Tech is constantly changing. There’s always a new update or a new product being released for consumers. Impressively, it also seems like many tech companies are constantly creating new laptops, desktops, or smartphones to house all of their software updates, and Apple is normally at the forefront of pushing their newest line of products.
The unfortunate side of constantly upgrading your tech is figuring out to do with your old tech items. Luckily there’s a large number of options for you to trade-in your old Apple products. The key is knowing where to look to ensure you gain the best deal.
Trading In To Apple Itself
Apple has now established a strong trade-in program where they’ll offer you money back based on the device you’re turning in, along with it’s quality. However, the one drawback to their program is that Apple won’t simply give you cash for your old phone or laptop. Instead, they’ll put the money from your trade-in towards the next Apple product that you’re buying. This can be a major downside if you found the device you wanted being sold somewhere else or if you are trying to get off of Apple’s operating system.
If you’re looking to purchase the newest Apple product though, then trading directly to the company is a great way to earn money for your next purchase.
Locate A Third-Party Apple Trade-In Company
With all of the tech software in the world, there’s a whole market dedicated to buying old computers and phones, fixing them up, and then reselling them to consumers who don’t want the newest version of a laptop. Third-party companies that do this give you an opportunity to get cash for your old device instead of being forced to put your money towards a new device from Apple itself.
However, when you’re dealing with these third-party companies, there are a couple of things you’ll want to look out for.
1. Check The Reviews For A Trade-In Company
Before you decide to send your old device into a third party company, you’ll want to check the reviews of the company online. Although there are many legitimate companies out there, there are also some “fronts” where people have created a website and a fake business to gain old devices that they’ll then sell to a legitimate company for cash.
Looking on a third-party website that has reviews of a certain company will help you determine if the company you’re going to sell your device to is legitimate or not. Calling the company and speaking to a representative can also help you figure out if the company is real or if it’s a shell company.
2. Shop Around With Multiple Companies To Get Different Quotes
Although there are many Apple trade-in companies that would love to buy your old device, not all of them will offer you the same amount of money. Be sure to check out several different companies online so you can ensure that you’re getting yourself the best possible deal.
3. See How Lenient Each Company Is With Its Condition Policy
When you’re sending in a device, you have to fill out a form online that details what type of condition the device is in. Some companies will be a little lenient with their condition forms, but others will refuse your device and send it back to you.
For example, if you mark your device’s condition as “Good,” but the company spots a number of minor scratches in their inspection of your device and determine it to be only in a “Fair” condition, then they’re most likely going to send the device back to you. Or they’re going to offer you a much lower price for the device than what their original offer was when they thought the device was going to be in a “Good” condition.
It can be unclear on a company’s website exactly what their distinctions will be for your device’s condition, and it can be a hassle to have the company ship the device back to you or to negotiate with them for a new price. If you’re doubtful, simply put your device’s condition as a level lower than what you suspect it is. If there’s a large difference in price from one condition to the next though, it may be worth it to email a representative from the company and send them pictures of your device to see what condition they suggest you label it as.
Top Reasons For Trading In Your Apple Device
If you’re debating whether or not you should trade in your Apple devices, ask yourself what you’re going to do with them once you get a new device to replace them. Instead of allowing your old device to sit around your living space and collect dust, you’re better off simplifying your life a little.
If that’s not reason enough for you to want to trade in your Apple product, also consider that:
You’ll receive cash for your trade-in
This will allow you to buy a new phone or laptop to replace the one you’re currently getting rid of. If you’re not looking to buy a new laptop or phone though, you can use the money to purchase a ton of tacos instead.
You’re lessening your environmental impact
By trading in your old Apple device, you’re allowing for the device to have a second life. Instead of it going to a recycling bin or a landfill, your device will be used by someone else for a little while. This also means that the buyer won’t be purchasing a brand new Apple product, so they’re also lowering their environmental impact through purchasing your old device.
Trading in your device is simple
The beauty of trade-in companies being online operations is that the whole process is relatively simple and contact free. Once you get your quote from a company, they’ll send you a free packing slip. From there all you have to do is ship your item and then you’ll receive your check!