Intro
Today, we all heavily rely on technology in all parts of our lives. As a result, finding a few old phones or laptops shuffling about your storage space is not uncommon at all. But what is the best way to get rid of them?
Selling old laptops can be straightforward if you follow a few key steps. Here is your guide on how to sell laptops effectively.
Related: Top 5 Options for Selling Used Laptops in 2024.
Prepare the Laptop For Sale
Once you are set on reselling your laptop, start with the following:
- Backup Data: Ensure all your data is backed up to an external drive or cloud storage (like Google Drive, iCloud, or OneDrive).
- Erase Stored Files: Perform a factory reset to delete everything you have saved, installed, and downloaded over the years of laptop use.
- Clean the Laptop: Physically clean the laptop, including the keyboard, screen, and exterior, to improve its selling appeal. A mixture of water and alcohol paired with a clean, soft cloth removes staining, fingerprints, and dust pretty effectively.
- Collect Original Accessories: Locate the charger if you haven’t used your laptop in a while, and if you still have the original box, you may use it for shipping. No other accessories will be necessary, as those don’t always add to the resale value. However, a missing charger will most likely result in a lower valuation.
Try to Assess the Laptop’s Value
- Research Prices: Check platforms like eBay, Craigslist, and OfferUp to see what similar used laptops can sell for. It is essential to research the pricing of pre-owned computers only instead of factoring in the original retail price you once paid for it. Personal computers depreciate extremely fast, so even if you believe your laptop is as good as new, it is worth a fraction of what you spent on it after a short time (even less than a year).
- Consider Condition (Both Functional and Cosmetic): Factor in the age, brand, model, and condition of your laptop. Fully functional laptops with minimal wear naturally will fetch higher prices.
Choose a Platform to Sell Laptops
The most popular options include:
1. Online Marketplaces
- eBay: Widely used, allows for auction-style or fixed-price sales. Some eBay selling experience would come in handy but is not required.
- Craigslist: A local selling option with no shipping involved. This means a smaller target audience, but the sellers who don’t want to deal with packing and shipping might prefer it over eBay.
- Facebook Marketplace: Has an option for local and online (nationwide) sales, with buyer and seller profiles for added trust.
- OfferUp: It works like Facebook Marketplace, but the latter seems more popular with buyers and sellers, giving you more exposure.
2. Trade-In Programs
Companies like Apple, Best Buy, and Amazon offer trade-in programs where you can get store credit. There are no cash payouts. Another caveat with trade-ins is that they only take fully working laptops with no or very minimal cosmetic damage. However, it can be very convenient if you want to buy a newer laptop model, as you usually get a trade-in discount on the spot.
3. Specialty Sites
Sites like Gazelle, Swappa, or Gadget Salvation specialize in buying pre-owned electronics, including laptops.
Different sites may accept certain types and brands (like purchasing Apple electronics or gaming computers exclusively). Still, there is always one that will take a wide variety of laptops (We are one of those sites!)
Create an Attractive Listing
- Detailed Description: Include hardware specs (processor, RAM, storage, etc.), describe the condition, inform about available accessories, and explain why you’re selling the laptop.
- High-Quality Photos: Take clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles to show the laptop’s condition.
- Set a Competitive Price: Based on your research, set a competitive price (lower than the market average) but still leave room for negotiation.
Handle the Laptop Sale Safely
Practicing safety when selling laptops entails:
- Clear Communication: Respond promptly and politely to inquiries and be upfront about your terms.
- Payment Methods Consideration: For online laptop sales, use secure payment methods like PayPal. For in-person sales, consider cash or a secure mobile payment app (CashApp, Venmo).
- Taking Care of Shipping: If selling online, package the laptop securely and choose a reliable shipping service with tracking and insurance.
Finalize the Transaction
- Transfer Ownership: If applicable, remove the laptop from any associated accounts and ensure it’s ready for the new owner.
- Follow-up: For online sales, confirm the buyer received the notebook and is satisfied with the purchase.
Summary
As you can see, it’s not at all difficult to sell laptops you no longer use. But it does require a little effort, time, and preparation. Following the steps described in this post will increase your chances of selling your old laptop for a reasonable price. Lastly, if you think it’s a hassle but still want the cash, reach out to us at Gadget Salvation–we’ll do our best to make you an offer on your computer, and the rest, should you choose to accept it, will be taken care of by our team!