What is the best way to sell my phone? All you need to know

First and foremost, check out our YouTube video on this topic below!

Where can I sell my phone?

You can trade in your old phone for cash at The Big Phone Store, with the confidence that your device will be completely wiped of all data if it is in suitable condition to be refurbished. Otherwise, your device will be recycled – making trading in your device the most environmentally friendly choice too!

There are other options, of course, such as selling your phone on an online marketplace such as Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree. However, these marketplaces are largely unregulated and it is entirely possible that you could be scammed or have payment withheld for your device as an intentional distancing tactic.

We have a 4.8 star rating on TrustPilot, so you can be assured that our trade in and recycling practices are carried out with the utmost professionalism, and our customers are always satisfied.

How much can I sell my phone for?

The amount of cash you will receive for your old phone will differ based on various criteria, such as:

Condition

The condition of your device upon trade-in will primarily determine the amount of money you will receive for it. You can judge the condition of your device based on the grading system employed by most retailers.

Generally, condition will be split into four grades:

Pristine

The device is in perfect working order with imperceptible to nil cosmetic damage.

Very Good

Light signs of use, but still in perfect working order.

Good

Used, with moderate signs of use, while still in adequate working order.

Fair

In acceptable working order, but with cracks, dents, cosmetic damage generally.

Age

Naturally, the age of your device will affect the amount of money you receive for it when trading in, with older models increasingly becoming obsolete – value thus decreases as time goes on.

Model

If your handset is a ‘budget’ model as part of a line of releases, such as the iPhone SE or Samsung Galaxy FE phone, it will be worth less than one of the more expensive flagship models.

Your phone could also not be accepted for trade-in if it is blacklisted.

What is a blacklisted phone?

If a phone is blacklisted, that means that its IMEI number (the unique number that identifies each device) will be blocked and the device cannot receive calls or texts. Rendering the phone essentially useless. Blacklisting can occur when a device is reported as lost or stolen, or if the device is associated with cyber-attacks of any kind.

What happens when I trade in my phone?

We have a quick and easy five step process to trade in used/old phones.

Find your phone

Use our site to locate your device model and select it.

Place your order

You will then be prompted to select the storage, condition and network of your device, as well as your details, and then send us your order.

Send your phone

We will send you a welcome pack with a freepost bag, simply pop your device into this bag and send it back to us!

We screen your order

Once your device has arrived, we send you a notification email, then screen your device to be sure that it matches the specifications you chose.

You get paid!

We process our payments as soon as they are confirmed, often on the same day, making sure that you are paid as soon as possible!

Our recycling policy

As a mobile phone recycling company, we understand that environmental sustainability is key; this is why any device we cannot repair or use for parts will be recycled in the most environmentally friendly way possible in accordance with the WEEE directive and Hazardous Waste Regulations (2005).

Mobile phone recycling stats

• The percentage of mobile phones that are recycled yearly

• It takes 515 recycled mobile phones to power a home for a year

• The average mobile device has a usable lifespan of 7 years, but consumers keep their devices for 15 months on average before upgrading.

Can I sell a contract phone?

It is possible to sell a phone that is still attached to a contract, depending on the conditions of the contract of course. It will generally be necessary for you to keep paying the contract after selling the device, however. Generally, mobile phone contracts are split into two parts: the airtime and the device – thus it is completely acceptable to keep paying the airtime and sell the device itself.

Are ecoATMs worth it?

EcoATMs / phone kiosks are a common method used to sell one’s phone. However, the pay-out given from these services are often extremely lacking in comparison to trusted retailers. Many are against the concept of ecoATMs as it is possible for thieves to sell stolen phones with a complete lack of vetting.

Wrapping up

There are many ways to sell your phone out there. However, choosing a trustworthy retailer such as The Big Phone Store to trade in your device for either refurbishment or recycling is a choice that can put your mind at rest when it comes to your data, and your choices in terms of benefits to the environment as a whole.

So, what are you waiting for? Sell your phone today!