Are you going to buy a new iPhone (such as the iPhone 11 or iPhone 11 Pro) and do you want to get rid of your old device? If you want to sell an old iPhone, you can still get a good price for it. We list the options for you.
The preparation: backup and wipe device
The minimum lifespan of an iPhone is three years. However, we can imagine that you want to upgrade to a new model sooner. Sooner or later you make the choice to sell an iPhone. Or maybe you want to trade in the device at a store to get a discount on a new iPhone. Whichever choice you make, it is important to clear your iPhone for sale.
Do not manually delete files. If you don’t want to lose all your data, it is important to back up your iPhone first. Then you can also easily transfer your contacts, photos and important documents to a new iPhone. That saves a lot of hassle.
Then go to Settings> iCloud and tap Sign Out. After this, press ‘Log out’ again and then ‘Delete from iPhone’. Enter your password and your iCloud account is disconnected. Now you can clear the iPhone by choosing ‘Settings> General> Reset> Erase All Content and Settings’.
If ‘Find My iPhone’ is still enabled, you must enter your Apple ID and password to restore the factory settings. After this you can be sure that the new owner cannot work with your data.
Choose the right time
The smartest time to sell your iPhone is just before the announcement of a new model. Apple introduces new iPhones every fall. This often takes place in September, but sometimes it takes a month longer until the devices are actually in the shops. So if you want to sell your iPhone, it is best to do so in July and August or for ‘later’ devices in September. You will probably get the best price for it, since many people do not yet know that a new version is coming. Take advantage of this.
Sell your iPhone before Apple announces a new model
If you only sell your phone after the announcement of a new model, you will get (considerably) less for it. On the one hand, this has to do with the fact that Apple is lowering the prices of older iPhones, which also has an effect on the value of second-hand devices. On the other hand, interest in older models is declining, because they are not equipped with the latest gadgets. In addition, consumers who want to upgrade offer their current device en masse on the second-hand market. That means extra competition if you too want to sell your iPhone.
Determine the right price
If you want to sell your iPhone, it can be quite a challenge to determine the right price. You want to avoid getting too little for the device, but a price that is too high scares off potential buyers. When determining the price, it is therefore smart to investigate what the device currently costs new and which refurbished iPhones prices various providers use. Keep in mind that refurbished devices are refurbished and often come with a warranty (usually 24 months). It is therefore smart to stay slightly below the price of these devices.
While you’re at it, also check what similar iPhones cost on the website where you are going to offer your device. This will give you an idea of what others are asking for a device.
The type of iPhone, storage capacity and condition have a major influence on the value. New models with more storage logically yield more, but many buyers are also critical of the condition. iPhones with scratches on the housing, buttons that no longer work properly or a screen with damage, yield significantly less. Sometimes it is therefore smart to have certain defects or to repair them yourself, so that you can sell the iPhone for a higher amount.
Buyers are also sensitive to the presence of the original box, accessories and receipt. If you have kept it neatly, it is best to ask for a higher amount for your iPhone. If you sell the device with a protective cover, this may indicate that you have handled it with care. Buyers are also sensitive to this.
Keep in mind that devices that are no longer supported by Apple will drop significantly in value. For example, the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus are still supported, but not for very long. That is something to keep in mind. These phones will still work with most popular apps, but they will no longer receive any new features or security patches. They also become slower as apps and websites set higher system requirements.
Sell iPhone through online auction sites
Nowadays there are countless online auction sites where you can go with your second-hand items. The most popular option in the Netherlands is Marktplaats, given its brand awareness and the large number of visitors that the website attracts every day. You will find all kinds of new and used Apple products, but the iPhone is the most often offered. On average, there are approximately 15,000 on Marktplaats, so if you offer your device, you can count on stiff competition. However, that does not mean that you can sell your device quickly, because there are at least as many people looking for an iPhone.
The supply on Marktplaats is large, but so is the demand
Marktplaats offers many possibilities to spotlight your ad or to place it higher for a fee. However, that is not necessary to be successful on the auction site. If you place an ad, make sure you have clear photos of the iPhone and all accessories. Pay attention to a clear description and set a realistic price.
Once you have found a buyer who is willing to pay the right price, make an appointment and make sure you are not home alone. Used iPhones are extremely popular and not everyone on Marktplaats has the same good intentions. Clearly agree on the price in advance, so that you do not have to negotiate during the purchase.
If the buyer is unable to pick up the device, make arrangements about payment and shipping. Only send the iPhone after you have received the payment and ship the device insured. That way you can track the package with a tracking code and you are insured against damage or loss of the iPhone.
Sell through eBay
If you want to sell your iPhone via Marktplaats, you do not have to spend money to place an advertisement. That’s a different story on eBay. You don’t have to use the paid options to spotlight your listing, but after the sale you pay a percentage of the auction proceeds to eBay. On this page you can find the costs that the site charges for private sellers.
The nice thing about eBay is that you can see how trustworthy buyers and sellers are from their feedback. If someone has limited feedback (less than 10) it is wise to act with caution. Preferably choose PayPal as a payment option, so that you can take advantage of buyer protection if your purchase is not delivered. If you sell your iPhone through this platform, the buyer can also use it. PayPal makes receiving payments very easy, but if someone pays you, you have to deal with transaction costs. You can read how high they are this page.
Even if you sell your iPhone via eBay, it is wise to opt for insured shipping. The package is then insured against damage and theft and you have proof (the receipt with tracking code) that you actually sent the iPhone. This way you avoid having to patch if the buyer claims that he has not received anything.
Trade in your iPhone
If you don’t feel like all the hassle with online auction sites, you can choose to trade in your iPhone for an amount of money. You can contact Apple for discount or a gift voucher, but there are various parties that give more for your used device. There are many providers who not only sell refurbished iPhones, but also take back used devices. These are then checked, cleaned and, where necessary, fitted with new parts. The device is then offered for sale again as a refurbished iPhone, so that someone else can enjoy it.
Rebuy is a provider that buys your old iPhone.
Crack in the screen? Then the value decreases by 100 euros
By indicating what kind of device you have (smartphone, tablet), the brand (for example Apple or Samsung) and the storage capacity, the value is determined. Then you indicate the condition of the device and whether all accessories are still present. The more complete and better your iPhone is, the more money you will get in return. The value can drop by as much as 100 euros if there is a crack in the screen.
Recycle your iPhone
If your iPhone is no longer functional, you have the option to have it recycled so that it is processed and reused in a responsible manner. This is possible, for example via the Apple website, where you get a gift card for every device you recycle. By the way, you only get it if you send a recent iPhone, iPad or Mac (Book). iPods and older devices can be taken to an Apple Store for recycling, but you will not receive a gift card. Currently there are Apple Stores in Amsterdam, The Hague and Haarlem.
There are also various other parties that recycle your electronics, including Coolblue, A-mac, ZONZOO and Cash4Mobile. With some you even get money for a broken device, so compare the conditions before sending your iPhone. On Marktplaats you can often find enough buyers who are willing to pay for a broken iPhone. You may only get a few bucks, but then part of your new iPhone has already been paid for.
Planning to buy the latest iPhone?
Currently, the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max are the latest iPhones in the Netherlands. Via the selection screen below you will find the best prices for subscriptions and separately for these devices.