Selling Privately Versus Trading In
The trade-offs between selling to a person, using a buyback company, or trading in with a manufacturer or carrier.
Selling privately usually gets you the most money but takes the most effort. Trading in is the easiest but usually pays the least, unless there's a promotion.
Private sale
- Usually the highest price.
- You handle photos, messages, payment and meeting or shipping.
- Higher scam risk if you're careless (see our scam guide).
Buyback companies
- Fast, fixed quotes.
- The phone is inspected after you ship it, and the offer can be lowered if the condition doesn't match.
- Read the inspection and payment terms.
Manufacturer or carrier trade-in
- Easiest when you're buying a new phone anyway.
- Credit is often given as store credit or bill credits spread over months.
- Promotional credits can beat market value, but they usually require a new purchase or a new line.
Bottom line
If you want the most cash and don't mind the effort, sell privately. If convenience matters most, or a promotion is unusually generous, trade in.