You finally upgraded your phone, laptop, console, or smartwatch—and now the old one is sitting in a drawer. That’s money (and usable gear) going to waste. If you’re wondering how to resell your old tech without getting lowballed, scammed, or stressed, this guide breaks it down step by step.

From the TrevMart perspective: Trevor and I were discussing how most people leave $100–$500 on the table simply because they don’t prep their devices, price them right, or pick the right selling platform.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, TrevMart earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Step 1: Decide if you should sell, trade in, or keep it

Before you list anything, figure out your best outcome: maximum cash, minimum hassle, or a backup device you can rely on.

Sell it if you want the most money

Direct sales usually pay more, especially for Apple gear, gaming handhelds, GPUs, and recent Android flagships.

Trade it in if you want speed and simplicity

Carrier and retailer trade-ins are fast, but payouts can be lower. They make the most sense when bundled with a promo credit that beats typical resale value.

Keep it if it still solves a problem

An old laptop can become a “kitchen computer,” a backup for travel, or a dedicated streaming/Discord machine. If resale value is low, repurposing may win.

Step 2: Find your real-world resale price (not wishful thinking)

Pricing is where most listings fail. Too high and your device sits for weeks. Too low and you regret it instantly.

Use “sold listings,” not active listings

On eBay, filter by “Sold items.” On Facebook Marketplace, search and compare similar models and storage sizes. Your goal is to price based on what buyers actually paid.

Price based on condition and included extras

• Like-new condition: top dollar, especially with box and accessories.
• Normal wear: small discount is expected (light scratches, minor scuffs).
• Damage: cracked glass, bad ports, or weak battery can cut value hard—but “for parts” still sells.

Quick pricing rule that works

List at the high end of recent sold prices if you have great photos, accessories, and strong condition. List near the middle if you want it gone quickly.

Step 3: Prep your device so it sells faster (and safer)

Buyers pay more for clean, ready-to-use tech. You also reduce return requests and “item not as described” disputes.

Clean it like you respect the next owner

Use a microfiber cloth, a small soft brush for ports, and isopropyl alcohol (70%+) on non-porous surfaces. Don’t soak anything and don’t spray directly into openings.

Take photos that build trust

• Front, back, sides, ports, and close-ups of any wear.
• Screen turned on to prove it works (no personal info visible).
• Serial/model info page (when safe), plus included accessories.

Write a listing that answers questions upfront

Short, clear details sell. Avoid fluff. Buyers want specifics.

• Exact model (example: “iPhone 14 Pro 128GB”)
• Unlocked/locked status (phones/tablets)
• Battery health (if available)
• Storage size so buyers can keep apps/photos without juggling space
• What’s included (box, charger, dock, stylus, controllers)
• Known issues (be honest—returns cost more than transparency)

Step 4: Protect your data (don’t skip this)

Your old tech knows too much about you. Resetting properly protects your logins, photos, and payment info.

Phones and tablets

• Back up what you need (iCloud/Google/PC).
• Sign out of your account (Apple ID / Google).
• Disable Find My / Factory Reset Protection.
• Factory reset from Settings.

Laptops and desktops

• Back up files and passwords.
• Sign out of browsers and apps (Google, Microsoft, Adobe).
• Use the OS reset (Windows “Reset this PC” or macOS Recovery “Erase Mac”).
• If you’re selling a machine with sensitive data, consider a proper drive wipe or drive removal.

Smartwatches, earbuds, and smart home gear

Unpair them from your phone, remove them from the app, and reset to factory state. Buyers hate devices that are still locked to a previous account.

Step 5: Choose the best place to resell your old tech

Your platform choice affects how much you make, how fast you sell, and how much risk you take.

eBay (highest reach, more fees)

Best for niche gear: GPUs, gaming handhelds, cameras, tablets, and older Apple products. You’ll pay fees, but buyers come ready to purchase.

Facebook Marketplace / local sales (fast cash, more people risk)

Great for laptops, consoles, monitors, and PCs where shipping is expensive. Meet in a public spot and avoid odd payment requests.

Swappa (strong for phones, low drama)

Swappa listings tend to attract buyers who know what they want. It can be a smoother experience for unlocked phones and tablets.

Trade-in services (lowest effort)

Amazon, Best Buy, Apple, and carriers can work well for convenience. Always compare the trade-in quote to recent sold prices first.

Pros & Cons quick guide

• Direct sale: More money, more work.
• Trade-in: Less money, almost no work.
• Local sale: No shipping, more coordination.
• Online sale: Wider audience, fees and shipping.

Step 6: Avoid scams and chargebacks

Most resale problems come from payment and shipping mistakes. A few guardrails keep you safe.

Local sale safety checklist

• Meet in a police station lobby or busy public place.
• Bring a friend if you can.
• Prefer cash or an in-app payment method with clear confirmation.
• Let the buyer test basics (power on, Wi-Fi, camera, speakers) but keep it controlled.

Shipping safety checklist

• Pack like it will be dropped (because it might be).
• Use tracking and keep your receipt.
• Record a short video showing the device working and being packed (helps with disputes).
• Only ship to the address provided by the platform.

Step 7: Make it “worth more” with simple add-ons

You don’t need to bundle expensive extras. A few small improvements can raise value and speed up the sale.

• Fresh case + screen protector so the buyer feels confident carrying it immediately.
• Quality charging cable so they can use it day one without shopping around.
• Original box to improve trust and perceived care.

These aren’t magic, but they reduce hesitation, which is what usually kills sales.

Final verdict: resell smart, keep more of your upgrade budget

Reselling old tech is mostly a process game: price it based on sold listings, prep it like a product (not an afterthought), wipe your data correctly, and pick a platform that matches your risk tolerance. Do that, and your latest upgrade doesn’t have to feel like a financial hit.

What piece of old tech are you trying to sell right now—and where are you thinking of listing it?