Selling your old phone for cash can be a pretty simple way to get rid of an older device while getting some decent return. However, with many options available, errors will automatically occur, thus leading to lower payouts or scams. This article has listed the top mistakes to avoid when you sell your phone for cash to get the best possible deal.
Phone users should avoid mistakes, including not backing up their data, failing to perform a factory reset, unlocking their phones, and underestimating the phone’s value. They must also avoid not including accessories and choosing the wrong platform to sell.
Selling Your Phone for Cash? Mistakes to Avoid
One of the easiest and quickest ways to get rid of your old device is selling your phone for cash; however, you have to avoid common mistakes that may make you settle for lower payouts or even fall into scams. The right strategies will help you land the best deal available for your phone. Some such strategies for selling your old phone for cash include the following.
Not Backing Up Your Data
People make a common mistake while selling their phones: not backing up their information. Your phone contains important information, such as contacts, messages, pictures, and videos. Before selling your phone, ensure that all your files are safely backed up in the cloud service, such as Google Drive, iCloud, or an external storage device.
How to avoid this mistake?
- On iPhones, you can back up your data to iCloud by going to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now.
- On Android, head to Settings > Accounts > Backup & Restore, and ensure everything is synced with Google when selling your phone for cash online.
Failing to Perform a Factory Reset
Once your data is backed up, the next step is to erase it from the phone. Many people forget to clean their phones, leaving personal data that the next owner can access. This can lead to identity theft or unauthorized access to your sensitive information.
How to avoid this mistake?
- Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings for iPhones.
- For Android phones, navigate to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data (Factory Reset).
Not Unlocking Your Phone
Many people forget to unlock their devices before selling old phones for cash. If a phone is locked to a specific carrier, it may be harder to sell or command a lower price because the buyer will have fewer options. Unlocking your phone makes it more versatile and attractive to a broader audience of potential buyers.
How to avoid this mistake?
Contact your carrier to see if your phone can be unlocked. In most cases, phones paid off or used for a certain period can be unlocked.
Underestimating the Phone’s Value
Most people sell their phones at a lower price than their value, especially if they rush for its sale. Online shops buy phones from owners, but their quotes might be slightly lower than selling your phone directly for cash. Failure to research the current market price for the phone could lead to one’s acceptance of a low quotation.
How to avoid this mistake?
Research your phone’s current market value using multiple sources. Start by consulting websites like Swappa, eBay, or Gazelle to understand its real worth. Then, find similar phones in model, storage, and condition and get an estimated selling price.
Not Including Accessories
When selling their phones, people usually forget to add the original box, charger, and earphones. Adding these to your listing will make it look better and give you an advantage over other listings. Buyers like those phones containing all the accessories originally provided since it is more like buying a “complete package.”
How to avoid this mistake Before Selling a Cell Phone for Cash?
Gather all the accessories that came with your phone upon purchase. If not, you probably have lost the original charger or earphones by now, so you might want to mention this in your listing or even buy an appropriate set for inclusion in the sale.
Choosing the Wrong Platform to Sell
Choosing the right platform where you sell your phone can make quite a big difference in how much money you will get. Some sellers will focus on one platform, an online buyback service. Other options for selling include online marketplaces or classified ads, which would give more room for flexibility but require much more effort with higher risks, including seriously unreliable buyers.
How to avoid this mistake When You Sell a Phone for Cash?
Consider different options when selling your phone. For example:
- Trade-in programs: Very easy, very quick. Low cash value.
- Online marketplaces: These can be higher in value and require more effort and shipping involved.
- In-person sales: No shipping fees; quick cash. There is a risk of scams or dangerous interactions.
Conclusion
Selling your phone for cash can be smooth if you avoid these common mistakes. Phone users also avoid errors such as not backing up the data, not factory resetting the device, not unlocking the phone, and undervaluing the phone. They should also avoid not adding accessories and choosing the wrong platform to sell. These will help you sell your phone safely and get the right price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is people’s most common mistake when selling their phones for cash?
People’s most common mistake when selling their phones for cash is underestimating their device’s value. They don’t research the market price or accurately describe the phone’s condition, resulting in low offers or unwanted negotiations.
Why is it important to research your phone’s value?
Researching your phone’s value helps you set a fair price, avoid lowball offers, and maximize your payout. Accurate pricing ensures you get the best deal, whether selling online or in-store.
What should you do if you are unsure what your phone is worth?
If unsure, research online marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace to see similar phones are selling for. You can also consult with a professional or contact the manufacturer’s customer support for an estimated value.
