This post will walk you through the preparation steps before trading a preowned laptop for cash.

Before you Trade in Your Laptop For Cash

Data Backup

To keep your private stuff private, you need to erase it from the laptop you are selling. But before you do, don’t forget to back it up first. 

Most people still rely on external hard drives for their backups. But you can also upload your data to the cloud. Both Dropbox and Google Drive are great options for that and are free unless you have a lot of GB of information to upload. Besides, you will be able to access your files from virtually any spot with an internet connection. If you plan on using cloud storage, a paid subscription is a must.

Format Your Storage Drive

As we have established, one should reset their computer before reselling it. A factory reset erases all stored files and installed programs, subsequently restoring the system to its original out-of-box state. The process is relatively easy, even if you are not tech-savvy, and we have a handy guide on how to erase a pc laptop that can help you with that. If you are selling a used Mac, check our post about how to factory reset an Apple laptop for more information.

Assess the Condition of Your Laptop 

Take the time to examine your used laptop for signs of use and go over its overall functional state. Even if you don’t know what is wrong with it, writing everything down will help you estimate its resale value. Besides, you will be required to disclose this information once you are ready to sell the laptop for some cash. 

While the valuation process can get confusing, most online buyback sites have automated questionnaires built-in to help sellers assess the condition of their gadgets. 

Regardless, be sure you know the answers to the following questions: 

• Does your laptop boots up normally?
• Are you aware of any damaged/failed hardware components? 
• Is the display intact, blemish-free, and working fine? 
• Does the laptop have visible signs of use, like scuffs, scratches, wear marks, or else? 
• Do hinges work fine?
• Does the notebook have physical damage, like cracks, dents, or chips? 
• Do you still have the power adapter? 

Surface Cleaning

Before you resell your used laptop, please take the time to clean its surfaces thoroughly. It is way easier to sell a clean, neat-looking computer. A dirty, unkept device gives potential buyers a valid reason to re-negotiate the price. 

To give your laptop a final wipe-down, use soft cotton fabric that won’t leave streaks, lint, or residue. Do not use water or other corrosive liquids to avoid damage. You can, however, use a diluted alcohol solution to remove stains and fingerprints from the chassis and screen surface. Remember: a clean laptop increases your chances of reselling it for cash quickly.

How Much Can I Trade in My Laptop For? 

The resale value of a preowned computer depends on the brand, model, configuration, current market demand, and overall condition. And while each case is individual, here are a few cash offer examples for the models that are most frequently sold to Gadget Salvation:

• A used Microsoft Surface Book 2 13.5-inch, with Intel Core i7 CPU and 512GB storage, can go for up to $420.*
• Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch 2019 Touch Bar 1.7GHz Core i7 128GB, fully working but with signs of use, yields up to a $429 offer online.*
• An AMD Ryzen 7-based gaming laptop, HP Omen 15 series with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics, goes for up to $545.*

As you can see, the value of a used laptop mainly depends on the brand, release year, and model. In the case of gaming units, the resale value is higher because of high-end components (graphics and CPUs). Yet, sellers must remember that their used electronic devices lose their resale price dramatically over time. This is because tech depreciates faster and faster, as gadget models are being updated even more frequently. Because of rapid depreciation, your three-month-old computer is typically worth half of what you originally paid for it nowadays. For that reason, trade in your laptop for cash sooner rather than later; otherwise, it may lose its value before you know it.

In Conclusion

When selling a used laptop for cash, it is vital to take some preparation steps ahead of time. Luckily, these are easy to follow and, if done correctly, should not take more than 20-30 minutes of your time.