If you’re anything like me, I generally like to update my electronics, particularly my computers, at least every three to four years. I figure by this time, my computer is starting to slow down and there’s nothing worse than a computer that just can’t keep up. Plus, in the world of electronics, things constantly change what seems like every six to nine months.
When it comes time to getting rid of your laptop, don’t just throw it away or donate it to a local charity if you feel it doesn’t have value. I can promise you that it could have some value, even if you part it out and just sell the hard drive.
In today’s post, I wanted to talk about the many ways you can sell your used laptop for cash as well as a few strategies you can use to ensure that you get at least get a few dollars for your laptop, regardless of its age. And, yes, it can be any brand, whether it’s HP, Lenovo, Dell or Apple. There’s value for almost al of them.
If you’re searching for ways to sell your used laptop for cash, this is the guide for you.
What Is My Laptop Worth?
Before I jump in and talk about all of the places you can sell your laptop, you’re first going to want to know how much your laptop is worth. And one of the greatest ways to do so is via eBay.
But, before you head to eBay, you need to know your laptop’s exact model. To find this, it’s not hard at all.
Depending on your operating system, it can be done in a few ways, all of which I explain below:
- Windows 10: click on the start button, type in “system” and click on “system information”
- Windows 8: point to the lower-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, and then click Search, followed by typing in “msinfo32” to open the system information window
- Windows 7: click start, type in “system information” and look for the model
Once you’re on the system information page, you’re going to want to look for the model. For example, here’s what my screen looked like:
Take that model number and now, you will want to head to eBay. I know, it’s not a laptop since I’m working on a desktop, but I’m just doing it as an example.
So, now that you have the model number, you’re going to want to search for it on eBay, but don’t glance at these numbers just yet.
Instead, you’re going to want to filter your results so that you’re only looking at the most recently sold items. I will show you below:
The reason why you’re going to want to look at the most recently sold items is simply that this is what people are willing to pay for it. I could throw up my computer for $1,000 and it would show up on the results, per se, however, it doesn’t mean that someone is going to buy it.
Looking at the results above, it’s safe to say that my desktop is probably worth $109~ in used condition.
Doing this can give you an idea as to what your computer is worth when you start to get quotes and/or are thinking about selling.
Aside from eBay, you can also use GadgetValue.com to see what your laptop could be worth as well. Just plug in the manufacturer, year and configure your specs, and the website will give you an idea as to what they think it’s worth.
So, now that you know what your laptop is worth, it’s now up to you to determine if you want to sell it or simply recycle it. There’s no right or wrong answer here as it’s really up to you to determine what’s worth your time.
Where to Sell a Used Laptop for Cash
NOTE: Scroll to the bottom to see what they all offered me for my laptop example.
#1 eBay
If you don’t mind setting a few minutes of your day aside, eBay, without a doubt, is the best route to take if you want to sell your laptop online.
And, best of all, you don’t have to meet with any strangers nor do you have to set aside a time to meet that stranger.
Whether you want to set up an auction-like setup or even a fixed price, it’s really up to you as to what you want to list it for. Just remember that if you’re selling it for much more than the prices noted in our research above, it could be sitting for a while.
As with all eBay listings, take good pictures, be responsive, be honest and ship it out as soon as you can to ensure your feedback profile stays positive.
Personally, eBay is my favorite, but as you’re about to see, there are many more options to consider as well.
- Website: eBay
#2 Amazon Trade-in
If you don’t mind trading in your laptop for an Amazon credit, then I would say this is your second best bet if you truly want to ship it out and forget about it.
Now, with the Amazon Trade-in program, they do not accept most laptops. In fact, when I looked at the search engine, they were only looking at accepting 140~ particular models, but this can always change as time goes on.
Take a look, for instance:
If the laptop you’re looking to sell is on the list, then you will want to click on the “Trade in this item” icon, answer the questions and see what Amazon is willing to give you. Most of the time, it won’t be much, maybe $20 to $200+ if you’re lucky, but again, you’re paying for convenience.
If you’re happy with the quote, Amazon will let you print a shipping label, wherein you can ship it to them for free. Once received, as long as it’s in good condition, you will get the credit they promised you.
Again, don’t expect your laptop to be here since the selection is rather slim, but if you like the idea of an easy process and Amazon credits, it could be an option to consider.
- Website: Amazon Trade-in
#3 Best Buy Trade-in
Like Amazon, Best Buy also offers a trade-in program, but from first glance, the massive retailer was willing to accept a lot more than Amazon was willing to. If you want to sell a laptop to Best Buy, you may be pleasantly surprised with the results.
To consider a trade-in, Best Buy will ask for the brand, the processor, operating system, memory, condition and if you have the power supply on hand. And with all of this information, they will offer an estimated trade-in value.
Here was one offer, for example:
If you’re happy with the results, you can either bring it to a local Best Buy to have an employee physically inspect or you can mail in your laptop, it’s really up to you.
Personally, if you have a Best Buy nearby, you’re better off having an employee inspect it in person since you won’t have worry about it getting lost in the mail, but choosing to mail it can work if you don’t have the time. Best Buy does let you print a shipping label from home so all you’re responsible for is boxing it up.
