The unfortunate reality of life is that nothing is forever, not even cell phones. Until someone invents a phone that can upgrade its own hardware (nanobots maybe?), you can rest assured that this is the way of existence. That periodic cell phone upgrade is not going anywhere.
Expert advice about trading in your cell phone is always welcome, even if you’ve done this many times before. In order to make the most of your hard earned money, we’ve answered the top questions that cell phone users have about the process of getting a cell phone upgrade.
It is almost always worth it to trade in your cellular device. The alternative is that it sits in a drawer or a box somewhere collecting dust.
Whether you work with a reputable online service or a big box store, it’s 100% safe to trade in your used cell phone. Do your research about the company you’re using, and do be wary of individual sales.
Before you trade in your cell phone, you’ll want to clear the data and unpair any devices. You’ll also need to remove the SIM card and turn off “Find my iPhone” if you have an Apple device.
Cell phones use encryption to keep data safe. You can be sure that your data is gone when you do a factory reset on your phone.
Depending on the condition of your cell phone when you trade it in, your phone could be refurbished for resale or used for parts.
The age of your phone and its condition when you head into a cell phone upgrade are the biggest factors. The newer the phone, the higher the value. The better the condition, the higher the value. Normal wear and tear like minor scratches and dents will not affect the value significantly.
The best way to find out the value of your cell phone is to check with a potential buyer. Every phone has a different value depending on the specific model and the specific condition that it’s in.
Independent phone resellers will offer the highest price for your phone because they have less overhead. Big box stores and your cell phone carrier will offer you trade in credit towards a new device rather than cash.
It takes less than a week to receive payment for a cell phone that you’ve sent for trade in.
The best time to trade in your cell phone is now! The longer you wait, the less the value will be as the phone gets older.
We hope that this expert information about how you can navigate the process of selling or upgrading your phone is a help when you next need to buy a new cell phone. You’ve got lots of options, and the process is easier than you most people think,