Old Cell Phone
It’s estimated that 4.1 billion people throughout the world have a mobile phone subscription. An additional 1,000 people sign up for service every hour in the United States. While cell phones are certainly part of most people’s lives, the problem occurs when you no longer want, need, or use your old cell phones. You can now sell your old cell phone and get back a little bit of the cash you were out when you bought it. However, there are many more benefits to selling your phone, especially when it’s recycled.
The Numbers
There are five million cell phones thrown away each year. This generates 65,000 tons of waste. For a phone that usually weight four or five ounces, it’s hard to imagine that much waste. If the five million cell phones were laid end to end, it’s enough to circle the world many times over! When they are dumped in landfills, there are many hazardous materials found in cell phones and the landfill is certainly not where these discarded phones need to be! So, here are three tips to help you sell your old cell phone, put some cash in your pocket, and do your part to help the environment.
#1 Check Several Places Before Selling Your Cell Phone
Don’t take the first offer you find. If you can check several places before you make your decision, you’re likely to find one that offers you a much better price than the others. There are many companies online today that will pay top dollar for your phone. In most cases, your phone needs to be less than two years old and in good shape. However, there are companies that will buy virtually any phone, even those that are broken.
#2 Remove Your Personal Information
You certainly do not want to sell your old cell phone with all of your personal information in it. For some of the older models, you can simply remove the SIM card and reset the phone manually. However, with the newer phones, you may have to take it to the nearest dealer to have all of your information erased. There is no telling what someone could do with your phone numbers, addresses, and other tidbits of information on your phone.
#3 Don’t Pay for Shipping
In many cases, the company that is purchasing your phone will send you a mailer, complete with shipping, at no cost to you. However, there are some that require you to pay the shipping to mail the phone in. You don’t have to do this, but if this company is paying you more, minus the shipping charges, you may end up better off.
A Final Thought or Two
There are also several companies that purchase chargers, blue-tooth accessories, and even carrying cases and skins. When you’re gathering up your old cell phones, get this stuff, too. It could give you a few extra dollars and less junk cluttering your space. When you sell your old cell phone, you might be able to get just as much for all your accessories.
Sell Your Old Cell Phone Tip #1
If you can’t find a company that is offering what you think your phone is worth, try selling it on Craigslist or another similar site. However, you should only accept cash to avoid any type of scam.
Sell Your Old Cell Phone Tip #2
Many phone companies will let you trade in your old phone when you buy a new one. You may be able to save a significant amount and the company will recycle the phone rather than dispose of it.
Sell Your Old Cell Phone Tip #3
Don’t try to sell a cell phone that you are locked out of for non-payment, especially to a private buyer. The phone will be completely useless to them and you may find one very upset buyer – old cell phone.