More than 100 million people around the world now use Macs. People love great hardware, sleek design, and robust MacOs. Unlike their competitors, Apple computers can actually increase in functionality over time thanks to new operating system releases. So although Macs on average are more expensive than PCs, they hold the value better because they stand the test of time. In fact, you can even find ten-year-old Macs that are still supported by the latest macOS release.
If you are trying to answer the question “what’s my Mac worth?” then you’ve come to the right place. Here are the key things that will determine how much you can get for used Mac.
What You Should Know Before Selling Your Mac
No matter where you sell your Mac, a few factors will automatically determine the value you can get for. In general, the newer your computer, the more you’ll get for it. Condition is also essential. Everything needs to be in working order. Even minor broken issues can result in much lower resale value. Larger hard drives, amounts of RAM, bigger CPU chips, and more will also drive up the price.
Unless your selling to a private buyer, most places are not going to be interested in any accessories you have. This includes keyboards, mice, and non-Apple screens. However, you can still find places to sell these or recycle them. Let’s take a look in more detail at some of the top factors for price determination.
What Was the Original Configuration?
You can clearly expect a Macbook Pro to sell for more than a Macbook. However, configuration and release date matter greatly. For example, there were two 2015 Macbook Pro releases. The early 2015 models, mostly came with an Intel i5 dual-core processor. The mid-year releases came with Intel i5 quad-core processors. This was a significant jump in computing power making the mid-year release much better suited for long term use.
So the first thing you should do is check the “About My Mac” tab to learn exactly what your specs your computer has. Make sure to note the following:
- Display Size
- Processor
- Storage capacity
- Total RAM and RAM type
- Display type (LCD, Retina, etc)
- Video card
Other factors will determine value, but these are the most important.
Is Your Mac Fully Operational?
The resale market for Macs is strong because they are such great computers that can last years. If your Mac is in fully working order, you’ll be able to get a better value. Check for the following:
- Does the device power on with no issue?
- Can it open and use apps?
- Does Wi-Fi connection work?
- Do all other connections like USB, Bluetooth, and ThunderBolt work?
- Is there any damage to the screen?
- Is there any damage to the body?
- Is there water or internal damage?
- Has the computer been fully restored to factory default conditions?
Depending on your model, some of these factors will be more important than others. Minor scratches on a desktop model that’s otherwise in perfect order should be no issue. However, even small scratches to a MacBook Pro’s display can cost you up to hundreds of dollars.
Is Your Mac Still Under AppleCare or another warranty?
Buying a used electronic is inherently risky. Even if it looks fine and performs all tests with no issue, there’s no guarantee the screen might fall off as soon as you bring it home. That’s why many people prefer buying used Apple computers that are still under Applecare or another type of warranty. This provides an essential layer of security should there be any issues, the buyer can get it repaired with reduced costs along with parts and labor direct from Apple.
Is it Worth it to Get Repairs?
Possibly. You’ll need to weigh out a few different considerations. Even if your computer is under Applecare, it can still be pricey sometimes to get repairs direct from Apple. Before you decide to undertake a repair or not, check the value of your computer. If you only have something minor wrong or can replace something cheaply, it may be worth it if you can get a few extra hundred dollars for your computer. But if it’s expensive or a hassle, skip it.
What is My Mac Worth?
Many factors will determine the value of your Mac. You need to consider age, configuration, and condition. So it’s not quite as simple as figuring out how much you can sell your phone for. Plus, there’s a difference between how much your Mac is worth and how much buyers are willing it to be for it.
Save yourself time and energy, and contact Buyback Boss. With Buyback Boss, you can get a custom quote for your used Mac. We buy back Macs in any condition and offer you free shipping. After you receive your quote with a price-lock, simply box up your Mac and send it to us with our free shipping label. Skip the headaches of finding a private buyer or using eBay and get cash for your used Mac by using Buyback Boss!
To learn more tech tips and tricks, check out the Buyback Boss Blog. You can uncover everything you need to know about smartphones, buyback services, upgrades, and more.
