It's always exciting to open up a brand new smartphone or laptop or tablet, but what happens to the old one? For three in ten adults in the US, the old model winds up just sitting around and collecting dust.
According to CNET, the 30 percent of US adults who hang onto their old phones, video game systems, computers, and accessories mostly just aren't sure what to do with them, especially if a trade-in wasn't an option when they upgraded. Another 37 percent trade in their old devices, and 25 percent sell them.
If you're part of the 30 percent that keeps old devices laying around, now is a good time to consider selling them. Experts anticipate that tariffs will lead to higher electronics prices, which means that your old laptop might be a great deal for buyers on a budget. And if you haven't purchased a new device yet, the sale price of your old one could be helpful to offset the additional expense of a new model.
Sellers are likely to get the most money through platforms like eBay or Facebook marketplace, but it may take longer to locate a buyer. To get an immediate cash offer and flip the device with minimal effort, try the resale site Gazelle.
It's also possible that your old phone is just too outdated or banged up or non-functional to attract a buyer or get a trade-in offer. Fortunately, stores like Best Buy will often recycle your busted phone for free.