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Turn yesterdays tech into todays money

• Prep the device first (backup, sign out, reset, clean, gather accessories) so you dont get lowballed on condition

• Pick the payout type you want: store credit/e-gift (Best Buy, Amazon, Costco), bill credits tied to a new phone (carriers), or real cash (buyback sites or private sale)

• Private sale almost always pays the most, but it takes the most effort and you have to protect yourself (public meetups, show IMEI clean, remove locks)

Do you have a couple old phones or a sad little iPad shoved in your junk drawer? It might be time to pull them out and make some money off them. Ill walk you through 6 reliable options that will help you do just that. Plus, I'll give yousome pros and cons with each so you can decide for yourself what's the best way to cash in on your old tech.

First: a 5-minute prep that boosts potential value

1. Back up + sign out of iCloud/Google/Find My. Also turn off any activation locks.
2. Factory reset the device and remove the SIM/eSIM card (if it has one).
3. Gather all accessories like the original charger, cable, box, manual, etc.
4. Check the battery health and screen condition so you describe it accurately.
5. Clean it up. Smudges and crumbs can often look like damage to graders.

Best Buy trade-in

Best for:The Best Buy Trade-In program is a solid option for selling old cell phones, tablets, headphones, gaming consoles, computers, and some wearables.

How it works: Start by visiting their Trade-In page and do a quick search for the device you want to trade-in. Then select your exact device and answer the condition questions. Theyll immediately give you an estimated trade-in value which you can accept on the spot.

If you accept the offer, you can either ship-it or take it to any Best Buy location. Once they verify the condition, theyll issue you a Best Buy gift card for the agreed upon amount.

My example: I have an old iPhone 14 (128GB) with Verizon, in "Good" condition, and Best Buy will give me $100 for it.

Pros: Fast turnaround, in-store convenience, easy way to use the gift card to lower the price of a new purchase.

Cons: Gift card only, and mid-tier trade-in prices compared toAmazon Trade-In or a private sale.

Pro tips:

• You must do a factory reset of your device and disable the Find My feature otherwise it will have a $0 trade-in value.
• Do your trade-in at a Best Buy store if you can. Being able to interact and talk to the person evaluating your device gives you immediate feedback about the condition and lets you explain any issues.
• While youre there, ask about any open-box deals and try to stack your trade-in credit with an open-box discount to maximize your savings.
• Always bring the original charger if you can as a missing power brick can knock off some value.

Amazon trade-in

Best for: Echo/Kindle/Fire devices, controllers, smartphones and accessories.

How it works: Select your device on the Amazon Trade-In page and get an immediate online quote after answering some condition questions. If you accept the quote, theyll give you a free shipping label and you mail it off.

Once they verify the condition, theyll pay you with an Amazon gift card. Some items qualify for an instant payment before you ship the items back which is a cool feature. Plus, sometimes theyll give you a promotional discount that you can use to buy a new qualifying Amazon device.

My example:Amazon will give me $180 for my old iPhone 14 (128GB) - a very surprising $80 more than Best Buy.

Pros: Very easy process, solid payout prices, especially for Amazon devices, and they also have frequent promo bonuses.

Cons: Limited device list; gift card only; mail-in only; condition grading can be strict. Processing can take up to 15 days.

Pro tips:

• Stack your promos. Amazon periodically adds a bonus (e.g., extra 1020% on eligible categories).
• Time your trade with Prime events like Prime Day or Black Friday. By doing so, your values and bonuses are known to be a little higher.
• Screenshot your condition answers before shipping. That way if you get re-quoted after they inspect the item, you can appeal with specifics.

Costco trade-in (via partner portal)

Costcos device trade-in program is basically Costco, but outsourced. You dont hand your old iPhone to the lady at the membership desk, instead everything runs through Phobio, Costcos partner company.

How it works: Visit this page and click the Start Your Trade-In Now button. Youll be routed to a partner site (Phobio), youll answer some condition questions, then get an instant price quote.

If you accept the quote, Phobio will give you a prepaid shipping label along with packing instructions. Once they receive the device and inspect it, theyll pay you via a Costco Shop Card. Expect it to take 3-5 business days.

Ive found values to be surprisingly high on newer Apple and current-gen phones. Your actual offer is going to depend largely on age, storage, carrier, and overall condition.

My example:Costco will give me $165for myold iPhone 14 (128GB) - a solid 2nd place behind Amazon at $180.

Pros: Smooth process via a trustworthy partner network. Surprisingly, you dont have to be a Costco member to use Phobio. You can simply spend the Costco Cash Card (in-store or online) without a membership which is a nice perk.

