Have you decided that you want to sell an iPhone, or buy one? Maybe you’re thinking about getting a newer one, so you want to get rid of your current model. The latest version of the iPhone with all the bells and whistles could easily cost you $1,000 or more, so having the money from the sale of your old iPhone will be helpful in that scenario.
What you’ll want to consider are the many places that you can go to unload your old iPhone or buy a used one. You can sell a serviceable iPhone many different places, assuming yours still has some life in it, and you can buy a gently-used one as well. Let’s talk about some possible spots for you to try, both online and in-person.
Buy Used iPhones at Pawn Shops
Pawn shops exist in virtually every town and city in America. Some of them look pretty disreputable, but others are well maintained. If you want to sell an iPhone or buy a used one, this might be something that you can investigate. Many iPhone owners that want to make a quick buck sell their used smartphones to pawn shops, and it’s at least worth you looking into it.
When you are attempting to decide whether or not to sell a phone to a pawn shop or buy one there, consider that shop’s reputation. You should be able to find out at least a little bit about it online. If it is poorly reviewed, and many people have had negative experiences there, then you might want to look elsewhere.
You should also understand that most iPhones that are available through pawn shops are bought in as-is condition, and they are also sold that way. Because of this, you shouldn’t expect to get a ton of money for your used phone from such a source. There are likely other places where you can get more. You might be able to get a great deal if you’re in the market for a used one. Be sure to test it out, though, before leaving with it.
Find a Used iPhone on eBay
Then there is eBay, the popular worldwide auction site. Like with pawn shops, there is some element of risk if you buy through eBay. You would hope that someone who is putting their used iPhone up for sale there is going to be honest about the sort of condition in which they are selling it. A gently-used iPhone on eBay might be attractive. Much like a pawn shop, though, you should look at the seller’s reviews when making up your mind.
Even if you can’t expect a warranty on your used iPhone through eBay, you can at least lodge a complaint with the site if the phone doesn’t work like it is supposed to. Most sellers want to maintain a high customer satisfaction rating, so they will try to work with you to refund your money or come to some other accommodation if the phone doesn’t work as advertised.
You Can Buy and Sell Used iPhones on Craigslist
Craigslist is the site where you can buy and sell just about anything, but the lack of regulation makes it somewhat of a risky prospect. You don’t know the first thing about a person that you contact on Craigslist who says that they have a used iPhone for sale. They might be close to you geographically, but that convenience factor aside, this is probably a method that you want to avoid, even if the price seems too good to be true.
If you do decide to buy a used iPhone from someone on Craigslist, at the very least, make sure that you meet them in a public place, during the daylight hours if possible. If you can have someone go with you, that’s even better. There are some people on the site who are perfectly honest and have no ill intentions, but it is always better to play it safe.
As with a pawn shop-purchased iPhone, make sure that you test one that you’re buying off of Craigslist before any money changes hands. Once you leave the meeting with the seller, the chances are high that you are never going to see them again.
Check the Apple Store
Probably one of the safest ways to buy used iPhones is if you go through your local Apple Store. Doing so is like the equivalent of buying a car that is certified pre-owned. You’ll know that the Apple employees looked the phone over carefully and tested it to make sure that it is going to perform for you the way that it is supposed to. They may be willing to give you a warranty for the used iPhone as well, which should make you feel better about buying it, even if that warranty is only for three or six months.
The other thing that is nice about buying from an Apple Store is that you can probably choose from among several different generations of the phone. If you have a set amount of money to spend, then you will likely find one that is right in your price range. The employees can also answer any questions that you have about the device before you walk out with it.
GameStop Locations Often Sell Used iPhones
GameStop is a nationwide chain. They are more prevalent in some parts of the country than in others, but tracking one down is possible for people in many different areas. Apart from games and consoles, GameStop buys used smartphones, and they sell them as well. You can sometimes get an excellent deal on one if you stop by at the right time. The larger and more prominent locations usually have a better selection.
You probably won’t be able to get much of a warranty on a used iPhone purchased at GameStop, though if the phone doesn’t work as it should, you might be able to get store credit, which is definitely better than nothing. You can also probably cut a deal if you’re trading in your current iPhone for a used newer model.
Find Used Devices at Electronic Stores
You also do have the option of heading to large chain electronic stores such as Best Buy if you want to buy or sell a used iPhone. Most Best Buys will offer you only store credit if you are selling. If you’re buying, then you can probably get a used previous generation of the iPhone at a reasonable price. Best Buy is a reputable chain, so you should be able to get at least a limited warranty on the device.
You can also sometimes find small, independent electronics stores that sell used iPhones. You should do your online research on these before you commit to buying a used phone from one of them.
Buy an iPhone at Walmart
There are specific Walmart locations around the country where you can sell or buy used iPhones. If you’re selling, what you can get for it depends on the condition of the phone. You can only get store credit, though, so don’t expect cash.
If you’re buying a used iPhone through Walmart, then the same rules apply as if you were buying it from another source. Test it out before you hand over any money, and see if you get any warranty with the device.
Sell Your Used iPhone and Upgrade
Buyback Boss buys old iPhones if you’re trying to get rid of one, but you will have to go elsewhere if you’re attempting to purchase one. If you’re selling an iPhone to an online entity, Buyback Boss is clearly the way to go, since we match any price offered by our competitors.
Now you know about some of the best places to buy and sell used iPhones. Whether you’re trying to get top dollar for yours or you are in the market to buy, make sure and do a price comparison before you jump into anything. The iPhone market is a competitive one, and you want to feel confident that you got a good deal.