- Website: Best Buy Trade-in
#4 Staples
Staples, much like Best Buy, offers a similar trade-in program, wherein they offer you a Staples eCash card if they want your device.
The selection was pretty limited when I took a look, but it doesn’t hurt to at least check it out and get a quote, only if you don’t mind a Staples gift card.
You can either visit a local store or ship it for free online, it’s up to you.
- Website: Staples Trade-in
#5 Gazelle
Gazelle, like Best Buy, let you trade in your laptop for cash, but when I took a look at the website, it appeared they were only accepting MacBooks and Mac Computers at this time.
So, if you’re looking to trade in an Apple product, you could at least receive a quote to see what they can offer. It only takes a minute.
Like Best Buy and Amazon, Gazelle will let you print a shipping label, simply meaning you don’t have to pay a shipping fee. The offer process only takes a minute or so, too.
Aside from shipping your laptop to the company, you can also look for a local kiosk, wherein you can get immediate cash; however, the company does note the offers are often lower than what you would receive online. It’s really up to you.
Besides laptops, Gazelle also buys back cellphones and even tablets.
- Website: Gazelle
#6 Craigslist
If you don’t mind meeting up with people nearby, in a safe place, of course, then you can’t go wrong with the internet’s #1 classified website, Craigslist.
Selling is 100% free and you know that most of the people who contact you will live nearby, making for an easy sale.
Yes, I know Craigslist can get a bad reputation sometimes, but you have to remember there are probably millions of transactions completed monthly and one bad will slip through the cracks. It’s just a law of averages, right?
If you do consider Craiglist, just make sure you upload high-quality pictures, include a detailed description and price it accurately to sell it fast.
- Website: Craigslist
#7 Facebook Marketplace
The Facebook Marketplace is another free option that’s a great way to market your items to local people.
And, for some sellers, many actually prefer Facebook over Craigslist since you’re able to view the potential buyer’s profile before even doing business. Yes, I know, while this isn’t a foolproof method to prevent you from being robbed, it can give you some peace of mind if it looks like a nice Grandma wants to buy your laptop.
As long as you have a Facebook account, anyone can put something up for sale.
Just click on the “Marketplace” tab…
Then, “sell something”…
Follow the prompts and your post will be live within minutes, showing to everyone within 20~ miles of your area.
Like Craigslist, you will have to meet up with people more than likely, so just make sure you meet in a safe public spot to be safe.
- Website: Facebook
#8 Letgo
In the era of smartphone apps, Letgo is quite possibly the most popular classified app. To date, they have more than 75 million downloads and more than 200 million listings.
And while it doesn’t receive as much traffic as Craigslist, it’s yet another option to at least use to see if you can get any bites. There’s enough traffic that your listing should draw interest as long as your laptop is aggressively priced.
Like most of these classified options, listing your laptop, or anything for that matter, is 100% free, and in doing so, your listing will immediately show to people within a few miles.
- Website: Letgo
#9 OfferUp
OfferUp works almost in the same way as Letgo and is considered to be another alternative to consider.
Seeing these apps are 100% free to join and post classified ads, I recommend you at least post on all of the classified websites/apps I have listed so far to increase your visibility.
Creating a listing takes less than 30 seconds and all communication happens directly inside the app. Once you find a buyer, simply meet up in a safe place and exchange cash. It’s that easy.
- Website: OfferUp
#10 Nextdoor
Nextdoor kind of reminds of the Facebook Marketplace, but the only difference is that you’re working closely with your neighbors.
And, if you don’t know what Nextdoor is, it’s basically a private social media network for your neighborhood.
Here, you can create posts and even post items for sale. Best of all, it’s entirely free.
If you haven’t created an account yet, it’s 100% free to do, but if you do consider using this platform, you will need to confirm your address to help weed out the spam.
Nextdoor can be hit or miss as some neighborhoods are extremely active, whereas others don’t have any activity at all. For now, I just recommend you sign up and see how active your local community is to see if it’s worth creating a listing.
- Website: Nextdoor
#11 VantageSale
VantageSale, yet another app wherein you can sell just about anything, is another one to consider.
The only major difference is that the app makes sure everyone goes through a manual review process before they are allowed to sell.
While this app may not have as many buyers, listing your laptop is 100% free, so it doesn’t hurt, again, to list on as many of these apps as possible.
- Website: VantageSale
#12 Swappa
Swappa works similar to that of eBay, but instead of an auction-like setup, you can post your laptop, name your price and wait for a seller.
There are no listing fees as the buyer will pay the fees and you’re protected by PayPal in case the transaction goes bad.
Aside from eBay, as mentioned prior, Swappa is a great place to check to at least see what your laptop could be worth.
- Website: Swappa
#13 SellLaptopBack.com
It didn’t seem like a huge company, but it’s another option nonetheless.
If you want a quote almost instantly and don’t want to deal with any trade-ins, then this could be an option to consider.
