Say you have an older MSI gaming laptop, or maybe an Alienware, and you want to get rid of it. And because it’s a gaming laptop, even if it’s an older one, it’s likely to be still worth something. And there are several sites and marketplaces you can turn to for a price estimate and even sell your computer. We will review some of the most popular selling platforms below.
We recommend checking our Most powerful gaming laptops of 2021 review for those looking to get a newer gaming laptop model. And if you are a gamer on a tight budget, our Best gaming laptop under $500 post might interest you.
Without further ado, here is our review of the most popular reselling platforms.
Selling Your Gaming Laptop on eBay (Risk Level: High)
Many people understandably turn to eBay: the platform has a worldwide reach so that you can reach a large number of potential buyers. There are a few things to know about selling on eBay, however.
It works best if you already have an account and some experience selling and shopping on eBay. New applicants, however, must provide their social security number and bank account information to register an account as of 2020. And most people are not comfortable sharing this, especially if they don’t intend to use eBay going forward.
eBay also charges a fee: 12.55% of the total sale price plus 30 30-cent transaction fee. It may not sound like a lot, but you will feel that when you sell a high-end, expensive gaming laptop.
If you want to sell your laptop quickly, consider offering free shipping as a selling point. It would be wise also to request signature confirmation and possibly purchase insurance.
But one of the most severe issues to watch out for when selling on eBay is fraud. Any experienced seller deals with it on a regular. The platform offers very generous buyer protection at a seller’s expense, and unfortunately, many people take advantage of that. What’s even more upsetting is that eBay always sides with the scammer buyer. We have experienced this firsthand more than once: Still, to this day, eBay is not the safest platform for sellers.
Sell Your Gaming Laptop on Craigslist (Risk Level: High)
On Craigslist, you can only reach buyers in your area. But the good news is that you don’t have to create an account to sell. There are also no selling fees.
Craigslist might be a good option if you are selling an older, low-cost gaming laptop. That’s because people on Craigslist usually look for inexpensive stuff, so the process of selling a newer computer model might take a while.
You might get comfort in knowing that you get to meet the interested party and have some level of control if anything goes awry. But that does not mean you shouldn’t be extra cautious when dealing with people from Craigslist. Always arrange a meeting in a public place, preferably during daylight hours. Ask for a cash payment. Under no circumstances accept a check. Electronic payments like Zelle or Venmo usually cannot be reversed and, therefore, are considered safe, but you might not want to volunteer your account user info to a stranger.
Manufacturer Trade-In Program (Safe)
Depending on your laptop’s make, you may be eligible for a trade-in offer from the manufacturer. But not all brands have one in place. For example, brands like Dell (Alienware) and Lenovo offer trade-in programs that allow customers to exchange their older devices for store credit or a gift card. We checked back with HP, and it appears that their trade-in program is no longer live. Yet, gaming whales like MSI, Razer, and Asus currently don’t offer this type of service.
If you’re looking to upgrade your older gaming model and are comfortable with a gift card as a form of payment, we suggest checking Best Buy Trade-in instead. They accept a number of brands, and if you shop at the store frequently, it might be an easy way to offset the cost of your new purchase.
Online Buy-Back Sites (Safe)
The tech industry is booming, and so is the recommerce sector. Buyback websites enable sellers to bypass the entire listing process, eliminate selling costs, and eliminate the need for customer support or in-person dealings altogether. Here you sell your pre-owned gaming laptop to the buy-back site directly. Selling to a company directly means they will provide you with an upfront estimate (usually done online), cover shipping expenses, and pay you in the form of a cash payout. It is worth clarifying that you will not be mailed actual cash banknotes in an envelope. That simply would not be feasible. Instead, the dollar payment will be issued in the form of a check or processed electronically (e.g., PayPal, Venmo).
Quite a few companies buy pre-owned tech online, and usually, they have a much more extensive purchasing database than Best Buy or other trade-ins. So when choosing a reseller website, be sure to look up their credentials and check what other customers are saying about using their services. It is also important to ask any questions you may have before committing to anything.
We at Gadget Salvation also buy used gaming laptops and more! To sell a gaming laptop, simply visit our homepage and start typing your brand and model in the search bar. And even if the reach came empty, don’t despair! Please chat with our Live Support agents (that purple chat icon in the lower right corner of your screen) about helping you with the valuation, or contact us via email.
We guarantee a quick and secure sale, along with a speedy payment via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or check. We will also make sure that your unwanted gadget is repurposed. So nothing ends up in the landfill!
In Conclusion
Trading in your older computer for store credit or selling it for cash is always a good idea, as it not only helps offset your expenses a bit but also benefits the planet. By reselling used technology, you extend its lifespan, thereby reducing your carbon footprint. Many of you may have an older laptop sitting around, collecting dust right now, so why wait until it becomes obsolete? Visit our website and get a free estimate today!
Olena is an operations manager at Gadget Salvation, wearing many hats and navigating the intersections of efficiency and innovation. With a deep passion for tech and sustainability, they thrive on exploring solutions that drive progress while protecting our planet.
