediate transaction, selling your iPhone to a pawn shop or local electronics store is an option. However, this method may not yield the highest cash payout, as pawn shops typically offer lower prices compared to online buyback services. On the other hand, you’ll walk away with cash in hand the same day, making it a faster solution if you’re in a hurry.
5. Sell via Trade-In Websites
There are some websites specialized in buying and selling used smartphones. Swappa, for instance, is one of them. This is a site where you list your iPhone and which buyers around the world browse to purchase. Not like eBay, Swappa has only a focus on smartphones and other electronics and is niche-oriented for buyers in the same sphere.
Maximize the Value of Your iPhone
To get the best cash for your iPhone 12, you should maximize its appeal to potential buyers or buyback services. Here are a few tips to help you get the most money:
Maintain the Original Packaging and Accessories:
If you still have the original box, charger, or other accessories that accompanied the iPhone, it will be able to raise the value. The buyer likes receiving a complete package.
Factory Reset the Device:
Before selling, you should factory reset your device in order to completely erase all your personal data. This protects your privacy and makes the device much more appealing to the buyer.
Fix Damage:
If your iPhone has minor damages, like a cracked screen or broken buttons, getting it repaired before selling will increase its resale value. Determine if the cost of repair is worth the potential increase in price.
Make It Clean:
A clean device always looks more appealing. Wipe your iPhone’s screen, back, and sides, removing any dirt or smudges.
Conclusion
Selling your iPhone for cash is a great way to get the most out of your old device. Whether you use a buyback program, an online marketplace, or a local store, there are many ways to turn your old iPhone into cash. You can turn the old device into instant money, usable for an upgrade or whatever else you may need, by taking the step to get it maximized in value and selecting the method that best works for you. The modern iPhone is released so often so that there’s no better time to sell and capitalize upon the value of your older model.
