Thinking about selling your phone, laptop or console? Or maybe it hasn’t even crossed your mind yet. You’re not alone. Loads of us have old tech stashed away in drawers — maybe it’s an old iPhone, a tablet that’s been replaced, or a once-loved console that’s now gathering dust. Selling your old devices can be a great way to earn a bit of extra cash and clear out the clutter at the same time.
But before you rush to sell your gadget, there are a few common mistakes people make when selling tech — and some of them can cost you time, money, or even your personal data.
Here’s what to watch out for and avoid:
1. Not wiping your data properly
This one’s huge. So many people sell their phones without fully removing personal data. It’s not just about deleting your photos or logging out of Instagram — your device could still have sensitive information tucked away in backups, synced apps, or autofill settings.
Avoid it:
Before selling, make sure you do a full factory reset and properly sign out of any accounts linked to the device — including your Apple ID or Google account. If you’re an iPhone user, don’t forget to turn off “Find My iPhone” too.
2. Falling for scams
It’s the classic trap. You list your tech on a selling site, and get a message five minutes later offering full price… but then things get sketchy. They want to pay by bank transfer. Or ask you to post it first. Or suddenly disappear after you’ve sent the item.
Avoid it:
Skip the dodgy DMs. At the iOutlet, you can sell your device directly, no awkward messages or worrying about being ghosted. You’ll get a fair, honest price, and payment is made quickly once your device has been checked over.
3. Overestimating the value
We all want to believe our old phone is worth more than it is. But tech depreciates fast, especially when there are newer models on the market. Listing it for too much might mean it just never sells.
Avoid it:
Do a bit of research on current resale values or get an instant quote from the iOutlet. Their trade-in tool gives you a clear, upfront price — no guesswork or unrealistic expectations.
4. Selling to the wrong buyer
That mate who “might” want your old PS5? Or the guy off Facebook Marketplace who’s “definitely picking it up tomorrow”? Waiting around or dealing with time-wasters can be a real headache.
Avoid it:
Selling through a trusted company like the iOutlet means you skip the faff entirely. Whether it’s an iPhone, Samsung, MacBook, Apple Watch or even a games console.
5. Not including the right information (or accessories)
When you’re selling tech yourself, missing details or not being clear about the condition can lead to complaints or returns. And forgetting to include the charger or box? That can knock value off too.
Avoid it:
Be upfront about the condition — scratches, battery life, everything. If you’re selling to the iOutlet, their system makes it super easy to describe the condition accurately so you get the right price. And if you’re buying refurbished instead, everything comes fully tested and with a free 12-month warranty.
6. Not considering a refurb!
Here’s one more for the smart budgeters: a lot of people sell their phones thinking they have to buy the newest model. But unless you’re after that shiny new titanium finish, a refurbished phone might actually be the better shout.
Avoid it:
If you’re selling your iPhone 12, don’t feel you need to jump to a 15 Pro Max. The iOutlet has brilliant deals on refurbished iPhones, Samsungs and even iPads. You’ll often save hundreds compared to buying new.
Selling your old tech shouldn’t feel like a gamble. Avoid the common mistakes, protect your data, and choose a buyer you can actually trust.
The iOutlet makes the whole process stress-free — from getting a quote and sending in your device, to getting paid and maybe even grabbing a refurbished bargain while you’re at it. Whether you’re selling a MacBook or upgrading to a refurbished iPhone 14, it’s all about saving money and reducing e-waste.
