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With all of the new cell phones being released, it is a fun time to consider upgrading… until you look at the prices of the new phones. The good news is, if you already have a smartphone you can sell it or trade it in to help lessen the sticker shock.
Trading in a cell phone is a lot like buying a new car… we want to get the best deal on the new phone, but we also want to get the best value for our trade in. Many times that means not trading in the phone where you are buying the new one.
Typically your best deal (just like with cars) is by selling the phone yourself. So scope out prices on eBay first to see what the phone is going for. Keep in mind that phones that are unlocked – meaning they work on any cell provider – are worth more than phones that only work on one provider.
Cracked screen?
Most cell phone providers will not accept a phone trade-in that has a cracked screen but Apple will!
Trade In Values
| Verizon | AT&T | Amazon | Ebay | Apple | Samsung | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 5 models | $50-$80 | $27-$50 | $25-$65 | $50-$75 | $40-$60 | $200* |
| iPhone 6 models | $135-$260 | $90-$165 | $120-$155 | $120-$140 | $145-$250 | $200* |
| iPhone 7 models | $350-$450 | $205-$310 | $270-$360 | $310-$340 | $325-$375 | $300* |
| Samsung 6 models | $100-$130 | $49-$126 | $52-$120 | $110-$130 | $200* | |
| Samsung 7 models | $150-$190 | $118-$133 | $140-$175 | $200-$220 | $300* |
*this offer is only valid if you use the value toward the purchase of a Samsung S8
Sell It Yourself
Not impressed by those values? Me either. Thankfully you can try selling it yourself. Think Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, and OfferUp. Be sure to use your good judgement if you go this route and if anything seems off, move on to someone else.
How much you’ll get for your device will vary based on your location. If it doesn’t sell quickly, try lowering the price. Also keep in mind the condition of the phone when pricing it and clearly disclose any cosmetic or hardware issues.
Charge More For:
If you have a iPhone Plus or S Edge, you can list it for around $50 more. You can also charge the top amount if the phone is in excellent condition and has extra storage.
Charge Less If:
There are scratches, cracked screen (front or back), anything doesn’t work correctly.
My screen is cracked:
Most cell phone repair places will charge you around $70 to replace a screen (depending on the model). It usually isn’t worth it to pay to have the screen replaced unless you feel confident in your ability to do it yourself. The actual parts are pretty cheap… but the process isn’t quite as easy as it looks to do the labor. The best option is usually to take the hit and get less for your phone.
| Results | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ebay | OfferUp | Craigslist | ||
| iPhone 5 Models | $99-$120 | $60-$70 | $60-$80 | $50-$60 |
| iPhone 6 Models | $200-$230 | $150-$180 | $175-$200 | $175-$200 |
| iPhone 7 Models | $400-$500 | $325-$350 | $400-$500 | $400-$500 |
| Samsung 6 Models | $120-$150 | $100-$125 | $120-$150 | $110-$130 |
| Samsung 7 Models | $240-$300 | $200-$250 | $250-$300 | $250-$300 |
