There’s a lot to love about selling on devices you no longer need. It’s better for the environment, it can boost your bank balance and you’re giving someone else the chance to get some enjoyment out of it, extending the lifetime of the device.
Selling your device privately – rather than trading it in or sending it to a recycler – could be a better option for you financially. There are plenty of second-hand marketplaces and auction sites available online for you to sell through. It might take a little bit more time though and it’s important to be savvy about who you’re selling to.
Let’s take a closer look at what you should consider when selling your device through an online marketplace.
1. Is the price right?
Your price needs to be competitive, without being so low that a buyer might question the legitimacy of the item. Take a look at other listings of the same model, in a similar condition, to see what a reasonable price might be. At this point, it’s also worth seeing how much a recycling site would offer you for the device, so you know whether it’s worth the extra time you’re putting in to sell the item instead.
2. Be a responsible seller
Remember that if you misrepresent the item, your buyer will be entitled to a full refund, so make sure you’re fair in your description of the item.
- Does the phone switch on and work as it should?
- Do the cameras and all of the buttons work?
- Is the device still under warranty?
- What physical condition is the item in – are there any scratches or cracks the buyer should be aware of?
- What accessories are you including? Will you be selling it with the original charger, headphones etc?
- Are the ports working, particularly the charging port?
- How is the item’s battery health? (Not sure how to check? There are guides for both Apple and Android).
3. Who is your buyer?
Some online second-hand marketplaces have review systems in place so that users can rate their experience with a buyer/seller. Check your buyer’s ratings or reviews.
When it comes to payment, it would be best if your buyer paid via the marketplace’s official app, or PayPal (Goods and Services, not Family and Friends).
Also, as a side note to this, always stick to the selling platform for your messaging – don’t give out your phone number and don’t switch to texts or WhatsApp.
4. Offer a CheckMEND certificate
Trust is a two-way street. In the same way that you’ll be keen to sell to someone who seems trustworthy, any potential buyers will be vetting you too!
One way to build trust with potential buyers and reassure them that the item is being legitimately sold, is to display a CheckMEND certificate.
All you need in order to run a check is the IMEI number (for phones) or serial number (for all other devices).
By performing a real-time check against billions of records, the CheckMEND certificate gives a comprehensive picture of the device’s history, proving that the item is not fake or cloned, has not been reported as lost or stolen and is not subject to a settled insurance claim or being monitored by a corporation.
5. Take screenshots
Just in case anything goes wrong later down the line, keep a record of your listing, the buyer’s details, any message history and your transactions.
6. What to do when a sale goes wrong
If there is an issue with the sale, you should first try to resolve the problem with the buyer. Remember, if the item has been misrepresented, they are within their consumer rights to ask for a refund.
If there is anything you are unsure of, or you need more help with a problem, you can contact the Citizens Advice helpline in the UK or Fair Trading in Australia.