Cons: They can lowball after inspection. Payout is locked to Costco. Mail-in only option has been known to be a little on the slow side.

Pro tips:

• Compare the Phobio quote to Amazon and Best Buy before you commit.
• Lock your quote (most portals hold it for a set window, be sure to ship your device quickly).
• Use insured shipping and photograph the device powered on and boxed up.

Carrier trade-ins (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile)

Best for: When youre already upgrading and want the biggest trade-in value possible on a new smartphone. But keep in mind that the trade-in number only exists because youre doing the upgrade through them and letting them pay it out as monthly credits.

How it works: You trade in your old phone, and instead of getting cash, the carrier spreads the value out as monthly bill credits over 2436 months tied to your new device payment.

Pros: The promos are definitely impressive. Up to $800 off with eligible trade is real if youre on the right plan, with the right phone, in the right condition.

Cons: Its not money in your hand, its credits on your bill.And those credits can stop if you pay off early, downgrade, or switch carriers. So youre basically agreeing to stay put.

Pro tips:

• Read the promo details carefully as the exact model, storage, and condition tiers will definitely change your payout.
• Screenshot the offer the day you order so you have proof if the credits dont show up on your next bill.
• If you think you might switch carriers in the next 1218 months, dont do it. Youd be better off selling the phone for cash and keeping your flexibility.

Independent buyback sites

Best for: Getting actual money (not store credit) without meeting some rando in a parking lot.

How it works: Start at a reputable buyback site like Gazelle, ItsWorthMore, or GadgetPickup. You select your exact device, answer some condition questions, and they give you an instant quote.

Depending on the service you pick, youll get paid via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or a bank transfer.

My example:I ran myold iPhone 14 (128GB) through ItsWorthMore and they'll only give me $107, not great. Gazelle was much better at $181.

Pros: Real cash instead of store credit or bill credits. Fairly fast payout, most pay within a couple of days of them receiving it.

Cons: Grading can be strict and theyve been known to be pretty picky. Also, quotes can drop if condition isnt exactly as described.

Pro tips:

• Get 23 quotes on the same day (if possible) asprices move around a lot and different sites tend to favor different models.
• Be honest about flaws (things like small crack, scuffs, after-market screen). Being honest will help prevent a lower re-quote.
• Document everything: write down the IMEI, take front/back/powered-on photos before shipping the device. Then if they say screen damage, you have proof.

Private sale (when you want the most cash)

Best for: People who want to make the most money from their devices and have some time to make it happen. While not a trade-in, it routinely beats every option above in terms of what you can make.

I recommend using Swappa, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or a local buy/sell groupto find interested buyers foryour device.

My example:Looking at recently completed sales on eBay, my old iPhone 14 (128GB) currently sells for about $240. $60 more than what Amazon would give me.

Pros: Highest payout, especially for unlocked, recent, pristine devices.

Cons: The time required to schedule a meet-up is the biggest negative for most people. You also have the potential for flakes and scam artists.

Pro tips:

• Set your price based off of sold and completed listings. Meaning if the last three sold for $320, list yours at $340 and be willing to take$320.
• Meet somewhere public like a carrier store, grocery store parking lot, or even at the police station. Public spots means more cameras and fewer weirdos.
• Have them pay in front of you by asking for cash or instant Zelle/Venmo payment that you see and track.
• I recommend showing the buyer that the IMEI is clear and remove any iCloud/Google/Samsung locks on the spot so they know its legit.

Turn yesterdays tech into todays money

• Prep the device first (backup, sign out, reset, clean, gather accessories) so you dont get lowballed on condition

• Pick the payout type you want: store credit/e-gift (Best Buy, Amazon, Costco), bill credits tied to a new phone (carriers), or real cash (buyback sites or private sale)

• Private sale almost always pays the most, but it takes the most effort and you have to protect yourself (public meetups, show IMEI clean, remove locks)

Do you have a couple old phones or a sad little iPad shoved in your junk drawer? It might be time to pull them out and make some money off them. Ill walk you through 6 reliable options that will help you do just that. Plus, I'll give yousome pros and cons with each so you can decide for yourself what's the best way to cash in on your old tech.

First: a 5-minute prep that boosts potential value

1. Back up + sign out of iCloud/Google/Find My. Also turn off any activation locks.
2. Factory reset the device and remove the SIM/eSIM card (if it has one).
3. Gather all accessories like the original charger, cable, box, manual, etc.
4. Check the battery health and screen condition so you describe it accurately.
5. Clean it up. Smudges and crumbs can often look like damage to graders.

