If you are considering getting a new device, trading in your older laptop could help you offset some of the new purchase costs. Pre-owned devices might still hold decent reselling value, depending on the brand, model and cosmetic condition, of course. If you have taken a good care of your laptop and it is in good working condition, why not sell it for some extra cash? In this post we will share a few useful tips on how to prepare your laptop for sale and more!
Things to know when selling a used laptop
Identify the model and specifications
This might be an obvious thing, but you need to know exactly what you are selling, especially the brand, model and the specs of your laptop. Knowing the basic hardware configuration will help you to:
- Figure out whether the laptop still has value
- And if it does, find the best possible price on the market.
Most brands post model numbers on the bottom of the laptop, but if you need a little bit more guidance, please check how to find a laptop model number for details.
In addition, make sure to check the following:
- Processor type
- RAM memory and storage size
- GPU type (dedicated graphics card), if applicable
- Operative system
- Serial Number
Prepare your laptop for sale
When you intend to sell a laptop or any other gadget, make sure to back up your stored data first. Not only because you might need it in the future, but to also prevent other people from accessing it, once you no longer have the device. So, after your files are saved (on the external drive or on the cloud), the next step is to wipe the drive to make sure all stored information is erased. This can be accomplished by performing a factory reset. Lastly, don’t forget to clean your laptop from any dirt or dust. You are likely to get a better offer, if the laptop is clean and looks presentable.
Where to sell your laptop?
Basically, you can sell it on your own or use a third-party service. The main difference between these two options is that with the first one, you have to put in more time and effort, and it is often more risky. But if all goes well, you may sell your laptop for more money. The second option, on the other hand, is more streamlined and you will be paid much faster. Let’s explore pros and cons of both of these options in more detail.
Sell it yourself
If you are trying to get the most money out of your used laptop and are willing to do the work, then selling it yourself is the way to go. This option gives you total control over pricing, negotiations, shipping the laptop and dealing with potential returns. And in order to reach more potential buyers, you would need to use a platform, be it eBay, Craigslist, OfferUp or Facebook Marketplace.
Furthermore, you’ll find several sites that let users publish ads on classifieds for free in order to sell their used gadgets. In either case, you are required to create a listing, research the price, take good pictures of your laptop, negotiate with potential buyers, ship it, if sold outside of your area, and possibly even deal with returns, all on your own. This is a lengthy and time-consuming process. It is very important to describe the laptop you are selling to the best of your abilities, disclose any defects or issues. You also must communicate with interested parties and address any questions they might have in a timely manner.
The most popular choices when it comes to selling used tech on your own are:
- Craigslist
- Facebook Marketplace
- eBay
- OfferUp
Buy-Back sites
Most buy-back and reseller services are created to facilitate the selling process in a hassle-free way. It is ideal for busy professionals who have no time to meet with sketchy people from Craigslist, take photos, address email inquiries and requests, etc. Online buy-back companies and trade-in retailers will take care of that. All you are required to do is to just answer a few questions about your used laptop (questions like model, specs and condition) in order to get a valuation. In most cases, it is an instant process. And if you like the offer, all that is left to do is to send the laptop in, wait for the company to receive it, and get paid. Or, if you are OK with the store credit or a gift card, drop the laptop off at your local Apple Store or BestBuy through one of their trade-in programs.
Below, we highlight some of the tried-and-true options both for cash payments and store credits.
Trusted Reseller: Gadget Salvation
If you are looking for an instant cash estimate, Gadget Salvation got you covered. The service is fast, easy and convenient, and the prices are fair. Gadget Salvation is an ecommerce company founded back in 2008 to help users sell their used electronic gadgets such as laptops, smartphones, gaming consoles and more, for cash. The service is virtually contactless, which is especially important during the ongoing pandemic, and it includes free valuation, inspection, free shipping and returns. What’s even better, they offer a variety of payment methods, most of which are instant. You can get paid via check, PayPal, Venmo or Zelle (Chase QuickPay) -the choice is yours.
To sell laptops for cash through Gadget Salvation, visit their site and look up your model in their online database. Then, answer a few questions about your laptop’s cosmetic and functional condition, and they will share an estimate. If you like what you see, fill out the checkout form, and you are all set. You will receive a prepaid UPS shipping label via email, all you need is a sturdy box and some packaging materials. The company no longer mails boxes out in the effort to reduce their carbon footprint and halt cardboard manufacturing, but also to speed up the selling process! Send the package in and get paid once they accept your gadget. It really is that easy!
Trade-in for Store Gift Card at Best Buy
If you frequently shop at Best Buy, this might be the best option for you. The chain has their own trade-in service, and it works both online and in-store. Best Buy accepts a variety of electronic gadgets, such as desktop towers, laptop computers, cameras, streaming devices, video games, smartwatches and many more. If your device is accepted, you will be offered a Best Buy gift card for it; no cash payouts.
Like with other services, you would need to find the right model and provide basic information about the condition of the device you are selling. Then, accept the offer and print the shipping label provided by Best Buy Trade-in. After inspection, you will receive an electronic Best Buy gift card that you can use on online and in-store purchases. Total turnaround time is about two weeks.
Credit towards next purchase: Amazon Trade-in Program
Unlike with Best Buy, the number of gadgets Amazon accepts for a trade-in is limited to Kindle readers, tablets, iPhones and some other smartphone models. In exchange, you are offered an Amazon Gift card or discounts for eligible Amazon products. The company also offers free shipping for all trade-ins.
The process of selling used tech on Amazon is very similar to what was already described above. Find your device in their online database, provide a few key details, and get an instant quote. If your device happens to have a zero value, Amazon will recycle it for free. Turnaround time to get your electronic gift card is 10 business days. Within two business days of receiving your device, Amazon will let you know whether it was accepted or rejected. You can also track the status of the trade-in on your Amazon account.
How much can I get for my used laptop?
The value of any pre-owned laptop depends on the model, specs, cosmetic condition and functionality. It should be remembered that all electronic gadgets depreciate fast, as tech companies put out new and updated models on the market regularly.
Here are some price examples of how much you can expect to receive when selling a used laptop:
- A preowned Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 AMD Ryzen 9 CPU NVIDIA RTX 3080 in good condition and fully functional gets $1261*
- Used Dell Inspiron 17-7000 Series 2-in-1 Intel Core i7 8th Gen CPU yields up to $299* cash offer.
- A flawless Lenovo IdeaPad S540 AMD Ryzen 7 can get you up to $218* payout.
Bottom Line
In this day and age, you can pretty much buy and sell anything online, and that includes used laptop computers. Plus, selling used tech online is the easiest way to extend its lifespan and reduce carbon footprint. To recover the most of the value out of your pre-owned gadget, keep it in good condition, properly prepare it for the new owner, and of course, find the right place to sell, be it for cash or a store credit.
*Priced on 05/18/2021. Subject to change.