Used MacBooks hold great salvage value over time, and if you are not looking to swap it in for a newer model, selling for cash is the second-best option to get rid of an unwanted computer. But where to start? We will attempt to list some of the most popular resale options available for reselling Apple Macs online in 2022.

Online Trade-in Programs

Apple and other big electronics retailers have designed their own trade-in programs for exchanging outdated MacBook models for newer ones or store credit. This option is perfect for those loyal to the brand and who want to upgrade their current Macs. 

The total Mac trade-in turnaround time, if done online, takes around two weeks plus. But the trade-in has its caveats. For example, your Apple MacBook must be in near pristine cosmetic and perfect working condition to qualify for a store credit or trade-in value. Besides, Mac users can often get much higher offers elsewhere. Another downside of a trade-in is that you cannot exchange your gift card for the money. Still, even if you can’t use it yourself, you can always re-gift or donate. 

If you are thinking about trading your older MacBook with Apple, check whether your computer is eligible first. Then, use their online assessment tool to calculate the trade-in offer based on the computer’s condition. Lastly, if you are OK with the valuation, please fill out the checkout form and subsequently send your Mac in. After about ten workdays, you should be receiving an e-gift card over email, as long as your device passes the verification process. 

Sell Your MacBook via an Online Buyback Site

An online buyback is one of the most convenient ways to resell pre-owned technology online today. For example, when selling their used Macs to a buyback, users don’t have to bother creating the listing, negotiating with potential buyers, and finally waiting for their products to sell. A streamlined process is the best part of selling via buyback sites.

So, when you sell a MacBook online, figure out its exact model for an accurate estimate. Then, look it up on the buyback website of your choosing, describe its working and cosmetic condition using the online calculator. Each site has its own quotation process, yet the questions are pretty standard. Some will gather this information and get back to you with an offer via email or phone, while most places will give you an instant dollar estimate. The next step, just like with Apple Trade-in, would be to the checkout and send the MacBook in. Again, most companies will cover the postage cost. 

Depending on the seller’s location, the shipping time can take anywhere from one to six business days. Once the buyback company receives and inspects your Mac, the payment gets issued. For example, Gadget Salvation makes payments via PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, or check within two days of receiving the computer.

Sell a MacBook Locally

As you might have guessed, this option is a little bit more time-consuming. But it may yield you a higher offer in the end. When reselling a used MacBook online yourself, you, on the one hand, may cut the need for third-party services. But you can also run into potential fees (selling, shipping) on the other hand. Yet, you can sell locally and free of charge on marketplaces such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. But it can be a lengthy and tiring process, especially for those with full-time jobs and tight schedules. Plus, sellers should take extra precautions when meeting with interested parties in-person and watch out for potential scams.

What’s the Trade-in Value of Used MacBook?

The value of any used gadget depends on the make, model, cosmetic and functional condition. But generally, used Macs have a better resale worth than Windows-based computers. And while the resale price of each one depends on the factors mentioned above, we can make a few particular examples with some of the most popular Mac models below.

· So, a pre-owned Macbook Pro 16-inch 2019 with Intel Core i7 2.6GHz processor and 512GB storage can be resold for up to $653 online.*

· A two-year-old Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch 2020 Core i5-based, in used condition can go for about $361-$464, depending on the level of the wear.*

· An older Apple Macbook Air 13-inch Mid-2017 model with a 128GB SSD drive still can yield up to a $168 cash offer.*

· Lastly, a MacBook 12-inch 2016 with an m3 1.1GHz processor and 256GB SSD may sell for $237 max.*

In Conclusion 

As you can see, it is not that hard to sell a used MacBook online. But the one thing every seller should remember is that computers depreciate rapidly, even Apple ones. So, when contemplating reselling your gadget, we recommend acting fast and following through with it sooner rather than later if you want to get the maximum cash. 

*Priced on 03/27/2022. Subject to change.