Best Buy trade-in

Best for:The Best Buy Trade-In program is a solid option for selling old cell phones, tablets, headphones, gaming consoles, computers, and some wearables.

How it works: Start by visiting their Trade-In page and do a quick search for the device you want to trade-in. Then select your exact device and answer the condition questions. Theyll immediately give you an estimated trade-in value which you can accept on the spot.

If you accept the offer, you can either ship-it or take it to any Best Buy location. Once they verify the condition, theyll issue you a Best Buy gift card for the agreed upon amount.

My Example: I have an old iPhone 14 (128GB) with Verizon, in "Good" condition, and Best Buy will give me $100 for it.

Pros: Fast turnaround, in-store convenience, easy way to use the gift card to lower the price of a new purchase.

Cons: Gift card only, and mid-tier trade-in prices compared toAmazon Trade-In or a private sale.

Pro tips:

• You must do a factory reset of your device and disable the Find My feature otherwise it will have a $0 trade-in value.
• Do your trade-in at a Best Buy store if you can. Being able to interact and talk to the person evaluating your device gives you immediate feedback about the condition and lets you explain any issues.
• While youre there, ask about any open-box deals and try to stack your trade-in credit with an open-box discount to maximize your savings.
• Always bring the original charger if you can as a missing power brick can knock off some value.

Amazon trade-in

Best for: Echo/Kindle/Fire devices, controllers, smartphones and accessories.

How it works: Select your device on the Amazon Trade-In page and get an immediate online quote after answering some condition questions. If you accept the quote, theyll give you a free shipping label and you mail it off.

Once they verify the condition, theyll pay you with an Amazon gift card. Some items qualify for an instant payment before you ship the items back which is a cool feature. Plus, sometimes theyll give you a promotional discount that you can use to buy a new qualifying Amazon device.

My Example:Amazon will give me $180 for my old iPhone 14 (128GB) - a very surprising $80 more than Best Buy.

Pros: Very easy process, solid payout prices, especially for Amazon devices, and they also have frequent promo bonuses.

Cons: Limited device list; gift card only; mail-in only; condition grading can be strict. Processing can take up to 15 days.

Pro tips:

• Stack your promos. Amazon periodically adds a bonus (e.g., extra 1020% on eligible categories).
• Time your trade with Prime events like Prime Day or Black Friday. By doing so, your values and bonuses are known to be a little higher.
• Screenshot your condition answers before shipping. That way if you get re-quoted after they inspect the item, you can appeal with specifics.

Costco trade-in (via partner portal)

Costcos device trade-in program is basically Costco, but outsourced. You dont hand your old iPhone to the lady at the membership desk, instead everything runs through Phobio, Costcos partner company.

How it works: Visit this page and click the Start Your Trade-In Now button. Youll be routed to a partner site (Phobio), youll answer some condition questions, then get an instant price quote.

If you accept the quote, Phobio will give you a prepaid shipping label along with packing instructions. Once they receive the device and inspect it, theyll pay you via a Costco Shop Card. Expect it to take 3-5 business days.

Ive found values to be surprisingly high on newer Apple and current-gen phones. Your actual offer is going to depend largely on age, storage, carrier, and overall condition.

My Example:Costco will give me $165for myold iPhone 14 (128GB) - a solid 2nd place behind Amazon at $180.

Pros: Smooth process via a trustworthy partner network. Surprisingly, you dont have to be a Costco member to use Phobio. You can simply spend the Costco Cash Card (in-store or online) without a membership which is a nice perk.

Cons: They can lowball after inspection. Payout is locked to Costco. Mail-in only option has been known to be a little on the slow side.

Pro tips:

• Compare the Phobio quote to Amazon and Best Buy before you commit.
• Lock your quote (most portals hold it for a set window, be sure to ship your device quickly).
• Use insured shipping and photograph the device powered on and boxed up.

Carrier trade-ins (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile)

Best for: When youre already upgrading and want the biggest trade-in value possible on a new smartphone. But keep in mind that the trade-in number only exists because youre doing the upgrade through them and letting them pay it out as monthly credits.

How it works: You trade in your old phone, and instead of getting cash, the carrier spreads the value out as monthly bill credits over 2436 months tied to your new device payment.

Pros: The promos are definitely impressive. Up to $800 off with eligible trade is real if youre on the right plan, with the right phone, in the right condition.

Cons: Its not money in your hand, its credits on your bill.And those credits can stop if you pay off early, downgrade, or switch carriers. So youre basically agreeing to stay put.

