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How to Sell Your Old Electronics for Cash (Without Getting Ripped Off)

October 8, 2026 · QuickDeals

That old iPhone in your drawer, the laptop you replaced last year, the PS4 collecting dust — they’re all worth money. But the difference between getting fair value and getting ripped off comes down to where you sell, how you price, and how you prepare the item. Here’s the complete process.

Step 1: Find Out What It’s Worth

Before listing anything, check what identical items actually sell for (not what people are asking):

• eBay sold listings: search your item, then filter by “Sold Items” to see real sale prices from the last 90 days
• Swappa: best for phones and tablets — shows current and recent prices by condition
• Facebook Marketplace: search your area to see local asking prices (actual sale prices are lower)

Take the eBay sold median price and subtract 13% for fees + shipping. That’s your realistic net on eBay. For local sales, take 75–85% of the eBay sold price.

Step 2: Prepare the Device

Phones and Tablets

1. Back up your data (iCloud/Google)
2. Sign out of your Apple ID / Google account
3. Factory reset the device
4. Remove the SIM card
5. Disable Find My iPhone / Find My Device
6. Check for carrier lock status — unlocked devices sell for 10–20% more

Laptops

1. Back up your files
2. Sign out of all accounts (Microsoft, Google, Adobe, etc.)
3. Deauthorize any software licenses (iTunes, Adobe Creative Cloud)
4. Factory reset or clean install the OS
5. For MacBooks: sign out of iCloud and deauthorize in Find My

Game Consoles

1. Delink your PSN/Xbox/Nintendo account
2. Factory reset the console
3. Include all cables and controllers (incomplete sets sell for 20–30% less)

Step 3: Choose Where to Sell

Step 4: Price It Right

• eBay auction: start at 70% of the sold median — competition drives the price up
• eBay Buy It Now: price at the sold median, enable Best Offer
• Facebook Marketplace: list at 85–90% of the sold median, expect offers at 70–80%
• Swappa: price at or slightly below the current lowest listing in your condition tier

Step 5: Take Good Photos

The number one factor in selling speed and price is photo quality:

• Natural light, white or neutral background
• All sides of the device (front, back, sides, bottom)
• Close-ups of any scratches, dents, or wear
• Screen on, showing it works
• Include all accessories in the photo

Listings with 6+ clear photos sell 3x faster than listings with 1–2 blurry phone photos.