Originally posted on https://www.musttechnews.com/your-quick-guide-to-selling-electronics-online/

Over 9.4 million tons of electronics are thrown away each year. That’s a staggering amount of waste, but it doesn’t have to be that way. If you have old electronics lying around the home, you should consider selling them to make some extra cash.

The following guide will walk you through the process of selling electronics so you can be environmentally conscious while putting some green into your own pocket.

Selling Electronics Yourself

One of the best and quickest ways to get rid of old electronics is to sell them yourself. You can use a larger marketplace like Amazon or eBay to reach a wider range of customers, though you will likely also have to pay for shipping. These sites are also a good way to do some research, so you can figure out what is worth selling, and for how much.

Alternatively, you can use a site like Craigslist or Facebook’s Marketplace, which matches you with local customers. You may have a harder time selling your stuff because of a smaller customer base, but you’ll also have less competition and may be able to get a higher price.

Use a Trade-in Site

Beyond selling them directly, you can choose to use a trade-in service to get money immediately. Sites like Gazelle offer quick quotes and kiosks that you can use to trade in phones.

This is great if you need to clear space quickly and don’t want to bother with the hassle and costs of selling to another person.  However, you likely won’t get the highest price possible for your items. Additionally, this may not work for older electronics but is a good way to trade in your old iPhones or other brand-name electronics.

Talk to Your Local Electronics Store

Selling electronics doesn’t have to be a purely online activity. You should check with your local electronics retailer to see if they buy and sell electronics. This is perhaps the most environmentally friendly way to sell your electronics since you don’t have to ship your items across the country.

This is usually the best option for niche electronics and older items that aren’t as in demand as a slightly worn iPhone. Even if you don’t get cash for your items, store credit is a good way to trade up your older items into something newer that you will actually use.

Don’t Wait to Sell Your Electronics

Selling electronics is a time-sensitive process. Electronics depreciate in value extremely quickly compared to other consumer goods, since newer and better models are constantly released.

If you have old electronics sitting around your home, the best time to sell them is right now. Waiting too long can make your old items worthless, and leave you with a ton of waste that you have to recycle or throw out.

For more information about what to do with old tech (and to check out articles about new tech), check out the How-Tos section of our blog!