Pro tips:

• Read the promo details carefully as the exact model, storage, and condition tiers will definitely change your payout.
• Screenshot the offer the day you order so you have proof if the credits dont show up on your next bill.
• If you think you might switch carriers in the next 1218 months, dont do it. Youd be better off selling the phone for cash and keeping your flexibility.

Independent buyback sites

Best for: Getting actual money (not store credit) without meeting some rando in a parking lot.

How it works: Start at a reputable buyback site like Gazelle, ItsWorthMore, or GadgetPickup. You select your exact device, answer some condition questions, and they give you an instant quote.

Depending on the service you pick, youll get paid via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or a bank transfer.

My Example:I ran myold iPhone 14 (128GB) through ItsWorthMore and they'll only give me $107, not great. Gazelle was much better at $181.

Pros: Real cash instead of store credit or bill credits. Fairly fast payout, most pay within a couple of days of them receiving it.

Cons: Grading can be strict and theyve been known to be pretty picky. Also, quotes can drop if condition isnt exactly as described.

Pro tips:

• Get 23 quotes on the same day (if possible) asprices move around a lot and different sites tend to favor different models.
• Be honest about flaws (things like small crack, scuffs, after-market screen). Being honest will help prevent a lower re-quote.
• Document everything: write down the IMEI, take front/back/powered-on photos before shipping the device. Then if they say screen damage, you have proof.

Private sale (when you want the most cash)

Best for: People who want to make the most money from their devices and have some time to make it happen. While not a trade-in, it routinely beats every option above in terms of what you can make.

I recommend using Swappa, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or a local buy/sell groupto find interested buyers foryour device.

My Example:Looking at recently completed sales on eBay, my old iPhone 14 (128GB) currently sells for about $240. $60 more than what Amazon would give me.

Pros: Highest payout, especially for unlocked, recent, pristine devices.

Cons: The time required to schedule a meet-up is the biggest negative for most people. You also have the potential for flakes and scam artists.

Pro tips:

• Set your price based off of sold and completed listings. Meaning if the last three sold for $320, list yours at $340 and be willing to take$320.
• Meet somewhere public like a carrier store, grocery store parking lot, or even at the police station. Public spots means more cameras and fewer weirdos.
• Have them pay in front of you by asking for cash or instant Zelle/Venmo payment that you see and track.
• I recommend showing the buyer that the IMEI is clear and remove any iCloud/Google/Samsung locks on the spot so they know its legit.

The law is aimed at 'personalized' pricing, when consumers are charged based on Zip code or other factors

• Attorney General warns companies to disclose data-driven pricing practices

• New Yorkers urged to report violations as consumer protection law begins Nov. 10

• Businesses face fines for failing to notify shoppers when algorithms set prices

New York Attorney General Letitia James is warning businesses across the state that they must disclose when algorithms are setting prices based on consumers personal dataor face penalties under a new law taking effect November 10.

The Algorithmic Pricing Disclosure Act requires most companies using automated systems to adjust pricesoften called algorithmic or surveillance pricingto clearly display a notice stating:

THIS PRICE WAS SET BY AN ALGORITHM USING YOUR PERSONAL DATA.

James said the new law is designed to give consumers transparency and prevent companies from secretly charging higher prices based on individual factors like income, ZIP code, or shopping history.

The law is clear: if businesses use algorithmic pricing, they must notify consumers, James said in announcing the alert. New Yorkers deserve to know whether their personal information is being used to set the prices they pay. I will not hesitate to take action against those who try to mislead New Yorkers and use their personal information to manipulate prices without their knowledge.

Personalized pricing under scrutiny

Algorithmic pricing tools allow businesses to tailor prices in real time, often through apps or loyalty programs that track user behavior. Consumers might see one price while others are shown another for the same product or service.

The Attorney Generals office cited recent examples of consumers being charged:

• higher hotel rates when booking from high-income ZIP codes

• or variable prices inside Target stores when shoppers used the retailers mobile app.

Such practices, James said, blur the line between marketing and exploitation, and are now subject to stricter transparency rules.

How to spot algorithmic pricing

The Attorney Generals alert included several tips for identifying when algorithms might be affecting prices:

• Compare prices across devices or accounts. If one person sees a higher or lower price for the same product, it could indicate personalized pricing.

• Check discount patterns. If you receive exclusive digital offers others cant see, those prices may be based on your data.

• Note price changes after online activity. Searching for similar items elsewhere or shopping from a new location may trigger algorithmic adjustments.

