Your 2013 iPhone Trade In Guide
September 6, 2013
On Tuesday, Sept. 10 Apple will unveil two new iPhones. When they do, millions will begin unloading their older handsets to get ready for the upgrade.
How much is your handset worth? That depends on the vendor you choose. While you can certainly try your chances on Craigslist and elsewhere to get more money, we recommend using one of the following online services to sell your iPhone 5 or iPhone4S/4: Apple, Gazelle, Glyde, or NextWorth.
Here's a look at what each service is offering for iPhones in “good” condition as of today, Sept. 6, 2013:
Please note: These prices are for those iPhones with normal wear and tear. Plus, all assume the iPhone is free of water damage, and comes with its original cables and AC adapter. You may get more or less than the price quoted.
Apple is currently accepting old handsets online as part of their Reuse and Recycle Program. For each trade-in, customers will receive an Apple gift card that is usable online and in Apple retail stores.
Pros: You’ll get an Apple gift card once your iOS device is processed.
Cons: Apple isn’t sending out electronic gift cards. In other words, you’ll have to wait for the mail to arrive before spending the cash.
Important Note: Prices may vary at Apple retail stores, which are now offering trade-ins for the first time.
One of the first “get cash for my device” solutions, Gazelle offers three ways to receive your cash: through check, PayPal, or through an Amazon.com Gift Card. If you choose Amazon, you’ll receive 5 percent more than the quoted price. You can also give to charity.
Pros: Great and reliable service that has been around for a long time.
Cons: Prices offered typically drop quickly as we get closer to the release date of new handsets. This year especially, prices seem lower than what competitors are offering.
Unlike the other options listed, Glyde attempts to match buyers with sellers. In other words, if no one likes the price you set, you’re out of luck. Still, Glyde does suggest market prices that are much higher than those offered by other sites. Plus, the site’s upgrade tool is fantastic. You’ll receive your money directly in your bank account.
Pros: You set the price and get paid once the buyer receives the iPhone. Site is easy to maneuver.
Cons: It might take longer to find a buyer. Watch those seller fees.
This popular service has teamed up with Target to make trades more convenient. Payment options include PayPal, check, or a Target gift card.
Pros: If you'd rather talk to someone one-or-one before making a trade, the Target tie-in could be important. Prices are very competitive.
Cons: There really isn't one.
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C on Tuesday, Sept. 10. Preorders are likely to begin the following day, with phones arriving in stores on Friday, Sept. 20.
For more information on the new phones, see: More Evidence Apple's 16GB iPhone 5 Will Live On Surfaces Online, What To Expect At Apple's Tuesday Event Beyond New iPhones, and Apple Holding Separate iPhone Media Event In Beijing On Sept. 11.
Apple
Apple is currently accepting old handsets online as part of their Reuse and Recycle Program. For each trade-in, customers will receive an Apple gift card that is usable online and in Apple retail stores.
Pros: You’ll get an Apple gift card once your iOS device is processed.
Cons: Apple isn’t sending out electronic gift cards. In other words, you’ll have to wait for the mail to arrive before spending the cash.
Important Note: Prices may vary at Apple retail stores, which are now offering trade-ins for the first time.
Gazelle
One of the first “get cash for my device” solutions, Gazelle offers three ways to receive your cash: through check, PayPal, or through an Amazon.com Gift Card. If you choose Amazon, you’ll receive 5 percent more than the quoted price. You can also give to charity.
Pros: Great and reliable service that has been around for a long time.
Cons: Prices offered typically drop quickly as we get closer to the release date of new handsets. This year especially, prices seem lower than what competitors are offering.
Glyde
Unlike the other options listed, Glyde attempts to match buyers with sellers. In other words, if no one likes the price you set, you’re out of luck. Still, Glyde does suggest market prices that are much higher than those offered by other sites. Plus, the site’s upgrade tool is fantastic. You’ll receive your money directly in your bank account.
Pros: You set the price and get paid once the buyer receives the iPhone. Site is easy to maneuver.
Cons: It might take longer to find a buyer. Watch those seller fees.
NextWorth
This popular service has teamed up with Target to make trades more convenient. Payment options include PayPal, check, or a Target gift card.
Pros: If you'd rather talk to someone one-or-one before making a trade, the Target tie-in could be important. Prices are very competitive.
Cons: There really isn't one.
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C on Tuesday, Sept. 10. Preorders are likely to begin the following day, with phones arriving in stores on Friday, Sept. 20.
For more information on the new phones, see: More Evidence Apple's 16GB iPhone 5 Will Live On Surfaces Online, What To Expect At Apple's Tuesday Event Beyond New iPhones, and Apple Holding Separate iPhone Media Event In Beijing On Sept. 11.
