Whether it’s a drawer, a box or a plastic bag buried in a closet, everyone seems to have a stash of old cellphones and electronics. The worst part is that these collections keep growing.
While no one can blame you for wanting the latest and greatest technology, there are plenty of ways to make money off your used phones and electronics.
Here we highlight some of the easiest exchanges that can earn you cash or store credit.
Afraid your devices are too antiquated? You could still get rewarded — for recycling them. We explain how in “9 Retailers That Will Reward You for Recycling.”
Either way, your house is cleaner, your pockets are fuller and you feel better.
1. Decluttr
Have you tried selling your tech on popular online marketplaces? It’s not always easy: It can be a hassle to manage the listing and haggle with bidders, which is why there’s Decluttr.
This trade-in service instantly values items and sends you the assessed amount via direct deposit, PayPal or check. You can even have them send the money to a charity.
Types of electronics that are accepted include:
- Cellphones
- CDs (excluding singles)
- DVDs
- Gaming consoles
- Video games
- Tablets
- Wearables (Apple and Samsung only)
- MacBooks
How electronics are turned in: By mail. Decluttr emails you free shipping labels to print and tape to your own box.
How to get an appraisal: Go to decluttr.com and select an option under the “Sell” tab (in the black stripe at the top of every page on the site). This takes you to a search page, where you enter the item name. Once you’ve found the exact device, click the “Sell now” button. You’ll instantly receive an offer price based on the condition of your item.
2. Gazelle
Since 2008, Gazelle has been buying and selling pre-owned cellphones, tablets, computers and more.
You find your device on Gazelle.com, and, if you accept the valuation offered, Gazelle will send a check in the mail. Or it’ll pay you in the form of an Amazon gift card or through PayPal.
Types of electronics that are accepted include:
- Cellphones
- Tablets
- iPads
- Apple computers and Apple TV
How electronics are turned in: By mail. Gazelle sends a prepaid USPS or FedEx shipping label.
How to get an appraisal: Start by selecting the type of device you’re selling. Once you find the exact product, click “Get an Offer.” You’ll be prompted to answer a few questions about the condition of your device before Gazelle’s offer appears.
3. Amazon’s trade-in program
In case you need yet another reason to shop the retail giant, the Amazon Trade-In program is a credible excuse. You will literally get store credit — in the form of an Amazon gift card — in exchange for eligible electronics. The amount of the gift card depends on the appraised value of your trade-in item.
Types of electronics that are accepted include:
- Cellphones
- E-readers (Kindle only)
- Gaming devices
- Bluetooth and smart speakers
- Streaming media players
- Tablets
How electronics are turned in: By mail. Amazon gives you a prepaid shipping label to print. Shipping is free.
How to get an appraisal: Visit the website, click on the applicable category and follow the prompts.
4. Best Buy’s trade-in program
If you’re trying to upgrade or exchange a product for another type of electronics, check out the Best Buy Trade-In program. Your device could earn you a Best Buy gift card to spend on any of a wide assortment of technology products.
Types of electronics that are accepted include:
- Cellphones
- Tablets
- MP3 players
- Video games
- Gaming hardware
- Computers
- Cameras
- Wearables
- TVs
How electronics are turned in: In-store or by mail. Not all Best Buy stores participate, so contact your nearest location for details. If you do a trade-in online, Best Buy covers shipping costs.
How to get an appraisal: Visit the Best Buy Trade-In program online, scroll down and click on your device or search for it by category. Once you’ve specified the condition of your item (“Good,” “Poor” or “Recycle”), you’ll see an estimated trade-in value.
5. Walmart’s trade-in program
Walmart is an affordable place to shop, and with Walmart Gadget to Gift Cards, you can save even more. Based on the appraised value of your trade-in items, Walmart sends you an electronic gift card to use for purchases at Walmart.com.
Types of electronics that are accepted include:
- Cellphones
- Tablets
- Gaming consoles
- Voice speakers
- Laptops
- Wearables
How electronics are turned in: By mail. Walmart provides a free FedEx ground shipping label.
How to get an appraisal: Go to the Gadget to Gift Cards home page and select from the “Trade-in Categories” drop-down menu at the top left side of the page. Select your exact device. You may need to answer a few questions about its condition and any accessories you are trading in with it. Finally, click “Calculate” to reveal the value.
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