Enforcement and consumer action

Businesses that fail to include the required disclosure face penalties of $1,000 per violation. James urged anyone who suspects undisclosed algorithmic pricing to file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).

Transparency is the first step toward fairness, James said. Companies that hide how they use your data to set prices will be held accountable.

What Consumers Can Do

Think youre being charged an algorithmic price by a business in New York? Heres how to check and report it.

1. Compare prices.
Search for the same item using a different browser, device, or accountor ask a friend to check. If prices differ, data-driven pricing could be at play.

2. Look for the disclosure.
By law, New York businesses using algorithmic pricing must display:

THIS PRICE WAS SET BY AN ALGORITHM USING YOUR PERSONAL DATA.
If you dont see it near the price, the business may be violating the new law.

3. Track sudden price shifts.
If a price changes after you log in, shop from a new location, or search for similar items online, it might be linked to your personal data.

4. Save evidence.
Take screenshots showing the differing prices or missing disclosure text. Note the date, time, and device used.

5. Report it.
File a complaint with the New York Office of the Attorney General online at ag.ny.gov or by calling 1-800-771-7755.

States that have passed laws

• New York: As reported above, New Yorks new law requires most companies using algorithmic pricing based on consumers personal data to clearly disclose that fact.

• California: California has passed bills (for example, AB 325 & SB 763) that regulate use of common pricing algorithms, especially in an antitrust/competition context (i.e., algorithmic price-fixing) rather than purely consumer-surveillance-pricing.

• Connecticut: In the housing/rental context, Connecticut passed a law banning certain automatic revenue-management tools that rely on non-public data for setting rents.

A large number of state bills are under consideration in various states. For example, one tracker shows at least 26 bills in 14 states addressing predictive or algorithmic pricing.

• Some laws target very narrow contexts (like rental pricing), others are broader. Many havent become law yet. Legal Blogs+1

A new study shows that provider ratings dont just influence reputation they determine trust, loyalty, and even practice survival

• Online reviews are driving health care decisions: One in three patients wont book with a provider rated below three stars, making digital feedback a key factor in where Americans seek care.
  

• Trust comes from engagement, not perfection: Patients are more likely to trust providers who respond to reviews especially negative ones showing that communication matters as much as credentials.
  

• Providers benefit from proactive feedback: Encouraging satisfied patients to share their experiences helps build a stronger online reputation, attract new patients, and keep criticism in perspective.

When it comes to choosing a doctor, patients are scrolling before theyre scheduling.

According to new research from health care technology company Tebra, online reviews have become one of the biggest deciding factors in where and with whom Americans seek care.

The study found that one in three patients wouldnt book with a provider who has less than a three-star rating, and most say theyre more likely to trust doctors who respond to feedback, especially negative comments.

Its a powerful shift thats changing how patients navigate care and how providers run their practices.

ConsumerAffairs interviewed Kevin Marasco, Chief Growth Officer at Tebra, who explained that reviews now influence everything from patient retention and satisfaction to burnout and financial stability.

The impact of online reviews

In an increasingly digital world, reviews have become paramount, and health care is no exception.

Online reviews are typically the first impression a patient will get, and first impressions are everything, Marasco told ConsumerAffairs. With 72% of people saying they check reviews before picking a provider, it's clear these comments arent just background noise; they're helping form real decisions.

One negative review about how a doctor listens or the way their staff treats patients can push someone to book or look elsewhere. Its not just about your medical expertise anymore; its about establishing trust, and reviews are the starting point.

What to consider when reading reviews

Marasco explained that reading reviews isnt just about star ratings; its about context. He shared some of the most important things consumers should consider when checking reviews for potential health care providers.

Look at the details: are people frequently mentioning great communication, long wait times, or helpful staff? he said.

How current are the reviews? Since 67% of patients only trust reviews from the past year, that publication date matters. One old five-star review wont outweigh a pattern of recent concerns. Patients are smart; they can read between the lines and get a much clearer picture of what they can expect.

What role do providers play?

For health care providers, asking patients to share their positive experiences online is imperative. Marasco says that providers may be missing out on potential patients if they dont.

Most patients are willing to share their experience, but a lot of the time, youll need to ask them, so it needs to feel seamless and part of the process, he said.

The reality is, if you arent asking, youre just missing out on honest feedback and opportunities from happy patients, and your online brand will suffer.

All it takes is a few loud and disappointed patients to draw all the attention in the room. If you help cultivate a steady stream of genuine reviews, youre enabling your practice to earn trust and keep the feedback balanced and accurate.