Did you know that the average American upgrades their smartphones every three years? With the advances of technology happening faster than that, even by months, you may find yourself with old electronics lying around that you don’t need anymore.
In the world of used gadgets and gismos, one man’s trash may be another man’s treasure and you could sell what you don’t need to someone who can put it to better use. While the temptation to sell your electronics as fast as possible to get easy cash might be high, you could be short-changing yourself in the long run.
Before you sell your smartphone to the fastest bidder, here are 5 things you should think about that will make selling electronics go smoother.
1. Wipe Them Clean
When you sell an old phone or computer, the first thing you should do is back up the data you have on it and then wipe it clean, both physically and electronically. Simply deleting the information off of it isn’t enough.
A clean system reinstall or factory reset can help you be sure that all your information is gone. You will also want to make sure that you’ve taken the device off the list of acceptable devices for streaming services and social media accounts.
Double-check all ports to make sure any data cards, games, and discs have been removed.
2. Research Before You Sell Your Electronics
The going rate of electronics can change on a day-to-day basis. Knowing the ballpark of what an item is currently selling for will help you price your item for sale. Sell too low and you will feel shortchanged.
Try to sell too high, and your item won’t move. Even if you cut the cost after a few days, potential buyers might be turned off by how long your item has been sitting for sale.
3. Take Pictures
People want to get what they think they are buying. Using stock photos or pictures of your device when it was brand new as you try and sell an iPhone will make it hard for buyers to trust the product and they will think twice about purchasing from you.
Taking great quality photos from different angles, and showing the device working can go a long way towards people looking at your item.
4. Be Honest About Quality
Letting people know up front the real quality of the item you are selling will establish you as an honest dealer. If a screen is cracked, you need to advertise as such.
The battery isn’t holding a charge? Either replace it before you sell it or add it to your selling post. You will end up having to deal with exchanges and unhappy customers if you don’t let people know in advance.
5. Consider Selling to a Company
Selling to a company that buys used electronic items is an easy way to make guaranteed cash. Often sites like rechargeelectronics.com will post what they want to buy and the cost is upfront.
These companies are regulated and you can see whether or not they are legitimate through a quick search. You also can check out their satisfaction ratings and reviews from other people who have used them.
Turn Your Trash Into Treasure
Now that you have considered a few tips on how to sell your electronics, it’s time to put them into practice. Have cash in no time to put towards your new electronic items.
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