Are you somewhat a gadget freak? I know I am. It’s a tough job from time to time, because money can’t be pulled down from the trees and storage room in your house will eventually be filled with crap if you just buy, buy and buy all the time (as long as you can afford it, that is).
That’s why one of my personal rules is to always try and get rid of used/old stuff as quickly as possible, preferable before the item becomes too “obsolete” or no longer interesting to the market. It’s harder to sell something that only a few people want, than something that is still interesting and people would want to buy used if they can get a good deal on it.
However, I don’t like dealing with used cell phone sales privately. You never know what kind of person you’re going to deal with, and how about payment and shipping? It’s not always an option to get the post office to handle both shipping and payment, so you either have to send first and receive payment later, or get paid first and send later – it’s a matter of who’s willing to take the risk. The seller, who might not get his money after having shipped upfront? Or the buyer, who might not get his product after having paid upfront? Dealing face-to-face is usually the best way to go, but not always an option, as you’re seriously limiting how many potential buyers are in your area.
Unfortunately I’m not located in the US (but sometimes I wish I was, for lots of various reasons!), but if I were, I’d probably go with a site such as sellcell.com where you can sell your cell phone. They offer a service where you can search for the cell phone you are planning on selling, check the prices offered – and of course – sell your phone. Then it’s just a matter of waiting to get paid. I would feel this is a safer and more secure way of selling your phone, although you may not be able to get as high a price as if you sold it privately, it’s less hassle and more safe.
How do you prefer to sell your old cell phones or used gadgets? What kind of options are available in your part of the world in terms of shipping, escrow, payments etc.? And have you ever been cheated/scammed, either as seller or buyer? Leave a comment below!
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Even how I wish to have a new gadget like iPhone4s, I will never sold my cellphone. I treasure all the things I have, and what I bought for myself. I’ll just wait for my until my savings it will be enough to buy such.
Hi Klaus,
I live in India, and we have many retailers so we directly sell them and they sell it to needy person. I know nobody liked to buy any outdated thing so it’s always best to sell early.
Used phones sell really well on ebay. However, if you aren’t comfortable with the auction style selling, you could also try a site like gazelle. They will make you an offer on your old phone based on a description that you give them. Then if you accept the offer, they will send you a shipping box with pre paid shipping. You juust send them your phone and you’ll get a check in the mail. it works really well.
Hate to be a sucker for the mainstream, but ebay is just about as straight-forward as they come – easy to use and plenty of buyers.
The only obvious downfall being the cost, which is charged as a percentage of the sale. This can really sting when your selling an expensive item…$60 to sell my macbook = ouch!
I sell most of my used stuff like cellphone and books on ebay. I love the auction system. It gives me the opportunity to earn more money compared to doing it the traditional way.
In the place where I use to live almost all the people around me have their new mobile phones, because they sold their old one to buy brand new unit. it is normal for us living here, aside from selling your phone you can buy advance unit that will suit you.
I’m into frugal living so I sell all the things that have no use for me anymore, including cell phones. I just bought a new one so I might check out the link you provided and sell my old cellphone.
i am a tech-freak and i always have to buy the newest phones as they appear on the market. Sometimes, it is very simple to change my phone, because of the phone company, which allows me the possibility to change the phone for a very affordable price. If not, i would put it up on ebay or on a similar site. The idea seems to be good to have a specific site for selling these products, but i guess the most of people didn’t know it.
Well does anyone wants to be Nokia E61 that is half broken so I can buy a new GALAXY 2?
I think such sites are very useful for anyone trying to sell their used items. Of course it’s always risky to buy a used item and not only because you risk getting conned. I always preffer to work through such sites when dealing with used items, be it cell phones or any other gadgets.
I’m a tech gadget fanatic,but regarding mobile phones I usually use them until they stop working so I’ve never sell a cell phone.
Regarding the service you’ve mentioned,I know that exist similar service even outside the USA
Hi there,
I am in the UK and as for me, the used cell phone online business is flourishing here. Besides, there is a options to recycle your old mobile phone to get a new one for a discounted price.
Nice I will have to see what my old phones are worth!
I know what it feels like using new gadgets with latest cool features to show off. I have changed 4 phone in last two years and looking forward for Iphone 4GS. One thing I have learnt, Now I used to buy phones which can get me good price on second sale.
Used phones sell really well on ebay. However, if you aren’t comfortable with the auction style selling, you could also try a site like gazelle. They will make you an offer on your old phone based on a description that you give them. Then if you accept the offer, they will send you a shipping box with pre paid shipping. You juust send them your phone and you’ll get a check in the mail. it works really well.