Just search your brand, and if they want it, you will receive an instant quote. If you like what you see, fill out the form, ship in your device and get paid as long as the laptop is in working condition.
The company seemed to have mixed reviews, so make sure you at least do your due diligence before proceeding as I have never worked with them before.
- Website: SellLaptopBack.com
#14 Gadget Salvation
I never heard about Gadget Salvation, but I decided to play around with the website to see what kind of offers I could receive.
Like SellLaptopBack, the company worked in the same way, wherein you select your device, answer a few questions, and if the company wants it, they would offer you an instant quote. If you like the quote, you can ship it to them for free and get paid within 48 hours once they confirm your shipment.
Featured by a variety of prominent media companies, the company not only buys laptops but a variety of other electronic gadgets as well.
- Website: Gadet Salvation
#15 NextWorth.com
NextWorth worked just like Gadget Salvation, wherein you would fill out a form, and the company would offer an instant quote based on this information.
After a few clicks, if you liked what you received, you could print out a free shipping label and ship it into the company for payment via Paypal.
The company didn’t have a ton of third-party reviews online, but from what I could gather, the reviews I did see weren’t the greatest. So, again, if using, do so with caution.
- Website: NextWorth.com
#16 SellBroke
SellBroke, unlike a lot of these companies that only want laptops in pristine condition, will offer you a quote, even if your laptop isn’t in working order. It was the only company willing to buy a broken device.
Like most of these websites, input your information, get a quote, and if you like it, ship it in for cash.
The company does let you print a free shipping label from home and money is sent as soon as possible as long as the condition meets your description.
- Website: SellBroke
#17 Yelp
Like Best Buy, there could be a number of local businesses that may want to buy your laptop off of you. And this could be a great choice if you want cash in a matter of hours.
And to find them, use Yelp and use a simple keyword such as “buy laptop,” followed by your zip code.
Then, with these listings, take a look at a few and see if any are of interest. I personally would look for the highest rated places that specifically note that they are willing to buy laptops.
Before visiting, however, just give them a quick call to ensure they want to buy your laptop so that you’re not wasting any time.
- Website: Yelp.com
#18 SellaGadget.com
And to round out the list, SellaGadget.com was yet another company that would offer you an instant quote for your laptop.
Find your model, fill out the quick form and ship it in if you’re happy with the quote.
Out of all buyback companies, SellaGadget was quite aggressive with their quote and they were willing to buy back quite a few gadgets.
But, as you’re about to see, all of the quotes I received were quite poor in comparison to doing it on my own.
- Website: SellaGadget.com
The Quotes I Received
I just took a random laptop I found on eBay and decided to use it as my example, the Dell Chromebook 11, model number #CRM3120. In my quotes, I said it was in good condition, had no flaws and included the battery charger.
Using that example, here’s what I could have sold it for if I used the websites mentioned above:
Website | Price |
---|---|
eBay | $75 (via recently sold) |
Amazon | didn't want |
Best Buy Trade-in | $15 e-gift card |
Staples Trade-in | didn't want |
Gazelle | didn't want |
Craigslist | ??? |
Facebook Marketplace | ??? |
Letgo | ??? |
OfferUp | ??? |
Nextdoor | ??? |
VantageSale | ??? |
Swappa | none listed at time of review |
SellLaptopBack.com | $29~ |
Gadget Salvation | didn't want |
NextWorth.com | didn't want |
SellBroke | $29~ |
SellaGadget | $19~ |
Of course, your results are going to vary, but for example purposes, you can see that eBay was one of the better options. And honestly, this almost always the case with any electronic gadget you’re looking to sell.
Sell Laptop for Parts
If you’re finding out that your laptop isn’t worth much, the laptop parts may be worth something. Even if you’re not computer literate, I promise you that it’s not too hard to tear open your laptop and part it out.
If you were to go this route, how much you make greatly depends on which parts you sell as well as your laptop’s make/model. In most cases, you can get money for the power supply, CPU, RAM, display, hard drive and CMOS battery.
To learn about how to part out your computer, refer to this YouTube video.
Final Thoughts
In the end, though, it’s really up to you as to how much you want and how you want to sell it for.
If you only want $30, you can see you’re going to lose out on another $50. To me, I’ll take the extra $50 because the entire eBay process only takes me a few minutes.
The same can be said if you want to meet up in person or not. You could get as much as eBay, but you’re going to have to deal with hagglers and meeting up.
Personally, since the item is so small, you’re better off shipping it off. That way, you don’t have to worry about wasting anyone’s time nor do you have to worry about meeting a stranger in person.
If you’re looking to sell your laptop, ultimately, eBay is the best option, but if you don’t want that route, then the apps, Craigslist and Facebook are your next bet. Just make sure you always know the value before selling so that you can get top dollar!
Check out a few of these options to see what works best for you, and hopefully, you can get top dollar for your sale!
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Most websites actually send you a quote for your laptop once you tell them the exact details about your laptop. It would be suitable to ask a couple of websites before sending your computer to one of them. I contacted multiple websites when I was selling my broken laptop and sold it to SellaGadget as they sent me the most feasible bid.